I just got back to the states. I'm about to take a long ass nap and when I awake I will have several updates for The Nanny and The Truck Driver. Now that I'm back in America, at least two chapters per day will be uploaded. Also I've been writing another book called The Affair, I was wondering if y'all would be interested in that.

Kayla was nearing nine months, and she felt every bit of it. Her back ached, her feet stayed swollen, and the simplest things made her irritable. She sat on the couch with a deep frown, arms crossed over her huge belly as TJ shifted and kicked, making her even more uncomfortable.

"Ugh, I'm so over this," she huffed, shifting to get comfortable but failing.

Tank sat beside her, rubbing her feet gently, but even that wasn't helping her mood. "I know, baby. We almost there, though. Few more weeks, and TJ gon' be here."

"That's the problem!" she snapped. "A few more weeks? He needs to get out now! He's too big! I swear if he kicks me one more time, I'm kicking him back!"

Tank chuckled but quickly covered it with a cough when Kayla shot him a glare. "My bad, lil' bit. You just look cute when you mad."

"Ain't nothing cute about me right now!" she pouted, rubbing her belly. "I'm swollen, I waddle, and I can't even see my damn feet!"

Sherri walked in with a bowl of cut-up fruit and handed it to Kayla. "Here, baby, eat something cold. It might help you feel better."

Kayla took the bowl begrudgingly. "Thank you, mama, but unless this fruit makes TJ come out, I don't want it."

Sherri chuckled, rubbing Kayla's back. "I know, baby. But I promise, this last stretch is the hardest. He's getting bigger, but that just means he's healthy. You got this."

Tamera, Tanya, and Coco were sitting at the table, watching Kayla go through it.

"I swear, I went through the same thing with Taylor and Tre," Tanya said. "By the end, I was just done with everybody."

"Same with Freddie," Tamera added. "I cried over everything. Even a damn commercial had me in shambles."

"You did all that, but you still had another baby," Coco smirked. "So, it couldn't have been that bad."

Tamera side-eyed her. "Shut up, Coco."

Kayla groaned as TJ kicked her ribs again. "See! He's doing too much! He don't ever sleep, he's always kicking, and I swear he's trying to break my ribs!"

Tank leaned down and kissed her belly. "Chill out, son. You stressin' your mama out."

TJ kicked right where Tank's lips were, making Tank chuckle. "Lil' dude already hard-headed."

Kayla sighed, rubbing her belly as her irritation started to fade. "I just wanna meet him already. I love him so much, but he gotta come out. I'm tired."

Sherri squeezed her shoulder. "I know, baby. But trust me, as soon as you hold him in your arms, you gon' forget all about this."

Kayla sniffled before her face crumpled, and the tears started falling. "I just... I don't know why I'm crying!" she wailed, wiping at her face as more tears fell. "I'm just so tired, and TJ is doing the most, and I still got weeks left! What if I'm pregnant forever?"

Tank immediately pulled her into his arms, rubbing her back. "Ain't no way you pregnant forever, lil' bit. You just goin' through it right now. It's gon' be over soon, I promise."

"But what if it's not?!" Kayla sobbed into his chest. "I can't do this anymore, Tank! My feet are swollen, my back hurts, I can't sleep, and TJ is already bad! I just want my body back!"

Sherri sat on the other side of Kayla, rubbing her shoulder. "Baby, this is all normal. You're just emotional, and that's okay. You carrying a whole human in there, of course, you tired."

"Tired ain't even the word, mama!" Kayla hiccupped, rubbing her belly. "I feel like a whale!"

Tanya, Tamera, and Coco watched, trying not to laugh.

"She's really going through it," Tanya whispered.

"Girl, we been there," Tamera whispered back. "This the final stretch. I swear, the last few weeks feel like a damn lifetime."

"And them mood swings are no joke," Coco added. "One minute, she happy, then mad, now she crying. I'm just waiting to see what's next."

Tank ignored them, still holding Kayla as she sobbed. "You still the finest woman I ever seen, Kayla. Ain't no way I'ma let you call yourself a whale."

"You're just saying that because you love me," she sniffled.

"I'd love you even if you was big as this house," Tank said without hesitation. "You mine. All of you. And I love all of you."

Kayla sniffled again, looking up at him with watery eyes. "You really mean that?"

Tank wiped her tears. "You know I do."

She sniffled once more, then suddenly perked up. "Tank... I want a funnel cake."

Tank blinked. "What?"

"A funnel cake," she repeated, suddenly over the tears as she rubbed her belly. "With powdered sugar. And maybe some strawberries. Ooh, and whipped cream."

Tank and Sherri exchanged a look before Sherri smiled. "Sounds like a craving to me."

Tank chuckled, kissing her forehead. "Alright, lil' bit. I'ma go get you one."

Kayla's face lit up. "Really?!"

"Of course," he smirked, standing up. "You and TJ want a funnel cake, so y'all gon' get a funnel cake."

Kayla beamed, her mood now completely flipped. "Thank you, Tanky!"

Coco shook her head, laughing. "Yup. This baby got her all over the place."

"But you see how fast Tank moves for her?" Tanya smirked. "*That man is whipped."

"And he loves it," Tamera added.

Tank wasted no time heading out to find Kayla's funnel cake. He already had a spot in mind—there was a food truck downtown that made them fresh, and he wasn't about to let his pregnant fiancée go without what she wanted.

Back at the house, Kayla was lounging on the couch, rubbing her belly as TJ moved inside her. "Little boy, you doin' too much in there," she muttered, shifting to get comfortable. "You act like you tryna break out already."

Sherri chuckled, sitting nearby. "That's them Carter boys for you. Always strong-willed."

"He needs to take a break," Kayla huffed, adjusting the pillow behind her. "I feel like he's running laps in there."

"That just means he's healthy," Sherri reassured her. "And ready to meet his mama."

Kayla sighed, rubbing her belly in slow circles. "I'm ready to meet him too. I just want my body back first."

Just then, Adonis walked in, looking at his sister with amusement. "Damn, Kay, you look miserable."

"Wow, thanks," Kayla deadpanned, narrowing her eyes at him.

"I'm just saying," Adonis smirked. "You went from glowing to looking fed up real quick."

"Because I am fed up," she shot back. "TJ is doing the absolute most, I'm swollen, I can't sleep, and I feel like a damn elephant."

Adonis laughed, flopping down on the other couch. "You almost there though. Then I finally get to meet my nephew."

Kayla rolled her eyes but smiled. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't try to steal him."

"No promises," Adonis grinned.

Before Kayla could respond, the front door opened, and Tank walked in holding a bag from the food truck. "Lil' bit, I got what you wanted."

Kayla's eyes lit up as she sat up quickly. "Oh my God, you got it?!"

Tank smirked, pulling out the warm, powdered sugar-covered funnel cake. "Of course I did. You think I'd let my baby's mama be out here craving somethin' and not get it?"

Kayla nearly teared up again, but this time out of happiness. "Tanky, I love you so much."

"I know," he grinned, handing it to her.

She took a big bite, moaning as the sweet, crispy dough melted in her mouth. "Mmm, this is everything."

Adonis watched, shaking his head. "Damn, Tank. She really got you wrapped around her finger."

Tank didn't even argue. "Hell yeah, and?"

Sherri laughed. "That's how it should be. A man takes care of his woman, especially when she's carrying his child."

Tank leaned down, kissing Kayla's forehead as she happily ate. "Damn right."

Kayla ate happily, savoring every bite of the warm, sugary funnel cake. But just as she was about to finish, TJ delivered a sharp, unexpected kick to her ribs.

"Ahh!" she cried out, her face twisting in pain as she clutched her belly. "Damn, TJ! That hurt!"

Tank was on alert instantly, kneeling beside her. "What happened, baby?"

"He kicked me—" she winced, shifting uncomfortably. "Right in my ribs. I swear he's tryna break me."

Sherri frowned. "That boy is gettin' too strong. He must be takin' after his daddy."

Tank sighed, shaking his head as he rubbed her belly. "Aight, lil' man, chill out. You hurtin' ya mama now."

TJ kicked again, making Kayla groan. "I'm over it. I wanna go home, Tank. I need to lay down."

Tank wasn't about to argue. "Say less." Without hesitation, he scooped her up effortlessly, holding her close as she rested her head against his chest.

"Damn, he really babying her," Adonis teased, watching his sister get carried out like a princess.

"And I'll keep doin' it," Tank shot back, walking toward the golf cart parked outside.

Sherri followed them to the door. "Make sure she gets some rest, Tank. That baby is puttin' her through it."

"I got her," Tank promised, placing Kayla gently in the seat before climbing in next to her.

Kayla sighed, closing her eyes as Tank started the golf cart, driving them back toward their house on the compound. "You my favorite person right now, Tanky," she murmured.

He smirked, glancing over at her. "I better be, lil' bit. You and TJ my whole world."

Kayla nodded as she felt a flood of emotions. Once again she was having a mood swing. Kayla couldn't help but cry, her emotions swinging uncontrollably. "Are you attracted to me anymore?" she sniffled as they arrived home.

Tank sighed, adjusting his grip on her as he carried her inside. "Yes, I am. Why would you even ask that, lil' bit?"

Kayla hiccupped through her tears. "Because... because you haven't even tried to have sex with me!" she accused, her bottom lip trembling. "It's because I'm fat, huh?"

Tank chuckled, shaking his head as he kicked the door shut behind them. "Baby, you ain't fat. You pregnant with my son. And you in pain—why would I be tryna make you uncomfortable when I can handle myself?"

"So you been beatin' your dick?" Kayla fired back, her hormones making her irrational.

Tank ran a hand over his face. "Yes, but I be thinkin' about you, though."

Kayla let out a fresh wave of tears, not wanting to hear it. "That's not the same, Tank!"

Tank sighed, carrying her to the couch and sitting down with her in his lap. "Baby, listen. I want you now more than ever, you hear me? You fine as hell, belly and all. But I ain't about to have you uncomfortable when I know you barely sleepin' at night 'cause of TJ kickin' you in the ribs."

"But I wanna feel sexy!" Kayla whined, wiping her face.

Tank tilted her chin up, making her look at him. "You are sexy, Kayla. Ain't nothin' about you that ain't turnin' me on. I'm just bein' patient 'cause I respect you and what you goin' through. But if you really want me to prove it..." He leaned in, voice dropping low. "...say the word."

Kayla sniffled, studying his face. She knew Tank would never lie to her. And the way he looked at her, with pure hunger and love, made her stomach flutter.

"I just needed to hear it," she murmured, resting her head on his shoulder.

Tank smirked, rubbing her back. "You a mess, lil' bit."

"I know," she mumbled, already feeling better in his arms. "But I'm your mess."

"Damn right you are," he murmured, kissing her forehead.

Kayla rested in Tank's lap, her body finally unwinding as his warm hands smoothed over her belly. His touch was slow, intentional, filled with love and devotion. He kissed the side of her neck, his breath warm against her skin.

"You so damn beautiful, lil' bit," he murmured against her skin, his deep voice like a soothing hum. "I love you so much. Can't wait to see you as TJ's mama. You already perfect to me."

Kayla sighed, melting against him, her hands resting over his as he continued to rub her belly. His big, calloused palms were gentle, making her feel safe, cherished. His words wrapped around her like a cocoon, easing the storm of emotions she'd been drowning in all day.

Tank's hands drifted lower, slipping beneath the hem of her dress. That was all she could wear these days—loose, easy, comfortable. He took full advantage, his fingers grazing over her bare thighs before his thumb pressed right against her clit.

"Tank..." Kayla breathed, her body instantly responding to him.

"I got you, baby," he whispered, still kissing her neck, his other hand steady on her belly. "Let me take care of you."

Slow, deliberate circles. Just enough pressure to make her whimper but not too much to overwhelm her.

Truth was, Tank missed being buried between her thighs. Missed tasting her, fucking her until they both collapsed, but he wasn't about to put that kind of strain on her body. She was nearing the end of her pregnancy, and the last thing he wanted was to make her uncomfortable.

But this? This he could do.

He could worship her like this.

"Mmm... Tank..." Kayla moaned, rolling her hips as he continued to massage her clit.

"You feel good, don't you?" he murmured, his voice thick with arousal. "Told you I got you, baby."

His fingers dipped lower, sliding through her wetness before easing inside her, slow and deep. Kayla gripped his shoulders, head falling back as she gasped.

"I missed you," she whimpered.

Tank groaned softly. "I missed you too, lil' bit. But I ain't 'bout to fuck you, so stop tryna roll that ass on me."

Kayla pouted, still grinding against his fingers, taking what he was giving her. "You no fun."

Tank chuckled against her neck. "Yeah? Well, I'm 'bout to make you cum all over my fingers, so shut up and take it."

And she did.

Tank kept his fingers buried deep inside her, his pace slow but deliberate, curling just right to hit that spot that made her body shudder against him. His thumb never left her clit, working in lazy circles, drawing out soft whimpers from her lips.

"Tank... baby... I'm close..." Kayla moaned, gripping his biceps as her thighs trembled.

"I know, baby, let it go," Tank murmured, his voice thick with lust, his lips pressed against her temple.

Her breath hitched, her body arching as waves of pleasure rolled through her, her orgasm crashing over her like a tidal wave. Tank groaned, feeling her tighten around his fingers, her wetness coating them as he worked her through it, not letting up until her body sagged against him.

"Mmm..." Kayla hummed, still breathing heavy, eyes half-lidded. "Damn, Tank..."

Tank smirked, pulling his fingers out of her slowly, bringing them to his lips. He sucked them clean, his eyes locked onto hers the whole time.

"You taste good as hell, lil' bit," he muttered, his voice rough with restraint.

Kayla pouted, her body still humming, but it wasn't enough. She wanted all of him. "Tank, please... I need you."

"Nah, baby," he shook his head, brushing his lips against hers. "You too far along. I ain't 'bout to do that to you."

"But I can take it," Kayla whined, rolling her hips against him, feeling how hard he was. "You act like I'm fragile."

Tank groaned, gripping her hips to still her movements. "You are right now. You carrying my son, Kayla. I ain't 'bout to put no pressure on you."

"So, what, you just gonna keep jerking off?" She crossed her arms, giving him a frustrated glare. "That's all you gonna do?"

Tank chuckled, kissing her nose. "If that's what I gotta do to make sure you good, then yeah. I can handle myself, baby."

"But I want you to handle me," she pouted again, pressing soft kisses along his jaw, trying to break his resolve.

Tank exhaled sharply, gripping her ass, squeezing tight. "You gon' make this real hard for me, huh?"

"That's the point," Kayla teased, kissing his neck.

Tank growled low in his throat, pulling her back slightly to look her in the eyes. "You tryna start some shit, Kayla."

"And if I am?" she challenged, smirking.

"Then you gon' have to wait," Tank smirked back, lifting her up and placing her on the couch. "'Cause I ain't touching you like that 'til after TJ gets here."

Kayla huffed, folding her arms. "You so damn stubborn."

"And you so damn spoiled," Tank shot back, kissing her forehead. "Now, what you want to eat?"

Kayla pouted, but her stomach growled before she could argue.

Tank laughed. "Yeah, that's what I thought."

The next day, Kayla sat at the kitchen table, eyeing the glass of okra water in front of her like it was poison. Sherri stood over her with that motherly stare, arms folded, waiting.

"Mama, I don't wanna drink this nasty water," Kayla whined, scrunching her nose.

"Girl, hush and drink it," Sherri scolded. "You wanna make that labor easier or not?"

Kayla sighed dramatically before pinching her nose and taking a sip. Her whole face twisted in disgust. "Ugh! Why it gotta be so slimy?"

"That's the good part," Grandma Hattie chimed in from the stove, shaking her head as she stirred a big pot of greens. "That slime gon' help that baby slide on out."

"Mmhmm," Grandma Ruth agreed, pulling a cornbread skillet out of the oven. "And you best drink every drop, girl."

Kayla pouted but took another sip, swallowing it down fast before she gagged.

Meanwhile, Tank was in the living room, huffing as he finished blowing up the big blue exercise ball. "Damn, this thing bigger than I thought," he muttered, giving it a test bounce.

"Boy, quit playing and bring it over here," Sherri called.

Tank rolled it over to Kayla, holding her hands as she struggled to stand up. "Alright, lil' bit, time to bounce."

"I don't wanna bounce," Kayla whined, her belly feeling heavy and her mood sour from that nasty drink.

"I know, baby," Tank said softly, rubbing her back. "But it'll help take some pressure off. You said your hips hurt, right?"

Kayla sighed, knowing he was right. "Fine."

Tank helped her ease down onto the ball, keeping his hands on her waist for support as she started bouncing lightly.

"That's it, baby," he encouraged. "Just take your time."

Grandma Hattie wiped her hands on her apron and walked over, nodding approvingly. "Look at my grandbaby workin' to bring my great-grandbaby here."

"She still got some time," Grandma Ruth reminded, peeking at Kayla's belly. "But she sittin' low. I give her a week, maybe less."

Sherri nodded. "That's why we gettin' her ready now. I got the red raspberry leaf tea steepin' too."

Kayla groaned. "More nasty drinks?"

"You want TJ to come out easy or you wanna struggle?" Sherri shot back.

Kayla sighed, leaning into Tank's side as she bounced. "Fine. But after TJ gets here, I ain't drinkin' none of this mess ever again."

Tank chuckled, kissing the top of her head. "I'll make sure of it, baby."

Kayla continued bouncing on the exercise ball, her hands gripping Tank's forearms as he kept her steady. She was tired, swollen, and irritated, but at least being in Tank's arms made things a little easier.

"You okay, lil' bit?" Tank asked, brushing his lips against her temple.

"No," Kayla pouted. "I'm over this pregnancy. I just want TJ out."

"He comin', baby," he reassured her, rubbing her belly as it tightened slightly under his palm. "You been feelin' any contractions yet?"

"Braxton Hicks, but nothin' serious," she muttered, shifting uncomfortably. "Just pressure."

Sherri walked over with a steaming cup of tea, placing it on the table. "When you finish bouncing, drink this raspberry tea. Then we gon' get you walkin'."

Kayla groaned. "Y'all got me workin' harder than Tank out on the road."

Grandma Hattie laughed, waving her off. "Girl, hush. This gon' make things easier when it's time to push."

Tank smirked. "They just tryin' to get you right, baby."

Kayla sighed and kept bouncing, knowing they weren't letting up anytime soon.

A little while later, after she finished the tea, Tank took her outside for a slow walk around the property. The Georgia sun was warm, but the breeze helped.

"You tired?" Tank asked, watching her closely as they strolled side by side.

"I stay tired," she muttered. "TJ got me feelin' like I ran a damn marathon."

Tank chuckled and grabbed her hand, interlocking their fingers. "We gon' take it slow. Just a couple laps, then we can go back inside."

Kayla nodded, leaning into him as they walked past the apple orchard. "I can't believe I'm about to be a mama," she whispered.

Tank squeezed her hand. "And you gon' be the best mama, Kayla. You already are."

She looked up at him, eyes glistening. "You think so?"

"I know so," he said firmly. "Ain't nobody better for TJ than you."

Kayla smiled softly, resting her head against his shoulder as they continued their walk. No matter how hard this pregnancy was, she knew one thing for sure—she had Tank by her side through it all.

As they walked, Kayla suddenly stopped, pressing her hand to her belly. A sharp pressure rolled through her lower abdomen, making her wince.

"You okay, baby?" Tank asked, immediately stepping in front of her, his hands gripping her arms.

"Mmm... yeah, just pressure again," she muttered, exhaling slowly. "I feel like he's sitting so low."

Tank rubbed her belly in slow circles. "You wanna head back in?"

Kayla shook her head. "Nah, I need to walk this baby down, but damn... I didn't think it would feel like this."

Tank kissed her forehead. "That mean he gettin' ready, lil' bit."

Kayla nodded, though she was exhausted. She clutched Tank's hand tighter as they slowly continued walking back toward the house.

Inside, the smell of collard greens, cornbread, and smothered chicken filled the air. Grandma Ruth was stirring a pot on the stove while Grandma Hattie was checking on a peach cobbler in the oven.

"How was the walk?" Sherri asked as soon as she saw them.

"He sittin' low," Kayla sighed, easing into the chair at the dining table. "I feel like he tryna break my pelvis."

Grandma Ruth smirked. "That boy droppin'. He gon' be here soon."

Tank sat beside Kayla, rubbing her back as she leaned forward. "How soon?"

Grandma Hattie shrugged. "Could be days, could be a week. But if she feelin' that much pressure, it ain't gon' be long."

Kayla groaned, resting her head on her arms. "I don't think I got a week in me."

Sherri set a plate in front of her. "Eat first, then we gon' try some more things to help speed it up."

Kayla looked at the plate of food, her stomach rumbling despite her discomfort. "I swear y'all tryin' to force TJ out today."

Tank chuckled, kissing her cheek. "You ready for him to come, ain't you?"

Kayla sighed, picking up her fork. "Hell yeah."

Tank smirked. "Then eat up, baby. We gon' get this boy out."

Kayla ate slowly, savoring each bite as TJ finally gave her a break. For the first time in what felt like forever, she could actually enjoy her food without her son kicking her ribs like he was training for a boxing match.

"Damn," she sighed, closing her eyes for a moment as she chewed. "This the first time in weeks I done ate without fightin' for my life."

Tank chuckled beside her, rubbing her back. "Lil' man must know he 'bout to come out soon, givin' you a lil' peace."

Grandma Ruth smirked as she sat across from them. "That boy settlin' in. He gettin' ready."

Kayla took another bite of smothered chicken, humming at the flavor. "Well, I need him to hurry up. I feel like I been pregnant forever."

"That's just 'cause you all belly, baby," Tank teased, his hand resting on her thigh. "You still fine as hell though."

Kayla rolled her eyes but smiled as she took a sip of her sweet tea. "You legally required to say that."

Tank leaned in, voice dropping low. "Nah, I ain't. I'd still say it even if you wasn't carryin' my son."

Kayla bit her lip, shaking her head, but she loved how much he still desired her even when she felt at her most uncomfortable.

Sherri walked back into the kitchen, eyeing Kayla's nearly empty plate with approval. "Good, you eatin'. After this, I want you bouncin' on that ball for a lil' bit, then we gon' take another walk."

Kayla groaned. "Y'all tryin' to put me in labor today."

Grandma Hattie chuckled. "That's the goal, baby girl. You wanna keep sittin' here miserable, or you wanna meet that boy?"

Kayla exhaled, rubbing her belly. "Fine, fine. Let's do this."

Tank smirked. "I love how y'all makin' all the plans like I ain't gon' be the one tryna hold my shit together when her water break."

Grandma Ruth laughed. "Boy, you gon' be alright. It's Kayla you need to be worried 'bout."

Kayla shook her head, sipping the last of her tea. "Y'all pray for him. I already know I'm 'bout to act a damn fool."