The next few days felt like a blur of discomfort, exhaustion, and anticipation. Kayla was feeling everything—her body ached, her belly felt heavier than ever, and she swore TJ was trying to claw his way out with how low he was sitting.

Tank did everything in his power to keep her comfortable, rubbing her back, massaging her swollen feet, and running warm baths for her in the evenings. He barely left her side, making sure she had everything she needed before she even had to ask.

"Mmm, right there," Kayla moaned softly as Tank's strong hands kneaded into her lower back. "I swear, if you ever leave me, I'm takin' these hands with me."

Tank chuckled, pressing a kiss to the back of her neck as he worked through the tension in her muscles. "Ain't goin' nowhere, baby. You stuck with me forever."

Kayla exhaled, relaxing into his touch. "Good, 'cause I ain't got the energy to train nobody else."

Each night, she barely slept, waking up constantly to shift positions, use the bathroom, or just sit up and breathe through the pressure building in her pelvis. Tank stayed up with her, rubbing her belly and whispering to TJ, trying to soothe them both.

By the fourth day, Kayla was over it.

"Tank, I swear to God, if this boy don't come soon, I'm 'bout to evict his ass myself," she groaned, gripping the counter in the kitchen as another wave of discomfort rolled through her.

Tank was by her side immediately, rubbing slow circles on her back. "We almost there, baby. Just a lil' longer."

"A lil' longer? A lil' longer? Boy, I been pregnant for a damn eternity!"

Sherri smothered a laugh from the other side of the kitchen while Grandma Hattie just nodded knowingly. "Yep, she gettin' close," Hattie said. "That fed-up stage mean that baby 'bout ready to make his grand entrance."

Kayla groaned, gripping Tank's arm as she waddled to the couch. "I don't even care no more. I'll squat in the backyard and push him out my damn self."

Tank's eyes widened. "The hell you won't."

"Then y'all better figure somethin' out," she shot back, shifting uncomfortably as TJ pressed down on her bladder again. "'Cause I can't take this no more."

Tank knelt in front of her, kissing her knee before resting his head against her belly. "Aight, lil' man, you heard your mama. Time to pack up and clock out, son. We ready for you."

Kayla huffed, running her fingers through Tank's soft curls. "He better listen. 'Cause if I'm still pregnant next week, y'all 'bout to have to sedate me."

The next morning, Kayla woke up feeling an unfamiliar pressure in her lower abdomen. It wasn't like the usual discomfort she'd been dealing with—it was heavier, more intense. She shifted in the bed, groaning as she tried to sit up.

"Tyler," she mumbled, nudging his shoulder. He was knocked out, sprawled on his stomach, one arm wrapped around her waist even in his sleep.

"Hmm?" he grunted, barely stirring.

"I feel...different."

That got his attention. Tank immediately sat up, rubbing his eyes before looking at her. "What you mean 'different'?" His voice was thick with sleep, but his concern was clear.

Kayla exhaled, pressing a hand to her belly. "TJ is sittin' so damn low. I feel so much pressure—like, way more than before."

Tank was already moving, reaching for his phone to call his mama. "Hold on, let me wake mama up—"

"No," Kayla grabbed his arm, squeezing. "I don't think it's time just yet. But it's close."

Tank studied her face, then nodded, rubbing her thigh. "Aight, baby. Just say the word when you ready."

The rest of the day was a blur of slow, careful movements and deep breathing. Sherri and Grandma Hattie kept a close eye on her while Grandma Ruth finished setting up the nursery for TJ's arrival.

That evening, Kayla sat on the exercise ball in the living room, gently bouncing while Tank kneeled in front of her, rubbing her thighs.

"How you feelin' now, baby?" he asked, watching her closely.

"Still uncomfortable," she sighed. "I just want my body back. And I want TJ here already."

Tank kissed the inside of her knee. "I know, baby. We almost there. You strong. You got this."

Just as she opened her mouth to respond, a sharp, deep cramp rolled through her stomach. Kayla gasped, her eyes going wide.

Tank's entire body tensed. "Kayla? What's wrong?"

Kayla sucked in a breath, gripping his shoulders. "I think... I think that was a contraction."

Tank's eyes damn near bugged out of his head. "Shit—hold on," he said, already reaching for his phone. "We timing 'em. If another one hit soon, we callin' mama and headin' to the hospital."

Kayla exhaled slowly, trying to steady her breathing. "Okay... okay."

Tank watched her like a hawk, his hand never leaving her thigh. They both knew it now—TJ was officially on his way.

Kayla groaned as she shifted her weight on the exercise ball, rolling her hips slowly to ease the unbearable pressure radiating from her lower back. Sweat gathered at her temples, her maternity dress sticking to her skin. She was nearing 200 pounds, and she felt every damn ounce of it—her body stretched to the absolute maximum, her belly hard and round as TJ settled even lower.

Tank sat on the floor in front of her, his phone in hand, his brow furrowed as he tracked the contractions. "That one was 'bout six minutes from the last one," he murmured, glancing up at her. "They gettin' closer, baby."

"I know," Kayla groaned, gripping her knees as she rocked her hips. "I feel all of it."

Tank reached forward, pressing his big hands to her thighs, kneading the tense muscles. "You ready to head out?"

Kayla shook her head stubbornly. "Not yet. I can still labor at home for a little bit longer."

Tank sighed but didn't argue. He knew better than to rush her when she wasn't ready. Instead, he continued rubbing her legs, his fingers digging into her swollen flesh, helping in any way he could.

"Damn, lil' bit," he muttered, watching the way her belly shifted with TJ's movements. "You sure he ain't tryin' to come out right now?"

"Feels like it," Kayla gritted through her teeth as another contraction gripped her body. She clenched her fists, breathing through the pain, her nails digging into her palms. "This boy heavy as hell. I swear he 'bout to be a linebacker."

Tank smirked, though worry lingered in his eyes. "He just takin' after his daddy. I bet he gon' be solid."

Kayla exhaled sharply as the contraction passed, her body sagging with exhaustion. "Well, he need to hurry up and come on 'cause I can't do this much longer."

Tank reached up, wiping the sweat from her forehead with his thumb before kissing her hand. "Aight, baby. We gon' go when you ready. But I ain't gon' let you wait too long."*

Kayla nodded, but deep down, she knew—TJ was coming soon, and there was no stopping it now.

Kayla groaned, shifting her weight as she bounced on the exercise ball, her hands gripping the sides of her belly for support. Each bounce sent a dull ache through her lower back, but it was the only thing keeping the unbearable pressure at bay. Sweat clung to her skin, her curls frizzy from the heat of the moment.

Tank sat right in front of her, watching every little movement, his jaw tight. He hated this. Hated seeing her in pain, hated that he couldn't take it away. His big hands rested on her thighs, rubbing slow, firm circles into her skin in an attempt to give her some relief.

"Damn, baby..." he murmured, his voice thick with concern. "I hate seein' you like this."

Kayla huffed, rolling her head back as she breathed through the contraction. "Trust me, I hate feelin' like this," she gritted out, her fingers gripping his forearm as another wave of pressure hit. "TJ tryna break my damn pelvis, I swear."

Tank's frown deepened as he pressed his thumbs into the tight muscles of her thighs, working his way up and down her legs. "I'm sorry, baby..." he whispered, feeling helpless. He'd never seen her like this—so uncomfortable, so exhausted. And it was only getting worse.

"Ain't your fault," Kayla panted, blinking through the pain. "Just keep rubbin'... that feels good."

Tank nodded, applying more pressure, his warm hands kneading the swollen flesh of her legs. He could feel the tension in every muscle, the way her body strained under the weight of their son. It made his chest ache. He wasn't used to Kayla being this vulnerable—his strong, feisty lil' thing, now gripping onto him like she was barely hanging on.

"I got you, baby," he reassured her, his voice low and soothing. "We almost there. You holdin' on real strong."

Kayla groaned again, rocking her hips forward, desperate for relief. "I been holdin' on for damn near nine months, Tank," she snapped, but there was no real bite behind her words. She was just tired.

Tank chuckled softly, still rubbing her legs. "I know, lil' bit. But you doin' good. I'm so proud of you."

Kayla's eyes fluttered shut at his words, taking in the warmth of his touch, the deep rumble of his voice. Another contraction hit, making her body jerk slightly, and she whimpered. Tank immediately slid his hands to her lower back, rubbing firm, slow circles into the tense muscles.

"Breathe through it, baby," he murmured, kissing her knee. "I'm right here."

Kayla clutched his wrist, exhaling shakily. "I'm tryin'," she whispered.

Tank swallowed hard, feeling his chest tighten. He had never felt this damn powerless. He would do anything—anything—to switch places with her right now, to take some of that pain away.

But all he could do was be there, hold her, rub her, and pray that soon—real soon—their baby boy would make his grand entrance and give Kayla the relief she so desperately needed.

Kayla exhaled deeply, her body feeling drained from bouncing on the exercise ball. The pressure was unbearable now, and every movement sent another wave of discomfort rolling through her.

"Tank... help me up," she muttered, stretching her arms toward him.

Without hesitation, Tank reached for her, his strong hands gripping her forearms as he eased her to her feet. The moment she was upright, she swayed slightly, the weight of her belly throwing off her balance. Tank immediately wrapped his arms around her, holding her close against his chest.

"I got you, baby," he whispered, his voice full of concern as she leaned heavily into him.

Kayla closed her eyes, resting her forehead against his chest, breathing through the pressure. Tank smelled like fresh soap and cologne, and the warmth of his body against hers was comforting.

But just as she exhaled, a sudden, sharp sensation hit her low in her belly, followed by a loud, wet gush between her legs.

Kayla's eyes widened as she let out a sharp squeal. "Oh shit—"

Tank tensed instantly. "What? What's wrong?"

Before she could answer, a flood of warm liquid rushed down her legs, pooling at her feet. Kayla's breath caught in her throat as reality set in.

"Oh my God," she gasped, gripping Tank's shirt. "My water just broke!"

Tank's eyes dropped to the floor, and his heart nearly leaped out of his chest at the sight of the clear liquid spreading beneath her. His grip on her tightened as adrenaline surged through him.

"Aight, aight—stay calm, baby," he said, though his own heart was pounding. "We knew this was comin'. You okay? You feelin' any pain?"

Kayla was frozen for a moment, staring at the mess beneath her. Then she slowly looked up at him, her breathing uneven. "Tank... we about to have this baby."

Tank swallowed hard, nodding. "Yeah, baby... we are."

She let out a shaky breath, clutching onto him as another contraction hit, this one stronger than before. Her nails dug into his arms, and she whimpered against his chest.

"Ooooh, this shit hurt," she whined. "Tank, we gotta go."

Tank snapped into action, holding her steady. "I know, I know. C'mon, let's get you to the hospital."

He scooped her up effortlessly, ignoring her protest as he carried her toward the door. His heart was racing, his mind flashing through everything they needed to do. Bag by the door. Car seat already in the truck. Mama and daddy on standby.

This was it.

Their son was coming.

Tank wasted no time getting Kayla into the truck. His heart was hammering as he buckled her in, her breathing uneven as she gripped her belly. The moment he shut the passenger door, he sprinted around to the driver's side, hopped in, and cranked up his F-150.

Kayla let out a low groan, her head pressing against the headrest. "Tank, hurry up!"

"I gotchu, baby," he assured her, shifting into drive.

But before he peeled off, he rolled down his window, leaned out, and slammed his palm against the horn.

"TJ on the way!" Tank hollered loud enough for the entire compound to hear.

Lights flickered on in the houses, and within seconds, family members came rushing out onto porches and front yards. Sherri was the first one out, her robe barely tied as she wiped her hands on a dish towel.

"Oh Lord, it's time?!" she exclaimed, already heading toward the truck.

"It's time, ma!" Tank confirmed.

Terrance Sr. stepped out onto the porch, keys in hand. "I'm right behind y'all," he said, knowing damn well Sherri wasn't about to stay behind either.

Tank didn't wait any longer. He hit the gas, gravel kicking up behind him as he sped toward the main road.

Kayla clutched the door handle, her breath hitching as another contraction hit. "Ooohhh, shit—Tank, it hurts!"

Tank reached over, squeezing her thigh. "I know, baby, just breathe. We almost there."

He stole a quick glance at her, his chest tightening at the sight. Sweat beaded on her forehead, her lips parted as she exhaled through the pain. He hated seeing her like this, but they were about to meet their son. That thought alone pushed him to drive faster.

The tires screeched slightly as Tank took a sharp turn onto the highway, the hospital just twenty minutes away. But with the way Kayla was gripping the seat and breathing through clenched teeth, he wasn't sure they had that long.

"Hold on, baby," he muttered, gripping the wheel. "TJ, I'ma need you to sit tight just a lil' longer."*

As Tank's F-150 tore down the road, Kayla's breath became quicker, more erratic. Each contraction felt like a wave crashing over her, and her grip on the door tightened with every one that hit. Tank's heart raced, watching her out of the corner of his eye, his knuckles white against the steering wheel.

"Tyler...," Kayla gasped, her voice strained. "It hurts... oh God, it hurts so much."

"I know, baby," Tank murmured, his voice low and soothing, though he was practically vibrating with anxiety. "We're almost there. Just breathe for me. In, out. Deep breaths."

Kayla's eyes squeezed shut as she breathed heavily, trying to focus on her breaths but the pain kept coming in waves. "I... I can't breathe... it's too much," she whimpered.

Tank's eyes flicked to her quickly before he focused back on the road, knowing he had to keep his attention sharp. "Yes, you can, baby, just listen to my voice. In and out. You're doing so good," Tank encouraged, his voice soft yet firm.

The seconds stretched out, each one feeling like an eternity as the pain intensified. Kayla was so lost in the agony that she could barely focus on anything around her. The world outside the truck was a blur—just the hum of the tires and the rushing wind.

She gripped his hand tightly as another contraction slammed into her, her body shaking with the force of it. "Tank... I... I can't... I can't do this anymore," she cried, tears welling up in her eyes. "I just want him out..."

"I know, baby," Tank replied, his voice thick with emotion. He glanced over at her again, seeing the strain in her face. "I got you. I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere. We're almost there. Just a little longer."

The hospital was only five minutes away, but to Kayla, it felt like the longest drive of her life. Another contraction hit her like a freight train, and she let out a low, guttural moan, clutching Tank's hand even harder.

"You're doing amazing," Tank told her, though he could feel the tension in his own body. He couldn't imagine how much pain she was in, and it hurt him to see her suffering like this. "Just breathe, baby. In and out."

With every passing second, he could feel the pressure in the truck rise, his chest tight with worry, but also anticipation. This was the moment—they were about to meet their son.

They turned onto the hospital road, the familiar white lights of the building looming in the distance. Kayla's breathing became faster, more erratic.

"Tank... it's... it's happening...," she gasped.

Tank floored the gas pedal, his heart pounding in his chest as the hospital entrance drew closer. "Almost there, baby. Just a little longer. You got this. I love you, Kayla... I love you so much."

Kayla didn't respond—she couldn't. The pain was all-consuming, and she was just trying to hold on, knowing they were so close to the finish line.

Tank's voice was the only thing grounding her as the hospital's doors came into view. He barely slowed down as he pulled into the parking lot, coming to a screeching stop. "Hold on, baby, we're here."

Before the truck was even fully parked, Tank was already out of the driver's side, running around to Kayla's door. He opened it quickly, his hands shaking as he helped her out of the truck.

"I got you," he said softly, lifting her carefully as she winced from the pain, leaning against him. "Let's get you inside."

Kayla's breath hitched as another contraction hit. She clutched his arm tightly, needing him to hold her, to help her through this final stretch.

"We're almost there, baby. Just hold on," Tank whispered, keeping his voice steady even though he felt like his own heart was about to race out of his chest.

They entered the hospital, and as soon as they reached the emergency room, the nurses rushed toward them, ready to assist.

"We're having him... now," Tank told them, his voice thick with emotion.

They were escorted quickly into a room where Kayla was immediately placed on the bed. The lights were bright, the urgency in the air was undeniable.

Tank leaned over her, his hand on hers, his voice steady, "I'm right here, baby. Just focus on me. We're about to meet TJ."

Kayla nodded weakly, tears falling down her face as she squeezed Tank's hand with all the strength she had left. The world was a blur around her, the pain ebbing and flowing as she pushed through it.

Kayla groaned, shifting uncomfortably in the hospital bed as another contraction squeezed through her body. She was exhausted, drenched in sweat, and beyond frustrated that she wasn't fully dilated . Tank was right there beside her, holding her hand and rubbing slow, soothing circles on her arm, but even his presence couldn't distract her from the intense pain she was in.

Aunt Gwen, Grandma Hattie, Grandma Ruth, Tamera, and Sherri had been taking turns coming into the room, checking on her, offering words of encouragement, and just being there for support. Every time one of them stepped in, they brought a different kind of energy—comfort, wisdom, or just a reminder that Kayla was surrounded by love.

Grandma Hattie, her gray-streaked hair pulled into a neat bun, had leaned over earlier and whispered, "I done had seven babies, chile. You gon' be just fine. But if that boy get to actin' up, just squeeze his hand real good—make him feel some of that pain too."

Kayla had managed a small, tired laugh at that, but now? She was too drained even for that. The contractions were coming back to back, and she was gripping Tank's hand so tight he swore she was about to break it.

Tamera had been in a few minutes ago, dabbing a cool rag against Kayla's forehead and whispering how proud she was of her. "You got this, girl. TJ almost here. Just a little bit longer."

But it was Sherri who had made it clear she wasn't going anywhere. She sat in the chair near the bed, watching her soon-to-be daughter-in-law with concerned eyes, shaking her head every time someone suggested she take a break.

"I done waited all this time to meet my grandbaby, and y'all think I'm 'bout to miss it?" she scoffed, folding her arms. "Not a chance. I'm staying right here until TJ makes his grand entrance."

Kayla groaned again, her head falling back against the pillow. "Well, he need to hurry up and make it," she whined, her voice cracking with frustration. "I can't do this no more, I swear!"

Tank leaned in, pressing a kiss to her damp forehead. "Yes, you can, baby. I know you tired, but you got this."

Kayla shook her head weakly, fresh tears slipping down her cheeks. "Tank, I'm so tired," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Sherri moved closer, resting a hand on Kayla's knee. "I know, baby. But you are doing so good. TJ just taking his sweet time, but he's coming. Just hold on a little longer."

The doctor stepped back into the room, checking the monitors before gently checking Kayla again.

"Alright, Kayla," she said, glancing up with a small smile. "You're almost there. Just a little bit more, and then it'll be time to push."

Kayla let out a shaky breath, gripping Tank's hand tighter. Almost there felt like an eternity away. But she knew she had no choice but to push through.

Tank kissed her forehead again, his other hand still rubbing gentle circles on her belly. "You hear that, baby? TJ almost ready. You just gotta hold on a little longer."

Kayla exhaled sharply, bracing herself for the next contraction. She was beyond exhausted, but she knew one thing—no matter how much pain she was in, she wasn't alone.

Kayla's body trembled with exhaustion as another contraction hit, stronger than the last. She cried out, gripping Tank's hand with everything she had. Her body felt stretched beyond its limits, her energy nearly gone, but the doctor's words rang in her ears—almost there.

Tank was right beside her, his free hand caressing her damp forehead, whispering encouragements in her ear. "You got this, baby. I'm right here. Just a little bit more." His voice was steady, but his heart was racing. Seeing Kayla in this much pain was tearing him up inside, but all he could do was be her rock.

Sherri tightened her grip on Kayla's knee. "Breathe, baby. In and out. Just like that." Her voice was soothing, but her eyes were locked on Kayla's face, concern etched in every line of her expression.

Grandma Hattie leaned in close, her voice gentle but firm. "I know it feel like you can't, baby, but you can. You were made for this. When it's time, you push like the strong woman you are."

Kayla panted through the contraction, her body shaking. "Tank," she whimpered, fresh tears rolling down her cheeks. "I can't do this."

Tank kissed her forehead again, his own eyes misty. "Yes, you can, baby. You done carried TJ all this time. You almost there. Just a little longer."

The doctor checked her again, and this time, her eyes lit up. "Alright, Kayla, it's time. You're fully dilated. On the next contraction, I need you to push."

The room tensed. This was it.

Kayla shook her head weakly, overwhelmed. But before she could say anything, Sherri gripped her hand, her voice soft but filled with strength. "You done made it this far. You ain't stopping now."

Tank cupped her face, looking into her tear-filled eyes. "I got you, baby. You're safe. Let's bring our boy into this world."

The next contraction came, and Kayla screamed as she bore down, gripping Tank's hand so tight he winced.

"That's it, baby," he encouraged, his voice thick with emotion.

The doctor nodded approvingly. "Good, Kayla! Keep going!"

Kayla panted, her entire body trembling. "I c-can't!"

"Yes, you can!" Sherri, Tamera, Aunt Gwen and Grandma Hattie all echoed in unison.

Tank leaned in, his lips brushing her ear. "Baby, you are the strongest woman I know. You got this. TJ ready to meet his mama."

Kayla took a deep breath, gritting her teeth as another contraction hit. She pushed with everything she had, screaming through the burn.

"I see his head!" the doctor announced. "One more big push, Kayla!"

Tears streamed down Kayla's face as she squeezed Tank's hand one last time, letting out a guttural cry as she gave it everything she had.

And then—relief.

A loud, piercing cry filled the room.

Kayla collapsed back against the pillow, sobbing as the doctor lifted TJ into the air.

"You did it, baby!" Tank choked out, kissing her all over her face. "You did it!"

Sherri had tears in her eyes, covering her mouth as she watched her grandson take his first breath.

The doctor quickly cleaned TJ up before placing him against Kayla's chest.

Kayla looked down at her son, her heart swelling as she touched his soft, warm skin. He was perfect.

Tank wiped his eyes as he stared at their son, his heart full. He reached out, placing his big hand over TJ's back.

"He's beautiful, Kay," he whispered.

Kayla let out a shaky laugh, kissing TJ's tiny head. "We did it, Tank."

Tank kissed her forehead, his voice thick with emotion. "Yeah, baby. We did."

Their family surrounded them, all crying, all smiling.

Tyler Carter Jr. had officially made his grand entrance into the world.