Kayla sobbed as she cradled TJ against her chest, feeling his tiny breaths against her skin. His little whimpers, his warmth—he was real. He was here. Her baby boy.

She traced her fingers over his plump cheeks, his full lips, his tiny fingers curled into fists. He was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

Tears rolled down her face as she looked up at Tank, who was staring at their son like he was witnessing a miracle. His big hands trembled as he reached out, his fingertips grazing TJ's soft back.

Kayla sniffled. "He's so perfect."

Tank's throat tightened, his eyes misty as he nodded. "Yeah, baby... he is." His voice cracked, and he let out a shaky breath. "You did that, Kay."

Kayla let out a breathless laugh through her tears, overwhelmed by the weight of everything. "We did."

Tank sat beside her on the hospital bed, wrapping his arm around her, his other hand never leaving TJ. He couldn't stop staring at his son, his heart swelling to a size he didn't even know was possible.

This was love. Pure, unconditional, soul-deep love.

Tank had always loved Kayla—fiercely, passionately—but now, as he watched her hold their son, that love transformed into something even deeper. He didn't know it was possible to love her more than he already did, but right now, he knew without a doubt—there was no limit to how much he could love her.

He wiped his face, chuckling through his tears. "Damn, man, I ain't never cried this much in my life."

Kayla giggled, snuggling closer to him. "Me either."

Sherri wiped her own tears as she reached out to touch TJ's tiny fingers. "He's a big ol' boy," she sniffled, pride thick in her voice. "Look at him, Tank. That's your son."

Tank swallowed hard, nodding as he cupped the back of TJ's head. "Yeah... that's my son."

Tamera wiped her eyes. "He look just like you, Tank. Lord, we got another one."

Grandma Hattie and Grandma Ruth were both misty-eyed as they watched the new parents bond with their baby. Gwen stood nearby, her arms crossed, a proud smirk on her lips.

The room was full of love, full of warmth.

Kayla pressed her lips to TJ's forehead, inhaling his fresh baby scent. "I love you so much, baby boy."

Tank leaned in, resting his forehead against hers as he whispered, "I love both of y'all more than anything."

As Tank and Kayla bonded with TJ, the doctors needed to take TJ so they could weigh him and perform all the necessary procedures to ensure he was healthy. But Kayla didn't want to let him go. TJ was warm and comfortable in her arms, his body snuggled against her chest. The moment the doctor gently reached for him, TJ let out a wail, his little face scrunching up in distress.

Kayla's heart clenched. "It's okay, baby. Mommy's right here." Her voice trembled as she stroked his soft cheek, reluctant to let him go.

Tank, standing beside her, was already on alert. The moment TJ was lifted from Kayla's arms, Tank was right there, following the doctor like a hawk. His eyes never left his son as the nurses cooed over him, placing him on the scale.

"Wow," one of the nurses chuckled. "This is a big boy."

The doctor nodded as he checked the numbers. "Ten pounds, eight ounces."

Kayla's eyes widened. "What?!"

Sherri let out a knowing laugh. "That boy been eatin' good up in there."

Grandma Hattie smirked. "I told y'all he was gon' be a big baby. Look at them cheeks."

Meanwhile, TJ continued to fuss, his little arms flailing as the nurses measured his length—22 inches.

Tank stood protectively beside the bassinet, his arms crossed, his eyes sharp. "Y'all gon' give him back soon, right?"

The nurse smiled. "Yes, dad, we just gotta finish up first."

Kayla watched from the bed, rubbing her now-empty belly. She already missed the weight of TJ against her, missed feeling his tiny breaths against her skin. "Tank, don't let them take him too far."

Tank scoffed. "Ain't nobody takin' my boy nowhere."

Grandma Ruth chuckled. "You actin' like they finna steal him."

Tank didn't even crack a smile. "I ain't takin' no chances."

Kayla couldn't help but grin, even as exhaustion settled over her. Seeing Tank so protective over TJ made her love him even more.

TJ finally settled when they swaddled him, his cries quieting into soft whimpers. As soon as the nurse was done, Tank wasted no time scooping him up and bringing him back to Kayla.

Kayla let out a relieved breath as Tank carefully placed TJ back in her arms.

"See, baby? Mommy got you," she whispered, kissing his forehead. TJ blinked up at her, his tiny mouth opening in a yawn before he nestled against her chest once more.

Tank sat beside her, wrapping an arm around both of them, his heart full. "Ain't nobody ever gon' mess with you, lil man. You got me and your mama."

TJ let out a soft sigh, completely content.

Kayla smiled, resting her head against Tank's shoulder. "Our big baby boy."

Tank kissed her temple. "Yeah, baby. And he's perfect."

The nurse smiled warmly as she adjusted the pillows behind Kayla. "Alright, Mama, go ahead and try to breastfeed him. It'll help get your milk flowing."

Kayla looked down at TJ, who was already stirring against her chest, his tiny lips parting as if he instinctively knew what was coming. She shifted slightly, wincing at the soreness in her body, but the moment she guided him toward her nipple, TJ latched on immediately.

Greedy.

Kayla gasped, her body jerking slightly at the sudden suction. "Oh my goodness," she breathed, her eyes wide.

Sherri chuckled from her seat. "Mmm-hmm. Told you. That boy gon' eat you outta house and home."

Tank smirked as he watched, shaking his head. "That's my son. He know what he want."

Kayla glared at him, still adjusting to the sensation. "Tank, don't start."

Grandma Ruth and Grandma Hattie were grinning, nodding in approval. "That's a strong latch," Grandma Hattie commented. "You won't have no problems with this one. He gon' eat just fine."

Kayla exhaled slowly, relaxing a little as she stroked TJ's tiny fingers curled against her chest. His little jaw moved rhythmically, sucking greedily, his eyes barely open. She could already tell he was going to be just like his daddy—hungry and always wanting to be close.

Tank reached over, running his thumb over TJ's soft head. "I still can't believe he's here." His voice was thick with emotion, his usual teasing demeanor softened as he watched his son eat.

Kayla smiled, feeling the same overwhelming love wash over her again. "Me either."

Sherri stood up and stretched. "Alright now, since TJ busy eatin', I'ma go let the family know he doin' good. But we gon' be back soon."

Grandma Hattie and Grandma Ruth nodded in agreement, both giving Kayla and Tank warm smiles before heading out behind Sherri.

As soon as they were alone, Tank leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Kayla's forehead. "You good, baby?"

She nodded, letting her eyes close for a moment as exhaustion crept in. "Tired... but happy."

Tank kissed her again, his lips lingering. "You did that, Kay. You brought our son into the world."

Kayla smiled sleepily. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Tank rubbed her thigh, watching as TJ suckled greedily, completely at peace. "I love you, girl."

Kayla's heart swelled. "I love you too, boy."

Kayla continued to nurse TJ, stroking his tiny back as he latched on, still greedy as ever. His little fingers curled against her chest, completely content as he fed. She sighed, exhaustion weighing her body down, but she couldn't help but admire their son.

He's perfect.

After a few more minutes, TJ finally slowed down, his little suckles turning lazy. Kayla gently pulled him away, earning a small whimper before Tank was right there, ready to take over.

"C'mere, lil man."

Tank cradled TJ in his strong arms, shifting him against his chest as he began patting his back. Kayla watched, barely keeping her eyes open, as Tank worked to get a burp out of their son.

"Come on, get it out," Tank murmured, bouncing him gently.

A loud burp escaped TJ's tiny mouth, and Tank grinned. "That's my boy."

Kayla chuckled softly before sinking deeper into the pillows, her body finally giving in to exhaustion. "I can finally sleep," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tank looked down at her, his expression softening. "Go ahead, baby. I got him."

She didn't need to be told twice. Within seconds, she was out, her breathing evening out as she drifted into much-needed rest.

Tank adjusted TJ in his arms, the little boy melting against his chest. His tiny body was warm, his breathing slow and steady.

Damn... I got a son.

Tank stared at him in awe, running a gentle hand over his little back. He'd always known he wanted kids, but holding TJ, his son, was different. It hit him deep, like a love he never knew existed.

The door creaked open, and the family started filing in, eager to see the baby again. Sherri, Tamera, Tanya, Aunt Gwen, Grandma Hattie, Grandma Ruth, Terrance Sr., and Terrance Jr. all stepped in quietly.

Tamera grinned. "Lemme hold my nephew—"

Tank turned, immediately holding up a hand. "Shh." He nodded toward Kayla, who was peacefully sleeping.

Everyone quieted down, smiling at the sight. Sherri placed a hand over her heart. "Let her rest. That girl just pushed out a whole Carter baby. She earned that nap."

Tanya smirked. "And a big one at that. Look at him. That's all Tank."

Grandma Ruth chuckled. "Mmm-hmm. He gon' eat y'all outta house and home."

Tank smirked but didn't let anyone take TJ just yet. He wasn't ready to let go of his son. Instead, he just held him close, rocking him gently as the family stood around, whispering in admiration.

Kayla stirred slightly in her sleep, but she didn't wake.

Tank kissed TJ's tiny forehead, whispering, "You got the best mama in the world, lil man."

Tank adjusted his hold on TJ, making sure he was comfortable before turning his attention back to his family.

Sherri inched closer, her hands itching to hold her grandson. "Tank, boy, let me hold that baby."

Tank hesitated for a second before carefully handing TJ over. "Be careful, ma."

Sherri scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Boy, I know how to hold a baby. I had four of y'all."

As soon as TJ was in her arms, her entire face softened. "Oh, look at you, my chunky grandbaby. Lord, you so big and handsome." She cradled him close, gently swaying side to side. "I swear you look just like Tank when he was born."

Tamera peered over her shoulder. "Mmm-hmm, he do. All that weight Kayla was carrying went straight to him."

Grandma Hattie nodded. "A big, healthy Carter boy."

Tanya smirked. "Kayla was a trooper. She popped out a whole linebacker."

The family chuckled softly, making sure not to disturb Kayla.

Terrance Sr. stepped up, placing a gentle hand on TJ's back. "That's my grandson. Strong just like his daddy."

Tank stood nearby, his arms crossed as he watched his family fawn over TJ. He was still taking it all in. His son was finally here. Everything felt surreal.

Adonis arrived moments later, stepping into the room. "Aye, let me see my nephew."

Sherri passed TJ to him, and Adonis grinned, looking down at the tiny baby in his arms. "Dang, he really is big." He gently ran a finger over TJ's tiny fingers. "You got a good mama and daddy, lil man. You gon' be straight."

TJ stirred slightly but stayed asleep, his little lips pursed.

Tank smirked, shaking his head. "That's Kayla's baby, greedy and knocked out."

Everyone laughed softly, nodding in agreement.

After a few more minutes, the nurse stepped back into the room. "Alright, y'all, I need to check on mama and baby."

Sherri took TJ back from Adonis and kissed his forehead before gently placing him back in his bassinet.

Kayla finally started waking up, her eyes fluttering open. She stretched a little before looking over at the bassinet, immediately reaching for TJ.

Tank was already there, helping her sit up. "You good, baby?"

Kayla nodded, still groggy. "Yeah, I just want my baby."

The nurse smiled. "Let me do a quick check first, and then he's all yours."

Kayla sighed but leaned into Tank as he sat beside her. His arm wrapped around her shoulders, grounding her as the nurse checked TJ's vitals.

Everything was perfect.

Kayla exhaled in relief, smiling up at Tank. "We did that."

Tank kissed her forehead. "Damn right, we did."

And as they sat there, surrounded by family, with their son safe in their arms, they both knew—this was only the beginning.

Kayla sat on the couch, cradling TJ in her arms as he slept peacefully against her chest. The past two days had been a whirlwind of emotions, but now that they were home, she finally felt at ease. It was her 20th birthday, but honestly, she barely even thought about it. Her mind was consumed with TJ and Tank—her little family.

Tank had gone all out, decorating the house while she napped earlier. Now, as she looked around, she saw balloons, banners, and even a beautiful cake sitting on the kitchen counter. She smiled softly, appreciating the effort he put in.

Tank walked in, holding a neatly wrapped gift in each hand. He set them down on the coffee table before sitting beside her, his arm draping over the back of the couch.

"Happy birthday, baby," he murmured, kissing her temple.

Kayla exhaled, leaning into him. "Thank you, Tank." She glanced at the gifts. "You really didn't have to."

Tank chuckled. "Nah, I did. You gave me a son, Kay. Ain't no gift in the world that can top that, but I still wanted to do something for you."

Kayla's eyes softened as she stared at him. She loved this man so much.

Tank carefully reached for one of the gifts and placed it in her lap. "Open it."

Kayla adjusted TJ slightly before unwrapping the first box. Inside was a custom gold nameplate necklace with TJ written in cursive. Her lips parted slightly as she ran her fingers over the sparkling letters.

"Tank..." She looked up at him, speechless.

"I know you don't wear too much jewelry, but I figured you'd like something with his name on it," he said, watching her reaction.

Kayla swallowed the lump in her throat. "I love it. Thank you."

Tank smirked. "I got more for you. Open the next one."

She unwrapped the second gift, revealing a Louis Vuitton Neverful—the same bag she had casually mentioned liking months ago.

Kayla laughed softly. "You really pay attention, huh?"

Tank kissed her cheek. "To everything."

She shook her head, feeling overwhelmed in the best way. She already had everything she wanted—her son, her man, their life together. The gifts were just extra.

Tank reached for one last small box. "And this... is your push gift."

Kayla's brows lifted. "Tank, you already did so much."

"Open it, Kay."

She carefully lifted the lid, revealing a dazzling diamond bracelet. It was elegant yet bold, just like her.

Kayla's breath hitched. "Tank..."

Tank took the bracelet and gently clasped it around her wrist. "You did somethin' I could never do, Kay. You carried our son, brought him into this world. That's a strength I can't even begin to understand. So yeah, I'ma spoil you, 'cause you deserve it."

Tears welled in Kayla's eyes. "I love you."

Tank cupped her face, his lips brushing against hers. "I love you too, lil' bit. More than anything."

Kayla sat there, staring down at TJ sleeping in her arms, his tiny chest rising and falling with each peaceful breath. She absentmindedly ran her fingers along his soft curls, her mind drifting through the whirlwind of the past two years. It felt surreal how much her life had changed.

Two years ago, she was just a scared girl, running away from home with no real plan, just desperation in her heart. She hadn't known what the future held—only that she needed to escape. And then, by some twist of fate, she met Tank at that truck stop. The man who had changed everything.

She glanced over at him now, watching as he leaned back on the couch, one arm stretched over the backrest, his eyes locked on her like she was the most precious thing in the world.

Tank had saved her that night, not just by giving her a ride, but by giving her a purpose. He made her feel wanted, made her feel safe when she had spent so long in fear knowing she wasn't. What started as him looking out for her turned into something deeper, something she couldn't imagine living without.

She had fallen in love with him before she even realized it. And Tank—he had loved her just as hard, just as deeply. He gave her the family she had never truly had. His parents, his siblings, his aunties, uncles, and grandparents—they had all welcomed her with open arms, treating her like she had always belonged.

Then came the biggest change of all—TJ.

Kayla looked down at their son, her heart swelling. Becoming pregnant had terrified her at first, but Tank had never wavered. He stood by her, held her hand, reassured her every step of the way. Now, she couldn't imagine her life without her baby boy.

From a runaway with no direction to a fiancée, a mother, and a woman who had finally found her home.

Kayla sighed softly, shaking her head as she wiped away a tear before it could fall. She was so damn happy.

"What you thinkin' about?" Tank's deep voice pulled her from her thoughts.

She looked up at him, her lips curling into a small smile. "Just... everything. How much my life has changed in two years."

Tank smirked, reaching over to rub her thigh. "Changed for the better, huh?"

Kayla nodded, her fingers tightening around TJ's tiny hand. "For the best."

Tank's smirk turned into a full smile, his dimples deepening. "Good. 'Cause I don't plan on goin' nowhere, Kay. You stuck with me."

Kayla chuckled, shaking her head. "I don't wanna be anywhere else."

Tank leaned forward, kissing her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. "Happy birthday, baby."

Kayla closed her eyes, feeling every bit of love Tank had for her in that one simple kiss. TJ shifted in her arms as Tank kissed her forehead once again. His tiny lips smacked together, and his glossy gray eyes fluttered open, searching for her. Kayla smiled, already knowing what her baby needed.

"You hungry again, greedy boy?" she whispered, adjusting her hold on him. TJ's little hand reached out, gripping onto the fabric of her top as if he understood.

Tank leaned in, rubbing a big, warm hand over TJ's back. "Lil man just like his daddy—always hungry."

Kayla chuckled softly, shaking her head. "He really is your twin, Tank. It's crazy."

She glanced over at the baby photo album Sherri had given her. It was filled with pictures of Tank as a newborn, and the resemblance between father and son was undeniable. Same round cheeks, same little nose, same full lips. And though TJ's eyes were still a newborn gray, Kayla knew they'd eventually settle into that familiar light brown, just like his daddy's.

Tank smirked, clearly proud. "Told you he was gon' be my twin. You ain't stand a chance, Kay."

Kayla playfully rolled her eyes as she adjusted her top, helping TJ latch on. He latched immediately, his tiny fingers flexing against her skin as he suckled.

Tank leaned back, watching them with admiration. "Damn, I love y'all."

Kayla looked up at him, her heart swelling. "We love you too, Tank."

He reached out, rubbing slow circles on her thigh. "You sure you don't wanna do nothin' for your birthday? I know you tired, but we could do somethin' small, just us."

Kayla shook her head, smiling softly. "Tank, I got everything I want right here. I don't need anything else."

Tank exhaled, his gaze softening. "You deserve the world, Kay."

She bit her lip, feeling overwhelmed with love. "I already got it. You and TJ are my world."

Tank didn't say anything else—he just leaned over and kissed her slow and deep, as if trying to pour every ounce of love he had into her. Kayla melted into it, her free hand gripping his shirt.

Yeah, she didn't need a party. Didn't need gifts.

This moment, right here, was more than enough.