Last chapter!

Thank you to everyone who supported this book from day one. I really appreciate all your comments and words of encouragement. This book blew up quickly. Just thinking back to when I started writing this on 2/22, and now it's 3/11. I'm grateful for all the encouragement about my writing style. In my head, I think my writing is good, but hearing it confirmed by all of you means the world to me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all.❤️

As for Book 2, I'm about to start writing later today or tomorrow morning. The focus will be on Kayla and Tank again. Let me know what you'd like to see in Book 2 so I can incorporate it. Love y'all so much, and let's get into this final chapter of Book 1!

At two weeks old, TJ was already ruling the house. The little boy was greedy, demanding Kayla's attention at all times, and just like his daddy, he was obsessed with his mama's touch. The moment she put him down, he'd fuss, his tiny lips trembling, his little hands reaching for her. But the second he was back in her arms, he'd settle, nuzzling into her chest, his big eyes fluttering shut as if that was the only place he ever wanted to be.

Tank couldn't blame him.

TJ was spoiled rotten, and Tank wasn't mad about it. If his son wanted to be held all day, then so be it. And if Kayla was tired, Tank was right there, scooping up his baby boy and letting him rest against his broad chest.

"Man, I swear, he only likes being in y'all arms," Tamera teased as she watched Tank gently pat TJ's back, trying to get him to burp.

"He knows where the love at," Tank smirked, shifting TJ just a little. The baby let out a tiny belch before settling into his daddy, his little body melting into the warmth.

Kayla shook her head, smiling. "It's true, though. He won't let nobody else hold him for too long before he start fussing."

That didn't stop the rest of the family from trying.

On the compound, TJ was the newest obsession. Every uncle, auntie, and cousin wanted a turn holding him. Sherri was the worst—if she wasn't cooking or tending to the compound, she was reaching for her grandbaby, singing to him and rocking him like she had done with her own babies.

"Y'all gon' spoil him," Auntie Girly said as she sat back, watching the fuss unfold.

"Too late," Tank said, adjusting his grip as TJ's tiny fingers curled into his shirt.

Even the kids were obsessed. Freddie, Tre, and Taylor were always peeking at the baby, trying to poke his chubby cheeks. Little Frankie was constantly cooing at him, and even the older cousins like Reggie and Marcus kept coming around, claiming they just wanted to check on their 'little nephew.'

Kayla smiled, watching it all. She never imagined this kind of life—a family that genuinely cared, a man who loved her, a son who was adored by everyone.

"Alright," Sherri finally said, clapping her hands. "Kayla, go on and get ready. Y'all got that two-week checkup in an hour."

Kayla sighed, looking down at TJ. He was so peaceful in Tank's arms, his tiny mouth slightly open as he dozed.

Tank chuckled. "I already know what's gon' happen. They gon' tell us he too greedy."

Kayla rolled her eyes but laughed. "He just like his daddy."

Tank smirked, kissing her forehead. "And proud of it."

With that, they gathered up their things, knowing the whole house would be waiting on every little update about TJ's appointment when they got back.

The doctor's office was quiet except for the occasional murmurs of other parents soothing their babies. Kayla sat in the waiting room with TJ cradled in her arms while Tank sat beside her, his arm draped protectively across the back of her chair. TJ was sleeping, his little lips occasionally sucking in his sleep as if he was dreaming about eating.

"He don't even know we 'bout to wake him up and mess up his whole mood," Tank chuckled, glancing down at their son.

Kayla smirked. "He gon' act a fool once they put him on that scale."

Just as she said that, the nurse called them back. Tank helped Kayla up, his hand resting on the small of her back as they followed the nurse into the exam room.

"Alright, let's see how much this big guy weighs," the nurse said, smiling as she prepped the scale.

Kayla hesitated before handing TJ over. The second his warm little body left her arms, his face twisted up, his lips parting as he let out a sharp cry.

"Uh oh," the nurse laughed. "Somebody doesn't like being put down."

Tank smirked. "Not at all."

TJ kicked his little legs, his face turning red as his cries grew louder. But the moment they finished weighing him and Tank picked him up again, he settled, sniffling against his daddy's chest.

"Well, he's definitely thriving," the nurse said, checking the number on the scale. "Ten pounds at birth, and now he's already fifteen and a half pounds."

Kayla's eyes widened. "Already?"

"Yup! He's growing fast, which is a great sign. He's eating well?"

Kayla nodded, adjusting in her seat. "Oh, he eats like he been working a full-time job."

The nurse chuckled. "That's what we like to hear. Let's go ahead and check the rest of his vitals before the doctor comes in."

As the nurse worked, Tank watched TJ closely, his big hand resting protectively on his son's tiny back. Every time TJ fussed, Tank murmured something low and soothing, keeping him calm.

Kayla smiled, watching them. Seeing Tank with their baby made her heart swell in ways she never expected.

A few minutes later, the doctor walked in, flipping through the chart. "Alright, let's see how our little guy is doing," he said.

The checkup went smoothly. TJ was healthy, strong, and—just as they expected—greedy.

"He's in the 99th percentile for weight and height," the doctor informed them. "You've got yourself a big boy."

Tank grinned proudly. "That's my boy."

Kayla shook her head but smiled, relief washing over her. Everything was perfect.

By the time they left the office, TJ was knocked out again, full and content after nursing in the car before they headed back home.

The moment they stepped into the house, Sherri and the rest of the family were already waiting for an update.

"Well?" Sherri asked, her hands on her hips.

Tank smirked. "Lil man already fifteen and a half pounds."

The room erupted with laughter and playful teasing.

"We knew he was greedy!" Auntie Girly said.

"He gon' be built just like his daddy," Tamera teased.

Kayla smiled, exhaustion settling into her bones, but she wouldn't trade this for the world. Their baby was loved, their family was complete, and her heart was fuller than ever.

Sherri reached for TJ, who was sound asleep in his car seat, his chubby little cheeks rising and falling with each peaceful breath. The moment she lifted him into her arms, he nuzzled against her, instinctively seeking the warmth of his grandma's embrace. Sherri rocked him gently, her eyes full of admiration.

"Lord, have mercy," she murmured, her voice filled with awe. "This boy look just like his daddy. Ain't no denying who his father is."

Kayla smirked, watching them. She loved that TJ was Tank's twin. Matter of fact, she wanted all their future children to be his spitting image.

Aunt Girly, who had been watching Kayla closely, arched a brow and grinned. "So, you thinkin' about givin' TJ a little brother or sister?"

Kayla smiled, not even hesitating. "Yup. After we get married and TJ is walking, I want another baby."

The room erupted in laughter.

Tamera playfully nudged her. "Girl, I thought you said you wasn't doin' this again after the last month of pregnancy had you cryin' every day."

Kayla chuckled, leaning into Tank, who had just wrapped his arm around her waist. "I did say that," she admitted. "But after having TJ and holding him... it was worth it."

Tank grinned, rubbing slow circles against her hip. "You want another one, huh?"

Kayla turned to look at him, her smile soft but full of certainty. "Yeah. I do."

Tank's light brown eyes darkened with something possessive, something proud. He kissed her temple. "Say less."

That made the aunties holler with laughter.

"Tank stay ready," Aunt Brenda teased.

Sherri shook her head, still rocking TJ. "Well, you know I'm always gon' be here to help. Y'all keep givin' me grandbabies, I'll keep lovin' on 'em."

Kayla felt her heart swell. She never thought she'd have this—a home, a man who loved her, a family that truly cared. Looking at Tank, at TJ, at the people surrounding her, she knew one thing for certain.

Later that evening, Tank and Kayla were nestled in their bed, their home quiet except for the soft suckling sounds of TJ nursing. The warm glow of the bedside lamp cast a gentle light over the room, highlighting the love and peace in the air. TJ, fresh from his bath, smelled like baby lotion and innocence, his tiny fingers resting against Kayla's chest as he ate greedily.

Tank lay beside them, propped up on one elbow, watching his son with pure admiration. He never got tired of watching TJ eat. Seeing him latched onto Kayla, feeding and growing strong, filled Tank with a sense of pride he couldn't put into words.

"He's greedy," Tank murmured, a lazy smile stretching across his face.

Kayla chuckled softly, rubbing TJ's back as he suckled. "Just like his daddy."

Tank smirked and reached out, running his big hand over TJ's tiny back. "You gon' be big and strong like me, huh, lil' man?" he murmured. TJ let out a soft coo in response, his little feet kicking as if he understood.

Kayla sighed, feeling completely at peace. "He loves you so much," she whispered, glancing up at Tank. "You should see how he lights up when you hold him."

Tank's heart swelled. He already knew he loved his son more than anything, but hearing Kayla say it, seeing it in the way TJ reached for him whenever he was near, made it even more real.

"I love him too," Tank said, leaning over to press a kiss to Kayla's forehead before kissing the top of TJ's soft curls. "And I love you."

Kayla smiled sleepily, feeling the warmth of his words settle deep in her chest. "I love you too, Tank."

Tank wrapped an arm around both of them, pulling them close. This was his family. His world. And nothing was more important than that. He continued to watch TJ nurse, mesmerized by the way his son latched on so greedily, already taking after him in every way. He ran his fingers gently over TJ's soft curls before looking up at Kayla, his smirk deepening.

"You serious 'bout wantin' another one?" he asked, his deep voice laced with curiosity and something else—excitement.

Kayla met his gaze, her smile slow and knowing. "Absolutely," she murmured, brushing her fingers over TJ's tiny back. "We going to seven children."

Tank's smirk turned into a full grin. The thought of Kayla carrying more of his babies, filling their home with laughter and love, sent a rush of pride through him. "Seven, huh?" he mused, rubbing his thumb against her thigh. "You tryna give me a whole lil' football team."

Kayla chuckled, shifting TJ slightly as he continued to nurse. "You tryna make one?" she teased, her voice dripping with mischief.

Tank leaned in closer, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear. "Hell yeah," he rumbled. "I love knowin' you wanna have all my babies."

Kayla's heart flipped at his words, the promise in them, the certainty. She knew Tank was serious, and truth be told, she was too. Being a mother to TJ had already changed her in ways she never imagined, and the thought of doing it over and over again with the man she loved? It was everything.

Tank slid his hand up her thigh, squeezing lightly as he kissed her temple. "I can't wait to start on them next six," he murmured.

Kayla laughed softly, shaking her head. "You going to at least let me heal first?"

Tank chuckled, pulling her even closer. "You got four weeks. I'm countin' every damn day."

Kayla laughed agreeing, "I'm counting the days down on an app. I can't wait. It's been so long. When I tell you I miss your third leg, I miss him." She smiled, reminiscing as she looked over at Tank, her eyes full of heat and playfulness.

Tank groaned, rubbing a hand down his face as he stared at her, his jaw tightening. "Lil' bit, you gotta stop playin' with me like this," he muttered, shifting in bed as TJ continued nursing, completely oblivious to the tension rising between his parents.

Kayla giggled, tilting her head. "I ain't playin'. I mean it," she teased, running her fingers along his forearm. "I miss everything—the weight, the stretch, the way you—"

"Kayla," Tank cut her off, his voice rough, his hand flexing on the blanket. "Damn." He shook his head, exhaling sharply. "You tryin' to get me in trouble."

She smirked, leaning into him. "You love getting in trouble," she whispered.

Tank looked down at TJ, who had finally pulled away, full and content. The little boy nuzzled against Kayla's chest, completely unaware that his mama was pushing his daddy to the edge of control.

Tank gently picked TJ up, cradling him against his broad chest as he stood. "I'ma put him in his crib 'fore you say somethin' else that make me lose my damn mind," he muttered, his voice low.

Kayla grinned, watching as Tank walked off, her eyes trailing his strong back. She was more than ready for her six-week clearance.

Tank walked down the hall, TJ nestled securely against his chest, his little face resting against his daddy's heartbeat. Tank couldn't help but smile as he felt his son's tiny fingers curl against his shirt. "You tired, big man?" he murmured, glancing down at TJ as he yawned, his mouth opening wide before he let out a soft, content sigh.

Tank stepped into the blue nursery, the room dimly lit with a soft glow from the nightlight. He made his way over to the rocking chair, easing down into it as he settled TJ in his arms. With one hand, he reached for the book sitting on the small side table—When the Sun Took a Nap. It was a book his mama used to read to him, and now, it was something he wanted to pass down to his son.

"Alright, lil' man, let's get you to sleep," Tank said softly, flipping the cover open as he started reading. His deep voice carried through the quiet room, each word slow and soothing. TJ blinked up at him sleepily, his little body sinking deeper into his daddy's warmth.

Tank rocked back and forth, rubbing TJ's back as he continued reading. The steady rhythm of his voice, combined with the slow motion of the chair, lulled TJ into a peaceful sleep. His tiny chest rose and fell, his breath soft and steady.

Tank closed the book, pressing a gentle kiss to his son's forehead before standing up and walking over to the crib. Carefully, he laid TJ down, adjusting the blanket over him. He stood there for a moment, just watching him, his heart full.

"You the best thing I ever did, lil' man," he whispered before turning off the light and quietly leaving the room, closing the door halfway behind him.

Tank walked down the hall, his bare feet silent against the floor as he made his way back to the bedroom. The house was quiet, the soft hum of the night surrounding him. When he stepped into their room, he found Kayla sitting up in bed, scrolling through her phone, her satin bonnet slightly tilted from how she had been lying down. She looked up at him, her eyes warm.

"He sleep?" she asked softly.

Tank nodded as he climbed into bed, pulling the covers over his lap. "Knocked out. I read to him, and he ain't last five minutes before he was out like a light."

Kayla smiled, placing her phone on the nightstand before scooting closer to him. "You such a good daddy," she murmured, resting her hand on his chest.

Tank smirked, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. "And you a damn good mama," he said, kissing her forehead. "Our lil' man lucky to have you."

Kayla sighed, snuggling into him, her body molding perfectly against his. "I love you, Tank," she whispered.

Tank tilted her chin up, his gaze locking with hers. "I love you more, lil' bit. Always."

Kayla's heart swelled. She had never known a love like this before, a love that felt safe, deep, and all-consuming. She had run away two years ago with nothing but a couple bag and a broken spirit, and now she had everything she never knew she needed—a family, a home, and a man who worshipped her.

As they lay there, wrapped up in each other, Kayla knew without a doubt that her future was right here, with Tank and their son. No matter what, they would always have each other.

And that was more than enough.

The End.

Let me know who's y'all favorite characters!❤️