The Truck Driver

The Continuation of Apple Pies and Baby Showers

As the pie baked in the oven, the rich scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter filled the kitchen, making everyone's stomachs rumble. The toddlers sat eagerly at the counter, their little hands resting under their chins as they watched the oven like it would magically make time move faster.

Kayla wiped flour off her hands and leaned against the counter, rubbing her belly absentmindedly. "It smells so good in here," she murmured, tilting her head back.

"That's 'cause y'all got the best baker in the house," Sherri praised, checking on the ice cream mixture. "Now, Tank, since you wanna be sneaky, you can help churn this ice cream."

Tank groaned but stepped up anyway, knowing better than to argue with his mama. "Man, y'all putting me to work."

"It's building character, Tanky," Kayla teased, her eyes twinkling.

Tank cut her a look, smirking. "Keep playin', Lil Bit."

The kids giggled as Tank started turning the crank on the old-fashioned ice cream maker, his biceps flexing with every movement. Kayla didn't miss it—neither did the other women in the kitchen.

"Ooooh, Uncle Tank strong," Freddie giggled, pointing at his arms.

"He better be," Kayla murmured under her breath, just loud enough for him to hear.

Tank shot her a look that promised she was in for it later.

Finally, after what felt like forever to the little ones, the pie was golden brown and bubbling, and the ice cream had set to perfection. Sherri cut generous slices, topping them with big scoops of the creamy homemade vanilla.

"Alright now, blow on it first," Kayla warned as she helped Freddie with her spoon.

Tank didn't listen. He went straight in for a bite, hissing when the hot filling burned his tongue. "Shit—"

"Tank!" Sherri snapped.

"My bad!" He quickly corrected himself. "Shoot."

Kayla shook her head, laughing as she handed him a glass of milk. "That's what you get for being greedy."

Tank took a big gulp before looking at her with an exaggerated pout. "But it's so damn good, baby."

The kids giggled, completely unaware of the tension simmering between their auntie and uncle.

"Mhmm," Kayla hummed, licking a bit of filling from her thumb. "I know."

Tank clenched his jaw. This woman was gon' be the death of him.

Tank's siblings and in-laws entered the house, all dashing straight to the kitchen. Terrance Sr. had texted everyone in the group chat that Kayla baked, and that was all it took. Everybody loved her cooking and baking.

"I see why he's so obsessed with her," Frank mumbled to Fred, who nodded in agreement.

Terrance Jr. laughed. "That's why his horny ass got her pregnant immediately."

Kayla sat back, enjoying her big slice of pie while TJ kicked happily in her belly. Tanya and Tamera argued over the last piece, but Kayla was too into her food to care.

Tank was enjoying his own big slice when Kayla suddenly choked. She grabbed her chest, coughing hard as her eyes watered.

Tank immediately put his plate down and reached for her. "Breathe, Lil Bit," he said, patting her back.

Kayla coughed a few more times before reaching for her milk, taking small sips as she rubbed her belly. "TJ, chill!" she huffed. "I'm eating, greedy boy!"