The Truck Driver

Never Knew Love Like This

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."