Breaking Free

51.

The morning after their doctor's appointment, the peace that had settled over Kierra the night before still lingered. She lay in bed, watching Tasha move around their room, getting ready for the first show of her tour. It was a big day—the start of a whirlwind three days with stops in Houston, Fort Worth, and San Antonio. Though Kierra knew she couldn't travel with her this time, part of her wished she could.

"You sure you've got everything?" Kierra asked, her voice still a bit groggy from sleep.

Tasha paused, glancing over her shoulder with a soft smile. "I think so. But knowing me, I'll probably forget something and have to call you to check."

Kierra chuckled. "Don't worry. I've got your back."

Walking over to the bed, Tasha sat beside Kierra, placing a hand on her bump. "I hate leaving you, especially now, but I'll be back before you know it."

Kierra placed her hand over Tasha's. "I know. You go and do your thing. I'll be fine. Besides, we'll have FaceTime, and you'll be back home for a few days before Oakland."

"Right," Tasha nodded, leaning down to give Kierra a slow, tender kiss. "You and the baby just relax. No stress."

Kierra smiled into the kiss, appreciating the reassurance. "We will."

Tasha stood up and finished getting her bags together, placing them by the front door. Kierra watched her, a little part of her heart tugging at the thought of Tasha being gone for a few days, but she knew how much this tour meant to her wife. It was the culmination of months of hard work and dedication, and Kierra couldn't be prouder.

By the time Tasha was ready to leave, Kierra had moved to the couch, sipping on some ginger tea to help with her morning queasiness. The nausea had been a little better since the appointment, but mornings were still rough.

"You sure you don't want me to stay home?" Tasha asked, pausing at the door.

Kierra shook her head, giving Tasha a reassuring smile. "Go. You've been preparing for this for months, and you're going to kill it out there. I'll be fine. My mom is coming over later, so I won't be alone."

Tasha bit her lip, looking torn, but eventually nodded. "Okay. I love you."

"I love you too."

With one final glance, Tasha grabbed her bags and headed out the door. Kierra watched as her car pulled away, feeling the house fall into a quiet stillness. She took another sip of her tea, rubbing her belly absently as she thought about the day ahead. Her parents were due to come over later, which was always a comfort. She felt a deep sense of peace knowing her family was close by, especially as her pregnancy progressed.

A few hours later, Kierra heard a knock at the door, and she slowly made her way over, her hands cradling her growing belly. When she opened the door, her mom, Karen, and her dad, Bishop Sheard, stood there with warm smiles.

"Kierra!" her mother exclaimed, immediately stepping inside and wrapping her in a gentle hug. "How's my baby girl doing?"

"I'm good, Mommy," Kierra replied, pulling back and smiling as she saw her dad step forward.

Bishop Sheard gave her a careful hug, his eyes filled with warmth. "You look beautiful, sweetheart. How are you feeling?"

"Better today," Kierra said, stepping aside to let them in. "Tasha just left for her tour, so it's a little quiet around here."

Karen's eyes softened. "Oh, I know that's hard. But don't worry, we're here to keep you company."

They made their way to the living room, where Kierra had set up some snacks and drinks for them. As her parents sat down, Kierra excused herself to the bathroom to freshen up. She looked at herself in the mirror, trying to fix her hair, which had gotten a bit messy during the day.