Breaking Free

54.

The morning light filtered through the curtains as Kierra slowly stretched, her hand instinctively resting on her growing belly. She blinked a few times before rolling over to find Tasha already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed with her laptop open. It was clear she had been going over some last-minute tour details.

"Good morning, baby," Tasha said with a warm smile, closing her laptop and shifting her focus to Kierra. "Did you sleep well?"

Kierra nodded, her voice still groggy. "Yeah, I slept okay. How about you? You've been up for a while."

"Just going over some things for tomorrow," Tasha replied, standing up and stretching. "I can't believe it's time to head back out again."

Kierra chuckled, rubbing her eyes. "I know, right? It feels like you just got back." She sat up slowly, glancing at the half-packed suitcase on the floor. "Speaking of heading back out, we should finish packing."

Tasha gave her a playful look. "We should, huh? More like I should finish packing. You're not lifting a finger, ma'am."

Kierra rolled her eyes, leaning back against the pillows. "Babe, I'm pregnant, not handicapped."

They both burst out laughing, the sound filling the room with warmth.

"I know, I know," Tasha said through her laughter, walking over to sit next to Kierra on the bed. "I just want to take care of you, that's all. Is that so bad?"

Kierra smiled, her heart swelling at how much Tasha cared. "It's not bad. It's sweet. But I promise, I can still help out a little. You don't have to baby me too much."

Tasha leaned down and kissed her forehead. "I'm just being extra cautious, that's all. You and the baby are my whole world."

Kierra felt a rush of love for Tasha in that moment. She reached out and placed her hand over Tasha's. "I love you, babe. But really, I can help."

Tasha grinned and stood up, making her way to the closet. "Fine, you can help—by telling me what you want me to pack for you."

Kierra raised an eyebrow, still lounging comfortably in bed. "So, I'm just the director now?"

"Exactly," Tasha said, pulling out a couple of shirts from the closet and holding them up. "Which one? The green or the white?"

Kierra squinted as if in deep thought, then pointed dramatically. "The green. It brings out your eyes."

Tasha smirked, tossing the shirt into her suitcase. "Good choice. See, you're already doing a great job from over there."

The banter continued as they worked through Kierra's packing list. Kierra told Tasha what to grab—comfy outfits, a few dresses, and some maternity clothes she had grown attached to. Tasha made sure to pack plenty of snacks, knowing Kierra's cravings could pop up anytime.

As Tasha zipped up the suitcase, she turned to Kierra with a satisfied smile. "There, all done. See? I told you I'd take care of it."

Kierra sat up straighter, playfully tossing a pillow in Tasha's direction. "You're lucky I'm not packing because you'd be taking half the closet!"

Tasha laughed, dodging the pillow and walking back over to the bed. She sat beside Kierra, placing a gentle hand on her belly. "I just want you to be comfortable. We'll be on the road for a while, and I want to make sure you're not missing anything."

Kierra reached out and squeezed Tasha's hand, her expression softening. "You always take such good care of me, babe. Thank you."

"Of course, baby," Tasha said, leaning in to kiss her softly. "We're in this together."