𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐌𝐘 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃 ✰ kate martin

twenty-eight

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A YEAR AND A FEW MONTHS FORWARD
AUGUST 2025

Kaci was figuring out her plan for the day, as she was already done with uploading pictures from the Aces practice this morning. Kaci loved her job, and it only made it even better that Kate was drafted to the Aces. Unexpectedly, but thankfully as she deserved every bit of it. She's gone too far to only be known for her years at University of Iowa.

Back in April of 2024, Kaci accepted the job offer of the new social media manager and photographer for the Las Vegas Aces. She had applied for Seattle Storm and the LA Sparks, but the pitch from the Aces was way better and stood out way more. She accepted it a week before the draft, and Kate was still her little bundle of nerves. But a week later, that changed. Kate Martin was drafted by the Aces in the second round, and Kaci immediately started crying in her seat that was next to Kate. That was one of her happiest moments, and for Kate it was the same.

"Babe, where are you off to?" asked Kate, who walked out of their bedroom with wet hair from her shower.

The two bought an apartment for themselves, as they both made enough money and put down the payment as a combination of their successes and a start of their serious commitment to each other. Even though they'd been dating for quite a while now, and it was kind of still considered early, the two knew that they were it for each other.

"I'm going to go pick up my dress and your suit at the dry cleaners. For the dang little rooftop dinner you scheduled for us later," smiled Kaci, grabbing her wallet keychain and running her hands through her hair. "Did you need anything else while I'm out?"

"Ah, nah, it's okay," smiled Kate, as Kaci walked over to her girlfriend and placed a kiss on her lips. Kaci was pulling away, but Kate deepened the kiss. "Drive safe please. I love you."

"I love you too, babe. I'll see you when I come back," said Kaci, before opening their front door and walking out.

Kate walked back into her and Kaci's room, grabbing her phone and immediately dialing a number.

"Hello?" came Caitlin's voice.

"Hey, Cait, um you guys aren't out are you? Because Kaci is out right now getting our outfits for the proposal dinner," said Kate, worry laced in her voice.

"Ah no, we're all at the Airbnb," said Caitlin, but a chuckle followed. "Bri was just like you when I proposed to Kara. At least from what Matt has been telling me."

"Oh God, I was a crying mess, okay?" said Kate with a sigh, but a laugh coming out eventually. "Is she okay, though?"

"Yeah, she's fine. Kara is taking her outside to enjoy some sun," laughed Caitlin. "Are you okay? Nervous? I fucking was when it was me going down on one knee for Kara."

"I'm beyond nervous," said Kate. "And it's just Kaci, I know, but I'm going to ask her to spend the rest of her life with me. I want it so bad, but asking is scary."

"No, I know what you mean. It's the whole spewing out your speech to her and asking her to basically stay by your side," said Caitlin. "But it's rewarding. You're committing yourselves to each other more than you already have by now. You guys really are perfect for each other, you know? I've never seen you have a best friend and a lover all in one."

"She really is perfect for me," smiled Kate. "The nerves are here, but I know once I'm in the moment, I'll be fine. I guess it's my turn now."

Caitlin chuckled on her end of her line, "I'm passing the torch down to you, Kate. I honestly can't wait to see it. We have bets throughout the house on if you'll cry before her or not."