𝙻𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚒𝚜𝚢 : ᴘᴀɪɢᴇ ʙᴜᴇᴄᴋᴇʀꜱ

19- Back Home

Paige stood in the arrivals terminal of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, her heart thudding with excitement as she watched people pass by. She had been home for a day already, but now she was waiting for Emma, who would be flying in any minute. The winter break had come at just the right time after a hectic few months of basketball and classes, and Paige was looking forward to introducing Emma to her family—her dad, her stepmom, and her little brother, Drew.

It was the first time Paige had ever brought someone home, and it wasn't just anyone. Emma was the person who made Paige feel the most at ease, the one who had helped her through the toughest times and had quickly become her safe place. The thought of Emma meeting her family filled Paige with equal parts excitement and nerves. But she knew deep down that Emma and her family would get along—they had to.

Paige pulled her jacket tighter around her shoulders as she waited near the baggage claim, scanning the crowd for Emma's familiar face. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she pulled it out to see a text from her little brother.

Drew: You still picking up Emma? Tell her not to be nervous! I'm gonna show her all my sick moves on the court.

Paige chuckled softly as she typed out a reply.

Paige: I'll tell her. Just make sure you don't embarrass yourself, little man.

Drew was only 11, but he was a natural on the basketball court—just like Paige had been at his age. He was always eager to show off his skills, and Paige had no doubt that he was counting down the minutes until he could challenge Emma to a game of one-on-one. Even though Drew was technically her half brother, they had always felt like real siblings. Their bond was as tight as any blood family could be, forged through hours on the court, laughter, and late-night talks when life got complicated.

The crowd shifted, and then Paige saw her—Emma, with her brown hair slightly tousled from the flight, a travel bag slung over her shoulder, and a soft smile on her face when their eyes met. Paige's heart did that familiar little flip, the one that happened every time she saw Emma. She waved her over, grinning widely.

"Hey, you!" Paige called as Emma approached.

Emma's smile grew as she quickened her pace, finally reaching Paige and pulling her into a hug. "Hey," she murmured into Paige's shoulder, her voice soft but filled with affection. "I missed you."

Paige hugged her tightly, feeling the warmth of Emma's body against hers. "Missed you too," she said, pulling back just enough to look into Emma's eyes. "How was the flight?"

"Not too bad," Emma said with a small laugh. "I slept through most of it. And honestly, I couldn't stop thinking about this trip. I've been so nervous about meeting your family."

Paige smiled, her hand slipping into Emma's as they started walking toward the parking lot. "You have nothing to worry about," Paige reassured her. "My dad and Drew are going to love you. And my stepmom? She's the kindest person you'll ever meet. You're going to fit right in."

Emma nodded, though Paige could sense a little bit of tension in her shoulders. "I hope so," Emma said quietly. "I just want to make a good impression."

Paige squeezed Emma's hand, bringing it up to her lips for a quick kiss. "You will," she said softly. "Trust me, you already have."

They reached Paige's car, and after loading Emma's bags into the trunk, they climbed in and headed toward Paige's home. The drive took them out of the busy city and into the quiet suburbs, where snow blanketed the ground and the houses were adorned with twinkling holiday lights. The familiar landscape brought a sense of comfort to Paige. Minnesota was home, and it always would be, but this time, it felt even more special because Emma was with her.