Beyond the Basket - Paige Bueckers

part 39 - forever

Monday June 2, 2025

Paige POV

The soft murmur of the ocean fills the air as Kie and I walk along the beach, the sun beginning its slow descent into the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over everything. We're in Los Angeles, here for my upcoming game against the Sparks, but for now, basketball feels like a world away. Right now, it's just us, the Pacific breeze, and the waves crashing against the shore.

Kie's hand is in mine, her fingers gently interlaced with mine as we stroll along the beach. The warmth of the sun is fading, but the heat between us has only grown stronger throughout the day. I can't help but sneak glances at her, the way her wavy hair catches the last light of the day, how her skin glows in the soft evening sun.

"Isn't it perfect?" she sighs, squeezing my hand as she takes in the ocean view.

"Yeah," I murmur, glancing at her with a soft smile. "It really is."

But it's not just the beach or the sunset I'm thinking about. It's her. It's us. This trip to L.A. is about more than basketball. We've been through so much together, and I know this moment, right here, is leading to something bigger.

We've spent the entire day together—no practice, no meetings—just enjoying this rare day off. We explored Venice Beach, grabbed some lunch at a little taco stand, and now, walking along this secluded stretch of sand, I can feel my heart swelling with anticipation.

"Kie," I start, my voice catching a little as we slow to a stop. She turns to face me, her eyes curious and warm, the breeze gently tossing her hair around. My pulse quickens as I pull her closer, the waves lapping at our feet.

"Yeah?" she asks, her smile warm and familiar, but there's a question in her eyes now. She knows me too well not to notice something's up.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the rush of emotions inside me. "I've been thinking a lot about us," I say, my voice soft but steady now.

She raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, her hand still resting in mine.

"I've been thinking about the future," I continue, my heart racing. "About what I want. And more than anything, Kie, I want you. I want us. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Her breath hitches, her eyes going wide with surprise. Her lips part, but I keep going before she can respond.

"I don't ever want this to end," I whisper, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, feeling the electricity between us. "I want to keep building this life together. Through every game, every up, every down. Forever."

Her eyes shimmer, the realization hitting her just as I reach into my pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. I watch as her expression changes, tears already beginning to fill her eyes. Her hand covers her mouth as I drop to one knee, the sound of the waves and the distant hum of Los Angeles fading into the background.

"Kiera Parker," I say, opening the box to reveal the ring, a simple yet stunning diamond that catches the last of the sunset's rays. My voice trembles as I look up at her. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes," she whispers, her voice breaking as tears spill onto her cheeks. "Yes, Paige, I'll marry you."

Relief and joy flood through me as I slip the ring onto her finger, the fit perfect. She pulls me to my feet and throws her arms around my neck, her laughter mixing with her tears. I kiss her, deeply, the taste of salt from her tears on my lips, and it feels like everything in the universe has led us to this moment.

I pick her up and spin her around, laughing as the ocean rushes over our feet, soaking the hems of our jeans, but neither of us care. When I set her back down, we stand there for a moment, holding each other tightly as the world fades into a blur of colors behind us. The city of Los Angeles feels miles away, and all that exists is this—the two of us, the ocean, and the promise of forever.