Sunday April 4, 2026
Paige POV
Being fully cleared to play doesn't just mean I'm finally going to be myself again—it means I get to reclaim that piece of me that felt lost. The part that, even when surrounded by loved ones, felt incomplete. But now, everything's lining up. I'm getting my rhythm back just as Kiera's due date is creeping closer, which is... insane to even think about. Our baby is coming, and I'm returning to the court. Two of my biggest dreams are about to come true at the same time, and I'm trying to wrap my head around how to balance it all.
Today, I'm at practice with the Valkyries. It's like stepping into a world I've missed so desperately—my teammates, the drills, the adrenaline. But the best part? I feel like I belong again, like my body is finally responding the way it used to. There's no hesitation when I cut to the basket, no second-guessing if my leg can handle the pressure. The coaches are keeping a watchful eye on me, but I can tell they're impressed. And honestly? I feel like I have something to prove—not just to them but to myself.
Hailey's guarding me now, and she's not taking it easy. For months, she's dialed it back just enough to help me ease into things, but today? It's like she's got something to prove, too. Her defense is tighter, her elbows sharper, her feet quicker. Every time I drive past her, she's right there, challenging me.
I'm drenched in sweat, but I'm loving it. I need this—someone who isn't afraid to push me. I don't want soft landings anymore. I want to be ready when I step back onto the court for real, not just for me but for Kiera and our soon-to-be little one. I want our kid to see their mom as a fighter, someone who came back stronger.
Hailey's hands are everywhere—stripping the ball when I get careless, cutting off my lanes, bumping me just enough to throw me off balance. But there's a fire in me that I haven't felt in so long. I drive hard to the basket, pump fake, and then pivot, slipping past her for a layup. The ball kisses the glass and drops through the net.
"Hell yeah, Bueckers!" Hailey claps, but I can see the glint in her eye. She's not done yet. And neither am I.
We go back and forth like that for the next thirty minutes, neither of us willing to back down. My lungs are burning, my leg is screaming, but damn it feels good. It feels right. By the time Coach calls us over to wrap things up, I'm panting and soaked, but there's a satisfied smile on my face. I needed this—one more step closer to feeling like myself again.
As I catch my breath, I glance down at my phone resting on the bleachers. There's a new message from Kiera: Baby kicked me in the ribs again. I think they're ready to meet you. 😅
A grin spreads across my face. It's moments like these that remind me why I'm doing all this. Pushing through rehab, getting back on the court—it's not just for me anymore. It's for our family, the one Kiera and I are building together.
As I head to the locker room, I can't help but think about the timing of it all. Kiera's due date is right around the corner, and I've got a comeback game scheduled for next week. Every nerve in my body is buzzing with anticipation, excitement, and maybe a little fear.
I towel off, still catching my breath, and shoot a quick text back to Kiera: Tell them to hang in there a little longer. Mommy's almost ready to come home. ❤️
a/n - short but lowkey cute chapter
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Beyond the Basket - Paige Bueckers
FanficAfter Kiera Parker transfers to UConn her junior year of college after was offered an internship for a sports agency, senior Paige Bueckers and her have an instant connection.
