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mrpotscrapa535 · 2 months ago

Text

This is just… wow

FINDING PEACE IN YOU PART 10

paige x azzi

word count: 10.8k

A/N: This is what everyone’s been asking for so hopefully I deliver it correctly 😭. Had to turn on my creative juices to come up with this plan lol. Let me know what you think! This may be a little poorly edited I’m not sure tbh

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The room was heavy with warmth, the quiet whirr of the AC barely cutting through the heated radiating off of each of their bodies. Paige was laying on her back, her chest rising and falling, skin slick with sweat, her hair slightly damp against her forehead. Beside her, Azzi was stretched out on her stomach, face half-buried in the pillow, her breathing still uneven as she slowly came down from the high Paige had just pulled from her a few times.

For a long moment, all Paige could do was stare at her, heart pounding in her ears, feeling like she was tethered to Azzi by something deeper than just touch—something bone-deep that seeped into every part of her.

"Azzi, baby," Paige whispered, her voice a little raspy, cracking a little at the end.

Azzi hummed sleepily, not even bothering to open her eyes. “Hm?”

Paige shifted, the sheets tangling at her waist as she rolled a little closer, letting the back of her knuckles drag softly down the dip of Azzi’s spine making the curly haired girl smile. "Can I ask you something beautiful?"

Azzi mumbled, "Yes, love," into the pillow, her words full of affection even in her exhaustion.

Paige hesitated, heart thudding a little harder now. Her fingers traced slow patterns over Azzi’s skin—like if she stopped touching her, she might float away from the moment.

"Um when we were just…you know. You said..." Paige swallowed, her voice barely able to be heard. "You said you wanted to have my kids. You for real baby?"

Azzi gave a small laugh, the kind that vibrated through her whole body. Without even lifting her head, she whispered back, "Baby, you gotta ask me when I can think straight and we can talk about it...I can't even feel my legs right now and my entire body feels like static."

Paige laughed, her chest loosening at Azzi’s words. She leaned in, pressing a kiss to the curve of Azzi’s shoulder, then another higher up near her neck.

"Alright," Paige whispered against her skin, closing her eyes as she laid her head on Azzi’s back. "Later."

Azzi blindly reached back, searching for her, and Paige caught her hand, lacing their fingers together. Azzi squeezed once—a tired, wordless I love you—Paige squeezed right back.

They stayed like that until they fell asleep: tangled up in the sheets, in each other, with the reality of what they were building between them sinking deeper into the room, into their bodies.

…

The next day the afternoon sun was high in the backyard, the sound of laughter carrying through the air as Paige chased Lukas around, both of them breathless and high with energy. Lukas let out a squeal as Paige caught him, tossing him over her shoulder before flipping him and putting him back on his feet, both of them laughing so hard they could barely stand.

Leaning against the open patio door, Azzi watched them for a while, a soft smile on her face. Her heart was full—the sight of Paige filling her with something she couldn’t even name—something she didn’t know existed.

"Paige!"

Paige turned, her grin only growing when she saw Azzi before she jogged over. Swept up in her usual impulsive affection, she wrapped her arms around Azzi's waist and picked her up effortlessly, spinning them both a few times. Azzi laughed, head tipping back, her fingers gripping onto Paige's shoulders for balance.

When Paige finally set her down, she didn’t let go, her hands stayed on Azzi’s waist, her forehead nearly resting against Azzi’s. “Wassup, beautiful,” Paige said, voice a little playful, her blue eyes bright with leftover energy from playing with Lukas.

Azzi smiled and twirled a few pieces of hair at the nape of Paige’s neck between her fingers. “Can we talk baby?” she asked the question gently but serious enough that Paige knew it was something important.

Paige hummed, her thumb brushing Azzi’s waist, before calling over her shoulder, “Lukas! Go play in your room for a lil bit, okay?”

True to form on how he was raised Lukas didn’t question it. He sprinted past them into the house, without saying anything. A few seconds later, the sound of him rubbing up the stairs echoed faintly through the house, followed by the distant sound of him dumping some toys on the ground.

Azzi and Paige made their way to the living room, the energy between them easy. They sank into the large couch, Azzi curling into Paige’s side like it was second nature. Paige smiled, kissing the top of her head before gently starting to massage Azzi’s shoulders, her thumbs working into the muscles like she knew exactly where Azzi needed it most.

“Wassup, mama?” Paige whispered, feeling the slight tension in Azzi’s body.

Azzi played with the hem of Paige’s shirt she had on for a second, gathering her thoughts. “I just wanted to talk about last night…” she started, her voice quieter than usual.

Paige nodded, her hands continuing to ease the tension in Azzi’s shoulders gently. “I’m listening, baby.”

Azzi took a small breath, resting her head back against Paige’s shoulder for a moment, enjoying the feeling of the massage before turning around just enough to meet her eyes. “I meant it," she said simply. "About wanting to have kids…Kids with you,” she clarifies. “It’s something I want. I’ve been thinking about it.”

Paige’s heart gave a soft thump against her ribs, but she stayed silent, letting Azzi finish.

Azzi hesitated, her fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on Paige’s thigh. “I guess…I just—I wanted to ask if you’ve thought about it. How many kids you want? Or if you even want more.”

There was a slight wobble to her voice at the end, and Paige felt the small crack of vulnerability that was hidden in her voice. She shifted, turning a little more toward her, her hand slipping to Azzi’s lower back to pull her closer.

“I definitely want more Az,” Paige said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever sat down and picked a number or anything. But I know for sure I want more. Especially with you baby.”

Azzi’s shoulders sagged in relief, and a tiny smile crept onto her lips.

Paige laughed softly, pressing a kiss to Azzi’s temple. “You thought I was gonna say no or sum?”

Azzi shrugged, trying to play it off, but her smile gave her away. “I don’t know. I guess I was a little worried about it. You already have Lukas. You didn’t have to want more.”

Paige shifted, tucking a strand of hair behind Azzi’s ear before cupping her jaw. “Well, I do. Especially if you do.”

Azzi leaned into the touch, her thumb brushing the inside of Paige’s wrist. “I do,” she whispered.

They sat like that for a moment, wrapped up in the easy stillness of each other, before Azzi’s more practical side peeked through and she started speaking again.

“I mean…I am already twenty-eight,” Azzi said, a little sheepishly. “If we want to have more than one we should start thinking about it. Can’t exactly wait forever.”

Paige grinned, blue eyes sparkling a little bit from the sun. “You say the word, I’ll put a baby in you tonight mama.”

Azzi laughed, her head dropping against Paige’s shoulder as she playfully slapped her stomach. “You’re so stupid.”

Paige laughed too, wrapping her arms tighter around her. “I’m serious. I’ll find a way, don't tempt me.”

Azzi smiled at Paige’s words, the kind of smile that reached her eyes—but it didn’t hide the slight crease of worry that tugged at her brow.

Paige caught it, brushing her fingers lightly along Azzi’s cheek. “Hey,” she said softly, “what’s that face about?”

Azzi hesitated, her thumb absently rubbing the fabric of Paige’s shirt before she spoke. “I just…having kids has always been something I wanted. It’s not new. I’ve thought about it for some time. But now that it’s real—with you—it’s different.” She drew in a slow breath. “I don’t want us to rush into it and strain what we’re building. We’re still figuring out us, you know? I don’t want to mess that up by moving too fast just because I want a kid if you aren’t ready.”

Paige pulled her closer, pressing a kiss into her hair. “We’re not gonna mess anything up beautiful,” she murmured. “I promise I want the same things you want, Az. It doesn’t matter how long we’ve been together if it’s a pace that feels right for both of us.”

Azzi nodded slowly, the tension in her shoulders easing under Paige’s touch and her words.

“We’re already a family,” Paige whispered against her temple. “Everything else—marriage, kids—that’s just growing what we already got. No rush, no pressure. Just us, moving how we want to.”

Azzi let out a shaky laugh, tipping her chin up to kiss Paige’s jaw. “You always know what I need to hear to make me feel better.”

Paige grinned. “That’s my job, ain’t it?”

Azzi rolled her eyes fondly, pushing herself closer. “Guess I’m keeping you, then.”

Paige chuckled, feeling nothing but certainty. “Forever, mama I promise...just lemme work on it."

Before Paige could say more, Azzi shifted, crawling into her lap and straddling her. Paige’s grin only grew wider as her hands found Azzi’s waist, sliding down to cup the back of her thighs, then settling on her butt.

"Mm, you tryna speed up the timeline, huh?" Paige teased, as Azzi leaned down to capture her lips.

Their kiss started slow, sweet but eventually it deepened, both of them getting lost in the feel of each other like always. Paige mumbled something against Azzi’s mouth—something that sounded suspiciously like "told you we could start today"—and Azzi just laughed into the kiss, her hands threading through Paige’s hair.

Just as Azzi’s lips began trailing down Paige’s jaw, both of them teetering toward losing themselves in the moment—

A small body suddenly launched into them with a playful yell.

“MA!” Lukas giggled as he barreled into them, his arms wrapping around Paige’s and Azzi’s sides.

Both of them caught Lukas with a surprised oof, their hands shooting out to steady him so he didn’t fall off of the couch. The two women burst out laughing, Azzi dropping her forehead to Paige’s shoulder as Paige scooped Lukas in between them.

“What’s up, big head?” Paige asked, still laughing as Lukas wriggled proudly between them.

“You said you were gonna help me find my mini basketball!”

Paige laughed, messing up his hair on purpose knowing it would annoy him. “I did say that.”

Azzi shifted a little, adjusting so all three of them could sit more comfortably. Paige, in turn, adjusted Lukas so he was laying across both of them, half-lounging on Azzi’s chest and half on Paige’s lap. Azzi brushed some of his messy blonde hair back from his forehead, smiling down at him.

Paige rubbed his back gently. “Before we go find the ball...I gotta ask you something.”

Lukas, sensing the seriousness, nodded eagerly, his blue eyes wide and curious.

Paige glanced at Azzi, who smiled, silently telling her to go ahead, before she turned her focus back to Lukas. “What would you think about having a little brother or sister?”

Lukas’s face lit up, his eyes practically sparkling as he gasped dramatically. “Wait Really?!”

Paige laughed, squeezing him. “Yes, really.”

“Today?!” he asked, a little hopeful.

Both women burst into laughter.

“Not today,” Paige chuckled. “Takes a little longer than that.”

“But I wanna be a big brother!” Lukas declared, now practically buzzing in place.

Paige smiled at him, her heart swelling. “You’d be a great one.”

Lukas laid there imagining beating his little brother in a race before he tilted his head curiously. “Wait. but…who’s gonna be the ma?”

Paige and Azzi glanced at each other again, this time with a quiet amusement.

“We both will,” Paige said, resting a hand gently on his chest.

Lukas furrowed his brows, clearly thinking hard about the situation. “But…you’re only my ma?”

“What do you mean, buddy?”

Lukas sat up a little straighter, his hands braced against their arms. “I wanna have two moms too,” he said seriously, looking at Azzi with wide, hopeful eyes. “Like the baby. If they have two I should have two. That’s fair.”

Azzi’s heart squeezed at the look he gave her. “You kinda already do,” she said, her voice gentle as she looked down at him. “I’ve been around so much, you probably see me more than most kids see their aunties,” she joked.

“But you’re not an auntie,” Lukas argued, frowning. “You love my ma. And she loves you. That means we all love each other, right?”

Paige looked like she might melt, her hand running along Lukas’s back as she smiled. “Yeah, that’s exactly what that means.”

“So…can I call you Mom too?” Lukas asked, looking back at Azzi again, a little tentative this time. “If you wanna be my mom too.”

Azzi blinked, her throat tightening slightly. She reached out and cupped his cheek. “If you want to, baby…yeah. I’d love that.”

Lukas beamed, letting out a loud, “Perfect!” before laying back dramatically across both of them as he hugged them.

Paige kissed the top of his head, Azzi still looking at him like he’d just cracked her heart open in the best way.

The three of them stayed like that a while longer—Lukas nestled between them yapping about all the things he could do with a brother or sister, Azzi curled against Paige, and Paige’s arm wrapped around both of them. It was messy, warm, and tangled in the best way.

And it felt like home.

…

After that talk with Azzi, something shifted in Paige’s mindset—something quiet but solid. The kind of certainty that didn’t need fireworks or grand declarations. Just love. Real love. She had already known she wanted to marry Azzi. The idea had already popped in her head a few times but the conversation only made her recognize how ready she was.

The idea had been floating around in her head, but now it burned with purpose and she knew that there was one person she needed to talk to first—Azzi’s dad.

Paige was pacing in slow, tight lines across her bedroom floor, one hand absently playing with her lip, the other holding her phone in a white-knuckled grip. Her bottom lip was red from all the chewing. She kept thinking I should do this in person—but the next time she’d be in the DMV was months away, and she couldn’t wait that long.

So finally, after another loop around the room and a quiet, frustrated, “Fuck it,” she stopped pacing and dialed his number.

Her heart thudded in her chest as the phone rang once. Twice. Three times.

She rubbed her palm on her thigh, forcing herself to take a breath right as the line picked up.

“Hello?”

Paige stood up a little straighter. “Uh, hi—Mr. Fudd? It’s Paige.”

There was a brief pause on the other end, then a warm chuckle. “Paige. Good to hear from you. Everything alright?”

Paige swallowed. “Yeah, everything’s good. Real good, actually. I, uh…I was hoping I could talk to you about something. It’s kinda important.”

“Of course,” he said. “Go ahead.”

Paige sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers twisting in her lap. “I know I should probably be saying this in person—and I wish I could—but based on some of the conversations your daughter and I have had, I didn’t want to wait.”

She took a breath, pausing. Her heart thundered in her chest. “I love Azzi, Tim. I love her more than I’ve ever loved anybody. And I want to spend the rest of my life with her. So…I wanted to talk to you first. About having your permission.”

There was a beat of silence. Just long enough for her pulse to spike.

“You want to marry my daughter?”

“I do.” Paige stood up again, unable to stay still.

“I want to ask her to marry me. But I didn’t feel right doing that without talking to you first.”

Tim let out a low breath, thoughtful. “It’s a little early on, no?”

“I get why you’d say that,” Paige said quickly. “We’ve only been together for nine months. But in those nine months, I don’t think a single day’s passed where I haven’t pictured a future with her. Where I haven’t gone to bed thinking about how I can make her smile as soon as I open my eyes.”

She paced, finding steadiness in her words. “We’ve talked about that future—what we want, where we see ourselves, how we’d grow through it all. And it’s not some impulsive thing. I’ve never been more sure about anything. Whether it’s tomorrow or twenty years from now, Azzi’s it for me. I want to build a life with her.”

There was another pause. Then Tim’s voice came back softer than before. “She loves you, you know.”

Paige stilled.

“She always talks about how grounded she feels when she’s with you. That you calm her down when her thoughts spiral. That you remind her of who she is, even on the hardest days.”

He chuckled lightly. “Said you’re her safe place. And believe me, I’ve seen it. She’s been happier this past year than I’ve seen her in her entire life.”

Paige blinked, eyes stinging just a little as she listened.

“So if you’re ready to take that step with her…then yeah. You have my blessing.” There was a smile in his voice now. “Truth is, Paige, you’ve had it for some time kid.”

Paige let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, her shoulders finally relaxing.

“Thank you,” she said softly, emotion catching in her throat. “Honestly means everything to me.”

Tim laughed again, lighter this time. “You got a ring yet?”

Paige let out a small laugh, the tension easing from her chest. “Not yet. I’ve been looking…but I didn’t want to jump the gun before talking to you.” She smiled to herself. “Didn’t feel right picking one out without knowing I had your blessing.”

“Smart,” Tim said. “Though knowing Azzi, it won’t be about the ring. She’s always been more about intention than flash.”

“Yeah,” Paige agreed, eyes softening thinking about her. “That’s one of the things I love most about her.”

They talked for a few more minutes—Tim asking about next season, Paige telling him a little about her schedule for Unrivaled, both dancing around the nerves of what this next step meant—before Paige finally said, “I’ll let you go, but…really. Thank you again. I won’t forget this.”

“You’re family now, Paige,” he said. “Just don’t forget to let me know when it happens. Katie will want the details.”

She laughed. “Deal.”

Then she hung up, staring at her phone for a second before breaking into a disbelieving smile.

After that call, Paige threw herself into planning the proposal—every detail, big and small. She spent hours researching a location, writing and rewriting what she wanted to do that day, and working with a jeweler to design a custom ring and box that felt exactly like Azzi.

It became her secret obsession.

And somewhere in the middle of all that excitement, she slipped—just once, but enough to nearly lose Azzi’s patience for the first time.

They were curled up on the couch one night, Azzi sitting sideways with her legs thrown across Paige’s lap, her laptop open as she worked on something for her clinic. She was talking softly, bouncing thoughts off Paige like she always did, her voice animated in that way Paige loved.

Paige, though, was only half there.

Her eyes stayed glued to her phone, thumb scrolling through messages, trying to finalize a reservation for the big night.

“Mm.”

“Yeah.”

“Sounds good babygirl.”

Her replies were short. Empty.

Then she stopped responding altogether.

Azzi paused mid-sentence, blinking as the silence stretched. She gave it a second. Then another. But Paige still didn’t look up.

“Are you listening to me?” Azzi asked, her tone calm but clearly a little frustrated.

Paige’s head snapped up, eyes slightly wide. “Of course, baby,” she said quickly.

Azzi gave her a look. “Okay. What was I saying Madison?”

Paige opened her mouth. Closed it. She had nothing and she knew Azzi was a little pissed because of the use of her middle name.

Azzi’s jaw tensed as she let out a slow, irritated breath. Without saying anything, she swung her legs off Paige’s lap and stood up.

“Wait—mama, I’m sorry. C’mere,” Paige said, reaching for her wrist.

But Azzi gently pulled away.

“I’ll be in the room,” she said, not looking back. “You can finish whatever’s more important.”

Paige stood up quickly, tossing her phone on the couch before following Azzi upstairs. She caught up to her just as she reached the bedroom door, her hand reaching out again—this time more intentionally, more carefully. She caught Azzi’s wrist and tugged her back, wrapping both arms around her waist and pulling her close.

“I’m sorry, baby,” Paige whispered against the side of her neck. “I was distracted. I should’ve just said that.”

Azzi didn’t immediately soften. “Yeah, you should’ve.”

When Paige kissed her neck gently she turned slightly to face her, her voice low. “What was so important that you couldn’t listen when I was asking for your help?”

Paige closed her eyes for a beat, chest tight. “My publicist,” she said, thinking of something on the fly. “She was blowing up my phone, asking about a media thing. Press schedule stuff. Stupid details.”

Azzi studied her for a moment before her eyebrow furrowed. “You let that distract you when I was talking to you about something that actually mattered to me? That was more important?”

“There’s nothing more important than you,” Paige said quickly, gripping her waist a little tighter. “I wasn’t thinking. I wasn’t present and that’s on me. I’m sorry.”

Azzi let the silence sit for a moment between them before her shoulders relaxed, just slightly.

“I don’t need your full attention all the time,” she said. “I just… you know I’ve been working on adding a new aspect to my clinic for months and I thought if anyone would see how important it was for me to get it right, it’d be you.”

“I do. I do, Azzi.” Paige brushed her fingers along Azzi’s cheek, eyes full of guilt. “And when you're ready to build it, I’ll be right there next to you. Every step. I swear.”

Azzi searched her face, and after a long moment, she nodded slowly. “Okay.”

Paige leaned in and kissed her gently—soft, apologetic, her lips barely lingering as she pulled back to search Azzi’s face.

“You’re gonna make it up to me,” Azzi whispered, a small smile forming on her face.

“Of course,” Paige said instantly. “Whatever you want.”

Azzi tilted her head slightly, eyes darkening just enough as she tugged Paige in by the front of her hoodie. “Whatever I want?” she whispered, her breath brushing against Paige’s lips.

Paige swallowed, already knowing that tone. “Whatever you want, baby.” Her eyes flicking to Azzi’s lips as they hovered just an inch apart.

Then, without thinking, Paige leaned in further, her hand sliding along Azzi’s waist as she gently guided her back into the wall, mouths inches from meeting—

“Ma, I’m hungry!”

Paige groaned and Azzi’s eyes closed as she sighed.

Lukas’s voice rang out from the hallway, completely unaware of the moment he’d just shattered.

Azzi whispered, “You gotta be kidding me.”

Paige pulled back, stifling a laugh, running a hand over her face. “When you raise a tiny human I swear they have an instinct to interrupt when you try to have a moment, I swear…”

Azzi shook her head, calling back, “There’s leftovers in your little fridge, baby!”

“They make my tummy hurt. Can I have chicken nuggets?” Lukas said as he padded into view, rubbing one eye with the sleeve of his shirt, his favorite blanket dragging behind him. His curls were messy from his nap, and he blinked at the two of them, still standing entirely too close in the hallway.

He tilted his head, squinting. “Why you standing like that?”

Paige pressed her lips together, letting out a sharp cough to hide her laugh.

Azzi shot her a look.

“Chicken nuggets it is,” Paige said quickly, kissing Azzi on the cheek and whispering, “Rain check, Mama.”

Azzi raised a single eyebrow in that usual way of hers, but didn’t push it.

Instead, she sighed, shaking her head before trailing behind Lukas and Paige as they all headed downstairs.

…

After that day, Paige was more careful. No more distracted moments. No more planning when Azzi was around. Every message to the jeweler, every appointment, every secret detail was handled in quiet corners of the day—when Azzi was out, or asleep, or fully immersed in work.

Everything was going smoothly.

Until a few days before the proposal.

Paige was stretched out on the bed, arms propped behind her head, watching Azzi move around the room with that same dazed look she always got when Azzi was fresh out the shower—bare shoulders, wet curls dripping down her back.

Azzi was talking about something—probably something important—but Paige was too busy smirking at her to catch the details. “You know you’re killing me, right?” Paige said, her eyes flicking over her.

Azzi didn’t even look up. “Focus, lover girl. I’m trying to find that old shirt—”

She tugged open a drawer she never touched.

Paige’s heart dropped. She sat up fast, eyes wide. “Wait—no, no, no!” she yelled.

Azzi’s hand froze mid-dig, confused. She looked over her shoulder. “What?”

“Just—don’t open that one!” Paige scrambled off the bed like it was on fire, practically tripping over herself as she crossed the room.

Azzi blinked, towel slipping just a little as she stepped back, her eyebrows furrowed. “What’s in there?”

Paige threw herself in front of the drawer, arms out like she was shielding Azzi from a bomb.

“I swore I saw the biggest spider in there the other day. Scared the hell outta me.”

Azzi’s whole body tensed. She physically recoiled with a dramatic gasp. “Why would you not get the spider out of the drawer, you know I’m terrified of them?!” she asked, frowning, already stepping away.

Paige tried not to laugh, quickly adding,

“I meant to clean the whole thing out, honestly. But you know me, I got a little distracted.”

Azzi pouted slightly, arms crossing over her chest as she narrowed her eyes at the drawer.

“Well, I wanted your old UConn shirt,” she mumbled, almost accusingly.

“I got it,” Paige said quickly, twisting to open the drawer just a crack—careful to shield the box tucked to the side. She grabbed the shirt and slammed the drawer shut in one motion. “Spider-free and ready for you, mama.”

Azzi eyed her suspiciously as she took the shirt. “You’re acting weird.”

Paige kissed her on the cheek. “Weirdly in love with you, maybe.”

Azzi rolled her eyes but couldn’t fight her smile.

“Mmmhm, whatever.”

As she walked away to change, Paige leaned against the drawer, letting out a slow breath.

…

Azzi stirred slowly, face buried in the pillows, confused by the unusual stillness of the bed. Normally, when she and Paige spent the night wrapped up in each other—and last night had definitely been one of those nights—they’d sleep in, tangled together long past sunrise.

She smiled to herself, biting her lip at the memory before gently pulling herself back to reality.

Something was off.

No faint sounds of cartoons playing downstairs, no scent of coffee drifting in from the kitchen. Most importantly, no Paige. Azzi frowned and rolled onto her back, her brows drawn together as she looked around the room.

Her eyes landed on the dresser—and the note resting there.

Still groggy, she reached for it, the blanket slipping lower down her bare back as her fingers closed around the familiar handwriting.

Good morning, love. I had a few last-minute things to do this morning. I brought Lukas with me so you can rest. There’s breakfast downstairs waiting for you. I’ll love you forever and always, Azzi Fudd. -P

Azzi blinked, the corners of her mouth twitching upward despite herself. Her chest warmed instantly at the way Paige had signed it.

She read the last line again—I’ll love you forever and always, Azzi Fudd—and shook her head with a soft laugh,

She got up slowly, stretching her limbs with a soft groan. Her legs ached—a lingering reminder of the night before as she padded to the bathroom. She brushed her teeth and splashed cold water on her face before tying her robe around her waist and tossing her hair into a messy bun.

Still half-asleep, she made her way downstairs.

But when she stepped into the kitchen, she froze. Her jaw dropped.

The entire space was filled with flowers. Bouquets in soft pastels and deep reds were arranged along the counters, windowsills, and even the table. They caught the morning sunlight pouring in through the oversized windows, casting a golden glow over everything.

The breakfast spread waiting on the island was almost secondary—her eyes were too busy taking in the garden that had bloomed overnight inside what was now her home.

She stepped forward slowly, awe written all over her face, before picking up a perfectly ripe strawberry to take it all in.

Another note rested next to the plate of food.

She unfolded it, already smiling before she read it.

These are for every single day we've been together that I haven’t given you flowers. And probably a few extras for the days ahead, just to be safe. I hope you like forever, Azzi Fudd—because I’m planning on it with you. -Madison

Azzi’s heart flipped.

She smiled so wide it almost hurt, pressing the note to her chest before sitting down at the island, cheeks flushed and eyes soft, her appetite suddenly secondary to whatever Paige was planning next.

She took her time eating, all of the food somehow still fresh and warm making it unclear to her how long Paige put all of this together.

As she finished up the last few bites of her breakfast, there was a soft knock on the front door followed by the doorbell.

She blinked, a little confused, checking to make sure her robe was tied securely before walking over. Peeking through the window, she saw a delivery driver—young, smiling politely, holding something in her hand.

She cracked the door open, and the young woman handed her a familiar-looking coffee and a small envelope.

"Have a beautiful day," the delivery woman said, then turned and walked off.

Azzi looked down at the cup in her hands and grinned immediately. Their spot. The coffee shop where everything began. The same exact order Paige would bring to her clinic after she was done with practice—like clockwork.

Her thumb brushed over the the cup before she slipped a finger under the seal of the envelope and opened the note inside.

Never been so thankful for a random caffeine craving. That tiny corner coffee shop gave me everything I didn’t know I needed. You didn’t have to help Lukas find me that day, but you did—gorgeous smile, soft voice, offering your help like it was nothing. It was everything. You didn’t have to give me a chance, either. God knows all I wanted back then was to make you mine for one night...and somehow, you gave me forever.

You have a massage at 1 and a nail appointment at 3—today is for you. Let yourself be spoiled, love. The best part’s still coming.

Always Paige

Azzi stood there for a moment, her heart swelling, coffee in hand and note fluttering in her fingers. She bit her lip again, overwhelmed in the best way.

Then she whispered, “What the hell are you doing, Paige,” with a giddy smile before heading back upstairs to get ready.

…

After what might’ve been one of the best days of pampering she could remember, Azzi stepped out of the back of the car with a peaceful sigh, offering Ben a soft thank you and a warm smile.

Their large house was still silent when she approached—quiet, but not empty.

She froze in the doorway as soon as she unlocked the front door.

A soft trail of rose petals curved around her feet, stretching across the floor and leading her through the large entryway toward the stairs. Her eyebrows lifted as she followed them, heart beginning to race as her eyes caught something new with each step—pictures, framed and carefully placed along the way.

Her and Paige at one of the Wings games. A blurry one of Lukas beaming with both of them. Their Halloween costumes. A selfie where Paige was mid-sneeze and Azzi was laughing. Notes in margins, ticket stubs, random captured glances.

By the time she made it upstairs, her chest was aching in the most beautiful way.

The flower path ended at the bed—on top of which sat four neatly stacked white boxes, each wrapped in a red satin ribbon. And beside them, of course, another note.

Azzi picked it up with a smile that refused to leave her face, her fingers trembling just slightly as she unfolded the page.

If I did everything right, you’re feeling relaxed and hopefully only a tiny bit suspicious.

I thought about writing a whole paragraph here about how much I love you, but honestly…I think you already know. It’s in the pictures. It’s in every step of today. It’s in the way I think about you when you’re not even in the room.

So I’ll keep it simple:

You’re everything to me baby.

Get dressed, beautiful. Ben will be outside waiting to take you where you need to be when you’re ready. Take your time…but not too much time. I’m sweating a little.

P.S. The fourth box might make you cry. Just saying. So maybe open it before you get ready.

Forever sounds pretty perfect with you.

- BDB.

Azzi exhaled shakily, blinking fast as she looked down at the boxes again, still smiling like her heart was trying to escape through her ribs.

She reached for the largest one first, slowly pulling the red ribbon loose before lifting the lid.

Inside was an elegant black Christopher Esber dress, the fabric silky between her fingers. It was tasteful, but definitely made to turn heads—with a low neckline that promised just the right amount of chest and cleavage.

Azzi let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “Of course,” she murmured, her cheeks warming at the thought of Paige choosing it just so she could see her in it.

The next box was smaller and lighter. She peeled the ribbon back and opened it—this time, her eyes widened.

A pair of Louis Vuitton red bottoms sat nestled in white tissue paper, the bold color matching the black dress perfectly. She bit her lip, lifting one heel delicately and admiring the craftsmanship, already imagining Paige’s reaction when she saw her in them.

The third box shimmered before she even opened it fully.

She unfolded the top to find a stunning diamond necklace, simple yet completely mesmerizing, with a matching bracelet nestled beside it. She lifted the necklace slowly, watching it catch the light, her breath growing a little shallower. Her chest was tightening—but not from the jewelry. It was the care. The intention of Paige putting together an entire outfit for her. The quiet, undeniable love behind it all.

And then there was the last box.

It was much smaller than the rest. Lighter. Azzi tilted her head, a curious frown pulling at her lips as she undid the ribbon.

Inside sat a single silver keychain.

It was plain, save for the engraving on it—the handwriting wobbly and earnest: “I love you, Mom.”

It looked just like Lukas’ handwriting.

She swallowed hard as her vision blurred, thumb brushing over the engraving.

A quiet, teary laugh escaped her as she held the keychain blinking back tears.

“Okay,” she whispered to no one, voice horse. “You got me.”

She wiped the last traces of her tears, took a steady breath, and picked up her phone to send a text: you’re lucky you’re cute because I almost ugly cried…you trying to kill me or propose?

She added a pink heart, then locked the screen and stood up to get ready.

She sat at her vanity, smoothing on light makeup—just enough to glow under soft lighting—and pulled her curls into an updo, leaving a few loose curls to frame her face. The way Paige always loved.

When she slipped on the black dress, it hugged her figure perfectly. Azzi caught her reflection and let out a soft laugh, tugging gently as she adjusted the neckline. “She did this on purpose,” she mumbled to herself, still a little in disbelief at how beautiful it looked.

The necklace and bracelet sparkled anytime she moved as she fastened them, letting her know they were, “Too much,” she said aloud, shaking her head fondly. “Way too much.”

But she wore them anyway.

She spritzed on her perfume—the perfume she knew always had Paige all over her—just enough to linger, before stepping into the hallway, heels in hand.

The soft petals brushed against her feet again as she descended the stairs, passing all the pictures—snapshots of their life together, of smiles and dates, goofy selfies, Lukas in the middle of most of them. Every step made her chest swell all over again.

She slipped on the heels once she got by the door, adjusting her dress one more time before she stepped outside.

Ben was waiting by the car in a black suit, calm and professional, though his eyes warmed a little when he saw her.

“Miss Fudd,” he greeted, opening the backseat.

Azzi grinned as she walked to the car, her heels echoing with each step. “You gonna tell me where we’re going Ben?”

Ben shook his head, lips twitching. “Not sure, ma’am. Just driving.”

Azzi narrowed her eyes at him playfully. “Liar.”

He only held the door open wider in response.

Azzi climbed in, heart thudding a little faster now.

The car ride took some time, the city slowly giving way to quieter roads, and eventually Azzi’s phone wasn’t able to distract her and she started to get curious. When Ben turned onto a private road to enter the airport, her eyebrows furrowed.

"Ben," she said, leaning forward slightly, "What is Paige up to?"

Ben just smiled, pulling to a stop near a small private jet. “Not sure, ma’am.”

Azzi stared in disbelief, eyes landing on the trail of rose petals leading from the car to the jet’s stairs. Before she could ask another question, Ben had already stepped out and opened her door.

She stepped out, heels clicking softly as she walked over the petals, one hand grazing the railing as she ascended the stairs. Her dress shimmered in the sunlight, the wind catching a few loose curls that had slipped from her updo. Her heart beat faster with every step—half nerves, half anticipation.

When she stepped inside her breath got stuck.

The interior of the jet was stunning—soft leather seats, gold accents, the subtle scent of fresh roses in the air—but none of it came close to what was sitting right in front of her.

Paige sat casually in one of the leather seats, legs crossed at the ankle. Black dress pants hugged her long legs, and a white button-up clung to her chest, the top few buttons undone in that effortless way that drove Azzi wild. The sleeves were rolled up slightly, revealing the expensive watch she only wore on important occasions. Her hair was down and wavy, but slightly mussed, like she’d run her hands through it one too many times.

But it was the way Paige was looking at her—calm, smitten, like her entire world had just walked onto that plane—that made Azzi stop in her tracks.

Paige stood up slowly, slipping her hands into her pockets as a grin tugged at the corner of her lips. “Hi, mama.”

Azzi let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head softly. “What the hell have you been up to, Paige?”

Paige tilted her head, eyes never leaving hers. “You look beautiful.”

Azzi walks toward her slowly, the soft sway of her hips exaggerated by the curve of the dress. Paige’s eyes follow every step—hungry, admiring, already undone. She didn’t even try to hide it as her gaze drags from Azzi’s heels up her legs, pausing at the way the fabric hugged her waist, how it dipped to show just enough cleavage to make Paige blink slower.

Azzi stops in front of her, not touching—just standing there, letting Paige drink her in.

“You like?” she asks, her voice teasing her girlfriend a little, but her eyes searching Paige’s face for something real.

Paige steps forward, her hand moving gently to Azzi’s waist. “I love,” she whispers, the words barely landing before she leans in and kisses her—deeply, mumbling, “you smell so good baby.” Azzi laughs into the kiss mumbling back, “thank you love.”

As they break apart, someone steps in quietly, placing two champagne glasses on the table beside them and resting the open bottle in a silver bucket of ice. Paige reaches for the glasses without looking, her eyes still locked on Azzi as she hands her one.

Azzi chuckles a little when she realizes Paige hadn’t taken her eyes off of her.

They sit down beside each other, knees brushing, the hum of the plane gearing up surrounding them. Paige swirls the champagne in her glass once, then clinks it softly against Azzi’s. “To today,” she says quietly. “And everything after.”

As they settle into the leather seats, champagne glasses in hand, Azzi gently nudges Paige with her elbow and lifts her hand into the space between them.

“Do you like my nails?” she asks, a small smirk playing on her lips.

Paige sets her glass down and takes Azzi’s hand carefully, like it’s something precious. She runs her thumb lightly across her fingers before noticing the delicate design. Her eyes catch on the ring finger, where a small white p is painted against the lavender nails.

“A white P on the ring finger?” Paige murmurs with a raised eyebrow, her lips twitching. “You tryna tell me something, or you just like advertising the goods?”

Azzi smiles, unbothered by the joke. “Maybe both,” she says with a shrug. “You’re the one who gave me the day to be spoiled—seemed fair.”

The plane begins to hum beneath them, movement signaling the impending takeoff. Paige leans over, her hand brushing along Azzi’s thigh as she reaches for the seatbelt and clicks it into place.

Azzi eyes her, arms crossing as she sinks a little deeper into her seat. “Where are we going? You know I didn’t pack a single thing, right?”

Paige grins, sitting back. “Handled it.”

Azzi pouts, leaning toward her with a mock whine. “Just give me a hint please baby.”

Paige taps her glass, then finally gives in. “We’re going to a cabin in Arizona.”

Azzi’s brows lift in surprise, her smile blooming. “You did all this… just for that?”

Paige reaches for her hand again, squeezing it as the plane continues to taxi. Her voice is soft. “I did all of this because I’m in love with you,” she says. “And you never let me spoil you.”

Azzi laughs, tilting the drink in her glass. “You spoil me plenty.”

Paige raises an eyebrow. “How?”

They both sip their champagne at the same time, the question hanging between them. Azzi’s eyes flick to Paige’s lips before she leans in slightly, her voice lower now.

“That thing you do with your tongue…makes me see stars every time,” she says smoothly, locking eyes with her.

Paige stills for a beat, one brow lifting just slightly, a crooked smile forming as she leans in,.

“That’s not me spoiling you,” she says, eyes darkening just enough. “That’s just me fucking you right.”

Their lips brush, breath shared, and Azzi’s voice drops to a whisper. “You always do, daddy.”

Paige’s jaw tightens as she takes a slow, deep breath, trying to ground herself. “You lucky I’m not about to fuck up your hair and makeup before we get off this plane,” she mumbles, her voice hinting at her restraint.

Azzi leans in just a little closer, her smirk growing. “That’s never stopped you before.”

Paige’s finger twitches against the leather armrest, her body tensing with every ounce of control she has. But she doesn’t move. She knows future Azzi—the one she plans to propose to in just a few hours—would kill her if she ruined the look she worked so hard to perfect.

So she says nothing. Just lifts her glass and takes a long sip, forcing her eyes away from Azzi’s.

…

They were tucked in the backseat of a sleek black SUV, trees blurring past the tinted windows as they wound further up the Arizona mountains. The sun was starting to dip low, casting a golden haze over the landscape. Paige looked over at Azzi, her gaze soft as she admired her.

Azzi caught it, smiling. “What?”

“You trust me, right?” Paige asked.

Azzi blinked, her smile never fading. “Of course I do.”

Paige reached into the side of the door and pulled out a soft black blindfold, letting it dangle from her fingers. “Let me put this on you?”

Azzi gave her a look. “Paige.”

“I promise I didn’t spoil you and fly you to another state just to kill you,” Paige teased, laughing.

Azzi snorted. “That would be kinda crazy, not gonna lie.” She leaned back against the seat, eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Wait. Maybe that’s your thing. You charm women for a year—slow burn, super sweet, all romantic—then boom. Big finale. Kill 'em.”

Paige blinked at her, then sighed. “We seriously have to stop watching Criminal Minds at night.”

Azzi grinned, shaking her head as she turned to let Paige slide the blindfold over her eyes. “I’m just saying…if I wind up in a true crime podcast, at least make sure they use a good picture of me. Maybe the one from the gala.”

Paige leaned in close, brushing a kiss to Azzi’s cheek as she whispered, “Trust me, no one’s dying tonight baby.”

Azzi nodded, biting her lip as she tilted her head slightly forward. Paige was careful, her touch light as she slipped the blindfold completely over Azzi’s eyes, tying it at the back with just enough pressure to keep it in place. She gently moved strands of Azzi’s hair out of the knot, her fingers lingering like they didn’t want to leave.

A few moments later the car slowed to a stop on the gravel, and Paige was out first. She opened Azzi’s door, taking her hand and placing her other palm against her waist to steady her. “Watch your step mama,” she murmured, guiding her up a narrow, quiet path. The air smelled like pine and earth and maybe like a lake.

Azzi walked slowly, trust in every step, her fingers tightening slightly around Paige’s when she felt something unsteady under her foot. When they stopped, Paige’s hands slid to Azzi’s waist, keeping her still.

“Don’t move,” Paige whispered, her breath brushing the shell of Azzi’s ear. She stepped in close behind her, chest warm against Azzi’s back as she carefully untied the blindfold.

It slipped off, and Azzi blinked, eyes adjusting—and then widening.

Spread out in front of her was the horizon, the sun kissing the edge of the mountains in a blaze of orange, gold, and soft pink and purple. A still lake shimmered beneath it all, catching every color like glass. The sky stretched endlessly, painted in strokes of color that seemed too perfect to be real.

Azzi let out a quiet breath. “Paige…”

She moved, trying to turn around, but Paige’s hands stayed firm on her waist.

“Let’s just stay like this, a little longer baby,” Paige said softly, stepping even closer and wrapping her arms around Azzi’s waist from behind, holding her against her. Her chin gently rested on Azzi’s shoulder, both of them silent for a moment, breathing in the view—and each other.

Paige held Azzi tighter, her arms snug around her waist. The sky was melting into lavender and amber, but Paige barely noticed it anymore—her world was pressed against her. She inhaled slowly, her voice low, barely above a whisper.

“I think about this all the time, you know…” she said, her lips brushing against Azzi’s cheekbone. “Us. The life I want with you. The life I’ll have with you.”

Azzi didn’t say anything. She just listened to the soothing voice of the woman she would do anything for.

Paige took a soft breath, steadying herself. “It’s not even just the big stuff—it’s the little things, the dumb things. Like…how you always try to act annoyed when I eat the last fry, but you never try to stop me. Or the way you hum when you fold laundry even though you hate doing it and it’s off key.” She laughed under her breath. “Or how you’ll always pick Lukas up like he’s tiny even though he’s getting too long for your arms.”

Azzi smiled, a little breath caught in her throat.

“I love all of it. I love all of you,” Paige said. “I love how your voice changes when you talk to Lukas. I love how you get weirdly competitive over Uno. I love that little crease between your eyebrows when you're trying not to cry after a hard day.”

She paused. Her voice softened further.

“I think about the future and it’s only you. It’s us. It’s Lukas with a little brother to run around with. In a perfect world, right? One more boy to mess up the house together. And a little girl too—God, she’s gonna have my whole heart. Just like her mom. Probably looks just like you, attitude when she’s hungry and all.”

Azzi laughed quietly, her fingers brushing Paige’s forearm where it wrapped around her.

“We’re showing up to your clinic on Fridays like chaos,” Paige continued, grinning against her. “The kids will be loud and Lukas will pretend he doesn’t want to come because he’s too old but he’ll always be there. And then Sunday mornings…you, me, all of them piled into the kitchen. You in your robe, yelling at me for giving the kids too much sugar before breakfast. But you’ll eat the pancakes anyway.”

Azzi closed her eyes as she listened. Allowing herself to fall into the future Paige was describing.

“You’ll sit front row at my games. Lukas yelling at the refs. You rolling your eyes when I wink at you from the court.” Her voice turned even softer, a breath of awe in it. “I want everything with you. I want the quiet mornings and the loud nights. I want the fights and the makeup kisses. I want the wrinkles and the gray hairs. I want forever. And even then, my love for you—Azzi, it’s just gonna keep growing. It doesn’t have an end. It’s never gonna stop.”

Azzi’s hands were now wrapped around Paige’s arms, holding them in place.

Neither of them spoke for a moment. The wind stirred lightly around them. The sun was slowly lowering, slipping perfectly beneath the edge of the mountain. Paige pressed her lips gently to Azzi’s cheek, as she held Azzi closer, like the feel of her grounded everything. Her voice was lower now, a little shakier, her breath catching in ways it hadn’t before as she started speaking again.

“I remember the first time I saw you,” she whispered. “At that coffee shop. You looked so fucking perfect holding my son. I swear, I saw you and the whole room just—blurred. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you.”

Azzi let out a soft sound, part laugh, part breath, part something else she couldn’t name.

“And the. you made me work for it,” Paige continued, smiling faintly. “God, did you make me work for it. You ain’t give me an inch for a while. A one-word reply. And every time you ignored me or shot me down when I tried to get you to come over, I swore I was done trying… but I couldn’t stop. You didn’t just make me want you. You made me better, even before I had you.”

She paused, her voice starting to break in the quietest, most human way. “And then when I finally proved I was decent enough for you…you gave in. You let yourself fall for me. You let me in.” She swallowed. “And Azzi… nothing in this world has ever felt more like home than the moment you looked at me and meant it. When you finally looked at me like I was yours to keep.”

Azzi’s lashes fluttered. She reached up with one hand, brushing quickly beneath her eyes.

Paige nuzzled gently into the crook of her neck. “I still can’t believe I get to love you. That you let me. That I get to wake up beside you. Watch you laugh with Lukas. Watch you exist in this world like you were made for it.”

“You are the strongest person I’ve ever met. The softest. The scariest. The most beautiful. You fight for everyone else, but you still somehow have more love left for me. I don’t know how, Azzi, I don’t. I’m just…I’m in awe of you. Every day.”

Azzi sniffled, shoulders trembling just slightly as Paige tightened her hold.

“You gave me a reason to believe in forever. And even when we’re gray and complaining about back pain and yelling at our grandkids to stop running through the house, I’m still gonna look at you like you’re the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me. Because you are.”

She pressed a kiss into Azzi’s shoulder. “You always will be.”

Azzi turned slightly, just enough to kiss her cheek as she threads her fingers through Paige’s, their hands pressed together over her stomach as she leaned back into her.

Paige stayed quiet for a second longer, letting the silence settle between them. Her chin still rested on Azzi’s shoulder, her arms still wrapped tightly around her waist.

Then, softly, she whispered, “I used to think love like this only existed in movies. Or fairytales. Something people talked about but never really found. But then you showed up. And you made everything real.”

Azzi let out a slow breath, her hand gently running along Paige’s arm where it held her.

“I want it all with you,” Paige continued. “The messy, the beautiful, the quiet mornings and the loud nights. I want Lukas to grow up seeing what real love looks like. I want him to see that it’s patient and honest and kind. I want to build a life where he knows love can be soft and still strong. Because that’s what you are, baby.”

And then Paige’s voice dropped, trembling a little. “I want more. I want more laughs. More kids. One who’ll be Lukas’ shadow and another who’s so much like you that I won’t stand a chance. I want more everything.”

Azzi laughed tearfully, her lips parted, her eyes burning as she leaned back more into her.

“I want them to run into our room and jump on our bed while we pretend to be mad but really…we’re just happy. Because we built that. You and me. We built everything.”

Paige slowly unraveled her arms from around Azzi’s waist. Azzi blinked in confusion at the loss of warmth, her body instinctively trying to turn—but Paige’s hands gently encouraged her to stay still just a moment longer as she stepped back.

Then finally, Azzi turned and her breath hitched.

Paige was down on one knee, holding a ring box that was unlike any Azzi had ever seen. It was handcrafted—dark cherry wood with smooth, carved edges. A soft glow lit up from the inside as the box opened, a tiny built-in light casting a halo over the ring nestled in deep velvet.

But it wasn’t just the ring that made Azzi freeze. Built into the inside lid, carefully pressed behind a clear panel, was the receipt from their first coffee date. The ink had faded slightly with time, but the outline of their orders, the timestamp, and the scribbled heart Paige had drawn on the back to prove she was romantic were all still visible.

The ring itself was breathtaking. A radiant-cut diamond sat on a delicate platinum band, flanked by two smaller diamonds shaped like teardrops. Around the inner band, just barely visible, was a tiny engraving: It was always you.

Azzi’s hand flew to her mouth, her chest shaking as emotion took over. She looked down at Paige, who was looking up at her with the kind of reverence that made it impossible not to cry. There was no nervousness in her eyes—only admiration, complete devotion, love.

“Azzi Jazlyn Fudd,” Paige said, her voice thick but steady, “will you marry me, baby?”

Azzi’s lips parted, but no words came out. Her chest rose and fell as her breath caught again. Her gaze dropped to the ring, then back to Paige, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness, the intention, the love built into every detail of the day.

She nodded. Then nodded again, harder this time, as her voice cracked with emotion. “Yes. Yes—Paige—yes. Always yes baby.”

She shakily held out her left hand, and Paige let out a quiet laugh, tears glinting in her own eyes as she slid the ring onto Azzi’s finger. It fit like it had been made for her—and it had.

Azzi looked at it, overwhelmed. “You kept the receipt?” she whispered, laughing through the tears threatening to fall.

Paige nodded with a soft smile. “I swear I knew as soon as you said you weren’t sleeping with me after one coffee date,” she murmured, her voice warm with the memory. “Made that stupid-ass joke about being worth more than $6.32 worth of coffee when I made a joke about taking you to my car.”

Azzi let out a wet laugh, her shoulders shaking slightly. “God, I did say that,” she whispered, eyes shining.

She reached down and pulled Paige up with both hands, rising into her and crashing their mouths together in a kiss that was more emotion than finesse—laughter tangled with tears, a little messy, a little desperate, and absolutely perfect in the moment. Paige’s arms wrapped around her, steadying the kiss even as Azzi clung to her like she was the only thing holding her upright.

The sky behind them continued to burn in pinks and purples as the sun began to disappear, but neither of them looked away from each other for a second.

Azzi pulled away just enough to rest her forehead against Paige’s, their breaths mingling as the glow of the fading sun wrapped around them. For a second, they just stood there in silence—hearts racing, eyes closed—before Azzi finally blinked down at her hand.

The ring sparkled, the delicate band catching every last bit of light. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she said, “I’m engaged…”

Paige chuckled, still a little breathless herself. “You are baby.”

They stayed tangled in each other’s space for another moment—two hearts completely still in the middle of the mountains—until Paige suddenly bent slightly and swept Azzi off her feet with ease.

Azzi let out a playful squeal, her arms flying around Paige’s neck. “Paige!”

Paige grinned, eyes never leaving hers. “I gotta carry my fiancée over the threshold, right? That’s a rule or sum.”

Azzi was about to point out that it’s for when you’re actually married but then Paige started walking and qeAzzi finally noticed the beautiful cabin tucked just beyond the trees—secluded, modern, warm. Her eyes widened as she took it in properly for the first time, her lips parting in stunned silence.

“You’re insane,” she murmured.

Paige just smiled. “For you? Always.”

The next few hours passed in a haze neither of them would ever forget.

Inside the cozy, beautifully lit cabin, a private chef had been waiting with a candlelit dinner spread across the dining table. They ate slowly, savoring every bite, but mostly savoring each other—Paige barely able to take her eyes off Azzi’s hand every time it caught the light.

Over more champagne, Paige told Azzi everything. The planning process. The times she almost got caught. The call to Azzi’s dad—how nervous she was and how easily he gave his blessing. “He actually laughed afterwards,” Paige said with a sheepish smile.

Then they moved to the oversized couch after dinner, plates forgotten as they curled up together under a blanket still in clothes worth over a thousand dollars. Azzi rested against Paige’s chest, eyes still sparkling in disbelief. She FaceTimed her mom first, who burst into tears the second she saw the ring. Then came Tim, who earned a hard smack to the back of the head when Katie realized he’d known the whole time. “You’re lucky I’m in a good mood,” she warned, laughing as he made an exaggerated apology.

Then they called Paige’s mom and Lukas. His face lit up instantly, and when he saw the ring sparkling on Azzi’s hand, his eyes went huge. “It’s like a superhero ring!” he said excitedly, making them both laugh until they had tears in their eyes.

Eventually, the calls slowed down, the buzz quieted, and their world became still again.

Just the two of them wrapped up on the couch, legs tangled, the fire casting a soft amber glow over the room. Their voices were quiet now—just whispers and giggles. Paige cracked a dumb joke about being lucky Azzi said yes and Azzi replied, “You would’ve cried if I said no,” making Paige grin and nudge her playfully.

Then, in a lull between the teasing, Paige leaned in and pressed a slow kiss to the side of Azzi’s neck. It was supposed to be innocent, just a soft expression of affection—but Azzi swallowed a little harshly and a gentle, involuntary sigh escaped her lips as her hand moved up, fingers slipping into Paige’s wavy hair, curling around the strands.

Paige paused for a moment, then tilted her head, pressing another kiss to Azzi’s skin, this time a little lower. A little longer. Her tongue flicked gently against the warm spot beneath Azzi’s jaw.

Azzi’s fingers tightened against slightly, wordlessly encouraging her.

Paige's lips kept moving—down the curve of Azzi’s neck, across her collarbone where the diamond necklace rested. Every kiss lingered longer than the last, each one filled with the kind of restrained desire that had Azzi shifting beneath her.

The hand in Paige’s hair guided her, gently but with purpose, Azzi’s fingers threading through the soft strands like she’d done it a hundred times—and still couldn’t get enough.

“This was your plan all along, huh?” Azzi whispered.

Paige smiled against her skin, lips grazing her shoulder. “Plan’s already going better than I imagined.”

She pressed a few more kisses to Azzi’s collarbone before whispering, “I just can’t stop thinking about touching you.”

Azzi leaned up, catching Paige’s mouth in a kiss that deepened almost immediately. Her hand moved from Paige’s hair to her jaw, tilting her face as her lips parted wider.

Paige’s hands found Azzi’s waist at the same time and Azzi opened her legs slightly beneath her, guiding Paige to slot herself between them. Their bodies meeting effortlessly, like they always had—like they were made for this kind of closeness.

They stayed tangled in each other, moving between kisses as Paige began to trail her mouth down Azzi’s neck, then lower to the exposed line of her chest, her lips and tongue leaving heat in their path.

It wasn’t until Azzi slipped a hand under Paige’s shirt, dragging her nails across the taut muscles of her stomach, that Paige smiled into the kiss, her breath catching slightly. Azzi laughed at the reaction, pulling back just enough to catch Paige’s eyes.

“What?” she asked, her tone teasing her a little.

Paige’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I can feel your ring, that's all.”

Azzi’s smile softened. “You should probably get used to it.”

Their mouths met again, a little hungrier now—Azzi’s need blooming as Paige pushed herself further into her. Breathless and aching, Azzi whispered against her lips, “Take me upstairs. Let me show you what it’s like now that I have your ring on my finger.”

Paige didn’t say a word. She just stood up quickly, tugging Azzi up with her, urgency reflected in every movement. Azzi let out a breathy laugh at her fiancée’s eagerness, grabbing the chilled champagne from the ice bucket before the two of them disappeared upstairs—hearts pounding, hands roaming, and nothing ahead of them but forever.

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