One Post, One Player, One Problem

30

Nursery Prep – The Beginning of Home

Two weeks later, the apartment was a mess — the good kind. Empty boxes were stacked like Tetris pieces. Paint samples were taped to the wall in streaks of soft lavender, creamy ivory, and sage green. A bassinet leaned half-assembled in the corner. And in the middle of it all?

Paige and Jazlyn, covered in paint, blasting soft R&B as they built the room their daughter would one day call hers.

Jazlyn stood on a stool with a roller, sleeves of Paige's UConn hoodie pushed up, her curls clipped back messily.

"You sure about lavender walls and a cloud ceiling?"

Paige looked up from the tiny rocking chair she was assembling. "If I'm gonna fall asleep in here at 2 a.m. singing lullabies, I want her to be dreaming in a sky that feels like magic."

Jaz smiled and rolled the next coat.

Paige came over with a wet brush and dotted Jaz's nose with purple paint.

"I'm just here to make our daughter's world feel as safe as you made mine."

Jaz put the roller down, grabbed Paige's hand, and whispered:

"She's gonna be so lucky. She's gonna know what love looks like from day one."

A Secret Invitation

Meanwhile...

Nika and Azzi were plotting.

Inside the team group chat:
"Operation Baby Shower" was in full effect.

Nika: "We're throwing it for Geno's daughter, but really... it's for the moms too 😭"
Azzi: "Paige has NO clue. Lou's distracting her Saturday with 'ice bath recovery.' 😂"
Aaliyah: "Bring baby gifts. Bring love. Bring tissues."

Even Kathy was in on it.

She texted Jazlyn on the side:

"Pretend I need you to pick up flowers for my cousin. Meet me at the gym at 3. Wear something cute."

The Surprise Shower – UConn Style

When Paige and Jaz walked through the gym doors that Saturday afternoon, they were hit by a wall of cheers, balloons, and glitter.

The gym had been transformed:

Purple and gold streamers across the ceiling

A balloon arch that read "Welcome Baby A!"

A onesie decorating station

A diaper cake stacked taller than Nika

And tables overflowing with snacks, cupcakes, and gifts wrapped in Huskies wrapping paper

Geno's daughter — shy, quiet, and nine months pregnant — stood near the front in tears already. She was surrounded by the very people who had welcomed her, even if she didn't have the words for it.

Jazlyn froze.

Paige just stared, stunned, before whispering:

"They did this... for her. For us."

Azzi came running over. "SURPRISE! Now go hug your baby mama and your baby's... baby mama?"

Nika yelled, "You better cry! We bought onesies and embroidered bibs with 'Husky in Training.'"

The entire team, cheer squad, and coaching staff were there — hugging, laughing, passing around sparkling cider, and filling the gym with joy.

Geno, standing next to his daughter, caught Paige's eye across the room. He mouthed:

"This is your village now, too."

Gifts, Games, and the Moment That Broke Them

The team played games — "Guess the Baby Food," "Who Knows Geno Best," and a wild version of baby bottle chugging with Capri Suns. Laughter echoed off the walls.

Then came the gifts.

There were blankets with paw prints, embroidered socks, a baby-sized Huskies jersey with the number 5.

And then, a small box from Lou. Inside:
A gold necklace with two delicate charms — one tiny "P," one tiny "J."

A note:

"For the two who gave love a whole new meaning."

Jazlyn broke. Paige cried quietly into her shoulder. The team gathered around, arms linked.

"You've loved us like sisters," Aaliyah said. "Let us love your baby like family."

Later That Night – Full Hearts

Back in the nursery, surrounded by folded onesies, diapers, and hand-written cards, Paige and Jazlyn sat cross-legged on the floor in matching pajamas.

Jazlyn reached into a gift bag and pulled out a framed team photo. At the bottom, everyone had signed their name... and under it:

"Built with love, protected by Huskies."

Paige leaned back on her hands, looking around the room.

"We built this, Jaz."

Jaz smiled.

"No — they helped us. Because we didn't just fall in love with each other. We found family."

Paige pulled her into her arms.

"And she's already so surrounded. So safe."

Jaz kissed her softly and whispered:

"She's already home."