It was the night of the draft party, and the energy in Caitlin's room was electric. Caitlin was getting her makeup done by professionals, who were busy highlighting her already stunning features. She sat still, a mix of excitement and nerves evident in her eyes.

Victoria, Jada, Gabbie, and Kate were lounging around, chatting and laughing. Victoria kept stealing glances at Caitlin, offering her reassuring smiles whenever their eyes met.

"You look amazing, Cait," Victoria said, her voice full of admiration.

Caitlin smiled, her nerves easing a bit. "Thanks, Vic. I'm just so nervous about tonight."

Jada chimed in, "You're going to kill it. Everyone's so proud of you."

"Yeah, seriously," Gabbie added. "You've worked so hard for this. Just enjoy the moment."

Kate nodded in agreement. "We're here for you, Cait. No matter what."

Caitlin looked around at her friends, feeling a rush of gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you guys."

As the professionals finished up her makeup, Caitlin stood and admired herself in the mirror. Victoria walked over, her eyes shining with pride.

"You're going to be amazing," Victoria whispered, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

Caitlin laughed softly, the touch of Victoria's lips calming her racing heart. "I made you chocolate chip cookies again for later," Victoria added with a grin, knowing it was Caitlin's favorite.

Caitlin's eyes lit up. "You always know how to make me feel better."

The group gathered their things and made their way to the venue, the excitement building with each step. Caitlin felt a wave of support from her friends and especially from Victoria, who stayed close by her side.

As they arrived, the venue was buzzing with activity. Cameras flashed, and people moved around, setting up for the big event. Caitlin took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment but also the immense support around her.

"You've got this," Victoria whispered, squeezing Caitlin's hand.

Caitlin nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. Surrounded by her best friends and the love of her life, she knew she could face whatever the night had in store.

The draft night was a whirlwind of emotions. The venue was packed with lights, cameras, and an air of palpable excitement. Caitlin's family sat together in the audience, their expressions a mix of pride and anticipation. Victoria sat with them, holding Anne's hand, sharing the tense excitement.

The announcer stepped up to the podium, the murmurs of the crowd quieting as everyone leaned in to hear the announcement.

"With the first pick in the WNBA draft, the Indiana Fever select Caitlin Clark from the University of Iowa."

The room erupted in applause and cheers. Victoria jumped up, clapping and cheering along with Caitlin's family. Tears of joy filled Anne's eyes as she hugged Brent, while Colin and Blake pumped their fists in the air.

Caitlin, sitting at the front of the room, looked momentarily stunned. Then, a wide smile spread across her face. She stood, greeted by her teammates and friends, and made her way to the stage, her heart pounding with a mix of exhilaration and disbelief.

Victoria watched Caitlin walk up to the stage, feeling a surge of pride and love. She could see the determination in Caitlin's eyes and knew this moment was the culmination of all her hard work and dedication.

As Caitlin shook hands with the commissioner and received her new Indiana Fever jersey, the crowd continued to cheer. She held up the jersey for the cameras, her smile bright and infectious.

Victoria exchanged glances with Anne, both of them brimming with pride. "She did it," Victoria whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

"She sure did," Anne replied, squeezing Victoria's hand.

Caitlin made her way back down the stage and towards her family. As she approached, Victoria couldn't contain herself. She rushed forward, throwing her arms around Caitlin, who hugged her back tightly.

"I knew you'd do it," Victoria whispered in Caitlin's ear.

"Thank you for believing in me," Caitlin replied, her voice full of emotion.

They broke apart, and Caitlin was immediately enveloped in hugs from her family. Victoria stood back, watching the joyful reunion with a smile on her face.

After a moment, Caitlin turned back to Victoria, her eyes shining. "I couldn't have done this without you," she said, pulling her in for another hug.

As the night continued, the reality of the moment began to sink in. Caitlin was the number one draft pick, and her future with the Indiana Fever was just beginning. Surrounded by her loved ones, she felt ready to take on whatever challenges and opportunities lay ahead.

The celebrations were in full swing, and Caitlin and Victoria found a quiet moment to sit together, their hands intertwined. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the buzz of conversations and excitement. They both looked up at the stage, where more announcements were being made.

The announcer's voice rang out clearly, "With the 18th  pick in the WNBA draft, the Las Vegas Aces select Kate Martin from the University of Iowa."

Caitlin and Victoria's eyes widened in surprise and delight. They immediately sprang to their feet, cheering and clapping with all their might. The unexpected announcement had sent a fresh wave of exhilaration through the room.

"That's my twin!" Victoria shouted joyfully as Kate made her way up to the stage, beaming with pride.

Caitlin turned to Victoria, her face lit up with excitement. "I can't believe it! This is incredible!

Victoria nodded, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "I know! She deserves this so much!"

As Kate walked back down from the stage, she was immediately surrounded by friends and well-wishers. Caitlin and Victoria pushed through the crowd to get to her. When they reached her, Victoria threw her arms around Kate in a big hug.

"Congratulations, twin! I'm so proud of you!" Victoria exclaimed, her voice full of emotion.

Kate laughed, hugging Victoria back tightly. "Thank you, Vic! I can't believe it either!"

Caitlin joined in the hug, sandwiching Kate between them. "You did it, Kate! This is amazing!"

Kate pulled back slightly, looking at both of them with a big grin. "I couldn't have done it without you guys. You've always had my back."

They stood there for a moment, soaking in the joy of the moment. The draft had brought unexpected surprises and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment for everyone involved. As they continued to celebrate, Caitlin and Victoria knew that this night would be one they'd never forget.

Victoria stood to the side, watching Caitlin confidently answer questions from a group of enthusiastic interviewers. Her heart swelled with pride and love, and she couldn't help but gaze at Caitlin with the biggest heart eyes, feeling like the luckiest person in the room.

As she stood there, Coach Bluder approached her. She wrapped her arm around Victoria in a warm, affectionate hug.

"You two are perfect," Coach Bluder said, her voice filled with warmth and approval.

Victoria smiled, leaning into the hug. "Thanks, Grandma. It's been a long journey, but we're finally here."

Coach Bluder nodded, looking out at Caitlin, who was still engaged in the interview. "She's come so far, and so have you. I'm proud of both of you, not just for your achievements, but for the way you've supported each other."

Victoria's eyes never left Caitlin as she responded, "I'm proud of her every day. She's amazing."

Coach Bluder squeezed Victoria's shoulder. "And she thinks the same about you. You two bring out the best in each other."

Victoria felt a rush of emotions as she watched Caitlin laugh at something one of the interviewers said. She felt incredibly grateful for the support they had from everyone around them, and especially for the love they shared.

Caitlin caught Victoria's eye from across the room and gave her a small, warm smile, one that spoke volumes of their connection. Victoria's heart fluttered as she smiled back, knowing that despite all the challenges they'd faced, they had made it to this incredible moment together.

The draft after-party was in full swing, filled with excited chatter and laughter. Victoria was nestled on a couch next to Caitlin, who couldn't seem to keep her hands off her. Caitlin's arm was wrapped around Victoria's waist, and she kept leaning in to steal quick kisses, her eyes sparkling with joy and love.

Victoria chuckled softly, enjoying Caitlin's clinginess. "You're being extra affectionate tonight," she teased, her fingers brushing lightly against Caitlin's arm.

Caitlin smiled, nuzzling closer. "Can you blame me? I've got everything I've ever wanted right here." She glanced around the room, her gaze resting on their friends and family celebrating together, before returning to Victoria's eyes. "And you, you're my favorite part of all this."

Victoria's heart melted at Caitlin's words. "You're pretty amazing yourself," she replied, her voice soft and full of emotion.

Caitlin grinned and kissed Victoria's temple. "I still can't believe it. Number one draft pick, and I get to share it with you."

Victoria laughed, leaning her head against Caitlin's shoulder. "You deserve it, Cait. You've worked so hard for this moment."

Caitlin sighed contentedly, holding Victoria a little tighter. "I couldn't have done it without you. Your support means everything to me."

They sat there, lost in their own little world, oblivious to the noise and excitement around them. For a moment, it was just the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence.The party was lively, filled with cheers and laughter as everyone celebrated the big night. Victoria and Caitlin were on the couch, Caitlin's arm wrapped securely around Victoria's waist. Nearby, Jada, Gabbie, and Kate were chatting animatedly, their excitement palpable.

Jada approached the couple with a wide grin. "So, how does it feel to be the number one draft pick, Cait?"

Caitlin laughed, shaking her head. "It's surreal. I still can't believe it."

Gabbie nodded, leaning against the back of the couch. "You worked so hard for this. We all knew you'd be the top pick."

Victoria beamed, pride evident in her eyes. "I told you, Cait. You're amazing."

Kate, fresh from her own surprise draft, joined in. "I still can't believe I got drafted too! We're going to tear it up out there."

Victoria reached over and gave Kate a high-five. "That's my twin! We're both so proud of you."

Caitlin grinned, pulling Victoria closer. "Seriously, tonight couldn't get any better. Well, maybe if we had those chocolate chip cookies you mentioned."

Victoria laughed, rolling her eyes playfully. "I knew you'd bring that up. They're waiting for you back home."

Jada raised an eyebrow. "Chocolate chip cookies? You two are too cute."

Gabbie nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's almost disgusting how in love you two are."

Caitlin smirked, glancing at Victoria. "Well, can you blame me? I mean, look at her."

Victoria blushed, nudging Caitlin. "Oh, shut up."

Kate chuckled, shaking her head. "You two are perfect for each other. I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of us."

Caitlin looked around at her friends, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "I couldn't ask for a better group of people to share this moment with. Thank you, all of you."

Victoria leaned in, kissing Caitlin gently. "We're all here because we love you, Cait. And we'll always be here, no matter what."

Caitlin smiled, her heart full. "I love you guys. Let's make this night one to remember."

And with that, the group continued to celebrate, their laughter and joy filling the room.

That night Caitlin and Victoria lay together in bed, the city's lights filtering through the window. Caitlin's arm was draped over Victoria, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on her skin.

"Vic," Caitlin began, her voice filled with excitement, "come with me to Indiana. Let's move in together."

Victoria grinned widely. "I need to tell you something first."

Caitlin propped herself up, looking at Victoria curiously. "What is it?"

Victoria took a deep breath, barely able to contain her excitement. "I got a job at a journalism agency in Indianapolis. I'm going to be a reporter there."

Caitlin's eyes lit up. "Are you serious? That's amazing, Vic!"

Victoria nodded, her smile wide. "Yeah, I couldn't believe it either. It's like everything is coming together."

Caitlin pulled her closer, practically bouncing with joy. "This is perfect. We get to be together and follow our dreams."

Victoria kissed her, a mix of excitement and happiness bubbling up. "I couldn't imagine doing it with anyone else."

Caitlin smiled, her heart pounding with joy. "We're going to be unstoppable."

Victoria laughed, leaning her forehead against Caitlin's. "Yeah, we are."

They lay there, talking about their future. Caitlin tightened her hold on Victoria, feeling an overwhelming sense of joy and anticipation for the journey ahead.

AUTHORS NOTE

guys I fear this book is coming to an end