Paige Hurd‘s new role? Engaged!
The Power Book II: Ghost alum, 32, got engaged to Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale, 31, at Viceroy Riviera Maya on Feb. 13 during a romantic getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the couple exclusively confirms to PEOPLE.
The pair were enjoying an intimate dinner at the luxury oceanfront resort surrounded by rose petals, soft candlelight and a crackling fireplace. For their final course, they were served a slice of red velvet cake with the question “Will You Marry Me?” written on the plate.
“I was feeling nervous because I wasn’t trying to give off any nerve-wracking behavior or give any signs that something was up,” O’Neale tells PEOPLE. “I was really excited because I knew Paige wasn’t expecting it and wanted it to be a huge, special surprise.”
Shirley Ferrero from Lumière Photography
Although travel delays caused his plans to get “a little messed up,” the NBA player says the proposal still happened “right on time.” Meanwhile, Hurd “had absolutely no idea” he was planning on popping the question.
“During the proposal I was in such shock, it took me about a full minute to stand to my feet,” says Hurd, who most recently starred as the titular character in the Lifetime movie Girl in the Garage: The Laura Cowan Story.
Even while calling her family to tell them the news, Hurd was still “in shock.”
“I’m over the moon and so happy,” the actress says.
O’Neale is just as excited about the engagement.
“After the proposal I was the happiest I have ever been in my life because she said ‘yes,’ ” the basketball pro says. “The proposal was a great surprise, and she was so shocked that it happened after the whole dinner thinking it was gonna be another time.”
Shirley Ferrero from Lumière Photography
O’Neale and Hurd met in the beginning of 2024.
“I had just vowed to myself and my therapist I was not dating for a while,” Hurd recalls. “I was fasting and on my walk with God and boom there’s Royce. Nice as can be, but I just said we could be friends. After a while he won me over, and we have been truly inseparable ever since. That’s my best friend first.”
O’Neale seemingly manifested his relationship. He “always had a crush” on Hurd because he grew up watching her in different television shows and movies.
“She was my lifelong crush,” he says. “Couple years ago me and my friends were talking, I mentioned to them one day I will meet her, date her and marry her. Of course they thought I was joking, but I was serious — it was just the fact we had to meet each other in person.”
The duo knew they were meant to be after just a few months of dating.
“I’m beyond lucky and blessed. Royce is the most thoughtful, down-to-earth, gentle man I’ve ever known and I couldn’t be happier to spend the rest of my life with him,” Hurd says. “I believe deep down I knew for a while, but for sure in August of last year.”
Shirley Ferrero from Lumière Photography
O’Neale agrees that it was in early autumn that he was confident Hurd was the one.
“I knew I wanted to marry Paige and spend the rest of my life with her,” he says. “We spent a lot of time together, traveled together, lived together, been around each other’s families and closest friends, learned about each other, and loved being with one another all the time.”
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On Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, O’Neale publicly confirmed his romance with Hurd by sharing several of their holiday photos on Instagram. In the caption, he reflected on how “thankful and grateful” he was for 2024. Hurd commented, “?? what a year.”
Shirley Ferrero from Lumière Photography
The actress, who is the goddaughter of the late rapper DMX, shared a picture with O’Neale a few days later on Jan. 4. “?,” Hurd captioned her Instagram post, to which O’Neale commented, “I love it here ??.”
Fans were quick to react to the relationship on Instagram and X, as NBACentral shared two photos of the couple on the latter social media platform. They commented about how “lucky” O’Neale is, and said that he’s “winning” in life.
“Royce might have more game off the court than on the court,” one fan joked.
