Theo
Mason Mount x OC
Summary: You and Mason find out the gender of your second baby and break the news to your daughter she’s about to become a big sister.
Words: 3.7k
Notes: any feedback is always appreciated ❤️
“Mrs Mount?” The sound of your name promoted you to glance up from Mason’s phone, spotting a midwife peaking around the door labelled ‘Ultrasound’ across from you. You’d been waiting on the uncomfortable plastic chairs for a while, Masons arm resting on the back of your seat as he waited alongside you, the pair of you aimlessly scrolling through a baby name page on his phone.
Your new additions name was a topic you had been bickering about for weeks, ever since you’d been booked in for your 18 week scan and had realized you would be able to find out the gender of your second child. You had briefly debated leaving it a surprise, until you witnessed the instant disappointment flood over Mason’s face upon your suggestion. He was over the moon when you had ran downstairs one afternoon as he had stepped through the front door after a morning of training, waving a pregnancy test in his face. It was Mason who had been the first one the breach the topic of names, suggesting a few early on, a mix of boys or girls names, some gender neutral, most of them causing you to scrunch up your face appalled.
“If they’re a girl, how do you feel about the name Skye?” He had thrown at you one morning while lying in bed, waiting for the inevitable sound of your daughters feet pitter-pattering down the hallway to your room.
“We aren’t naming our child after Marley’s favourite Paw Patrol character, for fuck sake Mason,” you had groaned in response, rolling over with your back to him.
You knew the suggestion was to ease some of the nerves he had about telling your daughter she was going to have a sibling, he had mentioned telling her on a number of occasions as your belly became more noticeable, but neither of you had found a moment that had felt right. You’d hit a bit of a dead end, neither of you willing to drop the bombshell to Marley or agreeing with any of the names suggested. Having gotten nowhere, the situation only causing more frustration, you’d decided to leave the topic alone until you knew the gender. That was until you’d caught Mason scrolling through names on his phone as you waited in seating area of the hospital for your second scan, eventually leaning over his shoulder and joining him, knowing he was doing it as a distraction for the anxiety in his chest.
You both stood to your feet as you name was called, Mason slipping his phone into his pocket and grabbing your hand in his. You gave his a reassuring smile as you felt his clammy palm, that he returned before walking towards the midwife who was waiting for you at the door.
You hopped onto the bed as soon as you entered, making small talk with the midwife and sonographer, who was fiddling around with the machine beside you. Mason took a seat on the chair in the corner of the dimly lit room, nervously rubbing his hands against his jogger clad legs.
“How’s pregnancy been treating you? Anything you’re concerned about?” The doctor smiled as she pulled on a pair of gloves, gesturing for you to pull your jumper up to reveal your bump.
You shuffled around, doing as asked, “good actually, much better than the first to be honest, the morning sickness only lasted a week or so.”
“Great news! Let get the gel on you and have a look shall we?” She smiled, “it may be a little cold at first.”
She waited for your conformation before squeezing some gel onto your bump, lightly smoothing it over with the glove. You felt a hand wrap around your ankle, glancing up to see Mason leaning forward, one elbow resting on his knee as he chewed away at his already short nails, the other hand gripping around your foot in anticipation.
“Dad’s nervous huh?” The midwife smiled over to him, noticing the way he was perched on the edge of the chair.
His eyes flickered away from you to look in the direction of the voice, as if he had forgotten you weren’t the only two in the room.
Cheeks flushing, as he shot both the women a bashful smile, “A bit, mostly excited though.”
“He’s desperate to know the gender,” you explain, holding eye contact with you husband, both your expressions clouded with affection.
“Well, lets have a look and see if the little one is in a good position for us to see,” she reached for the probe and gently ran it over you bump, both you and Mason craning your heads to see the screen as a fuzzy black and white picture appeared.
You felt your eyes well up as the little shape came into focus, your tiny little baby, a product of so much love, growing safe and sound in your belly. The room was quiet for a few minutes, only the sounds of the sonographer mumbling to herself occasionally as she checked all the angles she could. The longer she stayed quiet, the harder Mason gripped your foot finally releasing his hold when she let out a happy sigh, turning to you both, “everything is looking perfect!”
Tearing your eyes from the screen you turned to Mason, who was already grinning in your direction.
“The gender is also identifiable today, are you both happy to find out?”
“Please,” the words shot out Mason’s mouth, before he sheepishly turned his gaze to you to confirm you were also happy to know.
You smiled and nodded, beyond ready to finally make the pregnancy feel all that more exciting and real. You’d finally be able to tell Marley whether she was having a baby sister or brother and you would finally be able to narrow down a list of potential names, up until now just referring to your bump as baby Mount.
“Well Mr and Mrs Mount, it looks like you’ll be having a beautiful little boy.”
Mason instantly stood from his chair, the grin on his face unbelievably big as he threw himself to the side of the bed and crouched so he was level with you, pressing multiple kisses against you forehead as you felt tears spilling out your eyes in happiness.
“We’re having a boy!” He gasped, both hands now cupping your cheeks as he looked at you in awe.
“A little mini Mason,” you laughed, both of you radiating happiness as your stared into each others eyes. He carefully tilted your chin upwards, pressing a loving kiss to your lips before turning back to the two women in the room who were watching your interaction fondly when one of them spoke.
“Happy?”
“Extremely,” he grinned, staying beside you, not bothering to return to his seat.
“And mum?”
“Beyond happy,” you giggled at your hormonal dramatics as Mason reached over to wipe your tears away with the soft sleeves of his hoodie.
“Good! So everything is looking perfect for this stage of your pregnancy, nothing is indicating any cause for concern, but please contact us straight away if you have any issues or concerns. Sarah here, your midwife for the rest of your pregnancy, will be able to help you with any questions you may have,” she handed you a number of sheets of paper, pointing to where she had circled the contact details for the maternity unit, including the Midwifes number, who you noticed had slipped out the room to collect your scan photos.
When she returned, she handed Mason another folder of information, including the photographs taken from today. They helped you sit up, Sarah wiping the gel off your belly with a wash cloth as the Sonographer sent you both a good luck, slipping out the room to get ready for her next appointment. You chatted back and forth, telling her about Marley and how you were yet to tell her you were pregnant, lucky that she was small enough that your growing belly hadn’t arose any curious questions just yet.
“Is she a daddy’s girl?” Sarah asked, noticing Mason had gone unusually quiet as you sorted yourself out. He was sitting back in the chair, carefully thumbing the edge of what you presumed was the sonogram.
“Huh?” He looked up quickly, realizing he had been spoken too.
“Shes completely enamoured by him, mummy is always second best to daddy,” you joked, trying to divert the attention away from him, noticing he looked embarrassed that he had been caught out wrapped up in his emotions once again.
“Well you can have a mummy’s boy now as well,” Sarah teased, as you stood to your feet and waited at the door for Mason, who was slowing putting the photo away and following suit.
“I bloody wish but I’m sure Mase will he his favourite too,” you laughed, “Thank you for today,” you took Mason’s free hand in yours as he took the papers that you’d been holding and adding them to the folder to keep them safe.
“Good luck, any problems you know where we are.”
•••
“You’ve been quiet,” you spoke softly, not wanting to disturb his thoughts too much as he climbed into the drivers side of the car having just helped you into your seat.
“I didn’t mean to be. I just didn’t think I could stop myself from crying if I spoke too much,” he whispered, finally turning to face you, tears pooling in his eyes now he was in the safety of his car.
“Why are you crying baby?” You cupped his face, letting your thumb gently trace over his soft cheek, his beard scratching lightly at your palm.
He shook his head, as if confused by his own reaction, “Im just so unbelievably happy, I don’t even know…” he trailed off.
You smiled at him, understanding exactly how he was feeling, your heart equally as full. “You’re the best Daddy in the world and this little bean and Marley are so, so lucky to have you,” you pressed a kiss to his nose, “and so am I.”
“I’m the lucky one, thank you for loving me like you do and giving me two beautiful children,” he whispered, tilting your chin so your lips could meet. You kissed slowly, eventually pulling apart, resting your foreheads together and taking some deep breaths, both of you still slightly dazed knowing your baby son was healthy and perfect.
“On that note, shall we go home and let Marls know shes having a baby brother?”
•••
You could hear the excitable screaming coming from inside before you had even opened the front door, the pair of you turning to each other and taking breath before walking into the chaos. You had asked Nathan to look after Marley while you had popped out for the appointment, as much as you both loved him, he wasn’t always your first choice of babysitter, often resorting to sugary snacks to keep your daughter busy. But what you hadn’t anticipated was walking into the lounge to find Nathan sitting on the floor wearing one of your summer dresses over his tracksuit and a far too small hot pink wig perched on his head, one you recognised from Marley’s dress up box, as she squealed excitedly, running laps around him dressed up as Elsa.
“Erm, Nathan mate, what’s going on?” Mason tried to stifle his laughter, a snort escaping his nose as he took in the scene in front of him.
“Daddy! Mummy!” Marley squealed as she heard her dad’s voice and spotted you both, running and wrapping her tiny arms around Mason’s legs, nestling her head into his thigh.
“Hi baby,” he reached down and stroked the knotted blonde wig upon her head. Placing the hospital paperwork down on the arm of the sofa, he bent down, hoisting Marley into his arms. You leaned over, peaking her forehead before walking over to Nathan who was still seated on the floor, pulling the wig from his head and affectionately fluffing his curls as they were revealed.
“Can I ask why you’re wearing my dress?” You smirked down at him.
He laughed, climbing to his feet and giving you a twirl, “you’ve got to admit I look good.”
“If you say so,” you winked, the two of you drifting over to the kitchen area after he had pulled the dress off over his head, watching as Mason sat on the sofa, Marley curled on his lap excitedly telling him all the fun things she had got up to with her uncle while you had been gone.
“So?” Nathan whispered, glancing over to your daughter quickly to make sure she wasn’t listening.
“A boy,” you leant into his ear, eyes scanning over his face as you watched it light up in happiness.
“YES!” He cheered, eyes widening as he saw Marley turn toward you both, little eyebrows furrowed. Mason watched his best friend, smirk on his face knowing exactly what his outburst was about.
You giggled, squeezing over his hand resting on the counter, “knew you’d be buzzing. You were the one hoping Marley was a boy.”
“Finally a kid I can play footie with,” Nathan teased, “there’s only so many times I can pretend I enjoy being dressed up as a princess.”
“Try being her dad, Mase has to do it on a near daily basis,” you watched your husband and daughter, Marley sitting on Masons stomach, hands grabbing at his brown locks, just like she used to as a baby, taking the butterfly clips from her Elsa wig and clipping them into his hair.
“He was made to be a dad though,” Nathan chuckled as he watched his best mate and niece, “I don’t think I’m cut out to be a girl dad, as much as I love Marls.”
“To be honest, when the doctor said we were having a boy I was kind of relieved. Boys are meant to be so much easier.”
“How do you think Marley’s gonna take it?” Nathan looked over at you, smiling at the way your face seemed to soften every time you watched Mason interact with his daughter.
You turned to him, gently biting your lip as you scrunched up your nose, “I’m not sure to be honest, I still don’t feel ready but I’m getting bigger by the day and shes gonna realise somethings up soon,” you paused, “She’s extremely bright for a 2 year old.”
“Tell me about it, certainly didn’t get her brains from her dad, that’s all you,” Nathan jokingly nudged his elbow into your arm.
You laughed lightly, resting your head on his shoulder as you both admired the way Mason just seemed to know exactly what he was doing, arm easily catching the toddler as she flung herself around, now using him as a climbing frame. You knew you had nothing to be worried about, having a partner that you could rely on to always make a situation less stressful made the thought of having two kids that much easier. If there was anyone who just instinctively knew how to be a parent, it was Mason.
“I better get going, the missus will be home soon,” Nathan broke you from your trance, pressing a kiss on your hair and softly patting your jumper covered bump before making his way over to interrupt the duo.
“See you later mate, thanks for looking after the little lady,” Mason reached out to fist bump his friend.
“Anytime bro. See you later Marley-moo, love you,” he pressed a kiss to Marley’s scrunched nose, leaving her to giggle.
“Bye Uncle ‘oody, love you,” her little lisp made you smile, heart melting at her sweetness. You waved to Nathan as he left, hearing the front door close moments later.
After making a cup of tea for both yourself and Mason, you wandered over to join them on the sofa, placing the mugs on the coffee table. You looked down at the bump that was slightly showing from the way you were lounging back, hand discreetly drifting to brush over it. You had adored being pregnant with Marley, that feeling of closeness to your unborn child indescribable, but you were in love with being pregnant much more than you thought you ever would be this time around. It came with its flaws, the aches and raging hormones a side to pregnancy you could do without, but overall it was an experience you had found overwhelmingly peaceful in a strange way. Your first pregnancy had come with added stresses; would you be a good mum? Would Mason resent you for tying him down so young? How would having a baby work with a man who had such a busy life? But all these questions had already been answered the first time around, having a second baby didn’t come with the same volume of unknowns, the only thing you had to worry about? Telling Marley she was about to have a sibling.
You hadn’t noticed the other two on the sofa go quiet whilst you were lost in your own thoughts, hadn’t spotted the way Marley had tired and was now nestled against her daddy’s chest for a cuddle, Mason watching you intently as your hands carefully ran over your bump. He couldn’t help but smile, a feeling of content flooding his body as the 3 most important things in his life surrounded him. He knew you were secretly hoping for a boy ever since you had found out you were pregnant, though you’d never explicitly said it he could see it in your eyes whenever the topic of the baby’s gender came up. And Mason would be lying if he said he wasn’t hoping the same, a little boy he could share all the things he had done with his own dad growing up. As much is it pained him, Marley had never shown any interest in football, possibly the only trait of Mason’s she hadn’t picked up, so the possibility of having a child to potentially share his biggest passion with was beyond exciting. But as he watched you admire your stomach, a tiny creation, the perfect mix of you both safely growing inside, he felt a sudden need to share the news with your oldest baby.
“Hey Marls,” he gently stroked her back, feeling her breathing begin to deepen, eyes not moving from your face as he spoke. You turned to look him at him, raising your eyebrows in question, Mason simply nodding his head to which you immediately understood, shuffling close to the pair of them.
“Yes daddy?” Marley lifted her head from his chest, hair messy after Mason had slipped the wig from her head when she had settled down a few minutes prior.
“How would you feel about being a big sister?” You asked, reaching out to run your fingers up and down her arm closest to you as she turned to look at you as you spoke.
“No thank you mummy,” she mumbled, burrowing back into Mason.
You glanced at each other, both attempting to hide your laughter at her nonchalance.
“What if daddy told you there was a baby in mummy’s belly right now?” Mason nudged her carefully, prompting her to lift her head again.
“Really?” Her head tilted to the side, curious, climbing off her dad to go and investigate. She touched your belly cautiously, eyes looking up at you expectantly when nothing happened, “Why did you eat a baby mummy?”
Your eyes widened in shock as Mason snorted, covering his mouth to hide his laughter.
“No Marley, mummy’s growing a baby brother in her belly for you, I didn’t eat him,” you assured her, stroking her baby hairs away from her forehead, ignoring your husband as he attempted to control his laughter.
“How did he get in there?” Marley’s face was a picture of intrigue, a much better response than you had anticipated, though it was clear she still didn’t completely understand.
“Magic!” Mason interrupted, wrapping his arms around Marley from behind, taking her small hand in his and placing it over your bump, “Mummy and Daddy were ready for another baby so we asked nicely if we could have one and ta da!”
“Oh…” she shrugged, copying Mason’s actions and stroking your belly carefully, “okay.”
“Are you happy to be having a baby brother?” Mason asked, nuzzling into the side of her face and pressing kisses to her soft cheek.
“Um,” she sat quietly for a moment, “no,” she shrugged, seemingly unbothered.
“Why not Marls?” Mason asked, glancing up at you, for the first time a hint of worry showing on his face.
“Summer told me boys smell funny.”
You both chuckled, relieved her response was nothing too extreme, only the words of her older cousin causing her any concern.
“Not all boys smell funny, daddy doesn’t,” Mason tilted his head back to face his daughter’s cheek, his nose lightly tracing over her skin the way he used to when she was a baby. She didn’t respond, too focused on touching your bump.
“What’s the baby called?” Marley tilted her head to look at you, shifting to snuggle herself into your side.
“He hasn’t got a name just yet,” you sighed, stroking her small back as Mason wrapped his arms around you both, joining the cuddle.
“Theo,” you hear Mason mutter, “what do you think about Theo? It popped in my head on the way home and I cant shake it.”
You smiled, repeating the name, liking the sound it made on your tongue, “Theo Mount,” looking down at Marley, who was still contently cupping your belly in her tiny hand, “what do you think Marley?”
She giggled, pressing a kiss beside where her hand was placed and nodding, “I like it Mummy.”
“Well then, Mummy, Daddy and your big sister are very excited to meet you baby Theo.”
