the sound of your phone ringing echoed through the house, alarming you of an incoming call. you waddled down your stairs, one hand tightly gripping onto the railing while your other rested on your pregnancy bump. the frown that was etched onto your features was replaced by a smile once you reached the dining table, where you found your phone displaying your boyfriend's name.
propping the device up against a water bottle, which you had left there earlier, you flopped down on one of the stools and waited for the call to connect. once ruben's face popped up on your screen your smile widened.
"hey", you greeted him.
"hi, baby. did i wake you up?" he asked, smiling as he turned around in the hotel bed.
while you were staying back in milan, ruben was away with the team for a game. although, you would have loved to come along and support him the two of you had decided it was best for you and the baby to stay at home. it were only a few weeks until the calculated date of birth and you didn't want to risk anything by traveling around.
you shook your head, "no, i just started getting ready for bed after watching the game. congrats on the win. you were amazing, baby."
"thank you." the corners of his mouth tugged upwards as he rested his head against the headboard. "so, how've you been today? everything alright with the baby?"
"i'm good", you told him. "the little one was kicking the whole day." your eyes casted downwards, following the movement of your hand that was rubbing over your stomach. "i think they sensed you weren't there today."
ruben's eyes sparkled with joy once you met his gaze again. "don't worry, babe. i'm going to be home tomorrow morning."
a smile stretched onto your lips as you leant down. "did you hear, sunshine? daddy's going to be home tomorrow", you whispered, keeping your eyes on your phone, which showed your boyfriend's delighted features.
"oh, before i forget it. i had an idea for another name earlier", ruben told you. the information pricked up your ears and made you sit up.
propping your elbows up on the table, you rested your head in your hands. "let's hear it", you smiled.
your boyfriend nodded, "what about jamie? it's pretty neutral, so we could take it for either a boy or girl."
you averted your eyes from the display and let your gaze wander over the furniture around you while testing the name on your tongue. "jamie?", you repeated with a smile. "i really like it."
ruben perked up at that, his eyes sparkling with joy.
"for real?", he asked excitedly.
nodding your head, you chuckled. "yes, i think it's beautiful." the two of you shared a look, though, you didn't have to say anything more. the sheer happiness displayed on your boyfriend's features already told you enough.
despite the shock and anxiety you had felt at first after finding out you were pregnant, ruben had been there for you right away. he had caught you and reassured you that no matter what happened or what decision you made you were in this together. you two had always been close, yet this pregnancy had managed to strengthen your bond. because despite the hectic that came with being a professional footballer he had always been there for you, coming along to doctor's appointments and shopping sprees for baby clothing and other utensils.
it was also a mutual decision early on into the pregnancy to keep the baby's gender a secret. neither ruben nor you liked the fuss that came with gender reveal parties and rather preferred to stay in the unknown. you both didn't really care what gender the baby had – loving it no matter what – yet it was funny, watching your friends and families argue about it.
"you know, i can't wait until our little angel is finally born", ruben revealed, breaking the short silence between you.
"me neither", you told him, rubbing your hand over your baby bump before you met your boyfriend's eyes again. the smile he flashed was so contagious that you couldn't help but return it.