Thank you so much to those of you who took the time to leave me a review, I really appreciate it.

Ok, just to clarify, Donna and Mark are not together anymore, Harvey is unaware he has a daughter (you will find out why as we go along) and I am aware that for Hope to have his surname, both Parents would have had to sign forms etc. but, that's the beauty of fiction, for the sake of this story, just pretend that's not the case.


"Are you comfortable?" Donna asks, tucking her daughter in.

"Yeah, I like this bed, Momma."

"Have a good sleep, angel. I love you."

"I love you to the moon and back!"

"Wow, that much, huh?" Donna smiles, stroking the little girls' cheek.

"Mhmm." Hope nods.

Donna leans down to rub her nose against her daughter's. "I love you, infinity times infinity."

"Just like Grandpa?" Hope asks.

"Just like Grandpa."

Hope smiles lovingly up at her Mother.

"Come on, missy, we have a busy day tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Momma."

"Sweet dreams, angel." Donna whispers, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.


"Is she asleep?" James asks as Donna returns to the living room.

"Out like a light!" She confirms.

"Thought you could use one of these." He says, offering her a glass of red wine.

"Thanks." She says, accepting the glass.

"So …do you want to talk about it?" He asks.

"About what?"

"Harvey."

"Dad…" She begins hesitantly.

"Look, I've never pushed you on this topic because I remember what a mess you were when you left, and I remember how much he hurt you…" James begins.

"Now, I wasn't always his biggest fan , but I know that you loved him, you would have done anything for him …so, what happened? What changed?"

"He did." She says softly.

"…Or I did, maybe we both did, I don't know, Dad." She says with a sigh "we changed"

James remained silent, giving his daughter the opportunity to keep going.

"He just couldn't get past it."

"Past what?"

Donna takes a deep, shakey breath.

"…Do you really want to know the dramatics of your daughter's love life?"

"I really want to help you, however I can." James smiles, gently.

Donna pauses for a moment, gathering her thoughts, "It all started few weeks before I left New York…" She begins.

"We had been dealing with this really intense case at work and a guy I used to work with wanted to put me on the stand to try and get to Harvey …Anyway, Harvey was seeing this …woman …named Paula, she was his therapist and…"

"Wait, what?!" Jim exclaimed. "Harvey was dating his therapist?!"

"Yep!" Donna answered, putting an emphasis on the letter p.

"Wow."

"Yeah."

"Okay…" James says, urging her to continue.

"I should really preface this by saying Harvey has huge intimacy issues and absolutely zero tolerance for infidelity of any kind, because of something that happened with his family when he was a boy."

James nods in acknowledgement "Okay, noted."

"Anyway, he was dating her and I had recently reconnected with Mark, albeit unsuccessfully." Donna continues.

"Because he was still married…"

"Right." She nods.

"…I was feeling pretty low, I was confused and upset, upset that Harvey had turned to someone else, upset that Mark was married or that I almost compromised my own beliefs; but mostly, upset and confused that I didn't know why. I'd known Harvey forever and seen him practically sleep his way through New York and never blinked an eye, but suddenly it really bothered me."

James offers her a comforting rub against her shoulder, nodding silently.

"It bothered me that he was with her, it bothered me that she thought she knew him better than I did and it just…"

"Bothered you." James finishes for her.

"And I hated that it did." She whispers, shaking her head. Deja vu hitting her, as she remembers saying practically the same thing to Rachel years ago.

"I tried to get past it, I did. I tried dating, I tried to distance myself from him, I even returned his spare key that he'd given me. A key that he then gave to her…" she adds sadly.

"Donna…" James begins.

"No, it's ok, Dad" She assures him.

"Anyway, I was subpoenaed by the Attorney General's office to testify for this case and tensions were really high around the firm, I could tell it was really bothering Harvey, but…"

"…It wasn't your place to bring it up." James finishes.

"No. So, when we got the subpoena, we asked Louis to prepare me beforehand just like he had done once before. But, we when the time came, he thought that because I worked for Harvey at the DA's office, it would be covered under privilege and I wouldn't have to take the stand at all."

She pauses briefly to take another sip of wine.

"…But, we were wrong about the information he had and he absolutely ripped me apart on that stand. It was …bad." She shudders, the memory of how brutal Malik was still vivid in her mind.

"I'm sorry, honey."

"I was so mad at Louis for not preparing me." She sighs.

"The following day I attempted to get the woman responsible to come forward, but had no luck. Luckily though, Harvey had come up with a plan. Then, Mike …do you remember Mike?"

James nods.

"Mike came to see me, I can only assume after talking to his fiancée, my friend Rachel."

"Talking to her about what?"

"Harvey …of course." She chuckles weakly, "She asked me if I regretted putting Harvey above Mark and I told her that I felt like I regretted putting Harvey above myself. I mean, what the hell did I get? I was completely alone. He had everything; career, relationship he even reconnected with his family."

"If I remember correctly, honey, wasn't it you that helped him mend that relationship?" James asks.

Donna says nothing, taking another sip of wine, sadness starting to overwhelm her.

"So, Mike came to see me and out of nowhere tells me I need to tell Harvey how I feel and that if I didn't, I could lose him forever."

"Did you?"

"No. I told him he was crazy and that I know he meant well, but we didn't feel that way about each other."

"Did you really believe that?" He asks gently.

Donna sighs, "At the time I thought I did. I guess I'd spent so long pushing my feelings aside, that I didn't even realise how I truly felt. I couldn't get what Mike said out of my head and then later Louis came to apologize to me and told me how he had messed up my case because of how he felt about his ex. He was talking about how hard it was to watch her with someone else and that he had to watch his soulmate marry someone else, because he didn't tell her how he felt…"

"And it made you think of Harvey?" James asks.

"Between Mike and Louis, it was the equivalent of an emotional hit and run. My head was spinning; I was so confused, I couldn't bear the thought of not having Harvey in my life and then he suddenly walked in and I just…" Donna says, getting the words out before inhaling another deep breath.

"…I kissed him."

"While he was with someone else?"

"Yes."

"Was he angry?"

A laugh escapes her at the thought.

"No. Shocked more like it." She explains, "But, one thing led to another and…"

"Oh." James says, understanding the insinuation.

Choosing to look past the awkwardness of what his daughter had just revealed, James continues.

"And that was the night Hope was conceived?"

Donna looks up at her Father slightly awkwardly.

"Actually, no; that was a couple of weeks later."

"Ok, you've lost me, Donna. How did you go from being together, twice, to leaving New York?"

"Because of his history, Harvey was never able to get past what we did. In his eyes, I was someone he trusted completely, and I let him down."

"Well that hardly seems fair, you were both…"

"That's just Harvey, Dad. He's never been emotionally equipped to deal with anything beyond a brief relationship and even that's at a stretch."

"…Our relationship changed after that first night, his demeanour changed, work was awkward, he was moody, he'd snap at me over the smallest things all the time, it felt like he suddenly hated me. Even knowing Harvey as well as I did and realising the reason he was acting that way, I still felt awful." She admits sadly.

"I just felt lost and I didn't know how to fix it; I thought the damage had been done and so I made the decision to resign. I got the job in Chicago, packed up my things, left my letter of resignation on Harvey's desk and left."

James leans over to grab the bottle of wine, refilling both their glasses.

"But, when he found the letter he came to my apartment and tried to get me to stay."

"Why didn't you?"

"Because even though I could tell he meant what he was saying, it wasn't the same and I knew we couldn't go back. We were done."

"Honey, I'm sorry, that must have been so hard for you."

"I think it was hard for both of us." She says sombrely, before taking another sip.

"I didn't want to leave it like that though, so I asked if he wanted to come inside and he said yes, and we ended up… I stupidly thought then that maybe we had a chance. But, then when I woke up, he was gone, and I knew that was it."

Donna half heartedly laughs, "You know, the ironic thing is that I thought that night was the end, you know? A way to say goodbye and finally move on from Harvey Specter. Apparently, fate had other plans though, because after that night I now have something that reminds me of him every single day."

"Life's a fickle thing, Donna."

They sit quietly for a moment before James speaks again.

"Did you try to get in touch with him before you left?"

"Once. I went to his apartment, but she was there…"

"Donna…"

"So, I left" She interjects. "…He made his choice and so did I."

"I went to Chicago, changed my number and he remained here with her. Mark got divorced, we got back together, and he stood by me through all of it. He knows she's not his and he loves her anyway, Dad. He's been a wonderful Father figure for Hope, the only one she's ever known."

"No-one's disputing that." James agrees.

"…But have you ever asked yourself why things didn't work out with Mark?"

"Dad…"

"Honey, listen to me. Mark is great, I like Mark, he's been there for you both, even after you broke up, he's been a great friend to you and a great Uncle to Hope"

"So?"

"So, ask yourself why it didn't work, why would a relationship where he was as committed to the both of you as he was, not work out?"

"I didn't love him in the same way he loved me."

"Why?"

"Because…" Donna begins before stopping herself.

"Why, Donna?" James asks again.

"…Because he wasn't Harvey." She admits quietly, as Jim gives her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

"God, I sound pathetic" She laughs disbelievingly, running her hand through her hair.

"You weren't pathetic, Donna. You were just in love" James says.

"…With someone who didn't love me back."

"You don't know that."

"Actually, I do. After I found out I was pregnant I tried to contact him; he had changed his number, every message I left for him at the firm remained unanswered, I even tried emailing him. Nothing!" Donna says, exasperated.

"I needed to talk to tell him and he just shut me out completely."

James eyebrows furrowed at the revelation. He knew Harvey was a lot of things, but he'd never known him to be a coward.

"That doesn't sound like the Harvey Specter I knew." James says, recalling the times Harvey had confronted him and put him in his place. He came across as an arrogant son of a bitch in the process, but if one thing was clear, it was that he loved Donna and would do anything to protect her.

"That's what I kept telling myself" Donna scoffs "…But after a while I realised that Harvey was gone, and all the attempts just seemed futile."

"…So, I gave up! I was exhausted, I had a baby on the way and my focus needed to be on her."

"So, why now?"

"Because, Harvey can feel what he wants about me, I can deal with that, but she didn't do anything! She deserves to know her Father" Donna says, wiping away a tear that had fallen, her Motherly instinct to protect her baby kicking in.

"…Maybe I should have kept trying to contact him, but I was just so tired." Donna says, bursting in to tears "Why do I always have to be the strong one, the one that fixes everything?! When's my turn? Who fixes me?" She sobs.

James moves closer to wrap his daughter up in a loving hug, stroking her back gently.

"I'm here" He whispers, as he strokes her hair.

"Honey, I know my being sick has been tough on you and I am so grateful that you have moved home to be with me. But, take it from me, life's too short to be anything other than happy."

"I love you, Dad" She sniffs.

"I love you too sweetheart …infinity times infinity"


"Hope Rachel Specter, you are not bringing all those stuffed animals with us!" Donna says, watching her daughter struggling to hold an armful of plush toys. "You can bring one." She reasons.

"Five!" Hope bargains.

"One!" Donna says firmly.

"Four?"

"Two. Final offer" Donna negotiates.

"Ok." Hope says, a small pout gracing her lips causing Donna's heart to melt as her daughter stares up at her with her gorgeous, familiar, brown eyes.

"Ugh! Fine, three." Donna concedes.

"Thank you, Momma!" Hope squeals, her perfect smile spreading across her face as she launches herself at her Mother's legs, clinging to them in a tight hug.

"Okay, but it's going to be none if we don't get a move on, we can't be late for Grandpa's appointment, so let's go!"

"I just gots to get my bag!" Hope says, running back up the stairs.

"Jesus, if there was any doubting who her Father was, there's the answer!" James jokes, motioning towards his granddaughter.

"Tell me about it! I didn't think negotiation skills were genetic and yet, exhibit A!" Donna laughs as she points towards the now empty staircase.

"She has your taste in accessories though" He says, causing Donna to laugh. "Are you ok after last night?" Jim asks cautiously.

"Surprisingly, yeah" Donna admits, "It was nice to get it off my chest and properly talk about it. Thanks, Dad"

"Any time, sweetheart. Have you thought anymore about talking to him?"

"Not really, I have no idea how I'm going to cope seeing him after all this time, let alone to start that conversation"

"What about, Hi Harvey, I gave birth to your daughter three years ago, what's new with you?" James jokes.

Donna gives her Father a sideways glance.

"Too soon?" He asks.

"Too soon!"


"Grandpa, where's Momma?" Hope asks as she walks along the sidewalk, holding his hand.

"She's just getting some medicine to help make me feel better" Jim explains.

"That's good." Hope says, "Once, I was sick, but Momma gave me some Rob-o-tusin and it made me feel better. Maybe she can buy that for you?" Hope offers sweetly.

"Maybe honey, Maybe." James smiles down at his granddaughter as they sit down on a nearby bench.

"OH NO!" Hope shrieks.

"What?" James says, alarmed.

"I lost Mason!" Hope says, noticing the missing bear.

"That's ok, we can walk back and try find him." Jim says.

"Oh, there he is!" Hope says spotting the stuffed animal a few yards back "Can I get him, Grandpa"

"Sure honey, I'm watching." He says, watching closely as she runs to get the bear.

Just as she reaches it, a man bends over to pick it up.

"Is this yours?" He asks, offering her the bear with a smile. "Don't want to lose him!"

Hope nods, taking it from him, "Thank you" She says sweetly before running back to her Grandfather shouting happily that she got him back.


Mike waits out the front of the wedding planner's office, he and Rachel have a quick meeting scheduled during their lunch break.

He dials Rachel's number from his cell.

"Hey, I'm out the front? How far away are you?" He asks.

"Literally one minute away, just around the corner, see you in a sec" Rachel explains from her end.

As Mike hangs up the phone he notices something in his peripheral vision; a teddy bear that reminds him of one he had as a child. As he scoops down to pick it up he notices the gorgeous little girl running towards him.

"Is this yours?" He asks, holding out the bear to her "…Don't want to lose him!" he smiles.

"Thank you" The little girl says politely, offering him a sweet smile before running back to where she came from.

"Hey baby" Rachel says, coming up behind him.

"Hey" Mike says, eyes still focused on the little girl.

"What is it?" Rachel asks, her eyes following her fiancées line of sight.

"It's the craziest thing" Mike says, turning back to look at Rachel, "..this little girl dropped her bear and she just reminded me so much of…"

"Donna" Rachel says, shocked.

"Yeah, how'd you know that?" Mike laughs.

"No, Mike. It's Donna." Rachel reiterates, pointing ahead.

The stunned couple frozen on the spot as they watch Donna exit the drug store and scoop up the little girl before climbing in to the awaiting taxi, completely unaware of the shocked pair watching them.


Would love if you'd leave a review to let me know what you think so far! x