AN: thank you all so much for your comments! I was nervous about writing for a new fandom but I'm glad you all are enjoying my story
"Harvey I am not putting her in that seat it's disgusting!" Donna argued at the entrance of Target. She tightened her grip on Hannah as Harvey moved to take her.
"Donna it's fine! A little dirt will do her some good." He huffed.
"Harvey she's ten months old she's not even big enough for that seat." Harvey gave her his "deposition stare" hoping it would cause her to surrender. No surprise that it didn't. Donna is the only person brave enough to constantly go toe to toe with Harvey, and frankly she's the only person he'll allow to do so. Donna straightened her spine and met his stare with the same intensity. Hannah obliviously giggling between them, completely unaware of the silent power grab going on above her head.
Harvey gripped the cart tighter before muttering, "fine."
Donna smiled and whispered to Hannah, "see? He can never say no to me." Hannah babbled in response. An older couple walked past and just smiled and shook their head at the pair. To everyone else they looked like a young couple running errands as a little family. She'd never admit it but it was fun to pretend that's what they were… even if it was only for a few hours.
As they strolled through the aisles, everyone they passed seemed to smile at them. Donna huffed when one too many women made eyes at Harvey. He shot her a quizzical look and she pretended she was just blowing hair out of her mouth. They nearly crossed everything off the list Donna made a crib, a car seat, a stroller, some bottles, diapers, a few toys and now they were standing in the food and formula aisle. Harvey was just about to comment on how easy Hannah had been through the store when she decided she'd had enough. Her little face turned red and scrunched up, Harvey was sure her screams could be heard in the parking lot.
"Damn girls got pipes. You sure she's not your kid?" Harvey joked. Donna involuntarily blushed at his indirect compliment. She just laughed and rolled her eyes. Donna began soothing Hannah, shushing her while holding her close to her chest, bouncing her up and down. Donna's heart broke for the child. This morning she woke up in her own bed with her mom there to take care of her then suddenly she was thrown into a new environment, surrounded by people she doesn't know. Poor thing is confused as all hell, looking for anything familiar, most likely her mom. Donna wanted to cry along with her.
"I know baby girl. Shhh, I know, I know. It's scary but I've got you." Donna cooed softly to the girl. Donna met Harvey's eyes and the way he was looking at her took her breath away. She hadn't seen such a genuine smile from him in such a long time.
"You're a natural, you know" Harvey said softly. His compliments and the way he was looking at her was too much to handle. Donna had to remind herself not to get sucked in, they still work together, they still have their rule, and Hannah isn't her baby. She was just going to end up getting hurt if she kept pretending they were a family. Harvey and Hannah were a family, Donna assumes she's just going to be called in from time to time to baby sit, probably be referred to as 'fun aunt Donna'.
"I'm Donna, I'm good at everything." She winked, desperately trying to deflect from the situation. Harvey chuckled and turned his attention back to the wall of baby food. He stood with two containers of formula in his hands, intensely checking the nutrition and ingredients. Donna's heart warmed at how much he already cared for this little girl that he has only known for a few hours. Donna being Donna she spotted something that she knew would help Harvey immensely. Even though she isn't his secretary anymore she still finds herself looking for ways to make his life easier, old habits die hard. She silently walked over and placed a large box in the cart.
"Donna what the hell is that?"
"It's like a Keurig, but for babies" Donna replied hoisting Hannah higher on her hip.
"Absolutely not, we don't need that." Donna tried not to get too excited over the word 'we' but it made her smile nonetheless.
"Trust me I saw this on Oprah you want it!" she challenged.
"Since when do you have time to watch Oprah?" he teased.
"I do have a life outside the office you know." She scoffed lightly.
He took a step closer, his flirtatious tone having an even greater effect at his proximity, "well then sounds like your boss isn't working you hard enough since you have time to watch Oprah." She sucked in a breath, he hadn't flirted this openly with her in a long time.
Standing her ground, she knew she couldn't let him win. Donna took a step closer so she could whisper in his ear, without her heels she had to stand on her toes which forced her body to be pressed against his, "I think he won't do a damn thing considering I'm standing in the baby section of Target at 9:30 on a Saturday." He didn't have a response but he swallowed hard and Donna knew she won their little flirting match.
Donna eventually dragged a reluctant Harvey over to the clothing section, a place he had been dreading since they stepped into the store. He smiled and rolled his eyes as Donna pilled outfit after outfit into the cart.
"I think that's enough Donna, she probably has more clothes than you do at this point." He teased.
"Daddy doesn't know what he's talking about, you can never have too many outfits. Right my little Hannah-banana?" she cooed at the baby. She honestly doesn't know why she referred to Harvey as daddy, it just slipped out but somehow it felt natural. She laughed at his stunned expression at her bold teasing. He cocked his head to the side. Donna knew that look, he was about to dish it right back out, probably something dirty she thought, when an older lady placed a hand on his arm.
"Your family is absolutely precious, how long have you and your wife been married?" Donna turned her head, about to politely correct the lady when Harvey spoke instead and took her completely by surprise.
"About seven years." He smiled and glanced at Donna. Her heart fluttered at the memory and she wondered if he remembered as well.
"Donna, I need the-"
"Also, I didn't get a chance to-"
"Marry me?"
"I also took care of that. We've been married for the last seven years."
The smile and small wink told her he did.
"She is just the cutest little thing on God's green earth!" the lady gushed at Hannah, "what's the little angel's name?"
"Hannah" Harvey and Donna said in unison. They made eye contact with each other, he gave her another wink and she felt her face heat up. Get it together Donna! This is how he always acts, just because you're holding his baby doesn't mean his feelings have changed. He walked over so he could stand next to Donna. He put his arm around her to he could rub Hannah's back. They've been closer in the last 20 minuets than they had in the last twelve years, the smell of his cologne was intoxicating. Feeling bold she rest her head on his shoulder. She felt him stiffen but then instantly relaxed and moved his hand to her lower back, as if they had been doing it for years.
"You don't let anything happen to these girls!" the lady warned.
"Wouldn't dream of it!" Harvey said softly while pressing a kiss to the top of Donna's head, her breath caught in her throat as she fought back tears. This was all obviously just a show for the nice old lady but it all felt so real. As she turned and walked away Harvey awkwardly cleared his throat and stepped away from Donna, both refusing to make eye contact.
"We should probably get the little nugget home." Donna whispered glancing down at a sleeping Hannah.
"She's certainly had an eventful day." He agreed. They made their way to the check out in silence and carried all their items out to Ray's waiting car. The mood lightened as Donna laughed at Harvey fighting to install the car seat. Sitting on either side of it they both watched Hannah sleep. Donna traced her face with her eyes, the soft fullness of her cheeks, her large eyes, long eyelashes, cute little button nose, lopsided grin that she would know anywhere, the grin she fell in love with all those years ago. Donna looked to her left and saw Harvey staring at her with admiration but quickly turned away when she caught him staring. Blushing slightly, she turned her gaze back to Hannah, wishing so bad she was hers.
AN: This turned out a little angstier than I intended lol… don't forget to review!