HI Folks and new followers! Sorry I haven't been diligent with my postings but school has gotten in the way along with choir and voice and everyday life. I hope you are still sticking with me on this one as the fun is just beginning...

Cruising with Harvey and Donna

Chapter 6

Harvey and Donna had returned to the ship hand in hand gazing at no one except each other. They boarded the ship and at once they were greeted by Dr. Moran.

"Dr. Moran, do you think we can wait another day before we go back to the acupuncture? I'm feeling..."

"I apologize, Harvey, but this isn't about you. It's about Ian. There is a slight problem."

Harvey immediately became concerned. "What's happened?"

"Nothing serious, but, he somehow fell on his own ship and incapacitated himself. His one leg is definitely broken, so I set it. However, also broke some fingers and both wrists in his fall so he is totally incapacitated."

Donna screwed her face because she knew what was coming. She smiled because she could not wait to see what Harvey's reaction would be.

"So, how does that affect me? I am sorry that happened and I can help him sue for workmen's comp or whatever..."

Again Katie Moran interrupted him, "We need someone to play the Captain's part at the parties and the passenger visits. Maybe to give the crew a boost of confidence if anything bad should happen."

Harvey shook his head and began to walk away. "No, no, no...just because we look similar doesn't mean I have the qualities he does to..."

"Harvey," Donna said. She sidled up to him.

"Excuse us for a minute, Dr. Moran, and let me talk to my husband," Donna was smiling.

"Who else could pull this shit off better than you? You're a lawyer. If you can sweet talk a judge what makes you think you can't do this?"

Harvey looked away and at Dr. Moran who seemed to be in dire straights about the way things looked.

He nodded at Donna and then took a few steps toward Dr. Moran.

"Ok. I'll do it, but you know the only problem I have is this seasickness. What happens if it flares up again?"

"I can give you a shortened treatment before you have an engagement or a walkabout. Now come down with me to Ian's cabin and we'll see how well his uniform fits you."

Donna was laughing uncontrollably. Not at her husband, of course, but of the situation. She was hoping that he could find the humor in it as well. Also she hoped his horrible seasickness would not return while he was in the middle of this charade.

"Stop laughing, Donna," Harvey said pointing a finger at her.

"No, you're right..." She could not help giggling again. "Can't wait to get home to tell Rachel and Mike about this..."

Harvey just rolled his eyes and said, "Ok, Dr. Moran. Let's go."

When they arrived at Ian's cabin, Katie let Harvey and Donna pass through the doorway. They found Ian in his bedroom with one leg hanging off a trapeze and his wrists both in casts with fingersplits in front of him lying on his stomach.

"How the hell did this happen?" Harvey asked seeing his friend's discomfort.

Donna had stopped laughing at the situation when she saw how bumped up Captain Ian actually was.

"I'm so sorry, Captain Ian. We're here to help," Donna said patting the Captain's upper arm.

"Thank you Donna and Harvey. You shouldn't have to do too much. I have an assistant Captain who can steer the ship and make really hard decisions should she need to. I just do not want to give the crew and the passengers a lack of confidence in navigating this ship back to California."

"We understand. Who do you want me to sue?" Harvey said thinking like the lawyer he was.

"Nobody yet. It was sort of my own fault. I did not watch where I was going and slipped on the oily floor of the deck. It was a good thing I didn't wind up overboard!" Ian joked laughing a little. No one else thought there was any humor in his statement.

"Okay..." Ian answered the loud silence in the small room. "You're going to have to be in formal soon for inspection so I need you to try on my dress whites...with the shorts."

"Why do you say it like that? With the shorts. I have great legs," Harvey said. "It's just this pretending to be you. I'm not sure I can get away with."

Donna wanted to say we kept you from going to jail for hiring a fraud for four years I think you can pull this off but she restrained herself. Instead Donna just sniggered quietly and made a face which Harvey had just happened to look behind him and catch. He put his hands out and gave her a look silently asking for her faith in him because at the moment he was not sure he was capable of pulling off this fraud.

So Harvey changed in Ian's bathroom and Donna took a seat next to Ian's bed while they waited for the new Captain Ian Starbury to emerge. Katie Moran had to go back to the sick deck for she was called on yet another case of seasickness or food poisoning she was not sure.

"So, Ian, did you and Katie get to talk at all?"

Ian smirked looking remarkedly like Harvey making Donna shift her in her chair. One of the main differences that one could tell Harvey from Ian was their speaking voices. Harvey's was deep with great diction. Ian's was a little higher in pitch and he maintained a bit of a Boston accent. Harvey had never acquired one although he had moved from New York to Boston at a very young age. Donna attributed to Harvey's musical ear although not a musician he could pick up a nuance in a voice only just have heard it. One of the skills that made him a great lawyer. The uncanny sense to know just by voice alone that sometimes witnesses lied.

"Funny, you should ask Donna. I had just come from a wonderful conversation with her and I was on my way to the deck when I didn't see the BEWARE sign where the crew was working in the engine room and I slipped on the oil all over the floor. I tried to get up and crunched a couple of fingers under a piece of equipment that fell and the way both my knees were hurt. This one (he pointed with difficulty) is actually broken.

Ignoring the obviously broken leg, Donna placed a hand on Ian's forearm.

"So you worked it out? Is she going to be with you now?"

"She told me she's in love with me, too. She asked me to give her a little time to decide how she was going to tell her husband she wanted a divorce and that's when I was called down to the engine room and this happened," Ian explained once again straining to point at his broken and sprained legs.

"That's wonderful, Ian. I hope everything will work out for you. However, I think you will have to face the fact that broken leg won't be healed by the time we get back to California. How are you going to get off the ship without everyone knowing that you had an imposter running the ship? You know, if anyone discovers this little ploy they could suddenly trump up suits due to the fact you had an fraud running the ship."

Ian smiled that smile that looked so much like Harvey's to Donna's concerns.

"I know that. It won't happen. If I thought it would I would never put anyone in that position. That is the truth."

"It'd better be, Ian," Harvey said coming out of the bathroom dressed like a Captain of a ship. Donna rose when she saw him and smiled.

"Ok, so how do I look?" Harvey asked.

"Like me," Ian muttered.

"Mmhmm, I approve," said Harvey's wife. Donna gave Harvey a "come hither" look which did nothing to help Harvey's response. White was white and was unforgiving for tomato, coffee, and other stains and male bulges that were beginning to grow. Harvey smirked and turned around to face away from his wife, but before he did he gave Donna one of those looks that only Harvey Specter's wife would understand the meaning.

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The first duty of newly appointed fake Captain Ian was to peruse the deck and tip his hat to anyone who gave a greeting. If someone was coming up to him to actually ask a question Harvey had some ready made answers courtesy of Ian. Donna was amusedly keeping an eye on him from a few paces back and was ready to swoop in and interfere should Harvey start to drown.

Donna had to laugh and was noting on her phone some of the more amusing anecdotes so she could tell Rachel about her honeymoon experiences. Wait until Rachel and Mike heard about this part of their trip. She could imagine the incredulous expressions on their faces as she and Harvey gave their animated explanations over glasses of scotch and wine. Just as Donna rose her head she noticed Harvey had trod on without her. She quickly started again and then was horrified to see her poor husband hanging over the ship's railing with an sudden attack of seasickness. If anything were give Harvey away it would be his seasickness. No one would ever believe that a Captain of a ship with long years of experience would suffer from that condition.

Harvey looked up and saw his wife approaching.

"I'm ok, Donna. Just a little bit of a swoon. Do you think anyone saw me?" Harvey asked from under his breath still keeping his back to the passersby. He was dressed all in white including the Captain's hat which seemed to have been stuck on Harvey's head the entire time he was retching as it still remained perched on the top of his head as he rose from his bent position. He knew that many people would be captivated by the Captain's speaking with a beautiful red haired woman dressed in a pretty feminine halter dress with sandals. People could see their heads were quite close, so it gave the world the sign of an intimate talk that most people would not attempt to interrupt even if one of the people speaking was perceived to be the Captain of the ship.

"No, I don't think anyone is watching you. They seem to be more concerned about where to go for the next activity or meal," Donna comforted him. She looked at his face under the brim of the white captain's hat and Donna thought how handsome he looked in dress whites. His legs did not look bad in those shorts.

"You know, Harvey, you shouldn't hide those great legs of yours in trousers and sweat pants. I never really noticed how great your legs are."

"Really?" He smirked haughtily. "Well, I'm Harvey Specter and I know they are great. Truthfully? I only use shorts and ones longer than these when I am at the gym."

"You know in all the years we've known each other. We've never been to the gym at the same time," Donna observed.

"Donna," Harvey said smugly. "You go to a gym where they do yoga. I go to a boxing gym. There's a huge difference."

"Hey, seasick boy, are you saying I can't handle your gym?"

"No, I'm saying that there's a difference."

"No, it's not. You think Yoga is a woman's workout because I'm not jumping around and getting sweaty by punching some other guy in the face or kicking a hard bag full of sand."

Harvey leaned on the railing with one elbow and slightly rose the Captain's hat from his head.

"Ok, smart ass, there's a boxing gym and a yoga studio on board here. How about when I'm not playing Captain to this ship we switch up our sports, you try boxing and I will try those stupid positions that you consider a workout. If one of us gives up before the boat gets back to California..."

"The loser has to cook dinner an entire week no matter how late we get home from the office!" Donna exclaimed knowing that she hated to cook but Harvey loved to cook and was very good. Besides Donna was determined that she had already won because Harvey really thought Yoga was not a workout so he would probably lose. Donna also reasoned that Harvey's seasickness would take over while he was trying so although one may consider that cheating her husband would have just said she was playing the man not the odds.

Harvey smiled as he looked at his wife. He badly wanted to kiss that little smug smile off her face. She thinks she won already! We'll see. Her beautiful red hair was curly in the sea air and blew about her face. She wore those huge sunglasses she favored which covered half her beautiful face. Most of her was full bore to the sun, and Harvey noted her halter dress did not hide much. Harvey noticed fellow passengers spotted them and just smiled.

Suddenly an older woman, shorter than either Donna or Harvey, hurried up to them and said, "Oh Captain, I am so sorry to interrupt you but I seem to have misplaced Lupita. I am hoping you can help me! I can't be without my Lupita."

"Ma'am I would be happy to help you, but you have to calm down," Harvey gently commanded. The little woman was looking around, biting her finger, and then even wedged herself between Harvey and Donna to look overboard.

"You will help me find Lupita, right?" The woman whose name was Carlotta could not help looking up at the handsome captain and immediately calmed as she looked into his deep brown eyes.

"Yes, I will help you. Now how about you sit down here and tell me about Lupita and when was the last time you saw her," Harvey said as he helped Carlotta to a deckchair. He carefully perched on one next to her and asked her some questions regarding Lupita.

"Ok, Lupita looks like?"

"She's my dog. My therapy dog. I don't go anywhere without her, so I was so happy that your ship will allow me to have my dog."

"Yes, we do try to accommodate," Harvey said getting into character. Donna watched from across the deck and was really thinking Harvey might just pull it off after all. Harvey could alway charm a lady. Donna knew that from firsthand experience.

"Lupita is a black and brown baby Doberman Pincher," Carlotta stated.

Harvey made a face and then calmed himself asking Lupita's last location.

"She was with me when I arrived on deck. I was greeted by the Activities Director and then before I knew it she broke off from my leash and sped off. I haven't been able to find her."

"Ok, so let's go to the Purser's desk and file a report. I will have the crew look for a baby Doberman as they travel. Then we will get you a report as we know where Lupita has been found. Would that make you feel better, Carlotta?"

The older woman with black hair said, "Yes. Thank you, Captain. You have no idea what she means to me."

Harvey assisted the older woman and then quickly texted Donna "Where's the purser's office?"

Donna texted Harvey back to give him the location, so Harvey ventured off with Carlotta in the direction of the purser's office. He eyed Donna before he and Carlota had gotten too far and made it known in no uncertain terms that she follow them.

The purser's office was located on the first deck as you entered the ship. The purser's office had sign on the front of the door which read the "The Purser Is IN". Harvey knocked and then the purser gave Harvey permission to enter and upon seeing who was visiting him the purser jumped up and saluted. Harvey forgot who he was supposed to be for a minute and them mumbled. "At ease."

"Captain Starbury, what can I do for you?" The Yeoman Purser was about the same size as Harvey but very dark and swarthy looking.

Harvey tried to not to look the Purser in the face but Harvey knew that as long as he kept his hat on then no one should realize he was not the real Captain Starbury. However before Harvey could take two steps forward to introduce Carlotta and explain what he needed the rise of seasickness arose in Harvey's stomach coercing a small retch from him.

The purser was quick on the draw and said, "Are you all right, sir? Anything I can get you?"

Harvey put his fist to his mouth and hopefully the wave had passed long enough to get his bearings back. He coughed and said, "No, I'm fine. This woman has lost her dog, her therapy dog and she needs to find it. I told her that she could file a report with you and we would have the crew search for it on their rounds"

"Certainly, sir," Purser Owens said directing his attention to the hysterical woman.

"Then I will leave you to her," Harvey said as he backed away.

"Thank you, Captain. I appreciate your help," Carlotta said to Harvey as he backed out the door.

He put two fingers to his cap in a slight salute and said, "My pleasure, ma'am." He then scooted out the door and at the first exit not even caring if people saw him turned and retched over the side of the boat as it swiftly motored its path through the clean blue color of The Pacific.

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A little later, Harvey had to report to the Captain's table and schmooze some more passengers that were scheduled to dine with him. Ian quickly administered a lesson to Harvey as to whom these important people were while he retrieved the formal dinner tuxedo uniform. Now standing in his own cabin bathroom fighting off sticking his head in the toilet, Harvey was struggling into the white pants this time. He really could not understand the thrill that women (especially his wife) got from shopping. Take things off, try things on, twirl in front of the mirror,...oh, it was such a pain in the ass. Harvey shopped quickly and in bulk. Even when he was buying a new suit, Harvey would go once to his tailor, pick out the suits, and have them altered there. When they were ready he would pick them up after trying them on one more time and confirming that all was well. It was a much simpler process and less cumbersome than what some women had to endure.

There was a knock on the door of the bathroom.

"Ok, Captain Harvey, let's see you," Donna said as she stood outside dressed in another Givenchy evening gown and stiletto heels. She had worked all afternoon to get her hair curled softly around her face and wearing the diamond barrette Harvey had given to her in the back of a half swept updo.

"You are very handsome, Captain," Donna said kissing him. Harvey kissed her back and then standing in front of the closet mirror he placed the Captain's hat on his head.

"This is going to be a real test. I hope I can pull this off. You know I haven't been tested with the rest of the crew."

"You'll be fine. Katie is with Ian in his room and she said if there is any trouble I can text her. Don't worry, hot shot," Donna said as she adjusted the bow tie of his uniform and smoothed down his collar. "I have great faith in you."

Harvey smirked, rolled his eyes, and then took a step back and really saw his wife.

"Did I tell you how spectacular you are, Mrs. Specter?" Harvey walked forward and slid his arms around her. This gown was midnight blue in a criss cross fashion over her breasts and silver trim down the sides with a slit that went almost up to her thigh. Donna's stilettos were of dyed dark navy cloth. The shoes were her sister, Julia's, who had been a bridesmaid at their wedding and who wore a blue gown. The shoes had been dyed to match.

Donna brushed her hands over the tour of duty medals over the Captain's tuxedo jacket and lowered her eyes and bit her lip. Harvey had been nothing but complimentary since they had finally gotten together. Not many a day went by without him telling her how beautiful she was and how lucky he was to have not blown their chance to be together. She looked up into his face and they smiled at each other. She was so unbelievably happy and she knew that Harvey was too. It was almost like a fairytale.

Kissing her on her lips once again, Harvey said in a low voice, "Well, this should be fun. At least I should be able to dance with you tonight without interruption."

"As long as you don't have to go out to the deck and retch," Donna said logically.

Harvey just nodded as they left the cabin hand in hand.

Unknowingly, the Cruise Director who had been walking down the hall in the opposite direction had suddenly turned her head as she noticed that Captain Ian Starbury had just exited the Specters' cabin with Mrs. Donna Specter hand in hand.

Thank you again! Please R&R if you wish to do so. Love - Carebearmaxi