DAZED CHAPTER 14

Hey readers, lots of conversation happening here. Lots to set up before the weddng... which is just around the corner... enjoy the banter! Special thanks for Bass for her wedding dress expertise!

"Gorgeous! I love it! This is DEFINITELY the one!"

Rachel rolls her eyes at her former colleague. "Louis, you've said that about everything she's tried on… I'm not sure you're helping."

"That's because every one of them looks amazing!" he defends, his pupils bright and eyebrows high. "Honestly. Donna, They're all perfect!"

"That's sweet, Louis," Donna replies. "I thought I'd know exactly what I'd want in a dress… but now, I'm not sure. None of them feel quite right."

Rachel senses her friend is feeling stressed. When it comes to fashion, Donna knows exactly what she likes, so she assumed finding the perfect gown would be a piece of cake. But she's quickly discovering that wedding gowns are a category all their own.

"It was the same when we went shopping for mine, remember?" Her maid of honour sympathizes, and with a little playful perspective, adds, "It's just like finding a husband. When the right one comes along, you just know, so until then, you keep looking."

Comforted by Rachel's words, Donna looks herself over in the enormous gilded mirror. She's already tried nearly a dozen gowns, all from her favourite designers… Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Givenchy, and Stella McCartney.

Short sleeve, long sleeve, sleeveless, strapless.

Satin, silk, chiffon and tulle.

White, ivory, cream and blush.

The experience is both overwhelming… and surreal.

Seeing her reflection in white, Donna barely recognizes herself. This is a beautiful dress, she thinks. Simple, tasteful with classic lines. Ivory silk and a chapel length train.

When Donna was a little girl, however, she imagined herself in a flowing princess-style, wedding dress. A fitted bodice beaded with sparkling diamonds that trickled down the length of her ballroom skirt. And her long hair, crowned with a tiny tiara.

But those were the expectations of young girl who believed, like in the movies, that when she was ready, her prince would be waiting.

Reality has been much different. Over the years, she's found companionship, including the kind that might eventually bring marriage. Mark Meadows came the closest. Most recently, Thomas, if she had given it a chance.

But, both men lacked the one thing that would make her want to walk down the aisle.

They weren't Harvey.

As she looks herself over one more time, Donna has to catch her breath, her new reality sinking in...

I'm marrying Harvey.

I'm marrying the man I've loved for fourteen years.

I'm going to be his wife.

Fancy dresses aside, the truth is, Donna would marry Harvey any where, at any time, wearing anything. Her heart has been committed for so long, she can barely remember a time when it didn't beat for him.

Standing barefoot on the raised platform, red hair swaying and silk gown flowing, she turns to her friends.

"You know what's missing?" she asks with a mischievous smile.

"Shoes?" Rachel asks.

"A veil?" Louis guesses.

"Fun! We're taking this too seriously and we shouldn't," she reminds them. "I'm marrying Harvey and nothing else will matter as much as that. So we're going to enjoy this."

Donna turns to the boutique attendant, and with a renewed optimism, requests several more dresses.

"Donna," Louis says. "Let's see you in something loose and flowing, like those theatrical gowns."

"Have you considered something with sparkle? Rachel adds. "I think a little sparkle might be fun."

Spending the day with Rachel and Louis has definitely been an adventure. The trio started with brunch at the Plaza before heading to the designer wedding boutiques along Fifth Avenue.

This third boutique is every bit Fifth Avenue. Large stately columns rise from polished white marble floors to divide the place into six separate fitting areas. Each space is ordained with crystal chandeliers and plush sofas upholstered in champagne-coloured velour.

A giant gilded mirror sits alongside a carpeted platform. On one side, there's a beverage bar and selection of truffles. On the other, an exquisite dressing room that includes a variety of shoes, jewelry and hair accessories.

A few minutes later, and to indulge Louis, Donna steps out wearing a Grecian style gown accesorized with a braided gold band in her hair. The flowing chiffon of the column style dress is cinched with a glittering waist belt. Soft fabric gathers down the plunging neckline to loosely cover her breasts. Cap sleeves and shimmering gold thread woven throughout add an air of majesty to the outfit.

"Holy shit, you look like a Greek goddess!" Louis exclaims. "Like a real-life Aphrodite!"

"It really is stunning," Rachel agrees. "I like the soft material on you."

Donna nods. "It's lovely, but not the one. I'd say this feels like a serious boyfriend with potential, not quite husband material yet."

Rachel and Louis giggle at her comparison.

Donna heads back into the dressing room and a few minutes later, steps onto the platform looking every bit a princess in a perfect white ballgown.

The voluminous tulle skirt is fun and flouncy, the stuff of fairy tales. The top, a strapless corset with a sweetheart neckline and sparkly beads, fits her to a T. Her hair is wrapped in a loose bun and tiara. Donna looks as if she's just stepped out of a storybook.

"I know this is not your style, but I have to say, it's gorgeous on you," Rachel comments. "The skirt is fun. You can really pull it off, and that corset is very, very sexy."

"Jesus, Donna," Louis blurts out, as he nearly chokes on his sparkling wine. "I think this is actually my favourite… you're stunning in it… dazzling… it's magic!"

Glancing at Louis, Rachel shakes her head. She can't help but laugh at his enthusiasm.

"I think every woman needs to go shopping with Louis," Rachel quips. "He's great for our self-esteem."

With the enormous skirt in hand, Donna offers a playful spin. The tiara catching the light as she turns.

"This is definitely pretty, but a little young, don't you think?" she asks her two attendants. "It's more of a high-school sweetheart, first-love, 'I-have-no-idea-what-I'm-getting-into' kind of dress."

"Well, you definitely know what you're getting into with Harvey!" Louis giggles.

"I do, which is why I think I know the kind of gown I want," Donna remarks, her smile confident, as she makes her way back into the dressing room.

Nibbling on truffles, Rachel and Louis excitedly wait to see what she's chosen. As Donna opens her dressing room door, their mouths drop. Stepping onto the platform, she breaks into a smile upon seeing her reflection.

Donna instantly nods. "This is me… marrying Harvey," she whispers, with the tiniest quiver in her voice.

"Oh wow…" Louis whispers, as he catches his breath. "The most elegant bride. Harvey is going to lose his mind."

"This is the one," Rachel breathes, her eyes damp.

"This is definitely the one," Donna beams.

XXX

"So, let me understand this, your girlfriend ditched you this weekend, and you can't be alone?" Marcus quips with a smile, as Harvey opens his penthouse door. Taking the early train, the younger Specter arrives just in time for the ball game.

"Actually, I'm doing you the favour," Harvey replies. "VIP tickets for the Yankees. We're sitting in a box suite."

"And they're playing Boston," Marcus teases, as he drops his overnight bag in the hallway. "You realize this could get ugly."

Harvey shakes his head and leans in to give his brother a hug. "Great to see you, Marcus."

"You too, loser."

Within minutes, the men head out to the ballpark. Harvey with his Yankees cap and Marcus with his Boston Red Sox hat.

"Jesus, Marcus, you're seriously wearing that?" Harvey teases. "You're going to need a security detail to get into the stadium."

The client VIP suite, located above the first base line, is pure luxury. A large, leather sofa sits on one side. A kitchenette and bar fridge rest along the other. On the counter, a popcorn machine and selection of snacks. Chips, chocolate, peanuts and pretzels. Fresh hot dogs and hamburgers warm under a heat lamp.

The wood-paneled walls display old black and whites of Yankee greats. Pictures of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Joe Dimaggio in their dusty uniforms add a historical touch for the sporty space.

At the front of the box and facing the field, a long tabletop outfitted with six bar stools.

"So... my big brother is finally settling down," Marcus says, with a bite of his hot dog. "I have to say… you're the last guy I ever expected to see get married."

"Me, too," Harvey says, sipping his beer. "You honestly never thought I would?"

"I was beginning to wonder," Marcus admits. "It's not like you ever talked about it. And Donna… I'm surprised a woman like her would even be single. She's great."

"She is," Harvey agrees. "I don't know what to say except I'm lucky, really damn lucky. And I'm not gonna to screw this up." Harvey hesitates, unsure whether he should ask, but then decides to. "So… ever think you'll get married again?"

Marcus slowly nods. "I'd like to, although it's hard to imagine." he confesses. "It's been a year, and there are mornings I wake up thinking Katie's still there. Then I realize she's not… anyway… I have no choice, you know, I gotta move on."

Offering a supportive pat on the back, Harvey presses his lips together, before speaking. "I'm sorry, Marcus. It's going to get easier. You're a great guy, and you're not meant to be alone."

"I hope you're right, Harvey, because being alone really sucks," Marcus replies. "If it wasn't for the kids, I don't know what I'd do."

As the first inning gets underway, the roar of the crowd echoes through the stadium, and Harvey hears a familiar voice behind him.

"I thought this was the VIP suite... but I guess they let all the riff-raff in now."

Harvey turns around to find Samantha smiling at him. Next to her, Katrina, also with a wide grin on her face.

"Hey there," Harvey says with surprise. "I had no idea you two liked baseball."

"Louis couldn't make the game, so he gave me his tickets… something about bridesman duties?" Katrina chuckles. She's casual in a Yankees t-shirt, her long blond hair tied back under her ball cap. "And I apologize for bringing the enemy into our camp, Harvey. I invited Samantha before I realized she's a Sox fan."

Looking Samantha over, Harvey nods when he notices her Boston Red Sox baseball hat. "I know how you feel, I also let the enemy sneak past," he sympathizes. "Katrina, Samantha, this is my brother Marcus. Grab a drink and pull up a seat, ladies."

"So you're a Boston fan," Samantha says to Marcus, her full lips breaking into a curious smile, as she takes the stool next to his. "Maybe that's the reason why Harvey never mentioned he had a brother. Deep, dark family secret."

"I'll let you in on another deep, dark family secret," Marcus replies. "Harvey was a Boston fan until those fancy New York neckties of his started cutting the blood flow to his brain… It's been a struggle ever since, but we still love him."

Katrina and Samantha giggle at Marcus's dig. At the office, Harvey has always been the alpha male. But in his personal life, there's clearly another dynamic.

"I was never sure I could trust Harvey because of his love of the Yankees," Samantha quips. "But now you're telling me he wasn't always on the dark side… that changes everything. Thank you, Marcus."

"You're most welcome," the younger Specter teases back. "Anything I can do to help out the firm."

"Alright you two," Harvey says in his defence. "I can still have security escort you both out… just for those hats alone. Then, Katrina and I can watch the Yankees win in peace!"

"I'll drink to that," Katrina giggles, clinking her cooler with Harvey's beer.

"Samantha, if you're a Red Sox fan," Marcus continues. "You're either not a real New Yorker or you're smarter than the average New Yorker."

"Both," she says, quickly glancing at his green eyes through her thick lashes. "I'm from upstate, but spent a summer in Boston, and that's when I fell in love with the city, and the team. I've been a fan ever since."

For the rest of the afternoon, the foursome enjoy the friendly competition, taking every opportunity to tease and trade barbs. After an exciting one-run win by the Yankees, the group decide to continue the party over dinner and drinks.

"You and Samantha had a lot to talk about," Harvey says, as he unlocks the door to his penthouse. It's well after midnight, and with Donna and Rachel camped out at her apartment, Harvey is glad for Marcus's late-night company.

"She reminds me of you," the younger Specter volleys back. "Except prettier, and smarter. She's a Red Sox fan, after all."

"You know she's coming to the wedding right?" Harvey asks. "Her and Katrina."

"Yeah, we talked about that," Marcus replies. "Actually… she's coming to Boston in a few weeks to visit her college roommate… so… we're going to meet for lunch and... a Sox game."

Harvey swiftly swivels his head. "A lunch and baseball date with Samantha?"

"It's not really a date, Harvey… just lunch and a game," Marcus says, his response tempered.

"Do you want it to be a date?" Harvey enquires, his eyebrows raised with curiosity.

"No, maybe… I don't know," Marcus admits. Harvey sees the uncertainty in his brother's eyes. "I'm not sure I'm ready."

"You know… before, I would have agreed," the elder brother says. "But now, I think… if it's something that might make you happy… give it a shot, Marcus, because you never know. She's smart and a Red Sox fan. Let's be honest, that's a near impossible combination," Harvey teases, with a playful smack on Marcus's back.

"Very funny," his brother replies. "She was certainly easy to talk to... and has a great smile. You know she served in the military?"

"There's a lot more to Samantha than meets the eye," Harvey begins. "When we first met, we didn't get along, but as I got to know her, I got to like her. She's a smart lawyer, too."

Harvey pulls two beers from the fridge, and proceeds to tell Marcus about Samantha's difficult childhood, connection to Robert, charitable work, military service, and kick-boxing skills.

"It's good you got to meet her," the elder Specter encourages. "A familiar face at the wedding."

"It is," Marcus agrees. "And… I'm looking forward to meeting her for lunch and the game."

"You mean your date?" Harvey teases.

"Alright, cut it out," Marcus playfully warns.

XXX

After a busy day, Donna and Rachel wind down for the evening. A wedding gown marathon, followed by shoe and handbag shopping made for a tiring afternoon.

Louis was officially worn out after the fifteenth boutique they dragged him into, so he decided to call it a night.

"I knew we'd break him," Donna jokes, as she pours a couple of glasses of wine. "Once we hit handbags, I knew he'd be done."

"Well, he did put his heart and soul into looking for a wedding dress. And you tried on no less than twenty," Rachel giggles, as she recounts their fun outing. "Poor guy had no idea what he'd agreed to. I expect we're going to get a call from Sheila in the morning asking what the hell we did to him!"

"I'm glad he came, though," Donna says. "It was nice to get the male perspective, even if his only contribution was, 'You look hot in that, I love it'!"

Both women, lounging in comfortable pajamas, are curled up on the sofa. Their hair in ponytails and makeup cleaned away.

"Donna," Rachel begins, as the red head hands her a glass. "I have something to tell you… only Mike and my parents know… I can't drink this wine."

"Oh my God!" Donna gasps. "You're not…?"

"Nearly three months," Rachel nods, an excited smile across her face.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Donna asks, the whites of her eyes wide and glistening.

"Because you deserved to have your moment," Rachel explains. "You were there for me when I had mine. I wanted you to have yours. All of it… sharing with friends and family, shopping for your dress and celebrating like you should."

Hugging her friend, Donna's eyes well up at her kindness and consideration. "Thank you, Rachel. You're so thoughtful. How are you feeling? Mike must be over the moon."

"I feel great, a little tired, but I could eat all the time. And Mike hasn't stopped planning. Researching strollers. Memorizing pregnancy books. You'd think he was the one actually pushing a baby out!" Rachel beams. "I'm due in late January. As for my bridesmaid dress, it may need a little tailoring before September 21st."

Donna nods, and now tears well up in both their eyes.

"I can't believe this," Donna says, her eyes twinkling. "You two are having a baby and Harvey and I are getting married…"

Donna heads to the kitchen to exchange the wine for sparkling water. She returns to find a curious look on her friend's face.

"Is that a bottle of what I think it is on the dining room table?" she enquires.

"It might be…" Donna responds with a sly glance towards her prenatal vitamins.

"You're not…"

"Not yet," Donna clarifies. "But we're hoping to be."

"Wait one minute…" Rachel declares, her palms up and facing Donna. "Harvey wants a family? You two want to be parents?"

"We do…" Donna says, a tiny blush forming on her cheeks. She can't stop the wide grin from forming. "I expect it might take a while, but we do."

Sniffling at the news, Rachel leans in to wrap her friend in another happy hug.

"And I thought I couldn't be any more excited for you than I already am," Rachel squeals.

"Who knows, we might have babies at the same time," Donna says optimistically, causing Rachel to burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?" the redhead asks.

"I just picture Mike and Harvey in their tailored suits, walking through Central Park, coffees and bagels in hand, and babies strapped to their chests."

"I promise you," Donna can't contain her laughter now. "If we have babies at the same time… somehow, some way, we're going to make that happen! We both need that picture in our lives."

"It's a deal," Rachel agrees, offering her hand to formalize the plan.

"Harvey and I better get to work, then!" Donna giggles with a handshake.

XXX

After seeing Rachel off at the airport, Donna heads back to Harvey's apartment, her garment bag and shoes in hand. He's been anxiously waiting, flipping through documents to distract himself.

Hearing the door, he immediately jumps up to meet her.

"It's about time!" he says, setting aside her bag. His soft hands holding her face, Harvey delivers a long-awaited and urgent kiss that tastes like a mix of "I love you" and "I've missed you".

"Wow, that was nice," Donna remarks with a lick of her lips.

"I haven't seen you in three days," he says, leading her by the hand to the sofa.

"It's been one night and two days, Harvey, and I've missed you, too," she smiles sweetly, as she curls up next to him, her head resting on his shoulder.

"You and Rachel have fun?" he asks, his arm wrapped around her.

"We did," Donna says. "and, exciting news… Rachel's pregnant… due in January."

"Pregnant?" Harvey remarks,enthusiastically. "I'll call Mike tomorrow. They're going to be great parents."

"How was shopping with your bridesmaids?" he continues. "You and Louis braid each other's hair?"

"Yes, and we got mani-pedis," she kids. "How about Marcus, you two beat each other up?"

"To a pulp," he volleys back. "Actually, Samantha and Katrina showed up at the game."

"And…" she prods, knowing there must be a reason he mentioned that.

"Marcus and Samantha spent the entire evening talking… she's heading to Boston in a couple of weeks and they're meeting for lunch… and a Sox game," he says, incredulously.

"Harvey Specter!" Donna exclaims, her shiny lips breaking into a mischievous smile. "Were you playing matchmaker for the wedding?!"

"Absolutely not," he denies, determinedly shaking his head, while his tiny smile gives him away. "But… I didn't discourage it."

"Oh my God, I need to write this down," she quips, as she pretends to mark on imaginary paper. "Today is the day Harvey Specter officially became a matchmaking romantic."

Harvey chuckles at Donna's teasing. This was the first time they'd spent any real time apart since becoming involved. Although it was just a weekend, Harvey surprised himself with how much he missed her.

Donna's love has been a bolt of lightning that's electrified his world, brightening all the colours, sweetening all the flavours and casting a golden glow over what was once a dark and hopeless space. He can't ever imagine going back.

"Find a dress?" he asks, inhaling the scent of her shampoo.

"I did," she says. "I also discovered something else."

"What?"

"I love my dress, it's perfect, but honestly Harvey, when I saw myself in the mirror, I realized that it pales in comparison to how excited I am to marry you." She's caressing his cheek now, hazel eyes melting into his soulful stare.

"It does?" he whispers, her words tickling his heart.

"Ever since I was little," she explains. "I thought my dress would be one of the most important parts of my wedding. I assumed I'd feel the same way now. But with you, Harvey, the most important thing now... I just want to be your wife. I would marry you barefoot and wearing a potato sack."

"You would?" he swallows, touched by her honesty. "That's sweet, Donna... I realized a few things myself this weekend."

"That I make a better roommate than Marcus?" she asks, playfully.

"It's definitely more fun watching you walk around in your underwear than him," he kids, earning a giggle from Donna.

"When you're gone, I feel like part of me is gone, too… I really missed you. I know it was only a couple of days, but I couldn't wait for you to come home," he says, slightly embarrassed by his neediness. "This place is completely different when you're not here. I've lived here for ten years and now it doesn't feel like home unless you're with me."

Donna nods, his words melting her heart. She understands completely.

"I'm here now… so what are we going to do about that?" she flirts. "Do I get a welcome home party?"

With a tender kiss, Harvey gently pulls her off the sofa, his hands resting at her waist. Donna's loving arms find their way around his neck.

"Potato sack, huh?" he enquires. "How much is this potato sack gonna set me back?"

"Let's just say, potatoes aren't as cheap as they used to be," she teases. "The quality of the canvas differs, and it also depends on whether you're going for a casual look or something more formal, like a strapless sack with a train."

Rolling his eyes, Harvey can't help but giggle, the laugh lines framing his face.

"Honestly Donna, I don't care what you wear," his voice low and earnest. "As long as we end up married, and I get to call you my wife. That's all that matters."

"Thank you Harvey, because this potato sack is costing you exactly…" Donna leans in to whisper the total in his ear.

Harvey's eyes go wide with surprise. "Seriously?! That is a lot of potatoes."

"A truckload... and worth every spud," she chuckles, as she takes his hand and leads him into the bedroom.