Happy Saturday! Apologies it's take so long to update this story. Hopefully you've not forgotten about it, if you were reading it! This chapter is a little shorter, but it was a good place to break, as the next chapter is likely going to be fairly long. It's hard to believe I started this story over a year ago. How time flies! Anyway, hopefully you enjoy it and whatever your thoughts, I'd love to hear what you think, so please do leave a review if you can. Thanks again!

...

Chapter Twenty-One

Harvey stirred the vanilla in to two mugs of coffee the next morning, as the early sounds of the city filtered through the open terrace door. He'd never experienced the Monday morning blues that he noticed seemed to befall most people; he simply woke up, put on his armour and headed in to work and had been doing so for years. Yet, this Monday, he understood the sensation of not wanting to venture in to the world; even more so once he carried the mugs back through to his bedroom to be rewarded by a grateful smile that made his heart beat a little faster.

It struck him how this was the role reversal version of one of his dreams as he perched on the side of the bed by Donna who, on tasting the coffee, let out a satisfied sigh. "That's good coffee."

"Only the best for you," he murmured, following up with a gentle kiss, before sipping from his own mug.

"Ready to get back to reality?"

Donna sighed, but had a smile on her face. "Well as we have no other choice, I suppose I am. It'll be good to see Louis actually. I've missed him!"

Harvey pulled a face and moved in for another kiss. "No talking about Louis in bed." The comment earned him a laugh and another long, lazy kiss, which seriously had him reconsidering going to work at all, but before he could voice this aloud, Donna was out of the bed, heading to the shower.

"You coming?"

The Cheshire cat grin that spread across his face gave Donna her answer, as he placed his cup on the side and crossed the room after her.

…

The morning flew by for Donna, as she caught up on emails and sifted through responses she'd received with regards to potential hires. It was after she'd picked up a bagel for lunch, that she had time to pop her head in to the other named partner's office.

"Hey stranger."

On hearing her voice, Louis practically leapt out of his chair, eager to welcome her back with a big hug. "Three weeks without you Donna, was far too long. I'm so pleased you're back."

"Thanks Louis," she replied, before pausing for dramatic effect, as she produced a rolled up tube from behind her back. "I heard you wanted one of these….."

Seeing the poster that had been the focus of his plan to lure her to meet Harvey, he smiled. "I did want one! Have you read it? All these phrases people think have been around 5 minutes, but have actually been around hundreds of years."

Donna smiled and passed him the tube. "Well, it's all yours."

Looking more serious then, her friend looked her in the eye. "I'm sorry for deceiving you, but it seems to have worked out?….Right?" Talking about her romantic relationship with Harvey was clearly a little awkward for him, so she nodded, letting her smile speak volumes. "Everything's great, Louis and no apology needed. In fact, I should be thanking you."

"Having you back is thanks enough and I want to hear all about London!"

She really had missed her friend and gladly accepted his suggestion to eat her lunch in his office over a cup of tea, as she filled him in on all the shows she'd seen and all the places in London she'd visited.

…..

"Well, look who finally showed up to work! Did you find the place okay?"

Harvey rolled his eyes on entering his office to find Mike already perched on the window ledge next to his desk. He'd hoped for at least the morning before Mike's fun began.

"You don't honestly believe you're funny, do you?"

Mike smirked. "Is that the best you've got? Wow! You really are rusty!" Harvey may have been pulling a disgusted face, but not even that façade could hide the happiness that Mike could see in his eyes. In fact his whole posture carried a different air to it; he was more relaxed. Mike was thrilled to see happiness suited his friend and he decided to cut him a break.

"I understand you had a good trip…."

Harvey looked up, having taken a seat behind his desk. "Good? If you only heard it was good, I clearly have more work to do!"

They exchanged a smile and Mike chuckled. Rachel hadn't given much away after her lunch with Donna, partly because he'd specifically said he didn't want to hear anything that would make it impossible for him to look Harvey in the face. There were some things he was more than happy to have no knowledge of!

Mike pushed off the window ledge and dropped a file on his desk, earning him a questioning look from his friend.

"Just a little welcome back gift. Don't worry, it's an easy one, to ease you back in slowly!"

With a final wink, Mike moved to leave, telling him to give him a shout if he was stuck on the case later. Harvey shook his head. The kid was a pain in the ass, but he was certainly glad to have him around.

….

It was Wednesday night when Rachel tapped lightly on the glass of her best friend's office. Having been a busy week so far, she'd had little chance to catch up with Donna and they usually tried to have lunch a couple of times during the week.

"Is the end in sight?"

Donna looked up from her files and smiled. "Is it ever in sight?" Rachel gave her a sympathetic nod of understanding. "I thought you might have earned a late dinner, unless you've already eaten?"

"That sounds perfect, Rach. Thanks. I need a break! Lead the way!"

Rachel beamed with satisfaction at successfully pulling her away from the office for some fun. Donna noticed the cheeky smirk and paused as she picked up her bag. "Rachel…..?"

"What? Nothing…It just occurred to me, maybe the adventures of Michelle Ross and Harriet Specter could soon be at an end…"

Donna blushed a little; she didn't need Rachel to say more. Her meaning was clear and it set her heart racing. Squeezing her friend's arm affectionately as she reached the door, she smiled widely. "Well, we better make the most of tonight then!"

Linking their arms through each other's, they headed to the elevators, ready to paint Manhattan red.

…..

"You're actually going to meet his Mom?!"

Rachel's almost squeal at the information caused Donna to chuckle. "I am. On Saturday."

"Well, that's a big step for any couple, but after everything with his mom, it's understandable if you're nervous, Donna."

After taking a sip from her wine glass, Donna sighed. "It's not nerves as such, Rach. It's more worry that I already have an opinion of her and I'll struggle not to let that come through. They both made mistakes, but there's been so much pain in his life because of her and….."

"Part of you is angry with her for that."

A nod of her head told Rachel she was right. "It's a natural response. You've seen first hand how her actions affected him." Resting her hand on top of Donna's, she offered a reassuring smile. "I'm sure it'll be fine. She may be as nervous about it as you are, as I'm sure she knows you're aware of everything that happened, but she'll see instantly how happy you make him and that'll be all that matters."

Rachel's overflowing optimism was the perfect tonic for Donna and she let herself relax. Everything was going so well for her and Harvey now and she was just scared of something upsetting it.

"I'm sure you're right, Rach." Deciding to change the subject to a happier one, she tilted her head in a questioning manner at her friend. "So, how's the wedding planning coming along? Any progress, or do I just need to arrange the whole event for you?!"

It was Rachel's turn to smile. "We're trying to give it the attention it deserves now. Our careers just seemed to be the focus, but I think you'll be impressed to hear about all the progress I've made while you were away, living your very own Hallmark movie!"

"Hallmark movie?!" The sceptical tone to Donna's voice was met with challenge in Rachel's. "Jetting off to another country, having a man chase after you and tell you just how much he loves you, before spending a romantic two weeks together? It sounds very Hallmark to me!"

Donna opened her mouth to disagree, but realised Rachel had a point and she laughed, remembering what Sam had said about her life sounding like a film. Rolling her eyes, she focussed on the subject at hand. "So, come on then! Tell me everything!"

Rachel beamed, as she excitedly began to fill Donna in on her plans, while secretly hoping her friend wouldn't be far behind her planning her own big day.

….

Harvey was tired and ready to go home and on seeing that it was almost 11 p.m., decided enough was enough for one day. Mike had already mentioned that Rachel was out with Donna, so he knew there was no point checking her office to see if she was there. Instead he picked up his phone and pressed 1 on his speed dial.

"Hey there. You still at the office? It's late."

Just hearing her voice made him smile now. "I'm calling it a night. Are you still enjoying your ladies night?"

Donna smiled, as she slipped her shoes off her feet. "No, we've both full days tomorrow, so decided not to go crazy tonight."

"In that case, I have only one question….are you at your place, or mine?"

"Mine." Although, she'd enjoyed spending the last few nights at Harvey's apartment, somewhere that they could begin to make new memories, she'd missed her home and more importantly, her wardrobe. Harvey smiled, picturing Donna in her bedroom, over a decade ago. "Well, I'll need you to let me in, so don't go falling asleep on me before I get there."

Padding barefoot in to her bedroom, lighting a candle on the dresser, she congratulated herself at, as usual, being three steps ahead of him. "Top desk drawer."

He frowned for a moment, puzzled by the response, before he realised what she meant and opened his drawer. On seeing what was inside, he smiled. "You knew I'd call before leaving?"

"I had a strong hunch."

Picking up the key, he rolled it between his fingers for a few moments, before slipping it in to his pocket. "I'll see you soon."

….

New York was never quiet at night as far as traffic was concerned and it seemed to take an eternity before Ray finally pulled up outside Donna's building.

"Thanks Ray. We'll see you tomorrow."

"Night Harvey." His driver's smile didn't go unnoticed by Harvey, as he slipped out of the car and made his way up to the front door. It felt a little strange letting himself in without Donna beside him, but it sent a thrill through him; knowing he was the one she'd let in to her life.

The apartment was dark when he entered, closing the door quietly behind him, the only light being the glow of a small lamp in the living room. After shedding his jacket and removing his shoes, he moved quietly down the corridor to her bedroom, the memories from the last night he'd spent here rising further to the surface with every step.

Donna was already asleep when he opened the door, turned on to her right side, facing the door, the moonlight peaking through the curtains framing her as if in a painting. He stilled his movements and stood for a few seconds, taking in just how beautiful she was. It really did take his breath away.

Careful not to wake her, he slipped out of his shirt and trousers, before pulling back the covers on the other side and sliding in next to her, his hand finding its place on her side, as his chin nestled against her shoulder. She murmured softly and pulled him closer. "Hey…"

The quiet, sleep-filled voice made him smile. "Go back to sleep," he whispered softly against her ear, before kissing her softy on the cheek. "Okay….."

Closing his eyes, he felt the tensions of the day leave him and it wasn't long before he followed her in to a deep sleep.

...

That's all for now, but I have started the next chapter, so it shouldn't take me as long to update! Do let me know what you think!