Chapter 38
Harvey and Alex went for a morning run through the park. This included the obligatory detour past what was now known as 'their' tree. Even though they were both in their own little worlds with their ear buds in listening to their own running music they acknowledged this special spot. They simultaneously turned to look at each other as they passed the tree; Alex with a smile on her face and Harvey winking back.
They slowed their pace about half a block from Harvey's building and as they rounded the corner they were down to a walking pace. As had become customary, Harvey threw his arm around Alex's shoulders for this last part of their journey. It was in moments like this that Harvey couldn't believe how much his life had changed over the last six months. He couldn't imagine life without Alex and he'd never been happier.
As they entered Harvey's building they said good morning to Cedric who had just arrived for his shift. Alex assumed that the beautiful young girl with him must be his daughter Jasmine. Alex had heard all about her from Cedric; he was so proud of her. Cedric's wife had passed when Jasmine was a baby so that little girl was his life. "Alex, I'd like you to meet my daughter, Jasmine. Jasmine, this is Alex." "Nice to meet you Alex" the very polite young girl said holding out her hand. "You too Jasmine. Your dad's told me all about you. It's great to finally meet you" Alex said taking the girl's hand and shaking it.
"Alex is the future Mrs Harvey Specter" Cedric teased looking at his daughter. Harvey felt a rush of panic and then reminded himself that Cedric always said this, even before Harvey had decided to propose to Alex. Alex just laughed it off with her usual reply "come on Cedric, you know I'm saving myself for you!" Although part of her liked the idea of being the future Mrs Harvey Specter, Alex knew that Harvey would need a lot more time to be ready for that kind of commitment.
"So, what brings you down here kiddo?" Harvey asked Jasmine. Harvey had seen this girl grow up, she was a toddler when he'd moved into this building and he'd see her with Cedric regularly. She was growing up fast he thought to himself. "I'm buying a dress for my birthday party" she replied. "She turns 14 later this month and we're having a barbeque at the house" Cedric explained and then continued "she's talked me into buying her a new dress. Mario's going to cover for me for an hour." Jasmine went into the back office to hang up her bag and while she was gone Cedric whispered "my heart breaks at times like this. It should be her mom going with her. What do I know about dresses?!" Jasmine re-joined the group and smiled. Her dad had told her about Harvey's girlfriend, even without make up on and in her running clothes she looked as beautiful as he'd described, she thought to herself.
"I'll take Jasmine shopping for a dress if you like" Alex offered and then added "I mean. If you don't mind. I don't want to tread on anyone's toes." Jasmine beamed and looked at her dad for his blessing. "Thank you Alex, but you don't have to do that. I know you're a busy lady" Cedric said and Jasmine's smile disappeared. "Honestly, I don't mind! Harvey's busy this morning so I was going to go shopping for vacation clothes. But that can wait. I'd love to take her" she said smiling at Jasmine and then added "I don't need and excuse to go shopping for dresses!" "Please dad" Jasmine said. "Well as long as you don't mind" Cedric said to Alex. "Not at all" she said and then turned to Jasmine and added "we'll have a great time. Bit of shopping, bit of lunch". Jasmine looked like she was about to burst with excitement Harvey thought to himself. He looked at Alex smiling at the young girl with her arm around her and thought about how amazing Alex was. She didn't have to do this, but that's just how she was. So kind, so giving. God, he loved this woman. "Right then, give me half an hour to get showered and we'll hit the shops" Alex said to Jasmine. Jasmine beamed back and said "thanks Alex." "Thank you Alex, you're an angel" Cedric said.
As they rode the elevator up to the condo Harvey scooped Alex up into a hug and kissed her. "Mmmmm, what's that for?" she asked enjoying it. "For what you did down there. You've just made that girl's day and Cedric's too" Harvey said. "What Cedric said was so sad. I just wanted to do something nice for them" Alex said and added "besides, you're busy with Mike this morning so this works out perfectly." Harvey had reluctantly agreed to go suit shopping with Mike later that morning. Mike was ready to spend some decent money on some suits and had asked Harvey to go with him. Harvey pulled a face at Alex. "Oh come on, you make out you've got better things to do but you're secretly flattered that he asked you to go with him" she said. Harvey shook his head as he opened the front door.
Half an hour later Alex was ready to leave. She kissed Harvey goodbye. "I'll call you when we're done. We can grab a drink" Harvey said kissing her. "OK, see you later" she said kissing him back.
"Right then young lady. Are you ready?" Alex asked Jasmine. "Yes" she beamed. Cedric thanked Alex again and said "I've given her some money. It's not as much as I wish I could give her but it'll buy her a dress and some other stuff from those stores her and her friends like". "Great. I'll try and get her back with some money left in her purse!" Alex promised and added "maybe if she sees something else it can be a birthday present from Harvey and I?" "No, no. No need for that Alex, you're kind enough to take her out" Cedric said. "Nonsense, if I want to treat her, I will! Think of all the things I'm sure you've done for Harvey over the years, consider this payback!" Alex said with a smile. Cedric shook his head and laughed saying "have fun girls" as he waved them off.
Alex took Jasmine to all of her favourite stores. They'd found a dress as well as shoes and accessories for her party, and about six other outfits. Alex didn't let Jasmine spend any money. This was her and Harvey's treat she'd told the young girl. As they ate lunch Jasmine suggested that she buy her dad a gift with her money before they return. Alex thought this was a great idea. "He lost his pen last week. I could get him a new one" Jasmine suggested. "Perfect" Alex said so they stopped off at a stationery store on their way back and Jasmine picked out a black and silver pen with 'World's Best Dad' written on it. "He'll love it" Alex said with a lump in her throat.
When Harvey came down around lunch time Cedric thanked him again for what Alex was doing. "She's a keeper Harvey" Cedric said. Harvey smiled and said "Yeah, she is" he said. Cedric detected something more by Harvey's tone of voice and the look on his face. Cedric gave him a look that asked thousand questions. This whole proposal thing had got Harvey acting very out of character at times, it had got him excited. Excited to tell people his good news; even though it hadn't happened yet! "Harvey?" Cedric pushed. A smile broke out on Harvey's face and he said "you know where going on vacation next week? Well I'm going to propose." Cedric couldn't contain his happiness "Harvey! My Man! That's fantastic!" he said coming out from behind his desk to give Harvey a bear hug. Slapping him on the back Cedric added "congrats man!" "I haven't asked her yet Cedric!" Harvey said. "But when you do, she'll say yes" Cedric replied. "I hope so. But don't say anything ok? It's a surprise" Harvey warned playfully.
At that moment Alex and Jasmine walked through the doors carrying lots of bags. "Oh my! That haul looks like it cost more than a hundred bucks" Cedric said looking at Alex with disapproval. "What we spent is none of your concern" Alex said in mock seriousness and added "Jasmine still has money let in her purse as promised. We got her a party outfit and a few other essentials." "Essentials?" Cedric asked. "Yes, essentials" Alex confirmed. Alex looked at Harvey and smiled, he just raised his eyebrows at her. "So you two had a good time?" Harvey asked Jasmine. "We had an amazing time!" she gushed and added "we went for lunch to a fancy place and we had cocktails." "Non-alcoholic!" Alex added looking at Cedric.
"Well I need to go and meet Mike" Harvey said. "Haven't you been yet?" Alex asked. "No, he's running late… For a change" Harvey said rolling his eyes. Well I might as well go and do that vacation shopping I had planned" Alex said taking Harvey's arm. Jasmine was already behind the desk pulling her new clothes out of their bags to show her dad. "Thank you" Cedric mouthed to Alex who smiled back. "Well, I've had a wonderful morning. Enjoy your party Jasmine" Alex said as they turned to leave. Jasmine ran out from behind the desk to give Alex a massive hug saying "thanks Alex. You're the best. Will you come to my party? Harvey can come too?" Alex looked at Harvey who was smiling at the scene before him "Well, if Harvey can come too, I'd love to come. That ok Cedric?" Alex said. "Absolutely, we'd be honoured" he said with a smile. "Well I guess we'll see you there then" Harvey said leading Alex out of the building. As they walked through the doors Alex heard Jasmine say "I got you a present Dad" and she smiled.
"You don't mind do you?" Alex said as they turned the corner. Harvey thought for a second and said "you know what; the pre-Alex Harvey would have hated the idea and made up some bullshit story about being busy. But the post-Alex Harvey doesn't mind at all" giving her a squeeze. "The pre-Alex Harvey wouldn't have got an invite" Alex deadpanned.
They parted ways when they got to Fifth Avenue. Harvey headed to his tailors to meet Mike and Alex headed straight for her favourite stores for some vacation essentials. Alex had been shopping for about an hour and had already picked up a sundress, bikini and hat. She got side-tracked by some heels, some red soled heels; she hadn't bought any in a while she thought. As she picked up a particularly sexy black pair a voice behind her whispered "step away from the heels!" Alex turned to see Donna standing there grinning at her. "Hey Donna! How are you?" she asked. "I'm good. You?" Donna asked. "Yeah, not bad. I'm meant to be shopping for vacation clothes but I got distracted! To be honest I've been shopping all day and I could do with a drink but I'm killing time waiting for Harvey to finish with Mike" Alex said. "Oh yeah, they've gone suit shopping. So sweet!" Donna quipped and added "if you wanna go for a drink I'll go with you. There's a great place round the corner with a roof terrace. Besides, we've got a lot to catch up on." "OK. Sounds good. Lead the way" Alex agreed.
Donna led Alex out of the store and to the bar. She was looking forward to this. She liked Alex and wanted to get to know her better. She was going to be Harvey's wife after all.
This is my first fanfic so I'd really appreciate any feedback and reviews. Thanks for reading!