AN: This chapter is one a lot of people have been waiting for and I'm sooooo nervous about your reactions hahaha so I hope everyone enjoys it and please let me know what you think! Have a nice weekend!


CHAPTER TWELVE

She's impatient.

It's not that she's having a hard time in pregnancy. In fact, she thinks she's had it easier than many women. Her skin has never been better and her hair feels amazing and, contrary to most women, she refrained from sex in the first months to have a lot of (good) sex until the end.

At least she thinks this is the end as she checks the calendar.

October 28th. Her due date.

It's a date like any other, really. She's still working because she feels fine, besides the constant bathroom breaks because the baby is pressing really hard into her bladder. So Harvey wakes her up with a kiss, and she meets his rather anxious gaze as he offers her a cup of tea in her kitchen.

"It's not happening today," Donna tells him softly.

Harvey fights a grin. "You can't know that for sure."

"I can and I know," she says with a grunt as she sits slowly on the chair. Mobility is so hard these days. She feels huge, really. She hasn't been able to see her own feet in months. She's sure she and Harvey could never be as intimate as this pregnancy let them be, and she's not talking about romantic stuff. "This baby isn't coming today."

Harvey chuckles. "You thought she was coming three weeks ago."

"Those were Braxton-Hicks, and we're glad she wasn't early," Donna says pointedly while patting her baby bump. "I feel nothing today. Absolutely nothing. I don't want her to be late, Harvey."

"Relax, she'll be fine. If she's late, you said you're okay with the c-section," he reminds her. "You remember what the midwife said, right? We can't think of a perfect scenario because it's not our choice, it's hers. And yours, as long as you can choose it."

"I know that, but I want her here," Donna says with a groan. She doesn't care if she sounds like a spoiled child. It's been months. Over nine months, to be precise. "I want to be able to see some parts of my body without a mirror, Harvey."

He laughs. "Well, I can see it well and it looks damn fine to me."

She rolls her eyes. "You're an idiot."

"It's only seven in the morning," he points out. "A lot can change within a day."

She's skeptical, but takes the advice to heart and, maybe, she lets herself hope a little.

It turns out that she's right, as usual.

The day that marks the fortieth week of pregnancy completely turns out to be nothing, because their baby girl definitely shows no signs of want to get out, much to Donna's annoyance. Forty weeks is a lot of time to be growing someone, and while she's happy that everything has gone smoothly so far, she's anxious for the birth — anxious to meet her baby and nervous about the actual birth, even if she's planned it all. If the baby is late, well, chances of a c-section grow, and it adds to her worries that the baby might be in pain or too big or uncomfortable, or…

It's just a lot.

But there's no way to rush it, as the doctor has been reminding them every week. Not while the baby is okay and healthy, anyway. She'll come in her own time, Donna knows, and she shouldn't be surprised if she ends up being late.

"She probably takes after you," Donna says as she sits in bed, her phone resting on her belly. She's just talked to her mom, who seems to be as anxious as she's feeling. "Always leaving people to wait for you."

"Hey," Harvey complains all the way from the bathroom. She hears his steps and leans back against the headboard of the bed to look at him when he walks into the bedroom. His mouth is full of toothpaste and toothbrush and she arches her eyebrows amusedly. He mumbles something that she can't catch, and then he takes the toothbrush out of his mouth to speak again. "You're late plenty of times."

"No, I'm not."

"You're always late to events," he points out, walking back to the bedroom.

Donna huffs. The baby moves inside her, so abruptly that it takes the balance off her phone. She puts the phone on the nightstand just in case.

She's pouting by the time Harvey gets back. He fights a grin as he makes his way to his side of the bed.

"I'm fashionably late," she argues. He doesn't slip under the covers — instead, he lies on his stomach on top of them, close to her belly, looking up at her. She lets out a sigh and rests a hand on the spot where the baby is moving. That's definitely one of the little feet that keep kicking her internal organs and malfunctioning her digestion lately. Harvey is still staring. "What?"

"You know you'll probably miss this," he says eventually, chancing a look at her belly.

"Yeah," she admits, letting out a long breath. "I'm just worried things won't go like they're supposed to go."

There it is. The thought that is really on her mind today. She knows the doctor has said her due date is only approximate and they can never be sure, but today meant something. She really had thought that she'd at least have her baby in her arms by today. The fact that that's not happening — and it's almost midnight — is the worst to her. She keeps thinking about a c-section going wrong, or herself passing out and being unable to remember the birth afterward. This is so important. She can't miss this, even if it'll hurt like hell.

This is what she has been preparing for. The Lamaze classes and birth plans and that bag that has been in the nursery for a month now, waiting to be used. And that back-up bag inside the car's truck as well. Nine months of planning culminate into today.

And today ended up not being that day.

"We don't know how it'll happen, but what I do know is," he starts, "if anyone can do this, that's you."

"Well, I am the one carrying a fully formed baby in my uterus," Donna retorts.

He shakes his head. "You know what I mean. We're all here because a woman could do this, and if they can…"

"I can do it better," Donna finishes his thought. Harvey grins. "Well, I am pretty awesome. Not everyone can do things as well as I can, even pregnant."

"Especially pregnant," he urges.

Donna chuckles, slowly sliding to lie down. She turns to face him with a sigh, and he takes her hand in his own.

"You're gonna be a pro. And so will she," he continues. "Not so sure about myself, though."

"Don't you go passing out on me, Specter," she threatens him, only half-joking.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world," Harvey says.

Their eyes meet and they share a soft smile. Donna grasps his hand more firmly.

"Thank you," she says. "I feel like I'm going a little crazy with this waiting. And driving you a little crazy in the process."

He arches his eyebrows. "A little?"

Donna frowns, and he chuckles, slipping his hand on her rather large waist to bring her closer. Not very close, not with the baby between them, but close enough that he leans forward and gives her a kiss on the lips.

"Be honest," he says softly, "you're sad that if the baby is late she won't get to wear that pumpkin onesie we bought for Halloween, aren't you?"

Donna pouts. "It's so cute and she might miss it."

He laughs out loud, and she lets herself laugh too because they've got an appointment in two days and maybe things will have changed by then. Who knows, maybe today will be the day — the clock has just hit midnight, after all.


Harvey finds her in the en-suite bathroom of the nursery.

It's been days and the situation hasn't changed as far as he knows; they went to the doctor's appointment yesterday and according to the doctor they'll want another week and monitor the baby — if nothing happens until then, the labor will be induced. He knows Donna doesn't want that particularly, but she seems fine with the decision. He thinks the pregnancy is finally taking its toll on her.

Still, the days are long and the nights are longer when you're carrying a baby that's almost ready to be born, so he hopes he can surprise her with something nice this time around — they deserve some downtime before the baby is born, or so everyone says.

"Hey," he says jovially. Donna is washing her hands in the sink. "Everything alright?"

He asks because she went home alone today, and a little earlier than usual for that matter. She told him everything was fine and he believed her, but he remained a little anxious until he finally got home.

She's already changed from her work dress to more comfortable attire — sweatpants and a Harvard T-shirt of his. Her hair is pulled into a ponytail.

"Yeah," Donna answers. "I did some yoga. My back has been killing me today."

"So I was thinking," he starts, leaning against the doorway as she dries her hands. "Tomorrow is Halloween."

Donna smirks at him through the mirror. "You finally checked your calendar on your own, huh?"

"You have the day off, as usual," Harvey continues, pointedly ignoring her.

Donna sighs. "Yeah, but I was thinking I could go in. It's not like I have much planned."

"No, no, I was thinking maybe I could take the day off too?" He suggests, hoping it would cheer her up.

He hasn't mentioned to her yet but he may have invited people over — just Mike and Rachel, Louis, Gretchen, Katrina. He'd even dress up if she wanted him to — he knows she's bought candies to give away to the kids that come knocking. Donna usually has some grand party planned for Halloween or a big event she'd attend, but understandably that was forgotten this year, mainly because they both had thought she'd be on maternity leave then and they'd have a newborn on their hands.

Definitely not the case. He really doesn't want her favorite day of the year ruined.

"Okay," Donna says slowly, sounding a little out of breath as she turns around to properly look at him. "Why?"

"I thought we could have a small Halloween get together here," he says softly. "You know, just so the day won't simply pass by."

She bristles then. "I don't think the day will simply pass by."

Harvey frowns. "Why? Do you have anything planned?"

"Not me," Donna answers, walking past him into the nursery, "but your daughter may have."

His heart skips a beat. "Donna?"

She sits down on the rocking chair with some difficulty. He walks slowly towards her, offering a hand for support. She holds it, but she squeezes a little too hard.

"I've been having contractions," Donna answers once she's comfortable. "Very far apart but they're definitely there."

"You're having contractions," he repeats, eyes widening. "You're having— Donna!"

She purses her lips and smiles a little too forcefully. "Mm-hm. She's coming."

"Why didn't you call me? We need to go to the hospital," he states. "We need the bag. I'm calling Ray. No, we're taking a cab. Is the bag ready? I think our bag here is better than the one in the car. What— Donna?"

She's holding tightly onto his hand, face blushing and a pained frown on her forehead as she holds her breath. Harvey holds his breath with her, unsure of what to do or what to say. Books and classes didn't prepare him for this. He's nervous and excited and anxious and worried, all at once.

"That was one," Donna says as she breathes out, a hand on her belly. "They're like twenty minutes apart, we've got a way to go. I figured I might as well be productive."

"What?" Harvey says, shaking his head and helping her get up. "So you did yoga? Donna, we need to call your doctor, we need to go to the hospital."

She shakes her head. "I'm gonna change first. I won't be seen at the hospital wearing this."

"Why are you so calm? The baby is coming," Harvey tells her, and just then the words are absorbed by himself. "Shit. The baby is coming."

Donna lets out a nervous laugh. "Yeah, she is."

His eyes widen, and this time he's the one who sits down on the rocking chair. He feels a little dizzy and overwhelmed and shit, he's about to become a father and he has no idea how he'll be able to do it; all his fears seem to be there, all flourished and raw for him to see. It's happening and there's no way to stop it and Donna will be in pain and he won't be able to do a damn thing to help them…

"Harvey," Donna's voice calls for his attention and he looks up and focuses on her, even if it's hard for him to do so. "Just breathe, okay? I really want you more relaxed than this."

He nods but remains silent. He remembers the instructions. Breathe in, hold it, breathe out through his mouth slowly. He does that three times. His heartbeat slows down. Donna still looks worried.

"It's fine. We prepared for this," she says calmly. "I told Ray to not drive away once he left you here. He's still downstairs, so I'm just gonna change and then we'll go. Maybe you should take a shower too."

He shakes his head. "Donna, we need to go now."

"Harvey, the contractions are too far apart and we have time," she says patiently. "Let's just… go calmly about this. No need to panic just yet."

"But Donna…"

"I'm telling you I'm fine and I'm asking you to trust me to know what's best for me and for our daughter," she interrupts him. "We have time. There's no need to rush, believe me. Okay?"

He nods, defeated, leaning back against the chair. "Alright. You need any help?"

"I'm gonna take a shower too," she says softly. "Things are gonna be different tomorrow. I want to enjoy some peace and quiet."

Harvey smiles softly. She's right. She's always right.

"Come with me?" She asks tentatively.

He takes her hand.


She's lying on her side, her thighs brushing against her belly as she bites her lower lip and grasps onto Harvey's hands. It's been hours since they left her apartment, too many in her opinion — the contractions aren't as far apart as they used to be and she's scared and in pain and overwhelmed, but at least not for much longer.

Well, she can't do much about being scared and overwhelmed, but at least the pain will stop soon, now that she was finally deemed suitable for an epidural. Harvey's eyes watch her and the anesthesiologist with guarded caution, and she's heard so many stories and has seen so many movies about women yelling at their baby's fathers because of the pain and all she feels for him is gratitude and companionship and… love.

It's not easy for him, she knows.

Well, it's even harder for her.

"There you go," the doctor behind her says. "It should settle in a few minutes. You can get more comfortable now, Ms. Paulsen, but no walking or standing from now on."

Donna nods, shifting onto her back with Harvey's help and then sitting up. She's wearing a hideous white gown that's filled with small polka dots and her hair is pulled up and she hates that Harvey was right about her choosing that cute pair of leggings and sweater to go because she had to take those off soon afterward.

The anesthesiologist leaves and a nurse checks Donna's fluids and vitals before leaving too; Donna sighs as she leans her head back and winces at what is once more a contraction. There's a pressure on her midsection and she'd worry her baby is in pain if the doctors hadn't assured her she's fine and labor is progressing accordingly.

Gradually, the pain stops. Her lower limbs are tingling a little, and there's an echo of discomfort in her body, in the way her muscles tighten, but she feels tingly and not in pain anymore. It's weird and fuzzy but she'll take it over pain any day now.

"Better?" Harvey asks, his hand still on hers.

She closes her eyes and nods. "God, yes. You think we could have that in the house?"

He chuckles. "Pretty sure that's illegal."

"We hired a guy with no law degree to be a lawyer," she retorts. "We've done worse," when he doesn't reply, she opens one eye. "What, too soon?"

Harvey only shakes his head, chuckling, and she sighs.

"I'm having doubts about the names," she states anxiously. "What if they don't fit her?"

He shrugs. "We have two options. If they don't work, we'll find something else."

She nods. "Right. Jesus, Harvey, she's really coming."

"Think it's my turn to tell you to relax now," he mumbles.

"Really? You're gonna tell me to relax?" Donna exclaims. "I'm literally in labor, Harvey."

She's gonna have to take back her thoughts about him helping. If he keeps this up she'll totally understand women who curse their partner's fertility.

"I know, sorry, sorry," he stands up and cups her cheeks. "Bet you're glad I packed that pumpkin onesie yesterday, though."

Her eyes soften and she rests a hand on his. "You did? Really?"

"Yep. She's gonna be all ready for her first Halloween, no matter when she comes," he says as he looks over her phone on the nightstand. "It's Halloween already, so she can't really take another twenty-four hours to come."

"I hope not," she lets out a laugh, breathing out slowly. "I hope this is over by the time my parents arrive."

Harvey chuckles. "I'm pretty sure they're already on their way."

Donna makes a face. "I told my mom they should come in the morning only."

"It's her first grandchild," Harvey defends. "Can you blame her?"

"No," she huffs. "But she'll fuss. You know she will."

"We've got the waiting room full as it is," he tells her.

She nods. They've already spoken to Rachel and Mike and Louis; she had to have Harvey drag Louis away. They have some time yet, she knows, but this is what she planned for. She's always known she wouldn't have all of her daughter's birth planned but she could choose some things and Harvey in the room with her was always the number one choice; with her parents in another state, she's never counted on her mother. If all things failed, there was Rachel. But even before she and Harvey got together, he was the number one choice.

She's glad he didn't disappoint her.

They stay silent for a few minutes as she tries to find a better position, opting to stay seated but leaning forward on the bed, legs dangling in front of her — legs that she can't really feel right now. It's weird and right now it doesn't feel very beautiful, to be naked under this gown and have the doctor check down under every fifteen minutes, with IVs on her arms and beeping machines all around. She checks the baby's monitor. Everything seems fine.

She turns to look at Harvey, standing in front of her, watching everything as well. She can feel his anticipation as well as her own. Their lives are gonna change dramatically in the next few hours.

Their eyes meet and their lips firm into soft, tentative smiles. It's a weird situation they're in, but she's glad they're in it together. She's glad he's the one with her because she's scared to death.

"I called my mom too," Harvey comments.

She arches her eyebrows. "Did you really?"

He nods. "Yeah. She mentioned she might visit next week."

Donna smiles. "That would be nice, Harvey."

"She can stay at my place," he offers. "That's where I'm putting your parents too. Unless you want your mom close, of course."

"Ah, that's close enough," she shrugs, running her palm over her belly tiredly. "She'll be able to help us during the day. Besides, we're gonna have to handle this baby on our own sooner rather than later."

She sighs; she's still not comfortable.

"Here," Harvey says, stepping closer to her, standing between her legs. She instinctively loops her arms around his neck, the same as they had been doing before the anesthesia settled in. This time it's less about pain and more about support. She leans her head against his shoulder and breathes out slowly.

"Thank you," she says softly.

"Just doing the bare minimum," he jokes.

Donna laughs. "Yes, you are. But I mean about this," she looks up at him. "I wouldn't want to be doing this with anyone else, you know."

"Me neither," Harvey says. "You told me once you'd take a bullet for me. This seems close enough."

"It certainly feels close enough," she chuckles.

"For the record, I'd do this in your place if I could," he notes.

"You can't," she complains. "Although, let's be honest, you probably couldn't handle it."

"Hey!"

"I'm just way stronger," she jokes.

It's a joke that turns out to be completely true, in Donna's humble opinion, when the doctor proclaims her to be fully dilated and she feels the need to push. It's unlike anything she's ever felt, really — it's uncomfortable even through the anesthesia and it's scary as hell and why do all the movies show one push and then the baby is out? It takes hours and minutes and she's all sweaty and tired and exposed.

"This hurts like a bitch," she mumbles to Harvey, chest moving rapidly with her breathing.

She's half sitting on the bed with him behind her and she's clutching this metal bar in front of her like her life depends on it. She's been pushing for at least fifteen minutes, and she feels as if she's trying to fit a watermelon through a very tiny hole.

That's what her baby feels like, anyway.

"You can do it," Harvey urges her.

"Come on, Donna," Dr. Lewis says from his position at the foot of the table. "Just focus and push long and hard. I can see her head."

"Her head is huge," Donna complains to Harvey. "She definitely takes after you."

He presses his lips against her damp temple and she leans forward, pushing as long and as hard as she can until she can't breathe anymore. Maybe she screams or yells, she's not sure because everything is painful and so damn slow and she can't imagine how people knowingly choose to have more kids because she's so closing her factory after this one. She's so not having another one of this.

"That's it, one more time," the doctor urges, and Donna does so.

She has no idea where she's found the strength to push once more because it hurts like hell and she can't breathe and it's too much until…

It goes away.

It all happens within seconds, really — this time she knows she yells and she feels it all, it's too much and too sensitive and she can't even think about herself because all she wants is to see her baby, hear her baby, and…

There's a cry.

Donna lets go and breathes out with some difficulty, leaning all her weight against Harvey. The baby is crying — her baby is crying.

"Here she is," Dr. Lewis says with a smile. "You have a beautiful baby girl."

Everything fades away at this moment, with the doctor showing them the tiny baby — she felt much bigger than she looks. Donna hears Harvey gasp, maybe, but she's not so sure because she's stretching her arms towards her — she's all pink and angry and the first thing Donna notes is that she's got a full head of hair and a very good pair of lungs. The nurse places her on Donna's chest and the baby is squirming and still crying.

Until Donna speaks.

"Hey, baby. Hey," she says softly, and that's when she realizes she's crying. "I'm your mama. Hello."

As if on cue, their baby girl stops crying.

"That's a right scare, huh?" Donna says. "You're good now. We've got you."

Harvey is kissing her hair and the baby is opening her dark eyes and she can't believe this little person really was inside her for so long and now she's here with them, finally. A little person they made together. A new little person they're gonna get to know and learn all the little things about her because they know nothing so far, and yet… she's so loved.

Their eyes meet for the first time and Donna's world stops. Her eyes are a dark blue, a weird color that's not quite yet it, she knows, and there's vulnerability and surrender and calm in those eyes, she just falls in love instantly. Donna loved her before, and now that she's here she can't even find words to describe how she's feeling. It's overwhelming and amazing and she doesn't even care about pain and childbirth anymore because she's here, their baby is finally here.

"I love you," she hears Harvey whisper, and she doesn't need to ask if it's for her or for the baby because she knows.

It's for them both.


He's transfixed.

She's been with them for a total of three hours, and he's completely transfixed.

He just can't look away.

Right now, she's in Donna's arms, nursing. They struggled a little at first, but it seems they're figuring each other out. It's beautiful to see, he thinks — the way the baby is quiet and gentle in Donna's arms, the way Donna's eyes soften every time she looks at her daughter and she's looking back. They both know she can't see much besides shapes and colors, but she sees them, and she's right there.

Donna looks up and meets his eyes. He's sitting beside the bed, one elbow on the cushion supporting his head as he watches. He's content to watch this; he could watch this forever. He's tired and he has no idea how Donna is still awake. He took the baby for their friends to see and told them Donna would see them in the morning, as she requested. Tonight it's just for the three of them.

It feels like this is their first moment alone, actually. Without nurses and doctors. The room doesn't smell of birth anymore, the baby is actually wearing a white little romper they've brought and no beanie. She's got a full head of hair — the dark blondish kind. She's not a redhead, at least not yet, and she's perfect just the way she is. Pink and wrinkly, ten fingers and ten toes, nineteen inches and eight point seven pounds.

"I asked for the birth forms," he says softly.

Donna tosses him a sly look. "Think you can handle filling those out on our own?"

He smiles. "It's my pleasure and privilege," he says and she chuckles. The only sounds they hear are of their daughter nursing at Donna's breast. He realizes this is their new normal. "So we're good on the name?"

"Mm, yeah. She looks like a Mia to me," Donna says. As if on cue, the baby moves her arms a little. She's a little thing, really, legs close to her body and hands clutching Donna when she's near. She offers her little finger and the baby grasps it instantly. Donna chuckles. "Yes, you are."

"It fits her," Harvey agrees, leaning back on his chair. It's close to five am and he's bone-tired but he doesn't want to sleep, not when he can watch them. "Mia Elise Paulsen-Specter."

Donna smiles; their moment is interrupted by the baby letting go of her nipple. He stands to help, although he's a little unsure of what to do when the baby is scrunching up her face like that, looking unhappy. Donna fixes her gown and he takes Mia from her — they've always managed to communicate without speaking and this is no different. They can read each other just as well in this as in every other area in their lives.

Mia is a different weight from any he's ever carried, probably because she holds his entire life in such a tiny, frail body. At least that's how she looks when he takes her. She squirms a little, but settles in his arms as he props her up, head on his shoulder, just the way they've been taught because she's just eaten and that's how you're supposed to do it — or so he thinks.

Donna rests her head more comfortably against the pillows and blinks heavily. He has no idea how she's still awake.

"I was thinking we could just use Specter," she suggests. "Paulsen-Specter seems too much of a mouthful for such a tiny person."

"Though she be but little, she is fierce," he recites.

Donna laughs. "Are you quoting Shakespeare on me? Really?"

"That was Shakespeare?"

She lightly smacks his free arm and he takes advantage of it to grasp her hand and lace their fingers together.

"I'm fine with her being Specter, or Paulsen-Specter or Specter-Paulsen," he continues. "Your call."

Her thumb caresses the back of his hand softly. "Just Specter."

His eyes are serious. "You sure?"

She nods. "Yep."

"Mia Elise Specter it is," he announces. Mia lets out a burp on his shoulder. He and Donna laugh. "Think that means she likes it."

He shifts the baby on his chest so she's in his arms. Her lips are pouting a little and he takes note of all the tiny details about her. The eyes are dark blue and there's a pointy little nose that he thinks will end up being just like Donna's. She's got chubby little cheeks and tiny little eyebrows. He loves her so much. He can't believe he gets to be her father — he gets to share this with Donna, of all people.

"You know," he says, watching as the baby's eyelids are dropping slowly. She seems to like him too. Not just a mommy's girl, then. "You're gonna be the only one in the house without Specter on your name."

Donna snorts and he looks up. Her eyes are closed too, but there's serenity on her like this, IV on her arm and her hair loose around her shoulders, sans makeup, and he thinks she's got to be the most beautiful woman on earth because she's just given birth and she looks like an angel.

"We're not doing this, Harvey," she says softly, not even opening her eyes.

"Doing what?"

"You're not proposing when I've just given birth to your child," she continues. "We don't do this until we're sure, and especially not now."

"Maybe I'm sure," he jokes.

"Not now, Harvey."

He chuckles and kisses the back of her hand — she pulls at him softly and opens her eyes as he gets closer, lips meeting in a soft, slow kiss.

"You were amazing today, Don," he whispers.

Donna smiles sleepily. "I know."

"You should rest," he tells her. "I've got her."

She nods but frowns all the same. "You should rest too."

Harvey shakes his head. "I wanna watch you girls for a while. You rest."

"You big softy," Donna teases him. "Alright. I'll just close my eyes for a bit."

She does so; Harvey chuckles and kisses her forehead before she gets more comfortable. He adjusts the blanket over her and walks slowly to the windows, minding the baby in his arms. Mia is staring at him with big, dark blue eyes, and he wonders if she'll change colors to his own brown or maybe Donna's hazel. She opens her lips and her tongue is out, nose scrunching up with her eyes. Then she yawns, and he smiles. She's adorable — he falls in love again for the countless time today. With her, with Donna.

He doesn't even look at the New York skyline when Mia is in his arms.


The wallpaper of Harvey's phone is of Donna holding Mia and Mia is wearing the pumpkin onesie on her birthday and he declares it's the cutest picture he's ever taken. Donna thinks he'll end up changing that soon because he won't quit taking pictures.

She doesn't mind at all.

Mia is picky about who she likes right from the start. Mike makes her squirmy, she cries in Louis's arms and Rachel gets to hold her for a full five minutes before she cries and is only settled with Donna holding her. She's a mommy's girl alright and Donna thinks that's fitting because she's absolutely taken by her daughter too.

It's weird to see your baby like that, being her own person, because she feels like an extension of her own body. In a way, Donna thinks Mia is still an extension of her; they've been through so much together, the two of them. Those first few months of doubt and uncertainty then months filled with good food (but zero caffeine and alcohol) and drama at the firm and getting together with Harvey. Things have changed so much, and Mia was there with her every step of the way and she would still be but now she's her own little person and they don't really know her yet. It leaves Donna feeling raw and vulnerable but it also makes her feel so loved when this little person looks at her in this particular way.

No one has ever looked at her the way Mia does, and she's in love with every second they spend together.

Interestingly enough, Mia is as taken by her grandparents as they are with her. Donna's parents get there near noon and after some time Donna manages to convince Harvey to go home and shower and eat something. He ends up agreeing and even takes her parents' bags to his place, to make sure everything is settled for them. Donna feels weird without the baby, but she's also so happy to share her with the world now — seeing her daughter with her parents makes her heart tingle in all the right ways.

When Harvey gets back and invites her dad to get a coffee, she's especially grateful. She wants them to get on well, not just for her sake but for Mia's too, and to see him trying means the world to her.

Plus, she could use some girl time with her mom as well. She has questions and she wants some peace and there's something about her mom being there for her that makes her feel really supported. It's not that Harvey doesn't make her feel that way, but they're learning together, and her mom is… her mom.

They do say mothers and grandmothers are born with a child, after all.

And Mia is quiet in her mother's arms, content to be held, and her mom is so taken with her — it's such a sight to see.

She hopes Harvey gets to see that with his mom soon too.

"She looks a lot like you," her mother says as she sways with the baby. "Except for the hair, of course."

"I think she looks like Harvey," Donna replies. "It's all in the jaw."

Her mother chuckles.

"Can you believe that earlier today he was talking about me being the only person without his surname in the house?" She shakes her head. "What a dork."

"He loves you," Clara says softly.

"I know," Donna laughs. "I love that dork."

"Well, did you agree?" Her mother prods.

Donna frowns. "No. I'm gonna need a better proposal," she jokes. "I don't want something in the spur of the moment, you know? She just got here. We're all vulnerable."

Her mother shakes her head. "Honey, he's not gonna change his mind."

"It's not that," Donna says. "It's just… it's all too raw, you know?"

Clara nods. "I know. But he's not gonna change his mind," she repeats, but Donna shrugs. Her mother looks down at the baby. "Mommy and Daddy are very blind. Yes, they are. You won't be like that, will you?"

Donna rolls her eyes and her mother laughs at the way Mia moves her legs. She's wearing the orange romper and Donna has to say orange does fit her, which is a given because orange has never fit her well. Another proof that Mia is truly her own person. But Donna thinks her baby girl can rock any color and still look the cutest.

Mia lets out a whimper after a few minutes — Donna thinks it's her hungry cry, but she's not sure yet. Her mother proclaims she's still clean, so that must be it; she's handed back the baby, who moves her head around a little — definitely hungry. Before long, she's latched onto Donna's nipple and having her own lunch. Her meals seem to be hourly so far.

It's an adjustment, Donna won't lie, but she really feels as if Mia is a part of her. They settle into position quietly and Donna relaxes a little as Mia nurses, running a hand over her hair and then her cheek. There's such a vulnerability to her — they need each other. Donna gets that.

"She's so beautiful," Donna mutters. "She's better than anything I hoped for."

Her mother sits on the bed with a smile. "They usually are. And then they grow up and leave to New York City to become actresses."

Donna looks up at her with a glare, but her mom is arching one eyebrow, daring her to say anything. She remains quiet. Her parents have always wondered if she let go of her dream for Harvey; she's stopped explaining a long time ago.

"I've always said that as long as you're happy I'm happy," her mother says softly. "I'm very happy, Donna. And I'll support this one if she wants to be an actress too."

Donna chuckles. "Maybe she'll go into law willingly."

"Maybe she won't," Clara points out.

Donna nods, holding Mia's little hand in hers and kissing her knuckles. Her eyes flutter and Donna thinks that might mean that she likes it. Her mom comments on the baby's eye color and asks about the nursery and when they're going to leave the hospital. They make plans for the next few days — her dad is going back to Connecticut tomorrow but her mom is staying until the weekend. Donna is glad for the help and support — she's still exhausted as it is, feels a little drained even, but she perks up when Harvey returns with a decaf coffee — the good kind, not the hospital kind — and her parents leave to have lunch while Harvey burps Mia.

"I've been calling her peanut this entire time," he mumbles. "She ends up being a pumpkin."

Donna laughs as she takes him in, in his casual clothes and running on little sleep with the orange-clad baby in his arms.

It's a different Halloween this year around. Donna thinks it's her best yet.


Mia is two days old when they take her home.

It's chilly and Donna worries that she's not bundled up enough. In the car, both she and Harvey worry that she's too fragile — Ray is enchanted by her and promises them he'll drive as carefully as possible. She sleeps through it all, unfazed, but Donna knows Harvey is tense just from the way he's sitting. She reaches across Mia's seat to grasp his hand and he relaxes.

Being a parent isn't simple, they're finally learning.

It's weird to think that they left her apartment two days ago and are coming back with a new inhabitant.

Harvey thankfully takes the car seat and Mia's bag while Donna has the keys and a pillow. It's been two days of learning and little sleep and a lot of love. When she unlocks the door she gives them a tired but excited smile and Harvey follows her inside.

It's all the same as when they left, but oh, so very different.

Donna takes herself straight to the kitchen to get a glass of water and watches as Harvey leaves the baby bag on the table and starts showing Mia the place.

"Hey, this is your home," he says excitedly. "You've got two of those so far, but we're gonna make it just one. This is home, though."

Donna laughs. "I'm not sure she cares about the specifics."

"Shh, I'm giving her the tour," Harvey jokes. "This is the living room. It's where you're gonna have all your toys scattered around. It's also where Mommy kissed Daddy the night we made you."

She snorts. "I kissed you? More like you kissed me."

"Maybe I did," he confesses, grinning. "Or maybe we simply kissed each other."

She shakes her head, amused at his antics. He keeps up the tour and she hears him describe everything to their daughter, who appears to be listening. She sits on the couch then, wincing a little, and sighs. It's as if she's relaxing for the first time since giving birth. It feels good to be home.

She hears a disgruntled cry and keeps alert, just in case; Harvey left in the direction of the nursery so maybe he's got a dirty diaper to take care of and she doesn't have to deal with that right now.

Home is a little different now, she thinks with a smile.

Harvey comes back five minutes later, and Mia seems to be dozing off on her car seat.

"She liked her seat," Donna notes brightly.

Harvey's eyes lighten up. "Yeah, she did," he looks so proud and Donna feels her heart burst with happiness. "I've got her so you can take that shower now if you want to."

Donna makes a face. "I've been dying about that."

He chuckles. "Really? I didn't notice after the dozen times you complained about the hospital's shower."

She rolls her eyes, leaning down to check on Mia before accepting Harvey's hand to help her stand up.

She takes her time showering because she's dead tired and her body has changed and she's been a little afraid to check her situation down there but it appears she'll survive (she did push a baby out of her body not that long ago, after all) and she keeps her ears alert in case the baby wants to eat but nothing happens. She dries her hair a little hastily and puts on a pair of shorts and a loose button-down shirt from Harvey when she goes looking for them. Truth be told, she still looks pregnant and twenty minutes away without her baby seem like an eternity suddenly.

She exits the bedroom quietly but finds the living room and kitchen empty — the car seat is empty as well. She hears soft voices and follows them down the hall, bare feet sliding quietly on the floor.

Her heart stops as she takes in the scene before her.

Harvey is in the nursery, right by the window, holding the baby close to his chest — he's got his back on her and she can only see the top of Mia's head from her spot on the doorway. The baby is quiet, but Harvey is talking.

"So technically, I did want to make babies with mommy when we met," he goes on. "Maybe practice making them is a better word for it. And you're here now, so it's all full circle."

She can't help but laugh at the words, and Harvey turns at the sound. He smiles softly at her.

"I hope you're not telling our daughter about how you wanted to sleep with me the moment we met," she chastises him, entering the room fully. Mia is squirming a little in his arms.

"She was a little fussy but I managed to stop her from crying," Harvey says proudly. "I think she might be hungry."

Donna nods, checking the clock. She's been eating a little every hour, and it's normal, according to the doctor, even if it's exhausting. Still, it's a schedule and Donna knows they must be grateful if they get one. It's been a little over an hour since her last feeding, so it makes sense.

Harvey passes Mia to Donna and she sits on the rocking chair. He unbuttons her shirt as she tries to soothe the baby, and they both laugh a little at the way Mia impatiently moves her head in search for food. Once she's eating, Harvey gets the pillow and puts it under the baby to help hold her, and Donna takes a deep breath, taking in the baby's room now that the baby is actually in it.

It fits her, she decides.

"I wanted a lot of things with you when we met," Harvey says quietly. "Sleeping with you was one of them, yeah, but not all."

Donna grins at him. "Like what?"

He shrugs. "I don't know. Dating you, taking you to the movies. Going to parties with you," he lists, a smile forming on his lips. "Maybe having a baby or two. Taking you to meet my dad."

"That sounds so very serious," she teases him.

"Well, you made a good impression," Harvey notes slyly. "I remember thinking I wanted to keep you close when I left the bar that night."

Donna arches her eyebrows, her lips stretching into a smile. "You kept me pretty close."

He smirks. "I did," he turns serious, eyes watching the baby for a moment and then looking back at her. "I love you, Donna. You once asked me how, and this is how. In every possible way."

Tears well up at her eyes of their own accord, and she lets out a laugh when he manages to dry one with the back of his hand.

"I love you too, Harvey," she replies with honesty, and it's the first time they've both said these words without threats looming over their heads.

He presses his lips against her head. "I'm in love with you too, by the way. Just to make it clear."

Donna chuckles. "The feeling is very mutual."

"I'm glad," he says, and she can hear his smile in his voice. Mia pulls away, grunting a little before going back at it. Harvey laughs. "I think she agrees too."

"I think she's just a little uncoordinated," Donna jokes. "She's getting the hang of it."

Harvey kisses her smile and watches them both with glinting eyes before announcing he'll make them some sandwiches and she thinks they're getting the hang of this as well.

She pets Mia's diaper-clad bottom and admires the baby in her arms. Before she can resist it, she takes her phone out of her pocket and snaps a picture.

She's gonna change her wallpaper too.