AN: This chapter is set during season 6B, I'm sure you'll catch the references. We're near the end and I wanna know all your theories for their grand finale, don't forget to share your thoughts! As always, thank you for all the comments and support!


CHAPTER FOURTEEN

It's only his third day back at the firm and Harvey's in a mood.

It's the third day he didn't get to see his baby girl awake before leaving for work and it's the third day he failed to have breakfast with Donna because even though he knows she's wanted to get up, they're parents to a one-month-old baby girl who is still up at least three times a night. It's funny and weird, because he's never been one for vacations, and now he's truly entertaining the idea of one.

It doesn't need to be a long one. An extended weekend in Boston or Connecticut. Or maybe a week off somewhere sunny. Very sunny, because winter isn't even here yet and he's done with the cold. Sunny and warm so they don't have to worry about Mia catching a cold. Yeah, that would be great, he thinks. That would be just perfect.

Instead, he's at the office, it's past eight pm, and the words are getting blurry in his vision because he's read these pages over and over again. It doesn't help that he's sharing Gretchen with Louis (who has managed not to burn the firm down while being managing partner for Harvey's paternity leave). He misses Donna, misses seeing her sitting at her desk. Misses talking to Mia and being with them during the day.

Life has changed and Harvey knew this would happen, but the bottom line is that he has changed too.

With a sigh, he leans back in his chair. They've all been working their asses off for Mike's hearing at the bar. They've managed to get Rachel in, and getting Mike there with her would be great — it could change the kid's entire future, give him a proper position at the firm, and Harvey thinks he deserves it. He also thinks it's the least he can do after Mike went to jail for them all.

But it's exhausting work, especially when he thinks back to Donna and Mia at home.

He gets up and makes a decision; he knows he needs to rest. More than anything, he wants to get home in time to see his daughter awake and to have dinner with his girlfriend.

Girlfriend. What a lame term for Donna. It doesn't work, just like secretary never did, assistant never quite made sense, friend was always too little and anything else was too foreign. Months in, he still doesn't have a label for her. He supposes that whatever her title is, she will always be bigger than that.

As he settles into a cab — he's let Ray on standby for Donna, in case she and Mia need anything — he thinks about the ring his mother has given him, the ring that is still hidden among his shoes because he knows Donna has too much on her mind to worry about how stuffed her closet currently is. He will ask her, he has no doubt about that, but he wants it to be perfect for them, he wants to look at her and feel that it's the right time, that she won't think this is about rushing into anything because they've just had a baby and he wants to make things right. They're not that traditional anyway.

But there's no doubt in his mind that Donna should be his wife in the future. She might as well be it now — she's the mother of his child and they all live together and he misses her nearly every second she's not around. He's in love with her, he sees it so clearly now. He's always been in love with her, he just never accessed this information. Once it hit him, there was no turning back. And he knows he doesn't deserve her love, not after all these years and everything he's done, but she's still here and he's so fucking glad for it.

The ride to Donna's apartment feels longer than usual; he spends most of it scrolling through the latest pictures Donna has sent him. The one from this morning is particularly cute — Mia, all dressed up from her morning walk with Mommy at the park, exhausted and sleeping soundly on the sheets of their own bed. He hopes he's able to catch his daughter awake, at least, even if it might be too late for dinner with Donna.

He feels even more tired as he unlocks the door to the apartment; the silence of the hallway almost too much for him to handle. As soon as he's inside, however, he hears music — Jazz, to be more precise. The kind of Jazz he finds in his dad's old albums. He puts his keys on the table at the end of the hall and slowly walks into the living room. He feels the knots on his muscles loosen as he takes in the sight before him: Donna, wearing one of her satin pajama sets, rocking Mia, listening to his dad's music. She has her back to him, so he sees nothing but a wisp of hair on Donna's shoulder, but it's enough to confirm his daughter's presence. Her steps are light and slow, most of the room's light is low so clearly she's trying to put the baby to sleep.

He's missed this.

"Is there room for one more?" Harvey asks, stepping ahead and taking off his suit jacket slowly.

This makes Donna turn around, a bright smile on her lips.

"I don't know," she jokes, lowering her head so her lips are close to Mia's ear. "Do we want Daddy in on this dance?"

He smiles as he hears the word on her lips. He's more than a lawyer or New York's best closer. He's Mia's father, and that title doesn't erase any of the others but feels completely different at the same time.

Mia kicks her leg against Donna and they both laugh as he gets closer. Before he takes the baby, however, he can't resist giving Donna a kiss, a proper one; her tongue is a little cold, he thinks she has probably just drunk some water, and she tastes of toothpaste and herself. She smells like baby powder and of her own shampoo, the one that he loves. He's missed her.

She's chuckling as she pulls away before passing Mia to him. She squirms a little, groaning a complaint as he settles her on his shoulder, but then grows quiet. It's around her sleep time, anyway.

"You're just in time for dinner," Donna says softly.

Harvey frowns. "You made dinner?"

"Well, no," she confesses, "but I asked Ray to pick something for us before sending him home. It's from one of your favorite restaurants."

He gently rocks Mia, looking at Donna with amusement.

"Not Del Posto," he says, and she shakes her head, arching her eyebrows. "Surely not Carbone, either."

"Why not?" Donna asks innocently.

"But they don't do take out," he doesn't hide his surprise.

"Not for everyone. But I'm Donna," she shrugs, "and I thought you could use some good food tonight."

Harvey frowns but can't hide the grin anymore. "You know, aren't dads supposed to help moms when they're on maternity leave? Anticipate their needs and give them time without the baby?"

Donna gives him a look. "Please. I'm Donna."

He chuckles because she looks absolutely great — now that they've got Mia's schedule properly, sleep isn't so bad and time off work gives Donna enough to rest her mind, at least. He knows for a fact she managed to do yoga with Mia watching her, and went out to lunch with the baby as well. The two of them get each other, and he knows how privileged he is to be a part of it.

"Thanks," he says softly. "I've missed you. Both of you."

"I know," Donna says, stepping closer once more. Her hand finds Mia's back and rests there before moving to Harvey's hand on the baby's head. "We've missed you too. That's why we're going to the firm tomorrow and we'll have lunch with you."

His eyes brighten. "Really?"

"Yep," she smiles. "We'll go up there to introduce her and then we'll steal you away so we can have some peace and quiet. I'm not answering any phones yet."

He chuckles. "You won't, I promise."

"Good," she decides, pressing her lips against him once more. "I'll heat up the food for us."

"Sounds good. I have to say I'm starving," he admits, earning a chuckle from Donna and a gurgle from Mia. He looks down at the baby and meets her eyes. "You look like you're not starving."

Mia blinks slowly, a true sign that she's fighting sleep, and brushes her face against the fabric of his shirt. He presses a kiss against her forehead.

"Do you like this song?" He asks her softly. "It's one of my favorites."

Donna is setting up the table across from him and he settles his gaze on her as he whispers to the baby. She looks like she knows exactly what he's talking about and simply smiles. It's easy and simple, and he smiles back to her because he's so grateful for everything, but most of all he's grateful for this — to have them to go home to.


"I guess it's just different now," Harvey concludes. "I'm still getting used to it."

It's only his second session since Mia was born, but he feels much lighter and in a way, it's like life is simpler now — so much so that Dr. Reisman was the first to suggest they skip the weekly sessions to once every two weeks. It works better for Harvey, it gives him time with the baby and more time at work, both of which have been hard to balance and the main topic of today's session.

The therapist nods and writes something down, then goes back to watching him. After months of this, Harvey is more than used to it. He just doesn't like it.

"How does Donna feel about that?"

Harvey frowns. "About what?"

"Going back to work can be very complicated for new mothers," Dr. Reisman tells him. "You're finding it complicated yourself. How does she feel about all that?"

He shrugs. "It's what we need to do, we both know that. She's been trying to make the transition easier for me. We've had lunch together a couple of times, she's taken Mia to the firm so people can meet her."

Dr. Reisman nods. "But you mentioned you still haven't talked about nannies or finding a nursery for Mia."

"We're still adjusting," he defends, although he's unsure of what he's defending. "We've both changed since Mia was born and reality is finally coming to check on us."

The doctor smiles softly. "Yes, you have changed. But it feels different, doesn't it? Work. Life."

He lets out a long breath. "Yeah. Yeah, it does."

"You're not sure about the firm anymore," the doctor deduces. "You have doubts."

Harvey rubs his eyes for a moment. It's hard to admit it — in a way, he hasn't even admitted this to himself. The last few months were a period of huge changes for him, for Donna, for the entire firm. He doesn't want to add more to that, but the firm is just… not enough anymore. He's got it all, he's finally got it all — his name on the wall, the fame, and money that come with success in the most important city of the country, but it's not enough anymore. Being on top doesn't matter anymore.

"I think it's because Donna isn't back yet," he concludes. "I think that I'll feel better once she returns. I mean, her leaving is what brought me here."

"She didn't leave you now," Dr. Reisman points out. "You know it. She's just on maternity leave."

He nods. "Yeah."

"Well," the doctor starts again, "our time is up, but I'd like to continue this line of thought next time. I was thinking that, maybe, you could ask Donna to join us."

Harvey's eyebrows shoot up. "Join us? In therapy?"

Dr. Reisman nods. "I've wanted to invite her here for a while and this seems like a good time for it. If she wants to, of course. I believe it would be beneficial for both of you."

Harvey frowns but nods. "I'll talk to her. I'm sure we can arrange for someone to stay with Mia."

"You can bring her along, no worries," the therapist says with a smile. "I'll see you in two weeks, Harvey."

He agrees and leaves bewildered.

This time therapy has given me more questions than answers.


It's the quiet that she notices and it gives her pause.

She's been sitting on her desk for the most part of the last hour, reading over some material that could or could not help Mike's case against the Bar, and it might be a Saturday and she might be on maternity leave but if she can help, she will. Especially with Harvey home spending some much needed bonding time with their baby girl.

But the silence that meets her ears is loud when she notices it, especially when all she had been hearing before was cooing and Harvey's soft words as he plays with Mia.

So she stands up to check, just in case — perhaps he took her to the nursery and went for a run and Donna was just too busy with work to notice anything else. As soon as she rounds the corner and looks into the living room, however, she sees them.

Harvey lying on his back, on the floor, with Mia on his chest. Both asleep.

She smiles softly at the sight of them, at Mia's toys scattered all over the rug and her playmat empty right next to them. Her daddy's arms holding her in place and the way her little fingers are grasping the fabric of his shirt. Both their mouths are open a little, and Mia may be small but she looks so much like Harvey when she's sleeping. It's just too much for Donna to handle.

She gets her phone from her desk and snaps a picture before it's too late, then she sits quietly on the floor next to them, cross-legged. She runs a hand through Harvey hair and his eyelids flutter a little before opening them — it hurts her to do so, because there's no doubt he must be tired, but he'll thank her for not letting him sleep on the floor like this. Even if he was younger, it wouldn't do his back any good.

"Donna," he breathes out slowly.

"Harvey," she says with some humor. "Gotcha."

He scowls jokingly, then sits up as slowly as he can without waking the baby. "We were having a staring contest. I think she won and I slept first."

Donna chuckles; however clumsy he was at first with the baby, he's a pro now, shifting her in his arms without so much as a grunt from Mia. She watches them, the way he looks down at her and how small and vulnerable she looks. She's grown, yes, but she's still so small and she holds so much of their world in her little heart.

"It scares me sometimes," Donna admits. Harvey looks up at her. "Just how much I love her."

His eyes soften. "Me, too."

They share a smile that's full of love and understanding and complicity. They've always been like that, but sharing a child, raising their baby, it's just different from everything else they've ever been through.

"Who would have thought, huh?" Donna jokes. "The two of us with the cutest little baby."

Harvey snickers. "I think a lot of people have thought that."

She makes a face. "You're right. There's my mom, my dad, even if he never mentioned it…"

"My brother, everyone at the firm."

"Your father, all those years ago."

"My mom, without even seeing us together."

Harvey cringes and Donna laughs at him - the sound is enough to make Mia whimper a little, clearly unhappy with being bothered, and Donna can't help but pout a little at her daughter's own pout and she reaches for her as soon as the little eyes open.

"Come here, Mommy is sorry," Donna says softly as Mia continues to make a face. "Mommy didn't mean to laugh out loud at Daddy's face and wake you up," she goes on. Mia opens her eyes more fully and kicks her legs when her gaze meets Donna's. "See, all good now. You're such a good girl when you wake up. Yes, you are."

"She didn't take that from you," Harvey says.

"And now he's making fun of Mommy," Donna says pointedly. "Tell Daddy you don't like that."

As if to prove her wrong, Mia gurgles and smiles a little, but to Donna's dismay and Harvey's delight.

"I've lost her already," Donna jokes, hugging the baby close and pressing her lips against Mia's soft hair.

Harvey only smiles at them. "Nah, I think she likes us both."

Donna pets Mia's diaper-clad bottom and smiles at him over the baby's shoulder. Work is all but forgotten from her mind — she doesn't need any of that when she has this.


Donna feels his breath on her neck, his lips on her shoulder. There's nothing but sweat between them, bodies moving together in a way that could be described as familiar but it's not that familiar yet — not because they haven't been doing this for a while but because, well, for the last few months she was pregnant.

So, technically, this is only their third time with her not pregnant. And it's so good because it's been weeks and she's missed him so much and she just wants to be closer.

She moans his name, because he's moving within her in just the right way, and she runs her fingers through his hair, then his shoulders, settling her hands low on his back, wanting to feel all of him. Closer.

Harvey pushes back from her neck, and they share a look full of dark eyes and emotion and lust and he grins at her, that awful grin she loves. She lets out a laugh and pulls him close, lips moving and tongues touching amid heavy breaths. He thrusts a little harder then, and she interrupts the kiss to let out a moan. He isn't grinning anymore — he supports himself in one hand while the other hand brushes over her body, almost in silent worship: first her breasts, then her nipples, her belly button, and then lower, close to where they're joined.

There's a look in his eyes, a look of complete trust and surrender; he touches her just where she wants him to, his hips relentless in their thrusting, and she feels overwhelmed and overstimulated, physically and emotionally.

She lets go.

It's not really romantic, how it started — just that basic need and the feeling that she's ready for this again after the birth. Sure, it's not like they didn't have fun in the six weeks without sex, but it feels different and more intimate than before. She's still confident within herself (Harvey seems to love her breasts even more now) but it's just different after all they've been through, that raw intimacy during and after the birth of their child, the changes within her body.

She's relieved now, not just because she was a little sexually frustrated after so long, but also because it was even better than she imagined it would be. However fast they were, anyway — it's different to have sex when your baby is down the hall and could cry any minute.

Afterward, she cherishes how they hold each other and just how satisfied she feels because, well, she's been needing this.

"Hey," Harvey calls her out of her reverie.

Donna opens her eyes to meet his and mirrors his soft smile. He looks sleepy, and she knows he must be struggling to keep awake for her just a bit longer. She doesn't fault him for being a man and especially not for being an exhausted new parent — and a great one at that.

"Hi," she replies.

"You do realize we've got a fifty percent chance of having just made a baby according to our records, right?" Harvey jokes.

"Tell that to my new implant," she snorts as he presses his lips against her neck. "I hope you know we're not having another one of those until we really decide we want another one of those."

Harvey grins. "Works for me. No more sudden surprises, just surprises."

She nods. "Just surprises."

She presses her lips on his before pulling away to use the bathroom.

It's so different this time around, even from the night they conceived Mia. Harvey stayed too, at first — but not for long. And even in her then confidence that he was there to stay, part of her had doubted. She doesn't doubt today.

Instead, she slips her nightgown on the way back to the bedroom and finds him asleep, occupying half her pillow. He looks so at home in her apartment — it's kind of theirs now, but not for long, not now that they've decided to start looking for another place and sell his condo and rent her apartment. She shakes her head at the sight of him, sheets covering his hips but leaving his feet and torso bare for her to admire. She loosely ties her robe and marches out of the bedroom.

It's only Mia's third night in her nursery and while she didn't have a problem sleeping in her crib Donna ended up letting her sleep with them after her three am feeding — mainly because she's too exhausted to walk her back to her own bedroom. Harvey hasn't complained so far.

So she has to check on the baby, because it shouldn't be long until she awakes, and because she's still getting used to being apart from them. Donna has a feeling she's enjoyed waking up to them as well.

The baby monitor had shown her Mia was asleep when she checked just a few minutes ago, but she needs to make sure — so she slips inside the nursery, the soft glow from the lamp in the corner adjusting to her eyes. Everything's just as it's supposed to be — baby monitor on and baby asleep in her crib. Donna can't help but smile at Mia, pouting in her sleep, looking perfectly peaceful and content. It won't be long — maybe an hour, an hour and a half — until she wakes up but she's happy now and that's all that matters. She's put on some healthy weight in the last month and she's changing so much already. Donna has always heard that time goes by too fast when you have a baby and she understands it now. Mia is still a little baby, but she's grown a lot in her nearly two months of life.

Mia frowns a little in her sleep and Donna can't resist adjusting the baby's pajama romper and slowly running her index finger on the baby's temple; Mia relaxes instantly and Donna lets out a smile as her heart just bursts with love for this little human being.

The baby moves her arms a little, almost as if stretching and remains asleep. Satisfied, Donna goes back to her bedroom.

Harvey hasn't moved much since she last saw him but he shifts to give her room next to him, slipping his arms around her waist and sighing in content but not quite opening his eyes.

"She asleep?" his voice is rough and part of her wonders if he's even conscious or if this is just reflex.

"Yeah, I just wanted to check on her," Donna says softly, pressing her lips against his cheek and closing her eyes.

It's so different from that last time — she felt like she and Harvey had been in a bubble that burst in the middle of the night as he realized what they had just done. They could never go back to that, they both knew it then — they were always inevitable. But today she realizes no bubble could hold them anyway. They were always meant to burst that. It's freeing now, not to have any doubts. She has even more love for him now. She has so much love for their baby that it's overwhelming sometimes.

She falls asleep knowing she'll be up in a few hours, not to Harvey leaving but to him bringing Mia for her feeding. He will try to stay up and watch them, and maybe he'll be able to stay awake or maybe he won't, but she doesn't mind because there's no bubble surrounding the three of them.

They're out in the open and it has never felt so good.


"She's really rolling," Harvey says amusedly.

Donna looks up from her book and smiles as he grins at Mia, who's just rolled from her back to her side, most likely. He's sitting in front of the baby on the floor, and Mia is lying on he playmat, curious little eyes following Harvey's voice and darting to the jingling toys above her.

Donna smiles. "Yes, she is. Or trying to, anyway."

"Can't believe I missed this," Harvey shakes his head.

Mia rolls back again, although Donna thinks this time it's more about gravity than she doing it on purpose, judging by the momentary wide eyes. She lets out a chuckle and closes her book, more interested in watching them together. It's something of a tradition between them — when Harvey gets home from work at a reasonable time, he's the one who cares for Mia. He'll give her a bath, rock her to sleep, sometimes even play with her. Donna thinks they both enjoy this time together a lot.

"She hasn't mastered it yet," Donna tells him.

They've had a few busy weeks, what with Christmas and New Year. Her parents came down for Christmas and then for New Year the three of them went to Boston. It was Mia's first time there, meeting Harvey's entire family, and she seemed to have enjoyed it all so much — but with the new year, it came her two-month check-up and a whole new list of shots for the baby to take, much to Donna's dismay, even if they are a necessary evil. That was yesterday and the baby spent the rest of the day cranky, but it seems that today she's in a decidedly good mood. Mia is totally over it — Donna hasn't recovered just yet. Seeing her baby cry like that isn't something she'll get used to anytime soon.

This busy time also meant Mike's hearing at the Bar, and they all worked like crazy for it to happen — even Donna helped and took Mia with her to the firm a few times. In the end, it all worked out — mainly because Jessica decided to fly back and help them. She met Mia too, and Donna is sure the baby has conquered yet another heart. They're all crazy about her.

She loved her Aunt Jessica too. Donna supposes a trip to Chicago is in check as well.

Today Mia feels content and adventurous. Each new morning it's as if she's developing something. Now, she's all about gurgles and coos and trying to put everything in her mouth.

She relaxes on the couch, pulling her knees close to her body and supporting her head with her head on the arm of the couch. Harvey is still grinning as he offers the little plush lamb — the baby's first gift — to Mia, and she takes it instantly. He chuckles as he takes it from her when she tries to put it on her mouth instantly and then is content to hold it and simply pull at its soft fur.

"Melissa called about us seeing some houses," Harvey tells her. "I was thinking we could check some of them after therapy tomorrow."

"Won't you be needed at the firm?" Donna frowns.

"Louis was so grateful that we agreed Rachel could watch Mia there that he told me he'll cover for me," Harvey snickers. "Did we make the right decision agreeing to that?"

Donna makes a face. "We would have had to face Louis's wrath. You know Rachel can handle her for a couple of hours. Plus Louis entertains Mia."

Harvey rolls his eyes at this, but it's the truth — their baby girl loves Uncle Louis and she's always gurgling and making tiny little noises that resemble giggles with him. Harvey is annoyed by it and doesn't try to hide it, but Donna knows he finds it endearing at the same time — just like almost everything about Mia, anyway. Not about Louis. Definitely not about Louis.

"Maybe we could check that daycare he mentioned," Harvey continues. "How does he even have daycare to recommend?"

Donna straightens up her posture at the words. "When he was with Tara, and there was the possibility… you know, with her pregnancy. It's Louis. You know."

Harvey makes a face. "I know. So… what do you think?"

"I've wanted to talk to you about that, actually," Donna says, this time sitting up.

Harvey tickles Mia's belly and she squirms and smiles at him. "You don't want daycare? We can interview some nannies, I guess."

"No," Donna says slowly. "I want neither of those, Harvey."

That makes him pause. She stops breathing for a moment, waiting for his reaction, but Harvey is just frowning, quiet, his eyes moving from Mia to her. He stands up then — Mia is entertained by the lamb toy and seemingly content. He sits down on the couch, close to her, and she likes this better than the distance she had been expecting. She's put this off for too long, but with the new year and Mia's reaching two months old, she can't put this off much longer. She's sure now — she's been sure for a while, even.

"What are you saying?" Harvey asks finally.

Donna reaches for his hand slowly, lacing her fingers with his. "I don't want to go back to work, Harvey."

His fingers tense against hers, eyes narrowing slightly. There's slight panic in his eyes and she squeezes his hands softly until he takes a deep breath, then exhales.

"Are you sure?" He asks simply.

Donna nods. "I've had this feeling for a while. Before Mia was born, even. I've been a secretary for so long, Harvey," she shakes her head, the emotions bubbling at her chest for saying it finally. "Too long. I want… I want something more. And I never said it out loud, but I can't pretend it's not true anymore."

This isn't just because of Mia and she wants him to know that. She has been his secretary for so long and she's so used to it — she definitely doesn't want to throw her professional life away but it's simply more than that. She needs to feel challenged and she hasn't felt this way since she started at Pearson Hardman. Now that she and Harvey are together, being at the firm feels too simple and too little for her.

"What do you mean more?" Harvey asks slowly.

Donna sniffs, tears escaping her eyes as she looks down. It's relief to say this out loud, but she feels even more confused than before. She doesn't think it's hormones or anything of the sort — it's an internal turmoil of hers that will finally be external, and the reality of that is finally checking in. "I don't know yet. I guess I'll have to figure it out."

He reaches for her then, his thumb wiping the tears off her face. She looks up at him and she can see he's shaken by the news but he's taking it as well as she could have expected him — even better, after all.

"We'll figure it out together," Harvey tells her softly. "Okay?"

His words trigger new tears, only this time is of happiness — she's emotional because he's there for her, relieved because he hasn't panicked, happy because he'll support her and that's all she needs right now. The main thing she will need, even.

"Okay," Donna says softly, and when Harvey pulls her on an embrace she doesn't fight it. She lets his warmth fills her and already feels more certain in her decision, certain that he'll be there for her no matter what.

"I love you," he whispers against her ear. "We'll figure this out."

She nods against his neck because she can't find words right now, but he soothes her in that way that only he knows how. For a while, the only sounds in the room come from Mia trying to reach the toys above her head, and Donna takes advantage of the quiet to take deep breaths and calm herself down. It's incredibly easy to do so when Harvey is doing the same next to her.

"How is it that you always make it feel like everything is gonna be okay?" Donna ponders out loud as she pulls away.

Harvey gives her a grin. "Because I'm Superman."

"No, you're supposed to say 'I was just thinking the same thing about you,'" Donna rolls her eyes.

"Superman wouldn't say something like that," Harvey reasons. "He'd expect Lana Lang to get it."

"In case you haven't noticed, I'm not Lana Lang. I'm Lois Lane," Donna smirks.

"You're the best of both because Lana was a redhead," he points out, and just like she knows she's done for. Just then, Mia lets out a whine — she's clearly bothered and wants somebody's attention again. "Is that mushy enough for you? Because I've gotta go save Metropolis."

Donna laughs as he points to the baby and stands up. She shakes her head as he picks the baby up and Mia stops crying instantly, content in her father's arms. Donna takes a deep breath and feels more confident that everything will be fine, especially now that she's admitted things to Harvey and herself.

He may not know his own phone number but yeah, she can't trust him to save Metropolis and everything else.


It's weird to be sitting here with Donna; he's used to facing Dr. Reisman alone. He thought that he'd be able to see the therapist scrutinizing someone else, for once, but it seems like today is once again about him. It's bad enough that this is their first time without Mia and he knows Donna is reticent about that. He decides he might as well be quick about it — if Reisman called Donna here, it's because it must help somehow.

Even if he's not sure what it means.

So, when the doctor asks Donna about her feelings towards the firm, he knows what to expect — they talked about it at length last night and he thinks he dealt with it as way as he could, all things considered. He's not happy about it, no, but he knows this isn't about him — it's about her, and if she's not happy, then… he can only try to do his best to change that.

"Actually, I told Harvey last night that I won't be returning to work," Donna tells the doctor softly. "It wasn't an easy decision, but it's something that's been on my mind for a while," she says softly. "You're not surprised about that."

He watches the exchange with interest.

"It's not unusual for new mothers to feel this way," Dr. Reisman says. "I did think that you might be interested in new horizons long before all this, however. Like when you decided to work for Louis."

Donna nods quietly.

"How do you feel about that, Harvey?" Dr. Reisman says, looking straight at him.

He shrugs. "I want her to be happy. And if that's not working for me, then… well. I'll support her."

"I'll always want to work with you," Donna says with a frown. "You know that."

"Yeah, sorry. Wrong choice of words," he snickers.

"We talked about the firm last time you were here, Harvey," Dr. Reisman says interestedly. "Do you remember that?"

He nods. "Yeah, of course."

"And how's that going? Better?"

He lets out a breath. "It's… complicated," at Donna's frown, he feels the need to explain. "Just the long hours away from you and Mia. It's not the same anymore."

Donna's eyes soften. "Because I'm not there anymore?"

He snickers. "That, too. But it's different. I don't want to be the dad who only sees his kid when she's in bed every night."

"Do you still have doubts about the firm?" Dr. Reisman points out.

Harvey leans back on his seat. "I guess it's not about doubting the firm. I know where it stands. I know where I stand. I reached the top," he looks at Donna. "We both did."

"You don't want to stay there either," Donna concludes.

It's not him who says it, or even Reisman — it's her, and of course, it's her. Dr. Reisman might have seen this possibility within himself a few times, but he never let himself think it through, and with Donna leaving he's tried hard to keep this… thing buried deep within himself. But she sees right through him, as usual.

She does know him better than he knows himself.

"No," Harvey admits. "I've seen where parents went wrong with me and Marcus. I know I won't be a perfect dad," he adds. "But I know what to avoid. I want to be there for Mia. I want to be there for you, Donna."

"You are a present father, Harvey," Donna argues, but it's a weak argument. Her voice breaks as she says so. It hurts him too, in a way.

"For now," he retorts. "And even so, the cases are too consuming. You know that as well as I do," he shakes his head. "We've done it, Donna. We made partner, then we got my name on that wall. We freed Mike and we got him his license."

Donna smiles. "We did do all that."

"I didn't want to admit it," he says, looking at Dr. Reisman, "but I think I'm ready to move on too. You knew that."

"I had a feeling," Dr. Reisman admits, shrugging slightly. "I didn't have to do much work, though."

"So can I leave now?" Harvey jokes.

Dr. Reisman laughs — it's one of the first times he's seen her do that, slip slightly away from her usually stoic expression.

"We just started," she points out. "Look how much progress we've made already, though."

"After nearly a year of therapy," Donna adds, slipping her hand in his. "I'm very grateful, by the way."

"It's a joint effort, but it's mainly Harvey's, we all know that," Dr. Reisman says. "Well, then. It seems like there's a lot of change coming for you as a family."

Harvey nods slowly. "I guess so. I don't even know where to start."

"Being honest with yourself is a good start," the doctor says. "Where you go from here is your choice. I think I'm not wrong when I say the two of you are a unit no matter what to do or where you are. I have no doubt you'll figure it out."

He remembers his words from the night before and smiles at Donna. "Yeah, we will."


After the session, they stop by the firm to get Mia, who behaved very well to Aunt Rachel and Uncle Louis — going so far as giving Uncle Louis a full smile, which makes Harvey annoyed because those are still kinda rare and apparently Mia thinks Louis is very funny. Harvey will give in and say that Louis does have a funny appearance, so he's willing to think that's why the kid laughs so easily with him.

It's not like she keeps the smiles away from Daddy, anyway.

They both agree to stop at Harvey's condo to get some papers they'll most likely need now that they're selling the place. While it's not Mia's first time in the condo, she's more alert now, taking it all in, and Harvey goes to his study while Donna is pointing out the snow outside to the baby.

Dr. Reisman was right to say there's a lot of change coming their way. Sure, Mia was a surprise for them both but this is different. They can plan for this. Maybe the first order of business would be to take a vacation, and then think of what they can do next. Yeah, a vacation sounds really good.

His first vacation with Donna sounds even better. It'll be their first trip as a family too — if you don't count the car trip to Boston for the New Year.

He finds what he's looking for and looks up to see Donna holding Mia — the baby's back to her chest — as she looks outside. Donna is wearing leggings and a sweater and Mia is in a cute little snow outfit, with a lilac coat and a gray hat that has actual ears on it, so she looks like a little bear. He's not sure if it's the snow outside or the natural light in the room or if he's just missed his condo, but he realizes this is his world. They are his world. And it doesn't matter if they work at the firm or anywhere else, because they'll be together and that's all he can care about.

He puts the papers on the kitchen counter and watches them. Just watches them.

Donna presses her lips against the baby's head and Mia moves her legs excitedly at the touch. Donna is oblivious to his attention, focused on the baby — she shifts Mia to look at her face and smiles brightly at the baby, showering her with kisses.

His hand goes to his pocket and finds the familiar weight of the ring around his fingers. He's been carrying it around for weeks, and now…

Now's the right time.

He walks towards them slowly, just as Mia is doing her own version of hugging — she mainly just holds Donna's sweater and presses her face against her mother's neck — and he's sure that this is it.

"Did you find the papers?" Donna asks as he stands in front of her.

He kneels down and can't help but grin when her eyes go wide and she takes him in. He's already holding the ring and she knows — he knows she knows — this is serious. This isn't some jokes or part of their banter.

This is it.

"Oh, my God."

She's covering her mouth with her hand, in shock, and she's holding Mia with her back to her chest and the baby's eyes are on him, and damn, he loves them both so much.

"This didn't work out the first time around because you didn't take me seriously," he starts. "I'm serious now."

"What are you saying?" her voice trembles.

"I'm saying I love you, and whether I knew it or not I've wanted to marry you from the second I met you," he says softly. "So… Donna Roberta Paulsen," he states, and she's smiling and crying, and he has to admit he's close to doing all that too, "will you marry me?"

Donna lets out a laugh and tries to recompose herself, but his eyes are watery and so are his. Mia is kicking her little legs in Donna's arms as if reminding her she needs to give him an answer.

"Of course I'll marry you, Harvey," she says softly, running her free hand through his hair slowly. "Of course."

He slips the ring on her finger and it fits so well that he lets out an incredulous laugh, standing up and kissing her before she can even check out the ring. Mia is gurgling between them, little tiny hands already reaching for her father, but Donna kisses him once, twice, three times before pulling away. He caresses her face with his thumbs and catches the tears that have fallen and he wonders if he's ever seen her so happy. They share a smile and then Mia is gurgling again and they pull away so Harvey can get her.

"When did you get this?" Donna asks as he slips his free hand around her waist and settles Mia in his arms, her head resting on his shoulder.

"When Mom came to visit after Mia was born. It was my grandmother's," Harvey tells her. She's surprised he's had it for so long, he knows, and he can't help but grin. "I was always serious about you being the only one with a different surname."

Donna lets out a carefree laugh, apparently in disbelief. He's so glad he's managed to surprise her.

"Why now?"

Harvey shrugs. "I looked up and you were right here with Mia, and I just… no matter what uncertainties lie ahead of us, it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter, because I've got you. I've loved you for so long, and I know it doesn't matter if we're married or not but I want to be your husband, and I want you to be my wife. It's as simple as that."

Donna smiles softly at him, her eyes still watery as she blinks. "Simple, huh? This is anything but simple."

She mentions the ring as she admires it and she doesn't even have to say she likes it — he's sure she loves it. Their eyes meet and she rests her head on his free shoulder, hugging him close.

"I love you," she whispers against his neck. "I feel like I've loved you forever."

He breathes her in, and he watches as Donna presses her lips against Mia's little hands and he's sure they're making the right decision. It feels even more right as he holds both his girls in his arms.

"I guess I'll settle with being a Paulsen-Specter then," Donna adds as an afterthought.

He lets out a laugh and presses his lips against her hair. Her surname doesn't matter and they both know it. What matters is that he'll call her his wife and that has always seemed like the only possible label for her in his life.