AN: And here we are, the final chapter! There will be an epilogue if people care to know more of this universe, but we've reached the end of the road. I want to thank everyone who has sent a message, reviewed, commented, retweeted and liked anything to do with the fics. To the people who reached out to me in every chapter - you know who you are - thank you! It means the world to me and inspired me to do better and write more. I think with each work we write we should get better and criticize ourselves. This fic was a joy to plan and to write and an exercise to my patience because sometimes I wanted to move things along but knew I had to wait hahahaha it's hard work, but it's been worth it and I hope everyone enjoyed this too! Would love to know your thoughts on the ending and what you hope for the epilogue.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Donna smiles at the way Harvey is crouching down holding Mia, her back to his chest, and he holds snow for her to touch. Of course, the baby's first action is to try to put it to her mouth — it's something babies her age seem to be prone to do, or so she's read — but it's cute all the same. Mia laughs at the way Harvey bounces her, then kicks her little legs when Lily's dog, Bud, runs towards her. Harvey is quick to protect her, and Bud is more than used to little ones, with Hailey chasing after him and Joshua standing on wobbly legs next to Marcus.
It's weird, but this is her family now. Never in her wildest fantasies had she thought about this — that she and Harvey would bring their baby to Boston and would be having fun with Marcus and his kids and Lily's dog. It's surreal, but it is what it is.
Mia giggles at the way Bud sniffs her feet and then his attention is caught by Joshua, who's now trying to catch the dog unsuccessfully. Donna rubs her gloved hands together for some warmth, laughing at the way Marcus holds Joshua and chases after Bud and Hailey. Her ring is hidden by the gloves but still so present to her. It's still unusual, even a month into their engagement, but it feels so right.
She's engaged. To her baby's father. To Harvey.
All through her pregnancy, she worried about the kind of family life her daughter would have, and it seems like she's getting a traditional one now.
Mia sneezes adorably and Donna is a little alert at the way her cheeks are rosy, but Harvey is standing up and she hears him telling Marcus they'll get going because the baby is too small and it's too cold outside. She thinks it may have a little to do with the way Harvey's nose is reddish too.
It's adorable. It's even more adorable when she sees these little things on their daughter too — Mia may be looking a lot like her, but she has a lot of her father and Donna loves getting to know these tiny little details that make them who they are, with Mia being a perfect mix of the two of them.
Harvey reaches her with a smile, and Mia greets her with one of her own when her eyes are set on her. Donna's heart bursts with love for their baby — she's growing too much, too fast, but she's still little and adorable and she has no idea how much of themselves she holds in her little heart. Donna reaches for her, laughing at the way Mia is bouncing slightly in her father's arms, excited to see her mommy once again.
"She's so into you," Harvey jokes as Donna stands up and takes the baby from him.
"She just missed me," Donna replies. "Did you miss Mommy? I missed you too. I missed you so much. You're gonna have to tell me all about chasing that big dog."
Mia coos, clearly trying to communicate, then throws herself on Donna's shoulder, snuggling into her hair. It's only a short walk from the park to Lily's and they refrained against bringing the stroller, although Harvey had the baby Bjorn attached to his chest. He offers to take her, but Mia seems too comfortable in her arms and she's not cold, so Donna shakes her head as they begin their walk towards Lily's house.
"We should get one of those," Harvey comments as he waves to Hailey and they leave the park.
Donna smirks. "A dog?"
"Yeah," he shrugs. "Mia likes him."
Her smile softens — there's nothing Harvey wouldn't do for their baby girl. She may not speak yet, but he understands what she wants — or perhaps he's anticipating what she'll eventually want.
"He's a bit big for an apartment," Donna comments. "We would need a house."
"We get a house, then," Harvey says promptly. "She'll need a backyard. We could give her her dollhouse."
Donna laughs. "Easy there. She's only three months old."
"Come on, you know she'll ask for a dog every time she visits my mom or your parents," he adds. It's true, Mia is transfixed by her parents' dog — thankfully he's a small Scottish Terrier instead of Lily's Lab.
"We could adopt one," she suggests. "You know, from a shelter. I've always liked that better than buying one."
"Yeah, we could do that," Harvey agrees.
There's silence as they cross the street; Donna has one hand holding Mia's feet and she seems extra active today, with the way she's kicking her legs against Donna. It seems as if she's almost used to the cold, and she looks so adorable in her little suits that Donna certainly won't compare. Her own little chubby bear, with giggles and clinginess. She wouldn't change a thing.
"Now we have a reason to look for houses instead of condos," Donna notes, a smirk on her face.
Harvey looks sheepish. "We haven't liked any of the condos."
He's not wrong; it's been a nightmare to look for a new place in New York. Nothing feels right — it's either too small, or too far from midtown, or the schools are terrible, or it's Brooklyn and Harvey will never live in Brooklyn. In truth, they're still unsure of what will happen with their jobs. There's nothing settled yet — but they've both agreed that they need something lighter, something that will give them more time as a family, especially while Mia is still so small. Perhaps when she's older they can go back to corporate law but Harvey was the one to say that was out of the question at the moment.
Their priorities have changed.
"Maybe the problem isn't with the condos," Donna suggests softly.
Harvey scoffs. "I think we just agreed we need a house if we get a dog in the future."
"That, too," she agrees. "I just meant that… maybe the reason why we haven't been able to find anything is that we're looking at the wrong city."
Harvey stops walking. Donna stops too, just a few steps ahead of him, and adjusts Mia in her arms. She's getting heavy.
"Give her here," Harvey asks, and Donna acquiesces. Mia doesn't protest as Donna fixes her into the baby sling, far too used to it with their morning walks for coffee while Daddy is at work. "I hope you don't mean we should be in New Jersey."
He's joking, but there's a seriousness in his voice. They've both thought of this, she knows. They've just never voiced it.
Donna smirks as she straps Mia securely against Harvey's chest, his jacket warming her as well.
"You never know," she jokes. Mia looks up at her father and gives him a gummy smile that both parents reciprocate. "I don't mean New Jersey. You know that."
"We're too used to New York," Harvey points out, reaching for Donna's hand as they walk. "The late-night deliveries, the stuff you can find any hour of the day…"
Donna frowns. "When did we ever do that? We were always working. Come on, when was the last time you went to Central Park?" she asks. Harvey remains tight-lipped. "I thought so."
"Fine. It's just… I haven't wanted to think about that," he admits. "I'll miss bagels. And the burgers."
"Your burgers are superior anyway," Donna retorts. "There are bagels everywhere. You'd miss your car club."
"Yeah, I will," Harvey says.
"Note that you're using simple future as you're talking," she points out.
Harvey gives her a look. "Are you pulling your English major on me now?"
"What do you think?" she arches her eyebrows.
Harvey laughs. "Fine. I just… I can't see myself in New York and not worrying about corporate law. There will always be a case. There will always be someone. I can handle it if it's just me, but…"
"Now she's here," Donna concludes softly.
But Harvey shakes his head. "It's not just for her. You know that."
"Harvey…"
"I know you'll say you can handle yourself," he continues. "I can't handle a repeat of last time, Donna. I won't."
She nods, squeezing his hand softly.
"Well, we got her as a result," she jokes, pointing her chin at Mia, who's content to be carried. "I'd say we need some time before any of that again."
Harvey snickers. "Yeah. Now we need to figure out where we'll go. I haven't done that since before college."
They've finally reached Lily's house, walking slowly towards the front door.
Donna lets out a deep breath. "Me neither. Although I did once say I'd follow you wherever you'd go."
"Would you?" Harvey asks, his voice soft and tentative.
She gives him a smile and a gentle tug at his hand, making him step just a bit closer. She brushes her lips against his.
"It's not about the place, Harvey. It's about the person. And you're mine," she says simply. "I meant it when I said that, and I still do."
There's a silly look on his face as she says this and she can't help but kiss him, this time fully on the lips, mindful of the baby between them. She loves it when he looks at her like that — like she means the entire world.
"For the record," she whispers against his mouth, "I really like it here."
His eyes widen as he understands her words, and he gives her a smirk before kissing her again.
"We've got time," he says. "This is a start, though."
She nods. "It's definitely a start."
She'd follow him anywhere, but Boston seems like an easy route to follow for now.
When he gets back to the living room, Donna is putting toys away. They've had a full day — he, at work, and she, at home with the baby. Now that Mia is asleep and they've had dinner, he's eager to open a bottle of wine and enjoy it with Donna on the couch. She looks at him over her shoulder and smiles at him.
"I've chosen the wine," she says softly, head tilting towards the dining table.
Harvey is more than happy to comply. By the time he's filled their glasses she's done with the toys, and they clink their glasses together and sit down with sighs and intertwined hands. Life has changed so much since Mia was born, but he's glad they still have moments like this. Just the two of them, and nothing else. Well, the two of them and the baby monitor on the coffee table. But still.
"You know, I could complain about her being messy," Donna comments. "But the truth is that I'm the one who brings all these toys to entertain her when she'd be just as happy with her little lamb only."
Harvey chuckles. "She loves that toy."
"I told you she would," Donna says with a sigh. She's been timing her wine glasses with Mia's feeding but he knows she misses wine a lot. He gets it — he hasn't been able to get off scotch, after all. "It was her first toy."
"Well, our mothers are certainly giving her more every day," he mentions. The other day a package from Connecticut arrived and, no surprise, it was for Mia. "Maybe the toys are to keep you from being bored."
"Hey," she gives him a look. "For your information, your daughter and I have very busy days. We went to the Met yesterday."
"Never too early to get them started on museums."
"And to coffee with Ruby, that friend of mine from the theater," she continues.
"Socializing is important too."
"We have very full days together. I'm not bored," Donna announces, bringing the glass to her lips and taking a sip. "Okay, maybe I am a little bored."
"It's okay to miss work, Donna," Harvey says softly.
She nods. "I know, but it's not work. It's just… an occupation, I guess. Other than, you know, being her mother."
"So you still don't miss the firm?"
It's not that he's hopeful she's changed her mind. He doubts that she has. But they're still figuring out her more. There are options for them in Boston — a small practice there, maybe focusing on something other than corporate law. God knows he's had his full of it — he's made his money and he's right there at the top but it's not what moves him anymore. And the truth of the matter is that he's not into pro bono's still, not even with Mike's influence. No, his future doesn't lie with legal clinics or corporate law. But it still lies with the law.
He's not sure about where Donna's future lies, though.
He just desperately wants it to be with his.
"No," she shakes her head. "Being a secretary… it's just not it for me. Maybe I'll just be a mom."
Harvey bristles. "Now that's not you."
"That's definitely not me," she shudders.
There's a moment of silence. It's comfortable but filled with nervousness from him, the kind of nervousness that Donna doesn't seem to catch on. Maybe because she's got a lot on her mind as well. He doesn't know what to expect from now on — he's asked her about her going back to acting but she dismissed the idea. They've agreed on Boston being the place for them, but they need a solid plan before moving.
"I've thought of something today," he announces finally.
Donna looks at him over her glass. "Did it hurt?"
"Very funny," he glares at her.
She laughs and puts the glass on the coffee table. "Well, then. Shoot."
"I want you to be my COO."
Donna frowns. "What?"
"When we move to Boston," Harvey starts, "I don't want to join a firm. I don't want corporate law. I don't know what it is I'll do but I want my own thing. My rules. Our rules, Donna," he clarifies. "You don't want to be a secretary and I don't want that for you either. I want you as my partner."
Her eyes are slow, calculating, absorbing every word. He's holding his breath, hoping she'll be there with him, just like she has been for the past decade. She's always been by his side, but to everyone else, she was behind him. He wants it to be different now.
"Chief Operating Officer," she repeats.
"I'm gonna need some associates to do the dirty work," Harvey tells her. "Surely we won't be doing all of it."
"We're past that," she agrees.
"It's a partnership, Donna," he offers. "Half mine, half yours."
"Like our second child," she concludes.
He has to laugh. "Kind of. What do you say?"
"I say yes. Of course!" She says.
He can't help but smile as he offers his hand to her. "We're gonna have to shake on it."
"I'll do you one better and kiss on it instead," Donna says softly, quickly bringing her lips to his. He's laughing through the kiss, relieved that she's accepted his offer, feeling a little more confident in the future now. "You had me at COO, you know that."
"I think I had you a long time before that," he jokes.
"Now you're just being cocky," she makes a face but kisses him again.
The wine is forgotten. He doesn't complain about that at all.
Donna bounces Mia against her hip as she looks over a possible wedding venue on her laptop, perched on the breakfast bar. The baby is too interested in the little plush lamb in her arms to actually care about the screen and Donna is just impatient.
They've been engaged for two months, they know what kind of wedding they want. They know the number of guests and the type of party they'll have but the venue… it's a pain. Mainly because they're not traditional. Honestly, she's pretty sure she and Harvey would marry at a courthouse without much issue.
The problem lies elsewhere. Because this isn't just their wedding. It's their farewell party. Sure, the guests don't know it yet but they will. This isn't just about celebrating their wedding, it's about celebrating their team and their family. It's more than just a wedding. And she wants it to be perfect.
But she can't see it being perfect if it's in a hotel in Manhattan. The Plaza is a good venue, sure, but it's too traditional, too normal, too… Mike and Rachel. It's not Donna and Harvey. They need a place that fits them and their life in New York and what they'll have from now on.
She closes the tab and sits back on the stall, pushing the laptop aside and sitting Mia carefully on the table, arms holding her up. The baby looks up at her and gives her a gummy smile. Donna smiles back and presses her index finger against the tip of Mia's nose.
She's almost four months old and her hair looks the same shade as Harvey's and her eyes are still a dark blue that seems to be turning a little green — perhaps. She's chubby and loves cuddles and her little plush lamb — she smiles at almost everyone and has the cutest little hands.
Donna falls a little more in love with her every day, even like this — wearing her little pajamas (a green romper filled with giraffes) with her hair a little messed up from sleep and that grin that tells her she's content and happy as she is right now.
"Maybe we should just go to the courthouse," Donna sighs. Mia is watching her intently. "Don't you judge me for that. Aunt Rachel can carry you while we get married."
Mia coos, unintelligible words that aren't yet part of any vocabulary but hers.
"I know it's not ideal, but it doesn't matter," Donna reasons. "You won't remember any of it anyway."
At this, Mia throws the little lamb on the floor, looking a little moody all of a sudden. Donna arches her eyebrows.
"I'm not sure I like your attitude," she jokes, taking Mia back into her arms. The baby kicks her little legs impatiently and groans. "I'm getting the lamb, don't worry your pretty little head. I swear you're as patient as your father."
She crouched down to get the toy and laughs at the way Mia hugs it close to her body and sighs contently.
"You're as cute as your father too," Donna comments fondly. "Don't tell him I said that."
"I heard that," Harvey's voice interrupts them and Donna turns around to see him on the doorway, taking off his sweatshirt. Mia lets out a squeal at the sight of her father. "Did my little peanut miss me?"
"She did, but she doesn't want to get too close right now," Donna jokes, accepting his kiss anyway. On Saturdays he usually ran — sometimes they even jogged together and took Mia with them. Today Donna just wanted a few more minutes in bed and Mia certainly did not complain. "We were looking at wedding venues. Your daughter has very solid opinions."
Harvey grins as he presses a kiss on Mia's foot and leaves on the way to the kitchen for some water.
"She does, huh?" He says. "Did you find anything yet?"
"We don't want the Plaza or Brooklyn," Donna says. "She especially hated Brooklyn. The lamb suffered two falls from it."
"She knows what's good," Harvey shrugs. "Hey, someone went to see the condo earlier. They've put on an offer."
"And?"
"It's more than we expected," he says. "I think we should take it. I'm already living here anyway, and maybe this will make us get a move on on the houses in Mass."
"It's your condo, you should do what you think it's best," Donna says neutrally. They may be living together but that place was never hers. Sure, they've spent some good times there, and it's poignant because it's where they got engaged, it's where she told Harvey she was pregnant and where she told him she was coming back. Mia loved the view and she enjoyed the fireplace when they took her there. But it's part of a different life.
Harvey merely shakes his head at her. Donna puts Mia on her playmat in the living room and crouches down to play with her. The baby reaches for some blocks and rolls over. She's a little hurricane these days — rolling fearlessly and moving arms and legs actively. No doubt a future yoga lover.
"You know it's not just my condo," Harvey says as he drinks his water and walks into the living room. "You helped me choose it."
"It was ultimately your choice," Donna says.
Harvey gives her a pointed look; Donna ignores it and tickles Mia's belly, making the baby squirm and laugh.
"Still," Harvey goes on. "You gave me a list of places from the realtor, remember? That one was on top of it."
Donna smiles as she pretends to bite Mia's foot.
"Why did you put it on top?"
"Because I'm Donna," she says simply, throwing him a quick look before looking at Mia again. "I knew you'd like it. Come on, that view screams Harvey Specter. That terrace is great too. And few bedrooms and not enough closet space for two people. Perfect for a bachelor who's afraid of commitment."
She smirks through the last comment and he only laughs. They both know she's not wrong.
"I'm gonna miss the view when we're in Boston," he sighs. "Are you sure about that, by the way? We've got time to change our minds."
"Are you not sure about me being COO of your firm?" Donna retorts.
His eyes turn serious.
"You know I've never been more certain of anything."
Even if she is sure, it's never bad to have some assurance. She smiles.
"Good. Me too," she says simply, sitting back and letting the baby play on her own. "It's not every day I get an offer like that, after all. And I mean, look at her. She's clearly the daughter of a COO."
Mia is too busy trying to catch one of the animals above her on the playmat to care about the conversation.
Harvey laughs, nonetheless. He stops by the windows and looks out. The view here isn't as nice as the one in his condo, but it's full of life and city all the same. Maybe even more so.
They've had time to think things through — Boston feels like a natural choice for them. It's as close to Donna's parents as New York, it's near Harvey's family, and close enough that they can visit friends or even work on a case with the firm if necessary. Maybe their paths will all converge again, but for now, it feels right to leave. Opening a smaller practice in Boston makes perfect sense; it'll give them time as a family and they'll be able to do things their own way. The matter of the job was one they spent weeks thinking about but once Harvey signed with two Red Sox players it fell right on their lap. Sports law it is.
And when he came up with the idea of Donna being the COO, well…
It just fits.
"We'll have a different view there," Donna says as she stands up. "Maybe more green than gray. It'll be good for her."
"It'll be good for us," he continues, and she slips her arms around his waist from behind. "Thought you didn't want to get too close."
She grins. "I need a shower anyway."
She rests her head against his back and thinks about New York and his empty condo; how they still need to find a place in Massachusetts even if they already have a place for their office there. Things are slow and different but they're coming together anyway, much like their relationship — even if it was limbo for so many years. So much has happened over the last few months.
She'll miss his place too.
"Don't sell your condo," she breathes, an idea coming to her mind.
"What?"
"Don't sell it. Not just yet, anyway," Donna says as Harvey turns around, a frown on his face. "Let's get married there."
He arches his eyebrows. "In the condo?"
She nods. "Yes. It's perfect. We have the view, the furniture is going anyway. We can get ready there, it's not too big and it's us. It's perfect."
"Are you sure?" Harvey asks. "I mean, the other day Rachel took Robert there and he said it was terrible for a wedding."
"Robert Zane has got nothing on Donna Paulsen when it comes to weddings," she announces. "Believe me, it'll be perfect."
He lets out a laugh. "Okay. I'll see if they can hold the offer for two more months."
"I won't let you down," Donna teases, giving him a quick peck on the lips.
"You've never let me down," he says. "Quite the opposite."
She snorts as she crouches down next to Mia again. "You're an idiot."
"Your idiot," he jokes, running a hand through her hair quickly. "I'll go grab a shower."
"We'll be waiting," she retorts, laughing as Mia tries to reach for the lamb again. "Here it is, baby."
She holds the toy and looks up at Donna, then smiles.
"Got what you wanted, huh?" Donna jokes. "Don't worry, you'll have a stellar role in the wedding. You'll love it."
Mia gurgles.
Enough of approval for Donna.
He's in the middle of reviewing some files for a case when his phone rings; it's funny because, in the past, he never worried about phone calls. Donna would arrange them for him or if there was an emergency at the firm he'd be alert and waiting for them. With Mia, it has changed. He's often checking his phone for messages from Donna's or pictures of his baby girl. It's not Donna who's calling, however — but the caller makes him smile nonetheless.
"Hey, Mom," Harvey says, turning around in his chair, his back to his desk.
"Harvey, hi," his mom says on the other side of the line. "How's my little granddaughter?"
"She's great," he tells her. "Rolling around like crazy. Donna thinks we should tie her up before she's crawling all over the place."
"You should tell her she can come here and crawl all over the place, we don't care," his mom jokes. "I'm calling because I got some interesting mail today."
"Did you now?"
"You didn't tell me you were planning on getting married so soon," his mother says softly. "Donna said she wanted Mia to be a little older."
"It's our anniversary," Harvey explains. "Donna decided this year would be better than the next. Mia won't be a flower girl anyway, and she won't remember any of it, so…"
"That's great, Harvey," he hears the smile in his mother's voice. "I can't wait to see you again."
"So you're coming?" He asks hopefully.
"Of course I am," Lily says. "I wouldn't miss your wedding for the world. You know that."
Harvey smiles softly. "Thanks, Mom. And, uh, you know the invitation extends to Bobby."
"I noticed it," his mom notes. "Thank you, Harvey. And thank Donna for me, too."
"Will do, Mom," Harvey says, noticing Mike entering his office. "Mom, I'll give you a call tonight, okay?"
"I'll wait for it," Lily says. "Maybe I could FaceTime my granddaughter."
He frowns. "FaceTime?"
"Donna does it all the time, just ask her," Lily says dismissively.
So his mom is better at technology than he is. He's not surprised. Donna is probably teaching her.
He swivels around in his chair, looking at Mike — who is wearing an entirely too smug expression on his face.
He gives him a look. "Don't even start."
Mike grins. "Maybe Mia can teach you how to use your phone in two years or so."
"I'm not even gonna say anything because Mia probably will teach us all," Harvey says smugly. "I hope you're aware she's way smarter than you."
"I don't doubt that," Mike says. "You know, last week during lunch I swear she was reading my thoughts.
"Although we can agree that Mia is very wise for her age, I don't think your thoughts were that hard to read," Harvey rolls his eyes. "What's up?"
"I just have some papers for you to sign," Mike says, pointing his head to the new pile of files on his desk. "Gretchen wasn't around so I just let myself in."
Harvey gives him a look as he takes the files. "Of course you did."
"Isn't Donna supposed to be back already?" Mike asks. It's a redundant question. They both know it. "If Rachel is getting as much maternity leave as Donna, we should keep working here."
Harvey looks up. "You thinking about leaving?"
"No, it was just a comment," Mike frowns. "So? When is she coming back?"
"Donna being Donna, she had her maternity leave all mapped out by the time she was five months pregnant. We weren't even together then," Harvey tells him. "Jessica agreed on six months then."
"Six months? Damn," Mike nods, visibly impressed. "And Jessica?"
"I don't know what Donna said to get her to agree, but she agreed," Harvey says proudly. "To be honest, I don't think I want to know what Donna used against Jessica."
"Me neither," Mike agrees instantly. "So, Mia is four months old. A little over a month and she'll be back, then. Bet you can't wait."
Harvey snickers. "Right."
"Everybody else misses her," Mike continues. "Plus, you're the worst when she's not around. You're either mad at someone or swooning at your phone these days."
"Mike…"
"I mean it, man. You gotta figure out how to use FaceTime," Mike says, taking the recently signed files from Harvey. "That way we can all have some peace and quiet at the office while you grin at your baby and make heart eyes at Donna."
The kid winks at him and leaves without Harvey having any chance to say anything else. He shakes his head and goes back to the case he had been working on before his mother called; it's better this way. Everyone is getting used to Donna being away, and now…
Soon he will be going away too.
They've got time before they tell everyone, and it has to be gradual and specific at the same time. Some people are more sensitive than others. He thinks about Louis and Rachel and even Gretchen; hell, Mike pretends he's tough but Harvey already knows he'll have to come back now and then to help on a case.
Luckily Boston isn't that far away.
His phone dings then and it's a message from Donna — no text, just a selfie of her and Mia at the park today. Mia is busy looking at something behind the camera, eyes wide and bright, full of curiosity, while Donna grins.
A text message soon follows.
She just saw a squirrel for the first time.
Harvey chuckles.
It won't be easy to leave New York but Boston has something to offer that he would never be able to turn away.
It's the middle of the night when Donna wakes up.
She's tired, exhausted even, but it's the coldness next to her that rouses her. The baby monitor is turned off in her bedside table, and Harvey is nowhere to be seen. She hasn't heard any crying but maybe he beat her to it for the first time.
With a sigh, she sits up and decides to check that everything and everyone is fine. Mia had a fever the previous night and she and Harvey had taken turns with her — it's not something they're used to anymore, not since their baby girl started sleeping for hours at a time. Sure, she still wakes up twice or three times a night, but she's growing and starting to amuse herself on her own now. Little miss independent, on occasion.
Donna blinks slowly as she walks out of the bedroom, but there's no need to check the nursery because there's a light coming from the living room so she follows it; even in the late hour (or early, depending on the point of view), she has to smile at the sound she hears first. It's not a cry, and it's not Harvey's voice.
"Bababababababa," Mia mumbles from some point in the living room Donna can't see yet.
She stops by the doorway, and it's just dark enough that she knows they can't see her, but Harvey is on her desk, his laptop open and working, holding Mia on his lap. She's got a teething ring in her hand and is seemingly very interested in it, judging by the drool all around it. The laptop is far enough that she can't reach it, and the screen is lowly lit because Harvey knows how she feels about Mia and screen time. They're careful enough not to be on their phones much around the baby, but her eyes are attracted by screens naturally.
"I like this one too," Harvey comments. "We could have a swimming pool there. You'd like that, wouldn't you?"
"Abababa," Mia says back.
It's her only syllable as of now; Donna has been wanting to hear her say mama soon but both she and Harvey are aware she's only imitating them and still can't coordinate anything. But she's focused, Donna will give her that — she has mastered rolling and can sit on her own for maybe five seconds before falling. That's a lot in Donna's book.
"The master bedroom is pretty big," Harvey continues. "Let's see if Mama will like the closet. Oh, she'll love that," he says, more to himself than to Mia. Donna is itching to get closer and take a look at whatever it is they're seeing. "What do you think? Enough for all those Prada and Valentino dresses?"
He tickles Mia and she lets out a giggle — far too loud for five in the morning. Donna is surprised she's not hungry yet. She loves seeing them like this: Mia in her little romper, Harvey in a white t-shirt and sleeping pants. Mia's dark blonde hair is almost identical to her father's, both slightly unruled from sleep. They have matching grins too — Donna loves those and is sure she'll roll her eyes at them a lot in the future.
Although she's always known he would be a good father, it's completely different to actually witness it. Through the highs and lows, through Mia giggling at him and the two of them playing together to Mia crying and Harvey completely frustrated and tired. It's not easy, being a parent, but Donna is sure he makes it far easier. The way he acts with her, however, never ceases to amaze Donna: the softness with which he cares for their baby girl, how protective he is of her, how he loves her. How he loves them both.
"I remember the first dress I bought for your mommy," Harvey continues wistfully. "It was a green dress for an office part that caught us unprepared one day. She didn't know that guy just yet."
Mia responds by putting the teething ring back in her mouth and looking at him with attention as if she's really understanding all that he's saying. Donna leans more comfortably against the doorway.
"Anyway, we went to Fifth Avenue and she chose a green dress. I thought I'd hate shopping with her because going shopping with my mom when I was younger was very boring," he says with a chuckle. "Turns out Donna chose the dress within five minutes. And you know what else?"
Mia's eyes are still on him, hanging on every word.
"She looked amazing in it," Harvey whispers loudly, touching his forehead against Mia's. "Just like she looks amazing in that pink nightgown she wore to bed today."
At this, Donna laughs, walking forward — she's been found.
"How long have you known I was there?" She asks, coming closer.
Harvey grins at her and Mia turns her head at the sound of her voice, the teething ring falling on the floor as she stretches her arms for her mommy.
"Just now," he says, letting her pick up Mia. "I noticed your shadow on the doorway. How long have you been there?"
"Since you were talking about some house," Donna replies, bouncing Mia in her arms. "Good morning, baby. Is it a good morning?"
Mia gurgles and smiles brightly at her.
"It's very early," Donna notes. "Did she cry?"
"I woke up and thought I'd check on her, just in case," Harvey tells her. "She was awake in her crib, playing with her feet. I couldn't leave her there on her own, so we came here," he explains.
"You're such a softie. I'm glad for it," Donna says, pressing her lips against his forehead, leaning against his shoulder. He sneaks his arm around her back, hand moving down until it's resting on the back of her knee. "So you liked the green dress, huh?"
He looks up at her with a glint in his eyes. "You remember it?"
Donna hums her assent, letting Mia play with her hair a little. "Versace. I still have it. I know you love me in green."
"I love you in anything," he retorts. "I love you in nothing, too."
Donna chuckles. "Down, Romeo. Tiny ears present. Ow, honey," she says, turning her attention to Mia when she inadvertently pulls at a strand of her hair. "That hurts. You're not gonna make Mommy cut her hair just because of your grabby hands, are you?"
"Now who's the dramatic one?" Harvey smirks, pressing a kiss to Donna's bare shoulder and turning his attention to the laptop once more. "Mia and I found a good house, though."
"Did you now?" Donna arches her eyebrows, clicking her tongue to the baby, who giggles. "Well, let me see it."
Instead of standing up and letting her sit down, however, he merely pushes a little from the desk and smirks at her. Rolling her eyes, she sits on his thigh slowly, mindful of the baby in her arms. He wheels the chair closer to the desk again and there's an excited glint in his eyes that tells her he really likes this place. They've been taking online tours of houses in Boston because there's not enough time to go there during the week and they're picky people with a lot of belongings and wishes.
She can't help but smile at him, enjoying the peace of this early morning that, yes, she could be spending asleep in bed, but she's holding her baby and sitting on her fiancé's lap while checking their possible future house online.
Whoever said home wasn't a place was a wise, wise person.
When the day comes, Harvey isn't nervous.
Anxious, maybe, but not nervous. Not a doubt crosses his mind about doing this. Today of all days. They've spent thirteen years celebrating their anniversary, and last year had been so tentative. The two of them, Donna pregnant, their relationship being rebuilt. She had still been working for Louis and he hadn't even reconciled with his mother.
It seems surreal that a year later, this is where they are. He, wearing a three-piece gray suit, the afternoon sun illuminating what was once his living room. Now there's a huge table and chairs and flowers and crystals. Outside on the terrace, lounge chairs are replaced by regular chairs. More flowers. His old bedroom is closed behind him, though he's heard some commotion from those walls. He's talking to Mike when the door opens and he looks over his shoulder, only to see his mom exit the room with a smirk on her face. Mike steps away with a knowing look, ready to take his place as best man outside.
"How's everything in there?" He asks anxiously. The door remains closed behind them.
"Wonderful," his mother says softly. "I was just spending some much needed time with my granddaughter before the ceremony. She looks so precious."
"She is," Harvey smiles. "I mean, I haven't seen her outfit, but I'm sure she looks adorable."
His mom beams. "She really does. I feel like she's growing too fast. I'm very glad you'll be closer to us soon."
"We're glad too, Mom," he says, and his eyes light up hopefully. "And Donna? Is she alright back there?"
His mother pats him on the shoulder. "You'll see."
It's their anniversary and now it'll be their wedding too. He knows it's bittersweet to some — like Louis and Mike and Rachel — because they've only recently learned of their decision to go to Boston, but it's also an event many had been waiting for, like Donna's parents and Jessica.
Things are in place soon after; they aren't religious people and they always agreed that this should be a celebration with only close friends and family — this there's his mom, Bobby, Marcus and his family, Donna's parents, and their partners and friends from the firm. It's enough. It's what matters.
Better yet, what matters is he and Donna. Their family.
So he takes his place on the terrace once everyone is seated and waits as Louis walks down the aisle to officiate of the ceremony — it's not something that needs an entrance but he insisted and Donna made Harvey agree to it (of all their friends, he's the one who took the worst way of their leaving, unsurprisingly), and then as Mike and Rachel walk down the aisle as best man and maid of honor; he gets more and more anxious because he can't wait to see Donna, and he's finding it weird that his baby girl isn't a part of the ceremony so far.
That is until he sees her. Or, rather, them.
They're a vision in white, and his mouth hangs open because damn, that's his woman right there. And he's her man, and they're finally making it official today.
Only instead of the usual bouquet, she's carrying Mia.
His throat tightens.
Donna's hair is wavy and on her side, over her shoulder — her dress has no lace at all, but a beautiful v-neck cut that fits her well and then flows down her waist perfectly, in tune with the long sleeves that are almost a cape on itself. Mia, for her part, seems to be wearing a dress of the same fabric, puffy and adorable, with a white bow on her head and white little shoes.
He takes it all in in a matter of seconds, and then his eyes zero on Donna and he only sees her; her tears are his own and he thinks about last year and all the years before that, and how their paths were interwoven together and now they're finally making the decision to keep them together forever.
Mia takes it all in with wide eyes and then her eyes are on his too — the same hazel eyes as her mother, the same eyes he's fallen in love with every day for the last thirteen years and the last seven months — and she lets out a giggle and clasps her hands together. More than a few people aw at the scene; he's proud and anxious and so goddamn happy that he grins and doesn't mind to stretch his arms towards the baby to get her. Donna laces her fingers through his as they stand in front of Louis for the official act of their marriage but Harvey only has eyes for her.
"You look beautiful," he mouths.
She only smiles beside herself.
For so long he's only wanted to see this look of happiness on her, and now he knows he's the cause of it. He's proud of himself, of what they've done and accomplished, and more than anything he's proud of her, of the woman and the mother that she is. He's proud of their family.
This is their family.
It's surreal but it's right and damn, it's one of the happiest moments of his life.
He has to give Mia away at some point because she gets fussy and Donna's mom takes her; they say their I do's as the sun sets over Manhattan and his old condo. Now theirs, for just a little longer.
They share their first dance as husband and wife to one of his father's songs — which just so happens to be Donna's favorite, the one she puts to Mia nearly every day. He breathes her in — his wife — and looks over to the party guests and see that his mom is now swaying gently with Mia. It seems fitting that his mom has her for this moment. It's a small moment, sure, but he thinks his father would have liked that. His mom inspired the song, which just so happens to be very precious to their young granddaughter. His eyes moisten and he presses a kiss to Donna's hair. She pulls away to look at him, nose close to his, and he's not sure if she's ever been this beautiful.
"What is it?" Donna asks softly.
He grins, despite the tears in his eyes. It's from happiness more than anything else.
"Happy anniversary, Mrs. Paulsen-Specter."
She grins too.
"Happy anniversary, husband."
"You've been waiting to use that one on me, haven't you?" He asks stoically in a whisper.
She arches her eyebrows. "As if you haven't felt the same way about Paulsen-Specter."
"Maybe I have," he admits as the song reaches its chorus. "You ready for a twirl?"
"You know I am," she challenges him.
He smirks and goes on with it, smiles belonging just to her and the same goes for her own. They're too used to sharing dances — in the galas they've had to attend, and many years without any touching because that felt too dangerous and now, recently, living room dances with a baby right between them.
Their first dance as husband and wife feels like the proper evolution to it all.
There are toasts and more dancing and then it's time for dinner and he sure as hell never imagined his condo could become this: their families sitting together along with their work colleagues (who turned out to become family as well), a high chair between him and Donna for Mia to share dinner with them too, because Donna is adamant she be included in everything, despite being the only baby present (although Joshua is two years old and his nephew is a toddler, but it's hard for Harvey to imagine that will be Mia in eighteen months). He watches as Louis argues with Mike for some ridiculous nonsense while Jessica rolls her eyes and he sees Jim and Bobby talking and he can only be glad he's not a part of that conversation.
All in all, it's peaceful chaos.
It's not ideal, he's not yet overall his issues, but he's got Donna and her faith with him and that finally feels enough to move his own faith as well.
His reverie is interrupted by a hand sneaking over his dessert and stealing a piece of chocolate cake with a fork — he gives Donna a side-eyed glance as she pretends not to notice him and takes the piece of chocolate with a hum; her other hand is holding a spoon of fruits for Mia, who's happily munching through them. Her hairband has fallen off due to her activities playing with her cousins earlier, but her dress is intact so far. He has no idea how that was manageable. Probably the watchful eyes of the baby's grandmothers and Rachel being around her the entire time.
"It's not our anniversary if I don't steal your dessert," Donna says innocently. "You said so last year."
He smirks. "I did say that."
Donna sneaks her fork forth and takes another piece of cake, and just as she brings the fork to her mouth a little hand tries to reach for hers. She luckier in pushing it away than he is with her stolen pieces.
"No chocolate for you yet," Donna tells Mia, who frowns deeply. "I'm sorry about it too, but this is too sugary. You know the drill."
He smirks as Donna speaks to their daughter as if she's a little grown-up, and he decides the best option to avoid a tantrum is a distraction, so he takes the spoon and bowl of fruit and offers it to Mia. Not surprisingly, she's in a mood suddenly and tries to take the spoon from him — normally he and Donna indulge her because she should get to know food on her own too, but not wearing this dress when the mess would be inevitable. He insists a little more and she opens her mouth and eats the fruits happily, little feet dangling under the high chair.
They could have asked their parents to look after her, but it doesn't make the ceremony less enjoyable. They'll have the entire night for themselves later and spending today with her simply makes sense. Maybe without her, it would have taken them longer to get here, after all.
He's by the bar later, watching Donna talk to Rachel and Louis (he's not about to get any closer to the girl talk that is probably happening) when Mike reaches him. The kid orders some scotch as well and follows Harvey's gaze to the terrace. Rachel is holding Mia and Louis seems to be very focused on what he's saying. Probably making plans with Donna to visit them in Boston soon.
"Did you come here to cry about Robin without Batman?" Harvey jokes.
Mike purses his lips. "Oh, you didn't hear? Batman has been replaced."
"I don't see a Ross on the firm's wall just yet," Harvey teases, even if Specter has been taken off already. They're working on a merger with Robert, and so Specter Litt becomes Zane Litt for the time being. Harvey isn't sure it'll stay that way for long. It never does. "Congratulations on making senior partner, kid. You and Rachel deserve it. Maybe you're next on the wall."
Mike shrugs. "Well, Alex is the next name considered but I hear Robert is bringing his own bulldog to the fight. It's gonna be a thing to see."
Harvey takes a sip of his scotch. "It sure will."
The kid gives him a look. "Sure you won't miss it?"
"Nah," Harvey says honestly. "Plus you'll inevitably call me for help and I'll end up knowing the entire situation through Rachel from Donna."
"Inevitably? Now that's a stretch."
Harvey arches his eyebrows. "Is it?" He downs the rest of his scotch and looks at Mike over his shoulder. "I should rescue my wife from Louis."
"And I should do the same. Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on Mia," Mike laughs. "Don't forget you have best man duties in two months here."
"I won't," he smirks.
Donna sees him coming before he's even close and he doesn't care that Louis is in the middle of conjecturing future playdates with Mia and his not yet conceived baby to lace his fingers through Donna's and bring her close. She pretends to protest, giving him a pointed look, but goes to him willingly.
"Come on," he whispers to her ear. "I wanna dance with my wife."
She's got the brightest smile on her face and she looks so beautiful and he can't believe she's his and he's hers. Maybe to some their relationship is too fast, too much too soon, but to him, it's thirteen years in the making and as he said in his vows earlier, without her he's empty.
She fills his arms and his mind and he wouldn't want it any other way.
The good thing about afternoon weddings is that they don't go on through the night and Donna and Harvey get to leave pretty early for their own private celebration.
With Mia staying with Donna's parents, they plan on making the most of their time alone tonight, especially considering their honeymoon will be more of a family vacation. Maybe when Mia is a little older and not still breastfeeding they can leave for a few days on their own, but they don't mind it right now. It's what life gave them, and in truth, they wouldn't change a thing.
Still, Donna feels particularly good sitting on the curved sofa of their suite overlooking Central Park while Harvey opens a bottle of champagne. She's wearing only a satin robe and he's in his boxers and it feels like the perfect time to relax and properly start their married life — not they hadn't yet celebrated that in the bedroom and later in the shared shower.
She watches appreciatively as he brings two flutes of champagne forth and laughs when she notices one strawberry inside each flute.
"Nice touch," she comments.
Harvey looks at her sheepishly, offering her a flute. "I try my best."
"This is different from last year and all the years before that," she notes as he sits down next to her. She scoots closer, bringing her legs to rest over his. His free hand caresses her thigh slowly. They clink their glasses together. "Next year will be different too. I'll expect two presents now, you know. For two anniversaries."
Harvey snorts. "As if you don't buy more than one present every year."
She takes a sip from her champagne and sighs. "I didn't buy any last year."
"Yeah," he nods, his hand moving from her thigh to caress her face. "We should fix that."
"Oh, I already have. Months ago," Donna tells him expertly. Harvey snickers. She loves this look on him. She'll always appreciate seeing him shirtless, of course, but she likes how carefree he is now. How his eyes crinkle when he smiles and that she's responsible for it and they both know it. No more hiding. No more pretending. "We've come a long way, huh?"
"We always have," he agrees. "I only wish I had come to my senses sooner."
Donna smiles. "Don't. Things turned out the way they were supposed to," she concludes. "No matter how early we got together, I don't think all the time left in the world would be enough for me, with you."
His eyes light up as she drinks the rest of her flute. "You said that in your vows."
Donna shifts, moving to straddle his lap while taking care of the now nearly empty champagne flute in her hand.
"It's true."
"I don't know about a hundred years but maybe we can handle fifty more," he offers, palms resting on her thighs and sliding up, under her robe.
She takes the strawberry from her flute and takes a bite as Harvey watches her with hooded eyes.
"I'll take it," she says, offering him the rest of the strawberry and he opens his mouth willingly. He takes the strawberry, munching on it while pressing his lips to her palm. "You do know next year will be crazy with our own firm."
"Right."
"Our second baby," she goes on.
His eyes widen. "What?"
Donna smirks his way. "Our firm, silly."
"You kill me," he complains, untying her robe and slipping his hands on her waist. She laughs as his lips reach for her neck, holding him close. "Not that it would be so bad. The opposite, in fact."
"Let's not have this conversation for another year at least, okay?" Donna laughs. "We've got much to think about right now."
His hands cup her breasts and he grins at her. "Much to do, too."
She nods and lets his lips find hers and she tastes strawberry and champagne and it's different from thirteen years ago because it's much, much better. Just like the next years will be too. She feels as if she's dreaming sometimes — today, especially has felt straight out of her imagination and her heart could burst with happiness and love and just so much for him, for their little family and their future.
She knows this isn't a dream because not even her dreams were ever this good.
