Author's note

Sorry about the delay in this chapter. I just started a new job so my routine is all over the place at the moment and I am on my fifth rewatch of Suits. ThIs time all the way from Season 1 to 9. As always thanks for the reviews, follows and favourites. Reviews always welcome.

\-oOo -/

"I'm Brian's wife."

Katrina sat down in her chair and looked directly at the other woman. "Julie. I just want to assure you that nothing ever happened between me and Brian."

Julie let out a short laugh which sounded bitter to the lawyer's ears. "I know that. He is too chicken to follow through on anything physical. He told me that he feels something for you. Do you feel the same way? If he hadn't left her would anything physical have happened?"

"I can't answer that Julie. But I did feel something for him. I'm not sure if it was because we worked so well together or... "

The woman paced the room stopping at the wall to view Katrina's Princeton degree and then glanced back at her. "I wanted him to be a lawyer. He had these fanciful notions about becoming a songwriter. But songwriting doesn't pay the bills."

"He told me that you were instrumental in him going to Law School," replied Katrina.

"I was! And when he got the associate position here it made the sacrifices worth it. We were newly married, had a baby on the way. Everything fit into place. It was our plan. Work his way up to partner and then in a few years open his own law firm."

"That's ambitious!"

Julie turned on her heel to look at her. "It was MY ambition. I wanted all those things for him!"

"And you still can Julie!"

She shook her head. "No I can't. I can't handle him having feelings for someone else. Even with him working at Melvaney and Hampstead his feelings haven't gone away. If anything they've gotten stronger."

Katrina remained silent not sure what to say. She felt sorry for the woman. "Julie. The reason why nothing ever happened between us was because I did not want to be responsible for breaking up a family."

"Doesn't matter now Katrina. You can have him now. I left him!" Julie's eyes filled with tears but she made no attempt to wipe them away.

Katrina opened her mouth in surprise and swallowed while she considered what to say next. She got to her feet and handed the other woman a tissue. "I'm sorry to hear that. But it was never my intention... "

"Save it Katrina. I will be filing for divorce and make no bones about it. I will be listing adultery as the cause."

"You can't do that! Because there was no adultery! Nothing happened!" exclaimed Katrina.

Julie sighed as she blew her nose in the tissue. "Ok. Then I want you to represent me in the divorce."

"I'm not a divorce attorney Julie. But I can refer you to someone. But please think about this. Brian loves you. He loves Austen. You are a family!" Katrina writing a name on her notepad and handed it to Julie and gave her a sympathetic smile. "He loves you. Maybe you both could also start counselling. In which case I can also recommend someone."

Julie stared at the piece of paper in her hand. Sniffing and wiping the tears from her eyes she raised her head to give the blonde woman a small smile. "I can see what he sees in you. Your very kind. Thank you."

A smile played on Katrina's lips. "Austen is lucky to have you both as parents."

"Did he ever talk about Austen?"

"He talked about you both constantly. About how you both loved The Breakfast Club. How Austen loved to spit his peas out."

"He told you all that?"

Katrina gave her a small nod. "Yes he did Julie. Because he loves you. You can't leave him."

Julie sat on the chair in front of Katrina's desk and exhaled deeply. "I need to think."

"Go back to him. Live your life with him and be happy."

Julie glanced at her with a smile. "Thank you. Sorry to have barged in here while you were working."

"That's no problem. I am glad to have met you and told you the truth," smiled Katrina .

The other woman got to her feet and walked towards the door. She stopped and looked back at the lawyer. "Me too."

Katrina sat back down in her chair and let out a long sigh.

\-oOo -/

Samantha alighted from her black Lexus outside the glass building of Boylston Technologies. She exhaled slowly trying to fight back the pain of her bruised ribs that she still hadn't fully recovered from after she had injured herself in training a few weeks back. She had been positive that she hadn't broken any but as the weeks went by the pain hadn't gone away. She didn't have time to go to her doctor. She was busier than ever. New clients, new cases and she had taken on Robert's clients when he retired.

Announcing herself to the receptionist who told her that Richard Franklyn and Stu Buzzini were already present. She took another deep breath ignoring the sharp pain that stabbed her side. She followed the receptionist to Richard Franklyn's office

"Samantha Wheeler of Specter Litt Wheeler Williams," the receptionist announced to the two men sitting inside.

Stu looked up in surprise when she entered the room. "Samantha, what are you doing here?"

"Celia couldn't make it so she asked me to step in. She's brought me up to speed on everything," replied Samantha taking a manila folder from her briefcase.

"Ms Wheeler. So you have the documents for the patent application?" Richard Franklyn said to her. She thought he looked a bit pissed off but that wasn't her problem.

"I do but I just wanted to mention that this application will take a few months to get approved and there is no way to fast track it in the state of New York." Samantha said. "I would recommend filing in another state however."

"That sounds reasonable," Richard said looking through the file she handed to him.

Stu shuffled in his seat and took a folder from his briefcase. "We need to make a decision on the relocation sale."

Richard nodded his head. "We do."

"From what I understand Celia was in negotiations with the County Land Development Commission about a parcel of land," Samantha started to say.

"I am aware of that Ms Wheeler but my understanding was it could take up to 5 years for that land to be rezoned," stated Richard.

"The land in Jersey County is ready for sale at a fraction of the cost of the current lease in Rochester. The landowner is looking for the deal to be finalized by the beginning of next week. He has other interested parties," Stu said handing her the file.

She took a quick look through the file and nodded approvingly. "This is a good deal. And I see we get a 10% discount. I really don't know why Celia is not on board."

Tapping his hand on the side of his chair Stu waited to hear what Samantha had to say next.

"If this was my case I wouldn't hesitate to say yes let's go ahead and say sign. So this is my decision. We will sign and relocate the manufacturing sector to Jersey."

"Do you need to run it by Celia first?" Richard asked.

"No I don't. She has given me the authority to make all necessary decisions. This is a great deal and you would be mad to not take it up," Samantha said leaning back in her chair.

Richard glanced at Stu who gave him a small nod. "Ok. That's agreed then. I'll inform the division about the relocation. It may take a few months for the full transition."

Stu handed him the document and watched as Richard and Samantha sign it before he put his name to it.

"Ms Wheeler. If you have a minute please," Richard said to Samantha just as she and Stu were about to leave the office. Stu glanced at her wanting to talk to her and find out what was going on with Celia.

"Of course Richard," smiled Samantha sitting back down again knowing she was going to get it in the neck for Celia not attending the meeting. Stu frowned but left the room.

"Miss Wheeler, when I hired Celia as my lawyer it was on the condition that only she represent me," Richard started to say. "And now this is the second time that she has fobbed me off."

"I completely understand where you are coming from Richard," replied Samantha leaning back in the chair. "It's not acceptable."

"It's not and if she is not attending these meetings because she and Stu have had some sort of lover's tiff then I also question her professionalism."

"As name partner of Specter Litt Wheeler Williams you can be assured that I will be bringing this up with Celia and my other partners. Our priority is keeping our clients happy," replied Samantha inwardly seething with anger.

"Good because I will be forced to look for another lawyer if this issue is not resolved," Richard said.

"Rest assured this issue will be resolved," Samantha said standing up.

"Samantha! Wait up! " Stu called when she passed him by on the busy New York street.

She rolled her eyes but stopped and turned to look at him.

"What's going on with Celia?"

"She couldn't take the meeting," Samantha said not really wanting to get into a discussion with him.

"She's ignoring my calls. What's up with her?"

Samantha looked at the ground and then smiled at him. "This is something you have to take up with her. It's not my place to say!"

"What is it? Is she seeing someone else?"

"No Stu. Like I said. You need to talk to her."

He was silent for a moment. "You know something."

"All I know is that she asked me to take the meeting because she couldn't. I don't know anymore. Now if you excuse me I need to get this paperwork filed."

Stu let out a frustrated sigh when he watched her walk away. He looked down at his cellphone and considered calling Celia again but decided against it. She was going to be pissed anyway now that they had made a final decision on relocating Boylston's manufacturing division.

\-oOo -/

Friday evening traffic was snarled in every direction out of the city. Horns blared and annoyed drivers cursed and swore at pedestrians, other drivers and themselves. It seemed like everyone wanted to get out of the city at the same time.

Thomas glanced over at Donna as she gazed out the window of the passenger seat of his black Prius. "You're quiet."

She turned her attention to him and gave him a smile. "Just thinking."

"About what?" Thomas asked blaring the horn at a pedestrian who had just walked out in front of the car.

"How surprised my parents are going to be!"

"But you are happy about it?"

"Of course I am Thomas," she said taking his free hand in hers.

" Good. That's if we ever get there." Thomas rolled his eyes. "What is with the traffic this evening?"

"Oh my god! I found your pet peeve! Traffic!" she grinned.

"Donna. Everyone in New York has a pet peeve about traffic. It 's not just me!"

A small laugh escaped her mouth. "It will be fine once we're out of the city. Hartford is less than 2 hours away."

"Hey," Thomas said. "I know we don't have a ring yet but maybe we could look this weekend?"

"I would love to," Donna said with a smile. Their eyes locked and she ran her hand lightly over his. He turned his attention back to the road and blared his horn again at a car that had cut in front of him. Donna sat back in the comfortable seat and closed her eyes. She had told her mom that they were coming but she knew that they were going to be shocked with the news of the engagement. She still couldn't quite believe it.

Donna's flashback - 1989

"Sweetie. And this will be your room," Donna's mom showed the red headed teen around their new apartment in Hartford. Donna stood at the door and looked inside. It was tiny. So much smaller than the one in her old house.

"I know this whole transition has been difficult for you Donna but I promise that you will be very happy here," Clara said smiling at her daughter. "And it will be just you, me and Dad. Corinne is moving in with some friends on campus."

Donna nodded slowly as she dragged her suitcase into the room. Her mother gave her another smile and left the teenager to unpack her belongings. Her bed and dressing table were the same but nothing else was. She let out a long deep breath as she sat on the edge of the bed. Nothing seemed familiar to her anymore. New school. Which she would start on Monday. New friends. Her piano had to be sold but she had joined the musical theater group which he was looking forward to but it wasn't the same as having her piano.

Donna sighed again while she opened her suitcase but she felt the tears prickle up in her eyes. She quickly wiped them away before lying down on the bed. She wrapped her arms around herself as she sobbed quietly.

\-oOo -/

Celia's taxi pulled up on the tree lined street outside her mom's house in the Mount Pleasant suburb of Providence. She could have driven but she decided to get the train. It was just over a 2 hour drive and she really wasn't up to dealing with Friday evening traffic. The train had been delayed by an hour but at least she could get some work done. She hadn't heard from Samantha about how the meeting at Boylston went but she assumed that the other lawyer would clue her in when she returned after the weekend. Picking up her cellphone and scrolling through the names she sighed when she reached Stu's name. She had thought about calling him so many times since she found out about her pregnancy but she decided not to. It could only be a professional relationship from now on. The taxi driver helped take her bag from the trunk of the car and she smiled and thanked him as she paid the fare.

"Mom, I'm here!" she said pushing open the door to the small white house. This was the house she had grown up in.

"Celia, darling."

She looked up to see her mother putting an earring in while running down the stairs.

"The train was late," she said as the two hugged. "Where are you off to?"

"The Chamber of Commerce awards," replied Teresa. "I couldn't change my plans. Darling, you look tired."

"I'm fine Mom. You go to the awards. I'll be fine here," smiled Celia. "I can catch up with The Crown on Netflix."

"Ok. Your bed is made up and there is leftover casserole in the fridge if you want to heat it up if you are hungry. I really have to go!" exclaimed Teresa giving her daughter a kiss on the cheek.

"See you in the morning," Celia said watching her mother leave the house.

Sighing deeply Celia walked into the living room and cast her eye over the photos on the mantle. She noticed that there was two new ones of her sister Suzanne's kids. Both of them looking very serious in their school portrait. She lightly ran her hand over her tummy. There was a slight bump but it wasn't very noticeable to anyone else but her.

Celia's Flashback - Summer 1989

"Mommy. Where are you?" 10 year old Celia ran into the house after the bus had dropped her off after school. "Mom!"

She stopped in the kitchen to see her mother sitting at the kitchen table. She didn't notice that her mom had been crying. Teresa cleared her throat and blew her nose as she stood up to give her daughter a hug. "Where's Suzie?"

"She's playing outside. Mommy do you think Daddy will take us to the hockey game this weekend?"

"Um I don't know sweetie," Teresa said stroking her daughter's unruly curly hair. The truth was her husband Edward had left and she really didn't know how to tell her 10 year old and 8 year old. "He might be working."

"There was a judge in school today!" Celia said excitedly.

Teresa smiled at her. Celia had said that she wanted to be a lawyer or a judge since she was 7. "Really! Did they say how hard you have to work?"

" Yes! They said you have to go to a special school to learn. Harv something."

"Harvard," replied Teresa. "Baby. If you want to be a judge and go to Harvard then you can do it. Remember you are everything you want to be."

"Then I will go to Harvard!" proclaimed the 10 year old. "How old do I have to be? Can I go now?"

Tears prickled in Teresa's eyes as she smiled at her eldest. "No sweetie. You're too young. You have to finish high school first. And then go to another school."

Celia let out a dramatic sigh. "Awww ok! Daddy will be home soon. I can't wait to tell him I'm going to Harvard."

A sob caught in her mother's throat and she cleared her throat while she stood up and kissed the top of her daughter's head. "Call your sister in and then wash up. It's nearly dinner time."

Teresa wiped the tear forming in her eyes watching Celia skipping towards the front door to call her sister in.

\-oOo -/

Thomas looked over at Donna as he pulled up in the parking lot of the Hartford Inn. She was asleep with her head leaning against the car window. He took a moment to gaze at her thinking how beautiful she was and he still couldn't believe that she had agreed to marry him. "Donna. We're here," he whispered tapping her arm.

Opening her eyes she gave him a sleepy smile. "I didn't want to fall asleep but it's been a long week."

"I'll get the bags," replied Thomas getting out of the car. She rubbed her eyes and followed him to the back of the car.

"Mom and Dad said they would join us for breakfast tomorrow seeing as we are too late for dinner," she said as they walked up the footpath to the old fashioned country inn. Solar lights lined the pathway creating a golden glow across the garden.

"I'm looking forward to meeting them," replied Thomas with a smile. He pushed open the door of the Inn and they both entered through the willow lined entrance.

A blazing fire in the hearth gave the reception area a cosy feel with two comfy armchairs placed in front of it. A small reception desk was unmanned but a sign beside a small bell told them to ring it if no one was available. Two rooms off the reception area looked inviting. One of them had a small bar with about half a dozen white linen tables dotted around the room. The other room had comfy armchairs with a big screen TV on the wall.

A middle-aged woman came running down the stairs behind the reception desk. "My apologies. I wasn't sure if you were coming or not."

"That's quite all right," Thomas smiled. "The traffic out of Manhattan was horrendous."

"Breakfast is between 7.30 and 9.30. You can have it delivered to your room or in the dining room or even out in the patio. If you just put your preference here," she said handing them a form. "And just sign here."

Donna watched as Thomas signed them in. "Your place is beautiful."

"My husband and I bought this place 4 years ago and renovated it before opening last year. Before that it was a run down farmhouse. We got the license to hold weddings and other events here. We're hoping that this will become one of the premier destinations in Connecticut."

"Good luck with it," smiled Donna.

"Your suite is on second floor, last door on the left. If you need anything just give me a call," the woman said handing Thomas a key. He thanked her and picked up his and Donna's bags.

"My parents are joining us for breakfast tomorrow. Would that be ok?" Donna asked.

"Yes that will be fine. We'll just add it the bill. When are you getting married?"

Donna glanced at Thomas. "We haven't set a date yet."

"Soon we hope," smiled Thomas.

"I hope after you have stayed here that you will consider us," the woman said handing Donna a small brochure. Donna fixed a smile on her face as she stared at the item in her hand. On the front of the brochure a couple in wedding attire beamed happy smiles as they held glasses of champagne in their hands.

"Thank you," Thomas said.

Their suite was beautifully decorated in cream and light brown giving it a rustic feel. A four poster bed was placed beside a large picture window.

"This is beautiful," Donna said peeking into the bathroom and seeing the freestanding cast iron bath in the middle of the bathroom.

"It sure is," Thomas said coming up behind her and kissing her neck. "What do you say we have the wedding here?"

Donna stood rooted to the spot before turning around to smile at him. "We haven't told our parents yet. Let's do that before discussing wedding venues."

Thomas placed a kiss on her forehead. "Ok Donna. Now that bath looks very inviting." Removing his tie he winked at her as he went into the bathroom and began to fill the bath. "Care to join me?"

\-oOo -/

"Mommy, when's Daddy coming back," 10 year old Celia asked her mom a couple of days later.

"I don't know honey. He's working," replied Teresa knowing that she was going to have to tell her daughters that their father had left.

Celia noticed the sad look on her mom's face. She remembered that it was the same sad look that her friend Sally's mom had when her dad left. "He's gone isn't he?"

Teresa wiped her eyes. "Yes honey," she breathed out.

Celia's eyes filled with tears. "Don't worry Mommy. I'll look after you."

Celia opened her eyes with a start forgetting that she was in her old bedroom. Looking around her bedroom she smiled when she saw the hockey poster tacked to the wall. Lying on her back she ran her hand down to her tummy and stroked the little bump. It was something she had taken to doing since she found out about the baby. It felt surreal but real all at the same time. She closed her eyes to fight the familiar feeling of nausea but took some deep breaths which seemed to help. She could hear the radio in the kitchen and knew her mom was already up and about.

"Do you want coffee?" her mom asked when she eventually surfaced in the kitchen.

"Oh. No thank you," replied Celia pulling the big fluffy bathrobe around her. "Herbal tea if you have it."

Teresa gave her a knowing look and reached into the cupboard and found a box of chamomile tea. "I always found that chamomile tea was good for morning sickness."

Celia opened her mouth in surprise. "How did you know?"

Teresa sat down beside her and took her hand. "A mother knows. How far along are you?"

"Nearly 3 months. It's Philip's baby."

"And I guess you are going to keep it?"

" Of course I am. It's a baby. I didn't ask for it to happen but it did," exclaimed Celia.

Teresa gave her daughter a small smile. "Bringing up a baby alone when you have a demanding job like yours will be hard."

"I know Mom. It's not as if I haven't thought about this. I have. This baby will receive so much love."

"I know it will. I just want to let you know what you are letting yourself in for. And what are you going to tell him or her about it's father when it gets older."

Celia let out a sigh. "I don't know Mom. I'll deal with that when it happens."

Teresa stroked her daughter's hair. "I'm happy about it if you are."

"It was a shock to find out but I am happy about it."

"Good. When you become a mom you will want your child to be happy," Teresa said taking Celia's hand. "And no matter how old you are you will always be a child in your mother's eyes."

"Love you mom, " smiled Celia.

"I love you to baby."

\-o/

The bright winter sun peeked through grey clouds creating a warmth on the breakfast patio of the Hartford Inn. The sound of birds singing and water trickling from the small nearby stream sounded like heaven to Donna. A gravel pathway wound it's way down to a small gazebo in amongst a copse of trees. The patio was encased in a glass enclosure so that it could be enjoyed at any time of the year.

"It's beautiful here," Donna said savouring her cup of vanilla flavoured coffee.

"Sure is," agreed Thomas gazing at the red head sitting in front of him.

"Here they are!" Donna said standing up and waving to her parents as they rounded the corner onto the patio. Jim and Clara Paulsen waved back as they made their way over to the couple. Thomas got to his feet and stood behind her waiting to be introduced.

"Mom, Dad. This is Thomas," she said feeling a little awkward to be introducing them to him.

"Oh! " exclaimed Clara. She was a little taken aback as she was really expecting Donna to tell them that she and Harvey were together. "It's lovely to meet you!"

"Likewise," Thomas said giving her his most charming smile.

"So you and my daughter are together," Jim said sitting down and pouring himself a coffee.

"Yes Dad. We are," replied Donna sharing a look with her mother.

"So what is it you do?" Jim asked looking directly at Thomas.

"I own a furniture design company. Thomas Kessler Designs," replied Thomas politely .

"I've heard of you! I love your designs. I wanted to get one of your pieces for a long time but... " Clara started to say before being interrupted by her husband.

"Expensive pieces of furniture."

"Dad!" exclaimed Donna feeling a little annoyed at how blunt her father was.

"That's ok Donna. They are expensive but they are exclusive and luxurious designs," smiled Thomas. "They're all my designs."

"So how did you two meet?" Clara asked.

"Thomas is a long standing client of the firm. We met the Law Society ball a couple of months ago. And we are very happy," replied Donna smiling as Thomas took her hand. "We have something to tell you."

Jim noticed the look of happiness in her face. "You're not pregnant are you?"

"JIM! " exclaimed Clara.

Donna let out a small laugh. "Dad! I'm not. But we are getting married."

Clara's eyes widened at the news. "Oh my god! That's great. Congratulations honey." She leaned across the table and kissed and hugged Donna.

Jim remained silent for a moment and the three turned to look at him expectantly. He sat back in his chair and regarded Thomas.

"Dad?" Donna asked feeling a little nervous at what he wad going to say.

"So you want to marry my daughter?" he eventually said to Thomas.

"Yes I do sir. I love her and I promise you that I will make her very happy," he said smiling at Donna and took her hand again.

Donna swallowed and felt her heart quicken when she heard Thomas tell her father that he loved her. He hadn't told her that and although she cared a lot about him she was conflicted about her feelings for him. Her mind went to Harvey and what she felt when she kissed him that night in her office. But he had told her that he didn't want more. And she had to live her life.

Clara noticed the fleeting look of sadness on her daughter's face and realized that Donna didn't feel the same way about Thomas.

"Good," replied Jim. "I am happy for you both."

Donna gave her father a smile and squeezed his hand. "Thank you Dad."

"Have you set a date and decided on a venue yet?" smiled Clara. "We have a wedding to plan."

"We haven't yet," replied Donna. "We've decided to have a long engagement. We're not in any rush. Work is just crazy right now and Thomas has just launched a new collection."

"But we will soon," Thomas said.

"Sweetheart if you don't set time to plan the wedding how are you going to find time for your married life," Jim said ignoring the look of annoyance he had received from his wife.

Donna glanced at Thomas and then looked directly at her father. He was of course right but she really didn't have time to think about planning what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. "We'll look at dates soon Dad."

"Ok," nodded Jim. He turned his attention to Thomas. "So do you play golf?"

"A little bit Mr Paulsen. I'm more of an adventure sportsman. "Mountain biking, rock climbing," replied Thomas.

"Please call me Jim. We're going to be family after all. How about a round or two after breakfast?"

"Sure," smiled Thomas.

"Eugh golf," Donna said screwing up her face at the thought of the game.

"We can go shopping," Clara said.

Several hours later Donna and her mom sat down at a table in the coffee shop in the mall. They were laden down with shopping bags and Donna's feet ached.

"I have to say Thomas is lovely," Clara said after they had both ordered coffee.

"He is," replied Donna with a smile.

"But you don't love him," her mother said in a matter of fact tone.

Donna looked at her mom with surprise. "What did you just say?"

Clara reached out and took a silky strand of red hair in her hand. "Darling. A mother knows. You don't love him and I am certain you have and always will hold a torch for Harvey."

\-oOo -/

Harvey absentmindedly stared out the window of the train as it sped through along the tracks. After having drinks with Mike the night before he decided to visit his dad's grave in Boston. Usually he tried to get up to it every few months but he hadn't been in a while. He realized that he actually hadn't be been there since he had reconciled with Lily and he felt guilty about that. His dad would have been happy that he had forgiven her. Lily was out of town this weekend so he was staying with Marcus who was coming back to New York with him on Sunday night to sign the contract for the new restaurant.

His thoughts went back to his night out with Mike who had again asked him to join him Seattle but Harvey never contemplated working anywhere else but the firm. He and Mike had also talked about Jack Soloff and what to do about the whole situation. Vanessa was still doing a background check and also following up on NYC Law Services. She told him she would have a full report by the end of next week and he knew she would. As he stared out the window his thought turned to Donna. Well it wasn't as if she was far from his thoughts she was always in them. More so than before. But she was with Thomas now and was probably going to marry him. The thought of that filled him with sadness. Mike had told him to man up and go for it with the redhead but he definitely wasn't going after another man's woman. It wasn't him. Mike had told him about his and Rachel's efforts in trying to have a baby and Harvey hoped that it would happen for the younger couple. He himself never really saw himself as a father but when Celia told him she was pregnant he felt disappointed for a moment that it wasn't his.

Stopping at a liquor store beside the cemetery he made his of two bottles of Macallen 18. One for the caretaker, who was always thankful for the gift, and a bottle to share with his dad. Coming to a stop at the headstone Harvey noticed that the plot was very well tended and that a fresh bouquet lay on the mound. Kneeling down he examined the flowers and saw that they were from Lily.

"On the anniversary of our first meeting. All my love, Lily."

He felt tears prickle in his eyes as he placed the two shot glasses on the headstone and poured the amber liquid into both of them.

"It never gets any easier Dad. I miss you, " he said after he had knocked back his shot glass. He did consider pouring another one but decided against it. Instead he knelt down and lightly ran his hand over the engraving on the headstone.

Images and memories of Donna suddenly came to his mind.

"So what are we waiting for?"

"Come work for me. "

"You know I love you Donna."

"I'm leaving you Harvey."

"Are you saying you are coming back to me?"

"I think you are worthy."

"I'm sorry Harvey I had to know."

Suddenly feeling that his airways were closing in on him he took some deep breaths before realizing that tears were streaming down his face. Making no effort to wipe them away he brought his hand up to his mouth and sobbed quietly into it.

To be continued