AN: Please bear with me on this final AN. A note to each of my betas:
Heather: You were the first friend I made on Twitter and if it hadn't been for you welcoming me with open arms and asking for my opinions on LOL, I don't think I ever would have started writing in the first place. Thank you for ALWAYS having my back and for finding that one last edit that slipped through the cracks. Thank you to my first/best Twitter friend!
Nathalie: I've never met a kinder and more genuine soul than you. Thank you for being brave enough to tell me the truth even when it wasn't easy. You have taught me and guided me on the true essence of Darvey from very early on. This story wouldn't have been the same without you.
Sarah: I've told you many times how your AUs inspired me to create this fic. I love the way you write so much, and more than that, I love the person you are. I am blessed to have met you and I appreciate the input you provided along the way more than you know.
Blue: I know life got in the way and you weren't able to keep up with being a beta for this fic, but I never would have had the confidence to try it if not for your continual and unwavering support. You have taught me so much about writing, but even more about compassion and love. I am forever in your debt.
Steph: No one put more time and effort into helping me with this story than you did. Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week you were there for me. Laughter, screaming, tears, even an argument or two, but you never wavered. You guided and suggested and redirected with love and honesty. This story is as much yours as it mine, and I can never thank you enough.
Chapter 21 - Surprise
September may only have thirty days, but it feels like three hundred to Harvey. The month has been crawling by painfully slow and he still has over a week until Donna comes home. The weather may have cooled considerably after a hotter than usual August, but with the cooler weather came rain, and with rain came rain delays and rain-outs. Bottom line, it sucks.
The only saving grace is that the Yankees have clinched not only the American League East, but they are guaranteed home field advantage throughout the playoffs since they have the best overall record in baseball. This means that most of the starters are getting plenty of rest and they use Harvey sparingly with the expectation of needing his arm to last deep into October.
"My God, Specter. Are you really looking through the photos on your phone again?" Travis stands over his shoulder in the locker room scoffing. "Christ, you're pitiful."
"Fuck off, Tanner," Harvey says putting his phone into his locker. "You seem to have forgotten I was your roommate in Triple A when you and Scottie broke up every other weekend and you used to cry yourself to sleep at night."
"Hey! It was more like every couple months. And I only cried that one time."
The two friends exchange playful punches before continuing to get dressed for their game.
"When's she coming home? Soon, right?" Tanner asks while lacing up his spikes.
"Yeah, on the 2nd." Harvey tugs on the bill of his hat and can't help but smile at his reflection in the small mirror. "She'll be back just in time for our first playoff game."
"Thank God for that." Tanner laughs. "You need to get laid."
…
As Donna sits on the 405 freeway in bumper to bumper traffic, she thinks about how much she misses New York. Sure, she loves Southern California, but the longer she stays the more she's ready to go home. She knows, of course, that it's really Harvey she longs for, and if he were here with her, she might even consider living in LA long term. But he's not, and thinking about him being in New York, makes her miss everything about the city. And with her return being only a few days away now, the feeling is only that much more intense.
The production of the movie has been amazing in every way. Not just the experience she's gained as an actress, but the knowledge of the entire process, the networking, the feedback from so many talented people in the industry; some uplifting, some constructive, but all of it incredibly invaluable. She doesn't regret the decision to accept this role in any way. And she may even decide to return to the silver screen in the future if the right opportunity should arise, but her home is in New York, on the stage, and she can't wait to get back to it.
Everything is going according to plan for her big surprise, but the trickiest step is still in front of her. Mike has been instrumental in helping to orchestrate everything in New York and she is going to owe him big time for keeping her secret. Rachel is in on it too, of course. Her best friend has a crucial role to play as well and it will take all three of them working in sync to pull this off.
….
When Harvey wakes up on October 2nd, his stomach is in knots. This is the biggest day of his life and regardless of the fact that he is confident it will go as expected, he's nervous as hell. Donna's flight won't get in until he's already at the field so Rachel will be picking her up and bringing her to the game. He is beyond excited to see her, to hold her, to share this incredible night with her.
The nervous energy coursing through his veins is making him antsy, so he decides on an early run. It's barely 6:30 when he hits the streets in his usual black sweats and hoodie. It's still dark as he starts to pick up his pace, and he knows he's going to have the added benefit of catching the sunrise.
As the music pumps loudly in his ears, he takes in the city that has become his new home. He thinks about all the hours of working out, the rehabilitation to come back from his injury, all the exciting wins and tough losses, the strikeouts, and the blown saves, all of those experiences have led him to this day. He knows it's only game one of the series, but it's his first playoff game as a closer, and it's the most crucial step to bringing home that World Series title.
With his body warm, and sweat dripping down his face, he watches as the sun makes its way over the horizon, casting a stunning red haze over the downtown skyline. And his mind drifts to Donna. He had heard the phrase absence makes the heart grow fonder, but he'd never realized how accurate it had been until now. The way he had missed Donna over these past couple months had opened his eyes to a number of things, and he planned to make sure she knew just how much he loved her. The thought of seeing her tonight, of tasting her lips on his, causes him to quicken his pace even further as he pushes his body to its limits, sprinting the last couple hundred yards to his condo.
…..
Donna scans the crowded baggage claim area at JFK while she's riding down on the escalator. Rachel had texted that she was there waiting and Donna is hoping to catch sight of her before getting to the ground level. They had figured that the airport would be a madhouse due to the game tonight, but it was even worse then they'd imagined.
"Donna!" Rachel calls out. "Donna!"
She spots her best friend off to her right and runs to greet her.
"Oh my God!" Rachel squeals, pulling back from Donna and taking her in. "You even glow like a Hollywood actress now."
"Oh, Rach." Donna shakes her head. "I'm Donna. I always glow."
"Right." Rachel chuckles. "Of course you do." She grabs her friend's hand and pulls her toward the carousel of luggage.
"Did Mike get it? Is everything ready?"
"Yes, Donna. I've told you a hundred times, everything is ready. It's going to be perfect."
Donna doesn't usually get anxious like she is about tonight. She's always been a planner and when she decides to put something in motion, you can count on it getting done and getting done right. But this is such an important night for Harvey and she had wanted to do something really special. Something completely unexpected to celebrate his amazing success, and also her homecoming. This night has to be perfect.
…..
When the girls get to Donna's place they take her bags upstairs and rush to get ready. Donna showers just to rinse off. She'd done her hair before the flight because she knew time would be limited once her flight got it.
Standing in front of her full-length mirror she takes a deep breath. Pumps, jeans, and the brand new Yankee home jersey with Harvey's number on the back Mike had gotten her. It was perfect. An exact replica of the one Harvey would be wearing.
"Donna, come on!" Rachel yells from Donna's entryway. "The car's waiting out front. We have to meet Mike at the back gate in less than 30 minutes."
Donna inhales slowly and takes in all the oxygen her lungs can hold. Then she lets the air out with an excited squeal and grabs her purse. Here we go!
…..
The energy in the stadium even an hour before the game time is incredible. The ballpark is already packed and there is a buzz running through the place that makes your fingers and toes tingle. The field looks even more pristine than usual and is adorned with brand new paint and logos for Major League Baseball and the American League Divisional Series.
The Yankee clubhouse has an energy of its own. Every member of the organization has his or her game face on. From the trainers, to the vendors, to the coaches and players. There is no mistaking it. This is no ordinary game. This is playoff baseball.
Harvey's hands shake as he fastens the last few buttons of his shirt. He has prepared for this night and he knows he's ready. In fact, he's never been more certain of anything in his entire life.
When he walks out of the tunnel and onto the grass of Yankee Stadium he is overcome with emotion. All these fans are here to see his team take down the Minnesota Twins. He knows his family is in the stands tonight and he casts his eyes toward the section their seats are in. And most importantly he knows that Donna is here, somewhere, and that thought makes him smile and tear up at the same time. His chest puffs out with pride and gratitude as he jogs onto the grass to start his warm-ups.
…..
Donna, Mike, and Rachel make their way through the underground hallways that lead from the back entrance to the elevators that will take them up to the Public Relations office. Mike has been talking non-stop since she and Rachel had arrived and Donna's beginning to think he's more nervous than she is.
On the ride up, he tells Donna the ins and outs of how this will all go down and also repeats at least a hundred times how much she owes him for keeping this from Harvey.
"God, I cannot wait to see his face!" Mike says excitedly as the elevator doors open and the three of them step off.
As soon as Mike pushes open the PR door, they are greeted by a beautiful brunette.
"Kristen!" Mike says, the excitement still emanating from his body. "You're here!"
"Yes, Mike." She laughs. "I work here." Kristen smiles and it lights up her entire face. "You must be Donna." She extends her hand.
"Yes," Donna replies, taking the offered hand with a smile, "I can't thank you enough for helping to organize all this."
"Are you kidding? This is a PR dream come true! I'm the one who should be thanking you."
Kristen takes the three of them into her office and walks them through the pregame agenda.
"Because it's a playoff game, both teams will line up on the baselines and the coaches and line ups will be announced." She shows Donna a diagram of the field and explains where they will be standing in order to keep Harvey from seeing her until they announce her.
"Once the line ups are done, it will be time for the National Anthem, and that's when they will announce you."
Mike is bouncing in his seat like a middle schooler with ADHD while Rachel gasps audibly and covers her mouth with both hands.
Donna just nods. Deep breath in and out. She's ready.
"Okay. Sounds great. How much time do we have?" she says after a moment or two of silence.
Kristen checks her watch. "None. Time to go!"
The four of them push up from their chairs and head to the field.
Donna isn't nervous about signing. She'd sung the National Anthem at many events throughout her life and she had practiced multiple times this week. But she is nervous. She's nervous that something will go wrong, nervous that Harvey will spot her before it's time, nervous and excited, just to see him afterward, and to know the attention and media that will come with this whole experience. Shoot, she's even nervous about the game itself.
…
Harvey makes his way out to the first baseline with the other relief pitchers and reserves as the announcer prepares to announce the starting line ups. The entire stadium erupts as the words, Your New York Yankees, resounds throughout the stadium and Harvey feels his heart pound even harder in his chest. One by one, the players' and coaches' names are called and they jog down the line of men and bump fists with each teammate. The anticipation building with every minute that ticks by.
"Ladies and gentleman, please rise and remove your hats for the singing of our National Anthem by the renowned Broadway and film actress, Miss Donna Paulsen."
Harvey's breath lodges in his throat as Donna's name echoes through the speakers and the fans scream and cheer in her honor. With unsteady legs and quivering hands, he steps out from the line of his teammates and lays his eyes on her. The sight of her nearly knocks him off balance. Maybe it's because he hasn't seen her in weeks, maybe it's the way her hair sparkles under all the overhead lighting, or maybe it's the just way she pulls off those navy pinstripes, but she had never, ever, looked more beautiful.
Her eyes meet his and a mischievous grin slowly spreads across her face. As the music starts, he has to force himself to turn away from her and face the flag. Her voice is rich and smooth as it permeates throughout Yankee Stadium. Nearly 55,000 fans look on in complete silence, hanging on every note.
And when the Blue Angels fly overhead in perfect formation, the entire stadium erupts into thunderous applause.
Harvey puts his cap back on his head and tugs firmly on the bill and he draws in a steadying breath and turns to face Donna once again. As the crowd continues to whistle and clap, he waits for her eyes to lock on his. And when they do, he begins to take slow, purposeful strides toward her. His finger twitching at his side, and his heart lodged firmly in his throat.
…
A wave of relief floods Donna's senses as the last notes of The Star Spangled Banner fade from the speakers. All that is left in its wake is resounding approval of the thousands of fans in attendance. But when her eyes find Harvey's, standing nearly 30 yards down the baseline, it's a wave of something else that washes over her.
Love.
She watches as he returns his hat to his head and begins walking in her direction. With each step he takes toward her, the noise and excitement surrounding them seem to wane.
And then… as Harvey closes the distance between them, a new set of notes begins to flow from the hundreds of speakers encompassing them. Notes that immediately transport her to a moment in Los Angeles weeks earlier.
…
"Pull over there, by the park," Harvey said pointing to Donna's left as they were driving to her place after dinner at The Ranch. "Let's just sit and talk awhile."
Donna did as he asked even though she was a little perplexed by the suggestion.
"You want to just sit here? In the car?"
"Yeah. Exactly." Harvey reached for Donna's hand after she shut off the ignition of the rental car the studio had provided.
The two sat and talked while Donna's 'Billy Joel Essentials' playlist hummed quietly through the car speakers. It had become her 'most played' list ever since their road trip back in June.
Their conversation was relaxed and easy. Spanning from childhood friends, to most embarrassing moments, to the pregnancy scare, and panic attacks. They laughed a little, and cried a little, but more than anything they just enjoyed being together. If this distance had taught them anything, it was to take advantage of every moment they had with each other.
"Hey," Harvey said suddenly, "turn that up, and get out of the car."
"What?" Donna asked confused by the request, but Harvey was already out of the car and standing under the glow of the lamppost on the sidewalk.
Donna shook her head, laughed, and turned the dial on her car stereo so the piano notes could be heard clearly. And when she met Harvey in front of the car, his hand was extended toward her. He pulled her into a tight embrace and began to sway to the music.
"She's got a way about her," Harvey began to sing softly just above her ear. "I don't know what it is, but I know that I can't live without her."
Donna laid her head in the crook of his neck as he ran his fingers through her hair and gently caressed the back of her neck.
"She's got a way of pleasin," he hums into her hair, "I don't know why it is, but there doesn't have to be a reason. Anyway..."
…
She's got a smile that heals me
I don't know why it is
but I have to laugh when she reveals me
As the Billy Joel ballad bellows throughout the jam-packed stadium, Donna can't breathe. Harvey is just steps away from her now as the song continues to play. Everything about the moment is surreal and her mind is racing for an explanation that makes sense. Even though deep in her heart, she knows exactly what is happening.
She comes to me when I'm feelin' down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me
and I get turned around
Harvey stands now, just inches from her, his eyes locked on her and filled with more emotion and tenderness than she ever thought possible. He removes his hat and puts it in his back pocket. And when his hand resurfaces, he's holding a small black box.
She's got a way of showin'
how I make her feel
and I find the strength to keep on goin'
A steady stream of tears flows from Donna's eyes as she watches the love of her life get down on one knee in front of her and a million others looking on. Softly, just loud enough for her to hear, he sings along...
She's got a light around her
and everywhere she goes
a million dreams of love surround her
Everywhere
"Oh my God." Is all she can manage when the music stops. Covering her mouth with both hands, she looks down at Harvey and tries to swallow back the sobs racking her body. She looks up for a moment and finds Mike and Rachel looking on. Mike grinning like a fool and Rachel crying right along with her. When she looks back to Harvey, he's holding the box open with the most glorious diamond ring she has ever seen.
"Donna Roberta Paulsen," his eyes glimmer with joy, "I love you." Harvey wipes a tear from his left cheek and reaches for her hand before continuing. "I knew I wanted to marry you from the moment I met you. And if there's one thing I've learned over the past few months, it's not to waste any more time." Swallowing thickly, he digs for his last bit of courage. "What do you say?" He smiles as his voice cracks. "Will you marry me?"
The thousands of people filling the stadium, and all those watching at home, seem to gasp in unison, collectively holding their breaths, awaiting Donna's reply.
"I say yes, Harvey." She laughs through her tears and nods. "Yes."
Harvey nods back at her with his signature smile and slides the ring on to her slender finger while every spectator, Yankee and Twin fans alike, rise into a standing ovation. Donna's hands slide around Harvey's neck and he lifts her in the air and spins her around. She can't be sure if her feet ever reach the ground after that, because the kiss Harvey plants on her lips, has her floating on air for the rest of the night.
"Congratulations!" Mike says taking Donna into his arms the minute Harvey lets her go.
"You knew!" Donna slaps his chest in mock annoyance.
"I did." Mike nods with a chuckle.
"You told him my secret." She pouts playfully.
"Guilty as charged." Mike places a soft kiss on her cheek. "But only because he told me his."
Next, it's Rachel who is wrapped around her and sobbing like a best friend should in a moment like this.
"I'm so happy for you Donna! No one deserves a proposal like this more than you do."
By the time the girls let each other go, Kristen is there quietly reminding them there is, in fact, a baseball game tonight, as she ushers them toward the tunnel.
Donna breaks away to give Harvey one more lingering kiss. "I love you, Harvey Specter. Now close the shit of out these guys!"
He chuckles softly as their extended hands slip apart and Donna leaves the field with the other two women.
…..
Harvey is still standing behind home plate staring in the direction Donna had gone when Tanner comes up from behind him.
"Congratulations, Romeo." He pats Harvey on the back. "That was one hell of a proposal, man. Scottie's going to be talking my ear off about it for weeks."
Harvey just laughs as he turns to shake his catcher's hand. "Thanks, Trav. For everything."
They exchange a firm shake and a nod and Harvey jogs off to take up his spot in the bullpen and Tanner crouches down behind home plate.
Throughout the game, Harvey can't shake the feeling that his entire life had changed tonight. Every twist and turn on his path to get here, every heartache, every victory, every choice, both good and bad, had brought him to this particular moment in time. And as the Yankees take a one-run lead in the fourth inning, and then increase the score to 2-0 in the seventh, he knows in his heart that they are going to win. Not just tonight, and not just this series, but the World Series. And even more important than that, he knows that the love of his life had just agreed to marry him. Donna Paulsen would be his wife and there was no trophy, no championship, that would ever mean more to him than that.
…
The storybook night has just the fairy tale ending it deserves. They win the game. Harvey closes and earns the save. And even the fans who leave disappointed with the outcome of the game had experienced a night they won't soon forget.
Harvey is bombarded with handshakes, back slaps, and one-armed man hugs as he leaves the field at the end of the night. He knows his buddies are stoked about the win, but they are also happy for the once wildly eligible bachelor finally finding a mate who could tame him.
The night had been so emotional for a guy who tries to keep his personal life out of the spotlight. And when he exits the clubhouse, there are hundreds of lights, cameras, and microphones to remind him that the entire world was watching.
He shields his eyes and squints to try and see beyond them.
"Donna?" he calls out. Mike had assured him that he'd find her and that she would be there to stand by his side.
"Harvey!"
He hears her voice through the crowd and he pushes through them to get to her. Reaching her, at last, he buries his face in her hair and squeezes her tight enough to cut off her air supply.
"You did it!" She smiles from ear to ear and her face glows with pride.
Harvey takes her hand and lifts it in between them, running his fingers over the engagement ring and kissing her palm lightly.
"We did it."
Harvey spends the next half hour or so answering questions and smiling for the flashing cameras. He may not be one for the limelight, but if ever there was a night that called for it, this was it.
They turn down several offers from their friends about going out to celebrate. They had been apart for weeks, and just got engaged. All they want tonight is to be alone.
They head to Donna's because she's the one who hasn't slept in her bed in two months. The moment they are in the back of Ray's Lexus, Harvey covers her mouth with his. There is nothing that feels more like home then sliding his tongue slowly through her parted lips. The taste of her, the scent of her, the feel of her will never stop taking his breath away.
"We're getting married," he mumbles against her lips.
"We are." Donna half laughs into his mouth.
Harvey slides his hand under the Yankee jersey she's wearing and groans at the feeling of her porcelain skin under his rough fingers.
"You're going to be my wife." He moans as she sucks on the skin just behind his ear lobe.
"I am," she says hoarsely, as her head falls back against the seat.
"Your voice tonight… incredible." Again, his words are muffled, coming between labored breaths as his lips and teeth scrape against her neck.
"It was supposed to be a surprise." She pushes against his chest, but to no avail. He's far too strong, and focused, to be denied.
"Sorry," he says before biting her lower lip and then slipping his tongue back into her mouth when she yelps.
They barely make it through her door before every article of clothing that separates them is shed and strewn across her apartment. They make love for hours upon hours. A whole new layer of intimacy and passion seem to be uncovered by the reality of spending the rest of their lives together. And when they finally give themselves over to the exhaustion, they fall into the deepest sleep either has had since Donna left for California. And tangled in sweaty sheets, they hold onto one another, and dream of their future.
…..
Harvey was right. About all of it. The Yankees swept the Twins in three games, then took down the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series. And finally, won the World Series Title in game seven at home over the Milwaukee Brewers, where Harvey threw the final pitch and was dogpiled on national television. He and his teammates were on the cover of every newspaper and every sports magazine, there were parades, and talk show appearances, and even a visit to the White House. It had been everything Harvey had dreamed of since he first put on a glove at the age of four.
Yet, none of that held a candle to the day Donna became his wife and took his name in addition to her own. They were married in front of everyone they cared about and it was the best day of both of their lives. Well, the best day so far...
AN: Thank you from the bottom of my heart to every single reader. Thank you for the endless support for this fic. Your kind tweets, hilarious gifs, and honest reviews literally changed my life for the better.I think it's only fair to give you a short peak into the future of these two lovebirds you've invested so much time in getting to know. Keep an eye out for the upcoming epilogue.
All my Love- Aimee