Chapter 8- the realisation

Harvey had left Donna's apartment at 6:30 am. Both she and Ava were still fast asleep and he didn't want to wake either of them up.

It turned out that Mike had turned himself in despite everyone begging him to have faith in himself.

Harvey was devastated, especially after he found out the jury's verdict was going to be not guilty. Despite Donna explaining to him that this wasn't on him. He could not let go of the guilt.

He had even tried to get a mistrial, only to have it backfire in his face.

Eventually, Mike had left Rachel at the altar and moved to Danbury Federal Prison.

When Harvey came back, he realised that the firm was now a ghost town.

He knew he owed Donna an explanation. He could not just cuddle with her all through the night, like he did the day before the verdict came out and then pretend as if nothing happened between them.

But every time he thought of pursuing Donna he was reminded of Rachel. How Mike had given up the love of his life for everyone's sake. He felt as though, he could not get his happily ever after if his protégé left everything behind for him and go to prison.

Then the whole Gallow situation happened. Frank Gallow had even tried to threaten Harvey by bringing Donna and Ava up.

Somehow, Gallow got the wind that Harvey had a goddaughter.

Although Harvey Specter was the one who always said that when someone puts a gun to your head you take the gun, or call their bluff. Or you do any one of the 146 things available. However, when it came to Ava, he had to be extra cautious. Hence he asked Donna to send Ava to stay with her grandparents in Cortland for a few days.

It was anyways December and Ava adored her grandparents so Donna complied with his request because she was equally frightened.

Harvey, had suggested that even Donna should move to Cortland for a few days but she resisted. She did not want to leave him high dry.

So he had Louis drop Ava off to Jim and Clara Paulsen's for 15 days after her school. Both him and Donna couldn't do it as they knew they were both being followed.

The seven year old had no clue about the dangers pertaining. She was in fact rather ecstatic to go on a vacation with her grandparents.

Now that Ava was not in any danger Harvey could sleep at night. He did still worry about Donna's safety though as Gallows was a wounded foe. He wanted to destroy Harvey Specter and now he had the key to.

In the prison he had backed off of Mike because Mike had told him he was working on his parole.

Eventually after colluding with Sean Cahill they sent Gallow away for good and Mike had gotten out of the prison.

However, before they could celebrate, Jessica had bombarded them with the news that she was moving to Chicago for good. Harvey couldn't understand why she made that decision but he respected it nevertheless.

He had gone to Donna's place that place night after Jessica's news to just catch up and spend some time with Ava. She was back from Cortland yesterday and he had missed her.

All three of them were seated in Donna's living room and were playing Pictionary while having dinner. Tomorrow was a Saturday so Ava was allowed to stay up past her bedtime.

It was a fun night filled with laughter. Eventually Ava got tired and was off to bed.

For some reason she insisted on both Harvey and Donna to tucking her in together.

It was almost midnight and they were both drinking wine while conversing about anything and everything.

"I swear I was so frightened when you told me Gallow had threatened you with Ava" Donna admitted on a serious note.

"I told you I would never let anything happen to either of you. And I won't ever, so you don't ever have to feel scared like that again." He said sincerely. "But for what it's worth, I am so sorry. Had it not been for me you and Ava would have never been in this mess." He continued.

"Harvey, nothing happened to either one of us. We're both extremely safe and content." Donna reasoned with him.

Harvey locked eyes with her, slightly nodding.

"I should go" he said after a moment's silence. And it was as if a time machine had taken them two years back in time. He got up to leave but Donna just smiled at him sadly.

"Aren't you going to ask me "why"?" Harvey questioned reiterating their conversation from two years ago.

"What's the point, Harv, we both know how that ends." She looked away; she could not handle another rejection. She had made peace with the fact that she was always going to be in love with Harvey.

He was there for her in all the ways that mattered, except romantically. He was also so good to Ava.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she did not realise Harvey taking two steps towards her. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and was now staring at her.

She locked eyes with him again. He then leaned in a bit, silently asking for permission to kiss her and she closed her eyes. It was all the sign she needed.

He kissed her passionately then. Putting all twelve years of their history in that kiss. Donna kissed him back with equal passion.

They only pulled apart for air. Donna took his hand and guided him towards her bedroom.

Once they had finished, they were lying in each other's arms naked, hugging each other. "Donna" he whispers "yeah?" She asks. "I love you! I always have since the first time I met you. But I was so afraid of losing you that I couldn't take the risk. Then you had Ava and there was an even bigger risk involved. But when you went to work for Louis, it made me realise that I could lose you anyway if I didn't say anything"

"I love you too, Harvey, so much! And you're never ever getting rid of me or Ava" saying this she kissed him again.

"I wouldn't have it any other way" he replied in between the kisses.

October, 2016

It was Ava's eighth birthday. Both Harvey and Donna could not believe how fast she was growing.

All three of them were sitting in their new apartment's living room. (They had just moved in two months ago) Ava was opening all her birthday presents.

"You missed this one" Harvey handed her an envelope. Ava eyed him curiously but proceeded to open the envelope.

"Oh my god! It says these are adoption papers! Does that mean you're adopting me?" Ava asked with tears in her eyes. "Yes, kiddo, yes I am" Ava sprung from her seat and moved to give Harvey a tight hug!

"This is the best present ever! I love you guys so much! I can't believe I have a mom and a dad now!" the little girl exclaimed.

Donna also had tears in her eyes. She quickly took out her phone and captured this moment. She wanted to cherish it for the rest of her life.

PS: I hope you all enjoyed this story. I wrote and published all the chapters in one day. Please do leave a review if you liked it. I personally loved writing this fic! I tried to keep Harvey and Donna as much in character as possible. Adios readers, have a good day/night