Prompt #14 by mmoorebec: It's the first holiday of the Paulsen Specter family in NY, after 3 three years in Seattle. Everything seems to be perfect. However, an emergency at the firm forces Harvey to work and this causes a big discussion with Donna. Furthermore, a blizzard falls over the city on the same day and causes an accident. [prompt shortened for clarity]
Donna wakes up that Christmas Eve morning with her room partially lit. There's light snow falling outside in greater New York, but the penthouse's internal heating doesn't let her feel the winter chill.
She slowly stretches and fumbles for her cell phone, smiling when she sees the date was December 24th. Christmas Eve. Eve of one of the holidays she loves the most and has love even more after she started spending the date with Harvey.
Donna has always loved the holidays, Halloween and Christmas being without a doubt her favorites and she thinks experiencing them in New York is something magical that everyone should experience once in a lifetime.
And she couldn't be happier to be spending this Christmas Eve in the city she loves.
Harvey and Donna returned to New York after three years in Seattle.
They were quite happy in Seattle. They loved the time they worked with Mike and Rachel and they would be eternally grateful for the short time they worked at Ross Zane, but they missed the busy New York life and decided to come back to the company again.
So, they decided to rent their house in Seattle to two sisters and moved back into Harvey's condo, as Donna had rented her old apartment to a friend of her old theater company. Plus, Harvey's apartment was much better for their needs now.
Rachel and Mike understood and supported Harvey and Donna's decision, saying that the doors to their home would always be open to them. Louis, Samantha, Alex and Katrina were more than happy to see the couple return to the firm after their half-time away.
The side of the bed is empty and cold, even though she knows her husband has already risen, Donna frowns as it's too early and it's a holiday for Harvey to wake up before 8am. However, her thoughts faded when she smelled waffles and vanilla coffee coming from the kitchen.
He's up early for a special Christmas Eve breakfast, she thinks with a smile.
The redhead quickly sheds the covers, does her morning hygiene and puts on her robe and slippers and heads towards the apartment's kitchen with an almost childlike excitement.
But Donna's joy fades when she walks into the kitchen and watches Harvey from behind in his black Tom Ford suit.
Donna loves seeing Harvey with or without his suits. She loves seeing how confident he is in his work outfit. She already told him and he knows the suit is a kind of armor.
His armor, which he shouldn't be wearing, at least not today.
Especially today.
It's Harvey and Donna's third Christmas Eve as husband and wife, and their third being Charlotte's parents.
But it's the first time the three of them will spend the holiday season in New York and they had made a promise and she had planned a perfect family day to enjoy with her husband and daughter.
Charlotte's pregnancy happened suddenly, it wasn't planned, but it was very welcome for Donna and Harvey. They hadn't had that conversation about babies, but they knew they wanted to be parents the moment their eyes met as Donna carried the delicate Lucy Litt in her arms.
They had no idea that by then Donna was nearly three weeks pregnant.
Donna and Harvey are certain that they conceived their daughter the night before the trial, that Faye was present and that Mike would testify. Harvey remembers that she told him she would give him "the best night sleep he ever had" and two weeks later after the sudden wedding, the two faced with a mix of joy and surprise three pregnancy tests that assured them of the date.
Since then, Harvey jokes that "best night sleep he ever had" has become "the best gift he ever had".
Donna doesn't disagree, as her daughter with Harvey was one of the best things that ever happened to her.
They had already promised themselves that the company wouldn't interfere as much in their lives as a couple, but the moment they became parents, Donna and Harvey reinforced their promise that they would be there for their daughter in everything.
Which is why Donna is frustrated and upset to see that Harvey is dressed for work.
Working on Christmas Eve.
Staying away from her and their daughter.
When Donna least notices it, her excitement turns into an outburst of rage.
"What the hell, Harvey?" Donna says, without thinking twice, in a tone covered in disbelief when she notices her husband turning to face her.
"I swear, I can explain, honey." Harvey starts to say in a calm voice as Donna stares at him with crossed arms. "I was going to wake you. It involves Samsung and we both know this is big, me and the other partners couldn't say no and I hate it."
"And you're saying no to spending Christmas Eve with your family? Samsung couldn't at least wait for Christmas to pass?". She questions him with a serious expression as well as her tone of voice.
"Babe, it's not like this…". Harvey starts but is interrupted.
" No?" Donna asks in a sudden outburst that startles Harvey.
"I know you've planned an entire day for us and believe me, I hate it all too, but this damn case is unavoidable and the company can't wait! Don't you think if I had the option to say no, I wouldn't have done it?" Harvey says, his voice rising a bit, face indignant.
Donna just closes her eyes and takes a deep breath trying not to get any more angry and hurt about the situation.
"I know Harvey, we promised that when we returned to New York we wouldn't let the firm interfere in our lives, not like before! And guess what?" Donna speaks in a tone more heartfelt than angry.
" Donna!".
" Harvey!"
"Mommy? Daddy?"
They are interrupted when Charlotte's sweet voice is heard in the living room. They hadn't realized they were talking loud enough to wake their daughter up.
"Why are you talking so loud?" Charlotte asks, rubbing her hazel eyes with her small hands.
"It's mom and dad's thing, my love. Sorry we woke you up. This won't happen again!" Donna says calmly, looking at her daughter.
"That's okay". She says walking and approaching her parents. "Daddy, where are you going?" The little Paulsen Specter asks when she finally notices her father's outfit.
Harvey walks around the kitchen island to where the small strawberry-blond haired figure is and picks her up.
"Daddy needs to work to save Metropolis, like Superman." He says to his daughter.
"Mommy, will you go with daddy?". She asks as she runs her little hands over her father's face
"No sweetheart, mommy will be here with you." Donna answers, giving her daughter a small smile.
Charlotte is silent for a few seconds, her little head processing the information. Until she asks in a tearful tone
" But, daddy, if you need to work it means that you will miss my cookies and my favorite movie?"
Harvey's eyes widen and he lets out a sigh, looking at Donna and then his daughter.
He hated having to leave his house on Christmas Eve and leave his girls.
"Daddy, will be here to eat your cookies and watch the movie with you, my little bug". He says caressing Charlotte 's face."I would never miss a holiday to spend away from you, ever. That was just something I couldn't say no, it won't happen again because my attention will always be unique and exclusive to my girls." He tells Charlotte even though he looks at Donna all the time.
Before Donna can answer anything, Harvey looks at his watch and says he needs to go.
"Okay bug, I need to go now. Do you remember what I told you about Christmas Eve?" Harvey asked crouching down in front of his daughter
"Nothing bad happens on Christmas Eve!" She responds with childlike enthusiasm.
"That's right! I love you Lottie!" He says hugging his daughter's little body and hears her say "I love you too, daddy".
Harvey gets up and walks over to Donna, who's still wearing an expression that mixes sadness and frustration.
"Hey, I'll be back before 6pm. I love you, Donna! And I'm sorry it messed up our day." He says with his soft tone, giving her a series of pecks in her mouth.
She just shakes her head, her initial anger has already partially dissipated.
" I know, Harvey! " She responds by giving him a peck before closing the door when the elevator reaches the floor.
Turning into the living room, Donna finds her daughter standing in front of the fireplace looking at her socks filled with candies.
"Looks like it's just going to be the two of us this afternoon Lottie… What do you think about having breakfast together and then sleeping some more to have energy for later?" She asks, tickling the girl, who chuckles in agreement.
As with any holiday or special occasion, hours pass as if they were seconds.
Donna had already had lunch with Charlotte, had already wrapped her daughter's presents and hidden them from the child, just as she had already wrapped Harvey's and placed them under the Christmas tree. She had also already played and put the child to sleep so that she would have enough energy for when Harvey arrives.
She was also calmer than she had been in the morning and had already figured out that her anger was ridiculous and it wasn't Harvey's fault that something emergency had happened. Donna knew she owed him an apology and she would make it as soon as he arrived.
Donna and Charlotte are dressed in cooks hats and aprons in front of the kitchen island. Charlotte stands on a chair as they prepare gingerbread cookies and chocolate vanilla cookies - Harvey's favorites. They were already in the decoration part, when the Christmas movie that was on TV was interrupted by a reporter talking live about a brief snowfall that would occur, alerting everyone to stay indoors if possible.
Donna can only think about Harvey, the fact that he's out and about and it's almost 6pm, the time he should be arriving by now.
Not thinking twice, she wipes her hands and takes out her cell phone to text Harvey:
"Somebody told me today that nothing bad happens on Christmas Eve and the news says that we have to stay at home because of the snow. So, be careful, okay? I love you!"
"I'm on my way, don't worry. Love you too! ". That's what he replies a minute later.
His message makes Donna more relieved and soon she turns her attention to Charlotte decorating cookies.
Harvey had already finished all the paperwork and was already out of the office when Donna texted him and he replied that he was on his way. But, he didn't go directly to his house, as he had remembered something and he was already feeling terrible for being working in the middle of a holiday and for having upset Donna before he left.
He had left the firm about 30 minutes earlier and had decided to stop by Nougatine to get the berry cheesecake, one of Donna's favorite desserts, which he had ordered a week earlier as a surprise. It wouldn't take long, the order was already paid for and he would literally just take it.
The Nougatine stop did not take long indeed, and Harvey thought the snowstorm was over and that he would make it home in time, but his thinking was wrong.
The snowfall, which until then was moderate, started to get a little more intense and made the windshields of the Lexus not enough to clear the snow and leave its clear view of the road, just as the mirrors were not doing their correct work due to the volume of snow.
These are the reasons Harvey can't see another car coming his way and doesn't notice it until too late, when a red vehicle collided with his own just 200 meters from the restaurant.
It's almost 6:30pm and Donna has finished cooking the turkey and salads, a cheese quiche is in the oven. Charlotte is playing with her dolls in the living room. Her last contact with Harvey was half an hour ago when he texted that he was on his way.
She frowns when she sees the unknown number on her cell phone screen, but doesn't hesitate to answer.
" Good Afternoon, am I talking to Ms. Specter?" A female voice asks on the other side of the line and Donna starts to get nervous not knowing why.
"Yes, it is. Who's talking?". She says cordially.
" It's from Mount Sinai Hospital, we're calling to talk about the patient Harvey Specter"
Donna immediately feels her knees weaken, the air rush out of her lungs, and her eyes fill with tears. She had no other reaction than to lean on the bench in front of her.
She took a deep breath before speaking, but her voice cracked mid-sentence.
" What happened with Harvey?" Donna asks, no longer able to contain her nervousness.
" Mr. Specter is out of any danger zone. He had an accident near Nougatine, another car collided with his." The receptionist says in a calm tone. "It's not serious, but we need a family member to sign the paperwork. Will you be able to come?"
Harvey, her husband, her daughter's father, car accident.
" I'll be there as soon as possible." Donna says before hanging up and walking as fast as her shaky legs can.
She thinks about calling Ray, but thinks she doesn't want to worry the driver or disrupt his day with the family. So she calls the old taxi company who used to be a customer and they say they'll send a car for her in less than 10 minutes.
In the meantime, Donna only can dress herself with more clothes to keep warm and does the same with Charlotte, who didn't understand what was going on. Turning off the oven, mother and daughter head to the elevator towards the lobby to get into the taxi.
The ride takes longer than expected, as it's Christmas Eve and the streets of New York become even more chaotic than usual. The heavy snowfall had been brief, however, some streets had been blocked, but the taxi driver did his best to get to the hospital faster.
Once they reach their destination, the taxi driver asks her if she would like him to wait, and Donna just says yes, not caring how much the ride would be. Harvey is more important.
" We're here to see Harvey Specter." She hurriedly says to the receptionist with Charlotte in her arms.
" Room number three, turn left." The woman responds cordially and before Donna knows it, Charlotte disengages from her lap and runs in the direction the receptionist had indicated.
" Daddyyyyyyyyy!" " Charlotte says being the first to enter the room. " What happened to your arm?" she asks as she tries to climb the bed to sit next to her father
" Hey bug! Daddy just broke a little, but it is glued now. Where's your mom?". Harvey asks, smoothing her hair as he lays her down beside him.
Before the child can say anything, Donna's voice invades the room.
" Oh my God, Harvey!" Donna says crying when she walks in and sees Harvey with his right arm in a plaster and a sling. "I'm so stupid! I'm sorry for fighting you over something that wasn't your fault!" Donna says as she hugs her husband, the possibility that she's lost him crosses her mind once more and she can't help but choke on a sob.
" Babe, you can't control the weather or what is not your fault, and I never want to hear you say that again!". Harvey speaks calmly as if he hasn't been in an accident, hugging her back carefully so as not to hurt their daughter. Anything to try to calm Donna down.
" When the receptionist called I was so scared that I lost you and that our last conversation would have been me fighting you for something so stupid." Donna says trying to control herself but her chin is trembling and tears roll down her delicate face.
" My battery died when I picked the cheesecake…" He says pointing to the dessert perfectly packed at the side table "... but I'm fine, okay? Don't need to worry, I'm here now and you will never gonna lose me". Harvey says in that soft tone of voice that it's only aimed at her and now their daughter.
" Daddy is superman, here's strong, mommy!". Charlotte says while playing with his tie.
" Charlotte is right!" Harvey says, smiling at his daughter, who gets up from her lap to go sit in the chair beside the bed. "Plus, I'll let you write some Shakespeare quotes in my plaster." He says gently wiping a tear that ran down his wife's cheek.
Donna snorts in a mix of cry, fun and disbelief before kissing Harvey's mouth to whisper " You're an idiot".
" Yes, but I'm your idiot". He says quietly as he kisses her again, a little longer this time. Breaking the kiss to touch their foreheads together, Harvey only lets go of Donna when they hear footsteps approaching the bedroom.
" Alright Mrs. Specter. The doctor starts saying, "You'll get better in a period of three weeks, until then slow down and rest as much as possible. Don't forget your medications and come back on the date to get your plaster off."
" Believe me, this is not going to happen again! Thanks Dr. K !". Harvey says sitting up in bed to get up.
" I'll give daddy a lot of kisses to heal soon". Charlotte says innocently and elicits chuckles from the three adults.
" I'm sure that with your kisses and the medicine, your father will be fine soon! Have a great Christmas and New Year!" Dr K says a little before withdrawing and leaving the small family alone.
" We wish the same for you!" Donna says with a smile, clearly more relieved.
Harvey is discharged five minutes later and walks out of the hospital hand in hand with his wife, Charlotte, now in Donna's arms.
They arrived home shortly after 8pm, partly because traffic officers and police wanted to talk to Harvey and partly because of the traffic that seemed to have gotten worse over the past few hours. But once the three of them enter the Christmas-decorated condo, an overwhelming sense of relief rushes through Donna and Harvey's bodies.
It is now 11:30 pm. The start of the day was complicated, but now the three are dressed in similar flannel Christmas pajamas in the apartment's decorated bedroom. They could have dressed more exquisitely, but they preferred to stay the way they are. The huge Christmas tree is stuck near the porch door and contrasts with the snow falling outside and there are several other decorations that bring the joy of Christmas to the room
The fireplace is on and leaves the apartment warm and with yellowish lighting, bringing a feeling of comfort to the room. They had an amazing dinner, even if it was too early for tradition, and ate the dessert Harvey fetched at Nougatine, as well as hot chocolate and marshmallow along with the cookies Donna and Charlotte baked.
While watching the movie Barbie Nutcracker with Charlotte, who is sitting on the living room floor amidst several pillows and a warm blanket, Donna and Harvey are lying on the now family-sized sofa. She has her head resting on his chest, while one of her hands resides in her own lap, the other is intertwined with his hand that is outside the sling, caressing with her thumb.
Harvey's only available hand strokes Donna's red hair, making her sigh .They stay in this little bubble of caresses and kisses until they are interrupted by their daughter.
"Can I lie down with you?" Charlotte asks, wrapped in her gray blanket as her hazel eyes stare at her parents with a puppy-dog look that she clearly inherited from Harvey.
"You know you can always, bug!" Harvey says lovingly as Donna pulls the blankets aside and opens her arms to accommodate their daughter, who doesn't hesitate a second longer and runs into her mother's lap.
Kissing Charlotte's strawberry blond hair, Donna feels Harvey do the same to her head and she lifts her head to peck him, then she snuggles even closer against him and begins to reflect on the atypical day they had today.
Their Christmas Eve didn't go the way any of them expected, especially Donna. They haven't spent the afternoon baking cookies together or walking through Central Park, but they're here and what matters is that they're fine and together like the loving little family they are.
This is the most important thing and nothing or no one will change this.
They will later call each of their parents and friends to wish them a merry Christmas, but being here now lying between her husband and daughter, the two people she loves most in life, Donna can't help but be grateful for everything turned out well and they were where they should be.
When she least notices it, a small grin curls her lips as she remembers what Harvey told their daughter earlier. It's true and today has proved it:
Nothing bad happens on Christmas Eve.