Here we are, our final chapter. Thank you to everyone that has left their comments and support, they are truly treasured. I'm so sorry that it too me so long to send out the finished product. It was half way done for the longest time. I still have a few ideas for future stories but am more than happy to have idea's sent my way.
Happy Reading!
After all these years Donna was at a loss. With her mothers words resonating in her mind Donna paced the living area of her hotel room. What would she say to him? Did she need to sleep on it?
The voice inside her head told her that nothing would be gained by waiting and that keeping her true feelings to herself had done enough damage.
Calling Harvey's number before she has a chance to second guess herself, the dial tone goes on making her wonder if he's not picking up on purpose. She wouldn't blame him for screening her calls. Thoughts on what she would say in a voicemail are interrupted when the call is connected. Not waiting for Harvey to answer, Donna says, "Harvey? Hi look I'm sorry. I know-"
"Donna?", the connection crackles when a voice that clearly doesn't belong to Harvey but is one that she is familiar with all the same.
"Gordon?" She asks with a sinking feeling, "Where's Harvey?"
"He can't talk right now. We're at the hospital", Gordon manages to get out through the breaking phone line.
"Oh my god! What happened? Where is he?" Donna fires questions at Harvey's dad as she searches around her room for her bag before realising he's 200 miles away.
"Massachusetts General"
"Wait? You're in Boston?" she cries
"He flew in a few hours ago. There was an accident but he's fine. Donna …Donna?" Gordon calls as the phone is disconnected.
All her concerns about not finding the right words flew out the window as soon as she realised that she may never get a chance to say anything to him at all.
The very thought that something had happened to Harvey made her sick to her stomach. With every instinct telling her to see him, Donna takes a sleeping Ava and sets off to find Harvey.
For a Friday night the emergency department is as busy as you would expect. People of all ages frantic, crying and hurt crowd the waiting area. Approaching the desk Donna fails miserably at appearing remotely calm when she asks about Harvey. The clerk barely having a second to answer her before Donna hears her name being called.
Seeing Gordon in the corridor, she rushes to meet him.
"What happened to Harvey? Please tell me he's okay!", Donna asks, grasping Gordons arm.
"I'm not sure… The cab he took from the airport was in an accident. Just a fender bender but the car behind them was going pretty fast". Despite the minor severity of the accident, the worry in his voice is impossible to hide.
"Oh my god…", Donna whispers through trembling lips. "Can we see him?
"He's being scanned and x-rayed. They said he's got a mild concussion. I was trying to get through to Lily when you called. Are you okay?" Gordon enquires, more than concerned at Donna's anxious state.
"Me? Oh, I'm fine. Just a little rattled I guess".
"You should go see him first, they said I could go back there soon", Gordon offers.
Looking past the waiting area Donna gazes at the rows of cubicles before glancing back at Gordon hesitantly, "I…. Shouldn't…".
Taken aback, "What? Donna. He'd want to see you".
"I'm not so sure of that", she says sadly, thinking back on their last few weeks.
"I'm not exactly his favourite person right now…" she vocalises while wondering about why he was in Boston in the first place.
"So you don't want to stay and find out if he's okay?"
Reminded again that Harvey had put the distance between them for his own reasons. Unsure of just how much Harvey had told Gordon about their deteriorating relationship, Donna bites her lip before considering her words carefully, "Of course I do. You don't understand… I hurt him Gordon. He's asked for space… "
Taking her words for what they are, Gordon throws Donna a sad smile, "Donna. Why did you come here tonight?
"I told you, I_"
"I know what you told me. But why?", Gordon asks softly as he observes a tearful Donna.
While he had immediately felt something was off between the two when he spoke to Donna earlier that week, Gordons suspicions of a fall out were confirmed when Harvey had accepted his invitation to visit his family not a day after he had seen him. Watching Donna near tears as she declined to see Harvey despite being beyond frantic when he first saw her enter the emergency department was the nail in the coffin.
Regardless of how many times he told himself he would never put himself in the middle of Harvey and Donna's relationship, Gordon can't help but feel that despite their obvious feelings for each other, it was on the verge of falling apart. Guiding Donna toward a quieter section of the room, he gently intervenes.
"You know I saw Harvey… Not too long after you told him you were pregnant with this one here", he says smiling at Ava. "I'd never seen him like that. When he told me you were pregnant he just looked devastated".
"Gordon -"
"He said he thought he had more time. That he'd lost you"
The man's words have the desired effect as he watches Donna's expression change
"What do you mean?" she asks eagerly through fresh tears
"I've got my theories…" he smiles, "but you'll have to ask him that".
Looking down at Ava, Donna glances back at Gordon, "Go on, I still need to call Lily", he says taking a step toward the exit.
It's bedlam and the line for information the reception desk seems to stretch on forever. When at last she makes her way to the front the words tumble out of Donna's mouth before the disinterested clerk could ask anything.
"Hi there, I'm here to see Harvey Specter"
"Name"
"Harvey Sp-"
"No honey. Your name name"
"Oh, Donna Paulsen"
"We've already got his father listed as contact. I'm sorry ma'am. But unless you're family I can't let you see him"
"But he is… he's my -"
"Are you his wife?"
"No"
"Partner?"
"No"
"Girlfirend?"
The only response she gives is a broken shake of her head.
Finally sensing her distress, the receptionist expression softens, "Like I said family only. Maybe try calling him. I'm sorry I can't be more help". Looking past Donna to the person behind her, she knows she knows a dismissal when she sees one.
Unable to find Gordon, a cold breeze greets Donna as she exits the emergency room. Broken, she looks down at Ava sleeping peacefully. She may not have all the answers she needs but Donna knows that if she couldn't see Harvey tonight she should at least be honest with herself. And that meant being honest with him.
As Harvey's voicemail plays Donna nervously jiggles Ava against her chest, the beep eventually prompting her to speak.
"Hey. Harvey.. It's me. Ummm. I know you asked for space. And I know it's not Monday but I heard you were in an accident and before I could think of anything else I was here".
"But they wouldn't let me see you" she gasps as tears cloud her vision, "They said they we weren't family so I couldn't. But these last two weeks… I know we still see each other every day but I've missed you. So much. And Ava misses you. I'm so… so sorry for making you think that you didn't have a place in my life…our lives for something beside work. But when I think of family… I see you. Always. And I'm sorry. Sorry that I made you think for even a second that you weren't part of us. Of our family… Please let me know you're okay. I love you Harvey".
The voicemail cuts her off leaving Donna with a dimming screen in her hand and despite the exhaustion settling in her bones she knew there would be no sleep for her tonight. Returning to her rental car, Donna drives aimlessly through the neighbourhoods of Boston over the next two hours. With no contact from Harvey she reluctantly returns to the hotel just before midnight.
Instantly she's met with the sight of the man she so desperately wanted to see. Sitting alone with his phone against his ear Harvey remains oblivious to her presence until she stops before him and calls his name.
xxxxxx
With the green light to finally leave, Harvey finds his dad walking toward him.
"Did you see her?"
"See who?"
"Donna. She came racing in here a half hour ago".
"Donna's here? Is Ava okay? What happened?"
"You two are unbelievable, you know that? She came in here for you!", Gordon almost shouts, shaking his head. "She called your cell. I picked up, told her about the accident. Next thing I know she's here, beside herself with a baby in her arms wanting to know what happened to you. What's she doing in Boston anyway?"
"Her sisters getting married here this weekend. Anyway.. What happened? Did she leave?" Harvey asks, eager for more information.
"I don't know. I had to step out to let your mom know what was happening so I told Donna to go in and see you first. Listen… Harvey… I don't know what's going on between you two".
"Dad. It's hard", Harvey says reluctantly.
"And what in life isn't?" Gordon pushes. "All I know is the look on her face Harvey when she came in. It was the look of someone who is frightened. And all she could talk about was you. She just wanted to know that you were okay".
Gordon could see the cogs turning in his son's head.
"Here", he says, handing Harvey back his cell. "I'm going to pull the car around". Gordon turns toward the exit with a clear unspoken instruction for his son. Staring down at the screen he sees the missed call and a voicemail waiting for him.
By the time Gordon met Harvey at the front of the hospital he'd already listened to it twice.
"You call her yet?", Gordon asks as Harvey slides into the front seat.
"No. I need to see her", his tone left no room for questions as Harvey gave his dad directions.
XXXXXXXX
The sound of her voice echoed in his mind as Harvey grapled with the distraught explanation of her absence at the hospital and her confession the followed it.
when I think of family… I see you. Always. And I'm sorry. Sorry that I made you think for even a second that you weren't part of us. Of our family… Please let me know you're okay. I love you Harvey.
It seemed surreal. That her feelings weren't as clear as as he had thought.
That his presence in her life outside of work wasn't unwelcome. That she had missed him just as much as he missed her.
Replaying the voicemail he once again becomes distracted by Donna's voice, so much so that he misses her entering the lobby. As the message ends he hears her voice echo through the empty lobby, calling him. Standing there with the days events weighing heavily upon her, Ava's car seat at her side he sees Donna pause, waiting to see what his next step would be. Hopefully now he could now show her that it always has and will be, toward her.
On his feet without a second thought they collide. A tight embrace as Harvey's arms around Donna's waist anchor them together as her arms slide around is neck. It feels like a homecoming as the rest of the world falls away. He couldn't tell how much time had passed before he feels her caress his jaw.
"You're okay", she says softly and mostly to herself as she scans him for any visible injuries.
Harvey's smile sets her at ease as much as the feeling of his hands wandering up her back, "I'm fine. Promise. Just a little sore".
Satisfied with his answer, Donna's hand settles on Harvey's chest but it only takes a moment for him realise Donna is shaking. Moving back slightly, just enough to push her hair back from her face, he asks, "Hey, what's going on?"
"I was so worried… and I couldn't see you… I thought I missed my chance"
Understanding her words more than ever, Harvey makes his desires clear, "I dunno this might be our chance. What do you think?", he asks hopefully as he caresses her jaw.
"I think yes", is Donna's reply without a second thought as she tilts her head up to meet his lips.
It's not their first kiss but it certainly feels like start of something. It fires every synapse in their bodies and it's only when they knock Ava's seat that her startled cry breaks them apart.
Their hands remain joined as the three of them ascend in the elevator. Reluctant to separate, Donna and Harvey move through the hotel room together. She felt it almost a shame that Ava was asleep when Harvey saw her. After almost three weeks apart his face lit up at the sight of the sleeping babe.
Asking hesitantly, "Can I pick her up?" has Donna wordlessly stepping aside. The care he takes in removing Ava from her car seat and gently placing her in the bassinet leaves Donna catching her breath.
Their arms find each other as soon as Harvey steps away from Ava. Their kisses are slow and full of promise but they're both more than a little worse for wear. The unspoken acknowledgement that they still have so much to talk about is for another day.
"Will you stay?", she asks quietly. Despite their recent confessions Donna can't look Harvey in the eye and so she misses Harvey's smile and look utter adoration.
"Donna, I never wanted to leave".
xxxxxxxxxxx
The feeling of her against him is something Harvey knows he will never tire of. While they had fallen into bed the night before it wasn't quite the way either if them had thought it would be. After almost 24hours awake they fell asleep in each others arms with little more than a good night kiss between them.
And it seemed this morning would be no different as Ava's cry wakes them. Their twin groans mix with the hungry babies distress as Harvey reluctantly pulls himself away from Donna.
Ava quietens for a moment when Harvey comes in to focus.
"Hey beautiful", his voice is still heavy with sleep but Donna can't miss the affection she hears as he picks Ava up. It's clearly reciprocated as she coos at Harvey and a gummy smile emerges.
"She missed you", Donna says with a smile as she sits up in bed, reaching out for the hungry baby.
"I missed her too. And her mom", he says handing over Ava while leaning in for a kiss that only breaks when Ava becomes frustrated with being denied her morning feed.
Joining them back in bed, Harvey watches on quietly as the mother and daughter interact.
"Did you have any plans for this morning?" he asks after a time.
"No", she says as she sits a squirming Ava on her lap. "The wedding isn't until 3 so -"
Interrupted by a knock on the door, Harvey looks at Donna as he takes Ava before sliding out of bed
"Expecting someone?"
"Breakfast I'm guessing", Donna replies as Harvey and Ava disappear into the living area.
Talking to Ava as they approach the door, Harvey was barely paying attention when he opened the door to find Donna's mother staring back at him. Caroline's shock is quickly replaced with a knowing smirk
Stunned into silence, Harveys blank expression adds to her amusement.
"I did stop by to check on Donna and see if she ended up speaking to you but from what I can see she ended up doing more than that".
Suddenly aware that he'd answered the door in not much more than his boxer shorts, Harvey feels his cheeks colour.
"Harvey? What's taking so lo -", Donna asks as she round the corner only to stop short at the sight of her mother.
"Mom"
"Donna"
"I was going to offer some advice but now I think I'll offer to take Ava for an hour…. Or so" she says with a smile and a cheeky tilt of her head.
"Mom!"
"Do you want a babysitter or not? I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about", Caroline says hold her arms out to take Ava from Harvey.
Knowing she was fighting a losing battle Donna gives a subtle nod. With the green light Harvey hands Ava over leaving the red faced couple alone.
As the door closes, Donna runs a hand through her hair, "I don't think I'll be able to look her in the eye again".
"You? At least you're wearing more than your underwear!", Harvey exclaims as Donna sneaks an appreciative glance over his form but she's not as sly as she thinks.
The resulting predatory grin that emerges on Harvey's face has Donna catching her breath.
"I mean we don't have to…" she's quick to say, not wanting to be presumptuous.
Tired of holding back, Harvey takes another step in her direction, "Or we could…", she whispers.
Even the hint of being with Donna that way has his mouth running dry, "We could?"
"Well yeah, if you want", the slight shrug and biting of her lip has Harvey losing all restraint. In one swift move he's swept Donna up, pining her against the wall.
"You have no idea how much I want you",
By the time her legs are winding around his waist Harvey's lips are moving down Donna's neck. It's all too easy to get carried away. But having her against a wall is not something he wants with Donna. For their second time at least.
The hand that had wandered to the underside of her breast is reluctantly withdrawn. A silent understanding between them is reached as Donna pulls back, her swollen lips grinning as their hands join and they make their way back to the bedroom.
Donna's robe had barely hit the floor before they tumbled onto the bed. An involuntary moan escapes spuring Harvey on. But his obvious arousal against her has the opposite effect for Donna as thoughts what intimacy not only after such a long time but with Harvey would actually mean.
Sensing her hesitation Harvey moves away from Donna's slender neck to get a glimpse of her face.
"What is it?", he asks softly
"It's.. nothing..", she insists while her thoughts race.
Doing his best to reassure her "Donna… If you don't want to. If you're not ready"
"It's not that…", she struggles as Harvey waits on patiently.
"It's just… you're here looking like a greek god and… Harvey I don't look the same.. I've had a baby. I'm breastfeeding…. What?
Eventually she looks back at Harvey only to find him staring down at her ardently. He takes his time, kissing her softly before moving back again.
"Donna. I can't remember a time when I haven't wanted you", he says softly, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear before he continues.
"Even when I was told I wasn't supposed to… Even when you were seeing someone else… or I was… Even when you were pregant and after Ava was born Donna I never stopped. Now I know you body's changed and I will never do anything you're not comfortable with but I don't want you thinking I'm not going to like what I see because I absolutely do".
He's smiling again. Slightly buzzed on the fact that he's rendered her speechless
"In fact… I'm more than happy to show you… Or do you want me to stop?" He offers
Her whispered, "No" combined with the sensations of Donna moving a leg up a little higher to wrap around his back is all the confirmation Harvey needs.
His undivided attention to every curve and scar makes Donna feel more loved than she ever has before. Loosing herself with him, the feeling of their connected bodies doubt for either of them that this is exactly where they're meant to be and whatever was missing had now been found.
The exhaustion from yesterday returns only this time it's more than welcome. Savouring what little time they have left before Ava is dropped back.
"I wish we could stay here all day" Donna laments as her hand traces the taught muscles of Harvey's back.
"I might have to" Harvey smiles lazily, kissing her shoulder.
Donna scoffs at his excuse
"I'm serious. I don't have anything here with me. Dad has all of it"
"Oh. Of course… Did you need to go now?", Donna says reluctantly, moving just out of his reach as she sits up.
"Donna"
"No really it's fine", reaching for her robe Donna is quick to slide out of bed leaving Harvey feeling a little frustrated. He thought he'd been more than clear about his feelings for her.
Sitting at the edge of the bed, Harvey pulls at Donna's wrist, trapping her between his legs. Laying his hand over hers Harvey is quick to assure her that there is no ulterior motive to him needing to leave. "I don't want to go at all".
She's being ridiculous and she knows it but old habits are hard to break. Though every doubt is shattered with Harvey's next words. Pulling her close, Donna slides onto his lap.
"How about this?... How about I say that I love you and that I have for a really long time. That the last few weeks have only shown me that there is no one else I want. Now or ever".
She feels sheepish and utterly entranced by the man whos arms are firmly around her waist. Harvey can't help but think of how adorable she looks, worrying her lips as her cheeks blush.
"I don't know what I did to deserve you", she wonders aloud.
Knowing now was a good a time as any to be truly honest and tell her how he's felt over the last year Harvey shakes his head, "Deserve me? Donna when you were pregnant and you told me that there wasn't anyone else, I was relieved. What sort of person does that make me?"
"Human", she says matter of factly before divulging truths of her own.
Sliding her hands around Harvey's neck, Donna pauses for a moment before continuing with tears in her eyes. "When I found out I was pregnant I cried. Because I wished it was you... I wanted it to be you and holding that test in my hand made me realise that I'd never be able to have that".
He understands every word. Harvey's heart was torn in two when she had first broken the news to him. "I know. I guess if I was ever going to have kids with anyone, a family. I would have always chosen you. But Donna you have to know, from the second Ava was born, and even before that, I loved her. There's no way I could love her less because she's not mine. I just love her more because she's yours".
"Harvey".
"You could have a hundred kids with a hundred different men and I would still love them because I love you. She's part of you"
The tears staining her cheeks do nothing to detract from the intensity of the kiss. After a moment, with their breath back and thoughts a little straighter, Donna decides that today would be the day for all truths.
"I know this", she gestures between them. "Is so new but in a way.. It's not", the statement would be vague to anyone else hearing it but Harvey's nod of understanding gives Donna the space to continue.
"You may not be Ava's father… but you are her dad". Her words are choked with tears and along with her heart it's the best she can give him but it means the world to Harvey.
His heart soars.
XXXXX
He's exhausted but the smile on Donna's face seems to give him an almost endless energy.
In the nick of time he'd been able to rustle up a suit following a direct order from Donna's mother. She'd caught him leaving the hotel lobby on his way to his dad. Much like her daughter, Harvey sensed she was a woman that wasn't to be crossed. Even Gordon had laughed him out the door as he recounted the request.
But all the running around was worth it to see Donna's surprised expression and Ava's gummy smile as he slid in next to them just as the ceremony was about to start. She was stunning, as always and as their hands interwound Harvey found it almost impossible to focus on anything but Donna all throughout the ceremony.
As Alice and her fiance were pronounced man and wife both Harvey and Donna couldn't help but think of what it would be like for them one day.
While the crowd had dissipated, following the bride and groom out Donna and Harvey had straggled behind.
"Hey", she finally says to him.
"Hey to you too"
"Didn't take you for a wedding crasher", she says with a smirk. With her hands free of Ava since she all but crawled into Harvey's lap halfway though the ceremony, Donna's practiced hands adjust his tie.
Pretending to muse over the comment as he adjusts Ava, "If the occasion calls for it"
Harvey's boyish smirk brings a little more colour to Donna's cheeks. But it's his turn to be surprised when she pulls him by the lapels into a bruising kiss. They only part far enough of their foreheads to meet.
"I'm happy you're here", she whispers as a wide smile emerges.
Harvey's smile matches her own with the most heartfelt, easiest reply, "I'm happy too".
Fin.