It has been 3 months since Mike started to live with Jessica. Gradually, they became accustomed to being around each other in Jessica's house. She changed completely her guest bedroom for Mike. They had moved Mike's things from his old house to Jessica's. Mike was still grieving his parents and Jessica tried to be with him every step of the way.
If Mike wasn't at pre-school, he spent his time at the Pearson-Hardman law firm. He loved being around and the other lawyers loved having him around. He was full of life and he was curious about the world around him.
Mike got along quite well with Donna. She was like a cool aunt. She liked to spoil him, and she always had candy in her desk.
He specially developed strong feelings for Harvey. The two of them had spent a lot of time together. Harvey liked the little boy's company in his office. The two of them could talk for hours about baseball, basketball and sport stats. They also quoted movies they knew by heart. When Jessica was too busy to take care of Mike, it was a pleasure for Harvey to step in. Mike also liked having a strong male figure in his life. He could always count on Harvey. The two boys got along so well. They were even partners in crime: they would team up to prank Louis around the office, without the lawyer knowing who the pranksters were. Harvey had so much fun teaching Mike everything he knew, and Mike couldn't get enough of learning.
It surprised everyone in the firm except for Donna and Jessica. The two women knew Harvey better than anyone else. He was a softie on the inside. And Mike was just so adorable, no one could resist him. He was cute, well-behaved, and he knew how to charm his way to have what he wanted. It was hard to understand how someone could not like him.
Mike was currently sitting in Jessica's office, working on a puzzle. She had transformed a part of her office in a play pen for Mike. He loved it. Each day, he couldn't wait to finish preschool and go directly to his play pen when Jessica's driver picked him up.
Jessica was glad she could bring some happiness in the boy's life despite the tragedy that had happened. She was his temporarily legal guardian and she was currently waiting for the social services to approve of her to become Mike's legal guardian and eventually to adopt him. She was sure it was only a matter of time before she would get the papers giving her the approval.
In the meantime, she was taking care of him like a mother would. She knew the little things he liked her to do. They had developed a routine at night. When they arrived home, she would prepare a filling meal -pizza and spaghetti were his favorites-, they would eat together while talking about anything. They would watch a little bit of TV together pf they would play together and if it was early enough, Jessica would put a movie and Mike wouldn't stop talking about it the day after to Harvey. She then made him take a bath, that she filled with bubbles. When he was clean, he would put on pajamas -she must wash his Batman pajamas every 2 days to make sure he doesn't go to bed naked, he wouldn't wear any other one. She then read to him a bedtime story. She must carefully choose which story she would read to him to ensure it wasn't too babyish. He would then fall asleep in her arms. It was her favorite moment of the day. Just her and Mike, on his single bed, snuggling close. Every night, she cherished these moments. When she was ready to go to bed, she placed a single kiss on his forehead and left, leaving the door halfway open.
They had developed a strong bond and Jessica knew nothing could remove this from her.
The managing partner could see from the corner of her eyes that Mike had finished his puzzle and had moved to start a castle with Lego's.
Her office phone rung and Jessica quickly picked it up. "Jessica Pearson speaking"
"Hi Miss. Pearson, this is Nathalie from the social services. How are you this afternoon?"
Jessica immediately stopped working on the file in front of her. The social worker had her entire attention.
"I'm fine. How can I help you today?" Jessica wasn't the one to beat around the bush. She got to the point.
"I was wondering if it would be possible to meet you and Mike this evening to discuss your plans to become Mike Ross' permanent legal guardian."
Jessica jumped internally. Finally, this evening, she would be sure that Mike was going to live with her permanently.
"Of course, what time will you be there?" Jessica asked.
"Let's say 6?" Nathalie answered from the other side of the line.
Jessica agreed to it, and the women could hang up the phone. The managing partner sighed a sigh of relieve and called Harvey.
"Yes, Mrs. Pearson" she heard him answered.
"Harvey, I need to leave earlier today. I have a meeting with the social services."
"Well it's about time, I was wondering if they had forgotten about you" came his response. Harvey would be the happiest to learn Mike was sticking around.
Jessica just smiled. "Tell me tomorrow if there's anything urgent. I'll leave with Mike in a few minutes" she told him. When she looked at the clock, she saw that it was already 4pm and she needed to clean her house a little to welcome the social worker.
"Mike, clean up a little bit. We're going home." Mike perked up when he heard that. Going home early meant he could watch a movie in the evening. Donna had brought him the new Spider-man and he couldn't wait to watch it with Jessica. As fast as he could, he picked up his toys around in his play pen while Jessica was finishing to proofread the brief in front of her.
Soon enough, they were both good to go. When they arrived in their house, Jessica told Mike to clean up his room and when it was the cleanest room in the house, she would set up his new movie to watch while she prepared dinner.
Mike had finished quickly, and Jessica went to check it. She nodded her head at seeing he did a great job and set up his new Spider-man movie.
In less than no time, it was 6pm and there was a knock at the door. Mike wasn't bothered by it; he was too engrossed in his movie. Jessica went to answer the door.
"Hi Nathalie, come in" she greeted.
Nathalie was their social worker. She was in her mid thirties and she has dirty blonde hair. She had a nice smile, but she knew how to be intimidating.
The social worker entered the modern house. She took a good look inside. She seemed to make a mental note of everything she saw.
"Where is Mike?" Nathalie finally asked.
"In the living room, he's watching a movie, I'll go and collect him"
"No need" the social worker stopped Jessica. "Let him. I need to talk to you for a second."
Jessica led her to dining table where she offered water and coffee. Nathalie refused before moving on to the important business. "I need to talk to you about the permanent guardianship you asked."
Jessica felt the colors draining from her face. Nathalie hasn't said a thing and yet, by the tone of her voice, Jessica could tell it wasn't good news as she had hope.
"What about it?" the managing partner asked. There was still a little it of hope that she had misinterpret the social worker and nothing was wrong.
"We checked your profile. You have a good home and a good income to take care of a child."
"But?" Jessica wanted the social worker to go straight to point.
"But your working schedule doesn't let you take care of a child. You work nearly 80 hours a week. You don't have time to take care of a child. Mike needs you to be there for him."
Jessica had promised herself to do whatever it took to ensure Mike would stay with her. She knew it could cost her career, but she hadn't known it would be so soon.
The social worker continued talking "We won't reject your permanent guardianship yet. If you can manage to have another work schedule, we'll authorize you being his legal guardian."
Jessica didn't know what to answer. She was ready to give up anything for Mike, but it was a lot to take in.
The social worker stood up. "I must get going. It was a pleasure talking to you." She went to the door, leaving Jessica thinking at the kitchen table.
She cared deeply about her career. She had made sacrifices for it. She was proud of where she was and the choices she had made in order to be where she was.
But she cared more about Mike. He was her number one priority. So, in the morning, she would talk to Daniel Hardman, giving him all the firm. If she were lucky, Harvey would step up and become managing partner alongside the trash that was Daniel Hardman.
She poured herself a glass of wine and joined Mike in the living room. As soon as she sat down on the couch, Mike snuggled close to her and at that moment, Jessica knew she made the right choice.
The next morning started like the others. When Jessica woke up, she got started on breakfast for her and Mike, waiting for the boy to wake up. Mike then came down the stairs, excited about the new day. They ate together and Mike told Jessica all about his day to come at preschool. Jessica smiled at the boy, but she couldn't shake the worry off her chest. She was about to make a big decision that would change her career and change the Pearson Hardman law firm.
When they finished breakfast, the two of them went to get dressed and ready for the day. Jessica's driver was waiting for them outside. He drove to Mike's preschool and the little boy got off. Normally, Jessica would watch him from the car till he entered the school, but, this morning, she got out of the car with him. She went around the car and kneeled to his height.
"You know I love you, right?" She asked him. In the three months they've spent together, they've never said those three words to each other. It seemed like an insult to Mike's parents and a way of telling them that Jessica was replacing them. But at the moment, she didn't care. She was about to take one of the biggest decisions concerning her career and she needed him to know she would always be there for him and she was putting him first.
Mike seemed surprised but content at her declaration. He hugged her close and whispered in her ear: "I love you too, Jessica" They hugged until the bell was heard, signaling the students that they had to get going. Jessica and Mike parted and bid their goodbyes.
When Jessica re-entered the car, her eyes were filled with tears. She motioned for her driver to take her to the Pearson-Hardman law firm. On the way there, she calmed down enough to be able to decide what she would say to Hardman. She pictured his victory face and she wanted to punch a wall.
Her driver dropped her off at the law firm. She was about to be alone on the way up on the elevator, when a hand stopped the doors from closing and Harvey Specter joined her.
"Hello there" he greeted his boss. She merely nodded at him. Harvey was not the best closer in the city for nothing and he immediately noted something was wrong with Jessica.
"Something didn't go well with the social services?" he guessed.
Jessica immediately tensed. She didn't want him to know what was wrong, because she knew he would try and convince her to stay managing partner. He hated Hardman with all his guts.
But she didn't want to lie to him and, maybe, he would be able to cheer her up. "The social worker saw that I was unfit to be Mike's guardian because of my schedule. But, as a managing partner, I can't afford to cut my working hours."
"This is ridiculous" Harvey exclaimed. "They can't see how good you are at your job."
"Well, I got an ultimatum. Either I let Mike go to a foster family, or I resign as managing partner and I ask Hardman for a job as senior partner"
"Well, both of these choices won't happen" Harvey was quick to answer.
"Well, I don't think I have a choice if I want to keep Mike happy"
The elevator doors opened before them and they stepped inside the building. Jessica directly went for Hardman's office, but she was stopped by Harvey.
"Listen, when someone arrives with a gun, you think you can either die or give them the money. But you're wrong. There are 146 other options. Giving Mike up and resigning are neither of those options."
"What do you want me to do, Harvey?"
"Hire a nanny! Find a boyfriend! I don't care. You need someone else to take care of Mike" Harvey told Jessica. Just the thoughts of losing Mike or losing Jessica as managing partner was unbearable to him.
"Well, yeah Harvey, I'll find someone who is willing to work every night and every week-end. And where can I find a boyfriend in such a short notice." Jessica was getting tired of having this conversation with Harvey. She just wanted to see Hardman and get this done and over with. "I already lost a marriage because of my work. I don't want to lose Mike too."
Jessica could see Harvey was thinking. She was about to leave and go to Hardman's office, when he stopped by her by placing a hand on her arm. She would never forget what he told her and that would change their lives forever. "I'll help you take care of Mike" he said.
"What?" Jessica was having a hard time understanding what he was saying.
"I'll apply for permanent legal guardianship with you" Jessica could not believe what she was hearing. The cold and heartless Harvey Specter was ready to take care of a child.
"Mike is not a toy you can play with and then toss later, Harvey" Jessica was growing upset. Who did he think he was, pretending he could take under his wing a small little boy who just lost his parents.
"I know that" their discussion was becoming more heated and Harvey led them to the conference room. "I want Mike to be happy just as you do"
"Why?" Jessica asked. She needed to know if Harvey was serious about this.
"I c..." Harvey started to say before stopping himself. He could not dare to say it.
"You care about Mike" Jessica guessed.
"Yes" the senior partner admitted. The woman knew how serious he was about the situation if he was willing to admit his feelings to her.
"Ok" she conceded. It would make everything easier if there was someone with her to take care of Mike.
"Listen to what we'll do" Harvey sat down at the conference table and explained his plan.
"I must say I was surprised to hear from you this early, Jessica." Nathalie, the social worker, told the managing partner as she was entering her house for the second time in two days.
"Yes, well, I came up with an idea and I think you're going to like it." Jessica smiled at the woman.
In the background, Nathalie could hear the TV playing. "Where's Mike?" she asked.
"He's watching a movie. I'll call him." Jessica told her. "Mike! Harvey! Come here, boys." She called before the social worker could say anything. They heard feet coming from the living room.
The social worker was surprised to see Mike with a handsome man in a three-pieces suit following him.
"Nathalie, this is Harvey. He is my good friend." Jessica introduced them. "I work with him" she added. She invited everyone to sit down at the kitchen table.
"I take it you found a way to make your working schedule more available for Mike" Nathalie guessed.
"Well, Harvey will sign up for permanent guardianship with me" Jessica explained. "Between the two of us, we can make a schedule where Mike will be home early enough and will not have to be rush to be at school in the morning. He will grow up with two people" she said with a smile.
"Do you live together?" the social worker asked.
"No, but my condo is a ten-minute walk from here" Harvey said. "Our friendship is really strong. We won't have any problem raising Mike together. Besides, Mike is really excited to come and live with me." Mike had been over the moon when he heard their plan. He loved Harvey and Jessica and he was truly happy to have both in is life.
But the social worker seemed hesitant. She had never seen a situation like this before. "I don't know" she said. "Do you think you'll be able to give Mike a stable life?" she asked the attorneys.
"Yes" Jessica immediately answered. "I'm sure of it"
They discussed the smaller details and how they would organize their life the three of them. Jessica would be with Mike most of time but when she would be stuck at the office, Harvey would step up and take care of Mike.
They also had put together a plan for Mike to stay at the office without being stuck in one of their offices. Jessica had installed a daycare system in the law firm where employees could be sure their children were in good hands while they were working. Hardman had thought it was a great idea, thinking more lawyers would want to join Pearson-Hardman. He had never imagined it was for Mike to be babysat while his guardians were working.
The social worker was impressed with their plan. They also had already filled the guardianship papers. Nathalie collected all of it and stood up. "I'll keep you updated. But you have made a good job and I can see you're willing to give Mike a good childhood." She then left the house.
Jessica released the breath she has been holding. She had hope she could keep her job and Mike at the same time, thanks to Harvey.
As she watched the two boys excitedly talk about the movie they were watching, she could see how Harvey and she could manage to raise a boy together. They would make this work.
Two weeks later, Jessica, Harvey and Mike had settled in their new arrangements. Mike was enjoying the daycare at the law firm, which was not too far from Jessica's office.
Harvey had taken his new role seriously. He was now Mike's favorite person. They spent all their free time together and Harvey loved having the boy around in his condo. He has set up the guest bedroom to accommodate the little boy. Their bond was only getting stronger.
When Mike was not with Harvey, he was with Jessica. The two continued their routine like before and Jessica continued to cherish it.
Jessica was in the middle of working on a brief when she heard a knock at the door. She looked up to see her secretary with a letter in her hand. She gave it to the managing partner. On the envelope, she saw the social services address. Her heart beat faster and she called Harvey to her office.
He arrived in no time. "Is that…?" he began to ask.
"Yes" Jessica answered. Both couldn't wait any longer and Jessica ripped the envelope and got the letter out. It was their guardianship papers with a big red stamp on it written 'APPROUVED' on it.