Prompt by Carlota (carlota206_): It's the first Christmas they spend without Lily in Boston. Donna is helping to put together the play that Harvey's nephew/niece have to perform at school while he sees the scene outside the room. It's just the scene, the context of everything I leave to the person who chooses this

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FIRST CHRISTMAS

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"Don't worry sweetie. It's going to be a wonderful show…..Of course we'll be there in time. I'm expecting a preview when we arrive!"

Harvey glanced up from the papers he was reading to watch how animated Donna was on the phone. They may have only been together less than a year, but his family already loved her, especially his niece and nephew and the calls between his wife and Marcus's eldest child had only increased in the run up to Hannah's Christmas show at school. Having an actress as an Aunt was something she'd been taking full advantage of and it made Harvey smile every time he was around to eavesdrop on their conversations. Sensing his gaze, her eyes met his and she smiled widely.

"Honey, let me put your Uncle Harvey on. I think he's getting a bit jealous!"

With an exaggerated pout, Harvey took the phone from her and chatted away to his niece. Seeing him interact with his family had been a true thrill for Donna. She knew she would've been happy for him even if they'd still been just friends, but now she was a part of his family too and she couldn't imagine feeling happier.

"Okay Hannah. I'll let you go and practice. Yes, we'll see you in a couple of days. Love you."

Placing the phone on the table, he smiled at his wife. "You've usurped me. I think you need to compensate me."

"Don't be ridiculous. She adores you Harvey. She barely left you alone the last time we were in Boston."

Shifting on the couch so he could put his arm around her and draw her closer to him, he considered the point. "That may be true, but she idolises you. And you helping with this show will definitely mean you end up number one. You're lucky I'm not an insecure guy!"

With a laugh, Donna settled against his chest, tucking her feet up on the couch. "I admit, it's been fun. All these video calls with her to practice. Plus, if I make her a theatre fanatic at this young age, I'll only benefit in a few years, when you don't want to come with me to a show."

"Hey! I enjoy theatre. Just not all theatre."

Retrieving her wine from the coffee table, she finished the glass as she glanced around their living room. Despite the fact they would be in Boston for Christmas itself, something she'd initially felt a little sad about, she'd been determined to decorate their home for the festive season. It was their first Christmas together after all and she was proud of the results of all of her hard work. The large tree stood proudly in the corner, lit up and sparkling as the lights bounced off the baubles, while various decorations in reds and greens adorned the fireplace and shelves of the room. It reminded her of her childhood home in the early years, before they'd had to move and life had become much more difficult.

As if reading her mind, Harvey interrupted her train of thought. "As much as I love the kids…"

"And Marcus," Donna chipped in playfully.

Harvey raised an eyebrow. "Don't push it. Seriously, I'm glad we'll be with them this year…after everything…, but it would've been nice to spend our first Christmas together here. At home."

Donna shifted her position to be able to meet his eyes. "I was just thinking the same thing. But at least we'll be here to celebrate New Year."

She took a moment to truly take in their surroundings, the curtains already drawn to keep in the warmth on a winter's evening, as the fire truly added to the cosy atmosphere.

"Sometimes I still can't believe it."

"What?" Harvey's voice was low and soft, as he suspected he knew what she was thinking.

"That we're here. In Seattle. This is our home. And we got married." Her voice rose slightly with giddiness. It still seemed surreal.

He smiled broadly, reaching to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm glad you've not forgotten."

"I'll remember that day forever, Harvey," she murmured, before kissing him softly.

She felt his smile against her lips before he returned the kiss, his arms pulling her closer on the couch. As they broke apart a few moments later, Harvey raised an eyebrow as Donna started to loosen his tie, before shifting to straddle his lap.

"What?" Her voice had the playful, innocent tone that drove him crazy. "You did say I needed to make it up to you. For being on top with your family." Her hips shifted slightly as she spoke and he closed his eyes.

"I'm not admitting defeat just yet, but…"

"But…?" Her eyes were burning brightly with desire and Harvey found himself once again stunned that this was their reality now.

"Right now, I have no problem with you being on top."

Donna threw her head back and laughed before leaning in for another kiss. "I see what you did there, Mister."

…..

They'd barely switched the engine off their rental car when two excitable children appeared on the front porch of Harvey's brother's family home, waving excitedly. It'd been a long day and Harvey felt exhausted, as he often did when travelling, but he couldn't fail to smile at the welcoming committee.

Donna opened the car door with a smile over her shoulder. "Show time Uncle Harvey."

It'd already snowed lightly during the day in Boston and Donna was careful to watch her footing as she stepped out on to the dark sidewalk, grateful her leather winter boots had good grip.

"DAD! They're here!"

Harvey chuckled at the yelling of his young nephew, as he opened the trunk to retrieve their bags and keep the gifts out of sight. Hannah may no longer believe in Santa, but little James was still full of Christmas magic.

"Hi guys! Merry Christmas! Thanks for arranging the snow. That was very thoughtful of you."

The children hugged Donna, as little James frowned at her statement. "We didn't make the snow Auntie Donna. That's the weather."

Donna tried to hold in her laugh at his honesty, but his older sister rolled her eyes. "She was joking, dummy."

"Hey!" He pouted at the dig from his sister and Donna couldn't fail to notice the Specter pout had clearly passed down to the next generation.

"Well, either way Hannah, it's lovely. It's just been raining in Seattle and I've missed the winter weather."

Before they could say more, Harvey appeared at her side, laden with luggage. He smiled at James and ruffled his sandy-coloured hair. "Hey kiddo. How's batting practice coming?"

"It's great! My coach says I'm getting really good!"

"Yeah? You'll have to show me while I'm here. I bet we're both better than your dad now!"

"Welcome to you too, Harvey."

Giving his nephew's hair another ruffle, Harvey stepped forward and embraced his brother in a warm hug. This Christmas was bittersweet and despite their sibling banter, both brothers were grateful to be together this year.

"Good to see you Marcus." His tone turned more serious, but filled with sincerity. He may not have seen as much of his brother as he should have over the years, but living on the other side of the country had really made Harvey realise how important he was to him.

Donna could sense the change in the mood and not wanting the kids to notice, she turned her attention to them. "Do you know what I really feel like? Hot chocolate! It's freezing."

"With marshmallows?" James's face lit up with excitement.

Crouching down to be on his level, Donna leaned in to him. "You should never have it without marshmallows, am I right?"

"Yes!"

With that, he took off inside and Donna followed Hannah inside, kissing Marcus on the cheek before she left him and Harvey for a few moments alone. It hadn't been an easy time for them; first Marcus's marriage problems and then losing their mother. It seemed a cruel irony to Harvey that, at a time when he'd never felt happier, there was still the pain of his mother not being here to be a part of it.

"How are you doing, Marcus?"

His brother sighed. "It's okay. But I'm glad you're here, Harvey. It's means a lot to the kids and to me."

Harvey gave his shoulder a squeeze, swallowing back the wave of grief he felt. He knew his mom wouldn't want them to be sad. "Come on, let's get inside."

Putting an arm around his brother's shoulder, Marcus nodded and they made their way in to the house. Katie was greeting Donna with a hug and the kids could be heard in the kitchen, clattering pans as they started to prepare for the drinks. Since reconnecting with his family, Harvey always enjoyed his trips to Boston and not too long ago he had started to truly envy the life his brother had built. The house was full of family memories and being here now, with Donna by his side, he truly realised how keen he was for them to build their own family home and it struck him just how much life could change in just a year. Shaking himself back to reality, he followed his brother upstairs with their bags.

After telling the kids they'd only get hot chocolate if they went and got ready for bed, Katie let out an exhausted laugh. "They've been excited all week for you coming."

"Well it's lovely to be here Katie."

The two women exchanged an awkward glance. Having not known each other personally prior to the last year, it hadn't been the easiest circumstances for them to get better acquainted. After agreeing to couple's counselling following Marcus's actions the previous year, they'd decided to see if they could give their marriage another chance, a decision which had thrilled Harvey and although she hoped everything worked out for them, Donna also knew what it was like to have parents together when they really needed time apart. Her parents may be back together now, but looking back, she could see their separation had been necessary. She could only hope having her and Harvey here for Christmas wouldn't cause more of a strain.

As if she could read her thoughts, Katie offered Donna a smile. "It's not been the easiest time lately, but it is good to have you both here. I really hope we can get to know each other better Donna. Having heard your name so often over the years, I'm glad I finally have the chance."

Donna felt the tension within her ease a little at Katie's words and she returned her smile. "I'd really like that too Katie and I'm intrigued to know what you've heard!"

Before more could be said, the kids reappeared. "Hot chocolate time!"

…..

The following day was a buzz of activity. As it was Christmas Eve, Katie's parents arrived mid-morning and Harvey helped Marcus put up the outdoor lights around the house. School had ended the day before, so all the focus for the children was now on the show and Donna had a very important job that morning – going through Hannah's lines with her before the final rehearsal that afternoon.

"I'm terrible. I'm going to screw this up Donna!"

Sitting cross-legged on the young girl's bedroom floor, Donna offered her a reassuring smile.

"Honey, you're doing great and you know this part. You're just getting a little nervous. That's perfectly normal. You'll be fine tonight, I promise."

Hannah sank on to the beanbag cushion next to Donna. "Can you promise that? Did you ever get nervous?"

"Honestly? Every night. Not as much after the first performance of a show, but a few nerves used to help me; that last rush of adrenaline."

Little James, who'd been peeking around the door, let out a sneeze. Donna smiled. "Busted buddy. Come and join us."

With a giggle, he climbed in to Donna's lap.

"Do you miss it? The stage?"

Donna considered the question. It wasn't one that had an easy answer and she let out a sigh. "Sometimes I do, but I wouldn't change a thing."

Hannah nodded. "Not even how long it took you and Uncle Harvey to get together?"

The cheekiness of the question made Donna laugh. "Enough tough questions from you young lady. How about another run through before you leave for final rehearsal?"

As Hannah began reciting her lines, sitting next to Donna, who read in the other parts, with James in her lap, Harvey leaned against the open door frame, simply taking in the scene before him. He hadn't planned to loiter, but the scene affected him more than he expected and so he quietly watched on, his heart full of love for the woman who had changed him and his outlook on life for good. It was a moment he knew he'd replay in his mind for years to come.

…..

With Marcus at the restaurant, ensuring everything was in order before the busy Christmas Day celebrations, Harvey had volunteered to drop off Hannah and Katie at the school that afternoon. The children were performing a final run through before the evening's curtain up and many of the parents had been enlisted to help, including Katie who had a number of costumes to deliver to the drama teacher. It had been Harvey's plan to drive in to the city with Donna and have the afternoon to themselves but he was press ganged in to helping the moment the car stopped in the parking lot. One of the mothers was struggling to carry a large, cumbersome piece of scenery across the parking lot and before he knew it, Harvey was assisting in carrying half the props from one building to the school hall.

As they carried the costumes in to the building, Katie leaned in to Donna. "I'd keep an eye on those women Donna. Some of them are single and can be quite shameless!"

Donna laughed, as she looked across the hall at a bewildered Harvey being quizzed by curious mothers. "After all the bumps along the road it's taken for Harvey and I to get here, I'm not phased by the local PTA group! We might need to rescue him though. This isn't his natural habitat!"

Passing the items to Katie, Donna moved towards a grateful Harvey, who on catching her eyes, made his excuses to his new fan club. "You're welcome. If you'll excuse me, I think my wife needs me."

Hearing herself referred to that way by Harvey still caused Donna's cheeks to flush a little and she hoped she'd never lose the feeling of butterflies they elicited in her. On reaching her, Harvey's hand went to her lower back, as he steered them further away. "Time to make our escape."

"You sure you don't want to stay? I'm sure they'd find you another job to do."

Harvey tilted his head and fixed her with an unimpressed stare. "Very funny."

With a smile, she linked her arm through his, giving his arm an affectionate squeeze. "Lead on Pretty. Where are we headed?"

The cheeky term of endearment made Harvey smile. She'd used it long before they were together, but now, it carried extra weight. Now it was more than just playful banter that led nowhere but confusion and he found himself once again wondering why the hell it'd taken him this long to be happy.

"I thought we'd drive in to the city. Lunch at the restaurant and didn't you say you wanted to go to Quincy Market?"

Donna smiled. He really did pay attention. She'd mentioned popping by the market building and nearby shops a few weeks ago and wasn't sure he'd even been listening.

"It sounds perfect Harvey. We've plenty of time before the show."

With a wave to Hannah, who was already on the stage with her classmates, they headed for the car. Good food and some time to themselves sounded like an ideal afternoon.

…..

The show was a huge success that night and the row taken up by the Specter family couldn't have been prouder of Hannah. Donna watched intently throughout the show, her hand intertwined with Harvey's, willing her niece on with every line, knowing how well she knew her part and how much she wanted to impress her parents with her performance and when the applause filled the school hall that night, as the class took their bows at the end of the show, it was clear that the whole audience was impressed. James clambered on to his chair between his parents and grandparents, enthusiastically clapping for his big sister, whose smile couldn't have been bigger.

Once the family arrived home, James ran ahead, only to reappear in the hallway, carrying a huge bouquet of flowers, which was almost as big as he was, stopping in front of his sister.

"James, are these for me?"

He nodded proudly, as his sister took the flowers from him, thanking her parents for the gift. Donna smiled. "Every girl loves to receive flowers after a performance. Or before one." Her eyes caught Harvey's as she spoke and his fingers squeezed hers affectionately, knowing what memory was in her mind.

"So, Christmas Eve, Harvey. I splashed out and bought some of that fancy scotch you drink. Can I tempt you?"

"You can always tempt me with scotch, Marcus."

"Great. Oh and I'm afraid there's no dodging game night for either of you. Those are the rules of the house."

Donna laughed. "You may regret that. I play to win."

As the rest of the family settled in the living room, Harvey caught Donna's hand and tugged her towards the doors that led on to the back porch. "Harvey?"

"I want to steal you a minute. If I know Marcus, once game night starts, there will be no escape for hours."

With that, they slipped out of the house, which was lit up with the twinkling lights Harvey had helped put up earlier. The outdoor deck was fitted with heated lamps, which provided some much needed warmth and had already been switched on.

Before Donna could ask Harvey anything, he leaned in and kissed her gently and slowly, a kiss that told her he'd been waiting to do it all day.

"You really wouldn't change a thing?"

The question took Donna by surprise and it took her a moment to understand the reference. "Oh, so James wasn't the only one listening at doors this afternoon."

Harvey shrugged sheepishly. Stepping forward in to his arms, Donna's hands settled against his chest. "We're here now, Harvey. Together. That's all that matters to me."

He let out a sigh, frustrated with himself. "But all those years we could've had, Christmas, New Years. Like this one."

Donna stroked his cheek, resting her forehead against his. "If we'd given it a try all those years ago, Harvey, who's to say we'd be here."

"Is this when you tell me I wasn't ready?"

"I don't know if I was really ready either back then, Harvey. But I do know that everything we shared over all those years brought us here and I'm okay with that."

Harvey tightened his hold on her waist and closed his eyes. He knew she was right, but every so often he found himself wishing he could go back and do things differently.

"I love you."

Donna smiled and answered him first with a kiss. "I love you too."

They were silent a moment, simply enjoying the comforting feeling of being in each other's arms, with no distractions, before Donna shifted in his arms to look in to his rich brown eyes. "You know what happens now, right?"

"Do I?" Harvey arched a suggestive eyebrow, earning him a playful slap.

"Now, I kick your ass at game night."

"Oh really? Care to bet on that?" His eyes sparkled with mischief and Donna gave him a quick kiss, before moving to head back inside.

"No need. When I win, I'll let you know what I want and it won't be money."

Harvey laughed and followed her inside. It was time to start some new Christmas traditions of their own.

….