Chapter 15 - Home
Author's Note: And here we are, folks. It's the final chapter. It's been an absolute BLAST writing this, and sharing it with you all. I'm so very grateful to everyone who's stuck with this story from the beginning to the end.
Especially, my two amazing friends - Nathalie and Nannalyn. Your support and your patience has been simply wonderful. This story started as a conversation between Nathalie and myself, and then grew into this.
Anyways, without further ado, here it is.
"You never call. You never text. It's like we aren't friends anymore."
Harvey rolled his eyes at Mike's dramatic response as he answered his call. Next to him, Donna let out a snort as she settled into his side on their bed.
It was after dinner - a dinner which his mother had been a part of. And while they hadn't said much to each other, Harvey had still felt lighter than he had in years. Easy conversation, he knew, would take time.
Donna had also exchanged very little conversation with his mother; her attention having been demanded by the children and even Katie. But Lily had looked happy to just be there, content to watch him and Donna interact with the family.
But, they had made plans to have a proper sit down meal a few weeks down the line, when Lily came to New York for an art show.
He and Donna had then decided to call their friends before retiring to bed for the night.
"And I'm starting to regret this already," he said, slipping his free arm around Donna.
Donna squeezed her arm around his stomach and mouthed. "Behave."
He shrugged, squeezing her waist back. "Never."
He turned back to Mike. "So, is the firm still standing? Or will Donna and I return to a moldering ruin when we get back to New York?"
Mike let out a snort. "Of course, it is. Jessica is still the managing partner. We've managed to ward Soloff off for the time being, like you asked. Now, if it were you that were left in charge…"
"Watch it. I can still fire you from here, and Jessica will gladly let me."
"You could. But you won't. You love me too much for that."
Harvey heard Rachel giggle over the line at that, and he looked down at Donna whose eyes had gone wide.
"You know he's right, Harvey," she said, patting his chest.
"Alright, that's it. I'm hanging up," he said, rolling his eyes again. "If you two are gonna gang up on me…"
"Wait, was that Donna?" Mike asked loudly in a tone of mock-surprise. "She actually stayed?"
Harvey smirked as Donna rolled her eyes this time.
"Are you trying to get us to hang up?" she asked.
"Sorry. So, I'm guessing you two are alright now?"
"We are," Harvey replied, moving his head to press his lips against Donna's temple.
"And?" Mike was clearly waiting for him to say more.
"And what?"
"Come on, Harvey," Mike rejoindered. "Spill. There has to be more to it."
"Well…"
"Wait," Mike said. "Rach, you're gonna want to hear this, too."
"Hear what?" Rachel's curious voice joined Mike's on the line.
At that, Harvey turned to Donna and whispered. "Wait, I thought you told Rachel?"
She shook her head, her expression turning remorseful. "I couldn't. First, Louis called, and then…"
"Mom," he nodded and sighed. "Right."
"Uh, Harvey?" Mike's voice shook them out of their silent conversation.
Turning on his own speakerphone, Harvey grinned at Donna. "Do you want to tell them?"
"Oh, no. I wanna hear you say it," she shook her head. "I told you, now that I know that you can use your words…"
"What words?" Mike's eager voice interrupted them again.
"Yeah, what words, Harvey?" her hand slipped up to the collar of his shirt, tugging at it.
He shook his head at her, his glare belied by the twitch in his lips.
"I'm going to get you back for this, you know that?" he said, tweaking her side, before turning to the phone. "But yes, Donna and I are together now."
Mike's loud whoop echoed around the room, and Rachel's "We KNEW it!" was nearly drowned by Mike's laughter after that.
Harvey and Donna looked at each other, twin grins breaking out over their faces at their friends' evident happiness for them.
Donna's eyes turned watery as she pressed a kiss to his lips, before turning back to their friends. "We're sorry we didn't tell you sooner. And we meant to, but so much had happened here…"
"Donna, we get it," Rachel gently intercepted her apology, before her tone turned teasing. "But, you owe me a girl's night out, and you'll tell me everything."
"Hey, that's not fair," Mike said. "I want to know, as well! You think Harvey's going to tell me anything?"
"He's right," Harvey interjected. "I won't."
"See? And Rachel never tells me what you guys do on those nights out."
"Of course, she wouldn't," Donna said. "It's our code."
"Great," Mike said, groaning. "I'll be the only dummy who doesn't know a thing."
"Well, the dummy part is true," Harvey said. "Although, I'll admit you did know a thing or two about the law."
"He has a point," Donna agreed as Mike let out a snort of indignation.
"A thing or two!? And how did I suddenly become the one who's being ganged up on?"
"Well, Harvey's my boyfriend and Rachel's boss, Rachel's my best friend and who are you, again, fraud man?"
Rachel's giggles grew louder at that. "She's right, Michael."
"Seriously?"
"Well, if the shoe fits…," Harvey added.
"You hired me!" Mike said, his voice going loud again. "And I'm your best friend!"
Harvey smiled at that and decided to put Mike out of his misery. "You are. I also wanted to thank you, Mike. For holding the fort when I was gone and for just being there when I needed it."
"Harvey, you don't need to thank me," Mike said, turning serious, as well. "I'm just glad you're doing OK and that you finally pulled your head out of your…"
"Alright, I'm really hanging up now."
"Sorry," Mike said, chuckling. "But seriously, I'm really happy for you both. We can't wait to see you both back here."
"Agreed," Rachel said.
"Well," Donna said, her eyes meeting Harvey's. "We were hoping we could have a…"
"Double date?" Mike's voice turned eager again.
"Yes. Once," Harvey said.
"Harvey," Donna said, admonishing him. "There'll be more than one, and you know it."
He shrugged and winked. "We'll see."
"Hardy har har!" Mike said. "You love it and you love us. We're gonna make a tradition out of it. Just you wait."
"So, when are you guys coming home?" Rachel asked, interrupting their banter.
"I asked Jessica for three weeks," Harvey said, thoughtfully. "I don't want to keep imposing on Marcus and the family here, though. But, sometime next week, I'll be back in New York. As for the firm, I need to talk to Donna, first."
He paused, looking at Donna who was gazing at him, a mixture of worry and curiosity on her face.
"Harvey, what are you saying?" Mike asked.
"I'm saying I need a little time to give you a proper answer to that, Mike. Don't worry though, I am coming back to the firm."
"I know," Mike said, quietly. "Well, we'll see you soon, then."
"You will," Harvey returned, and then hung up.
Donna watched as Harvey placed his phone back on the nightstand before turning to her.
"Donna," he started, gently.
"Harvey," she said, quietly. "When are you planning on going back?"
"Honestly?" he said. "Like I told Mike, technically, I have two more weeks before I need to go back. And if you'd asked me a few days back, I was more than willing to take that time because I knew I needed it to…"
Donna felt her heart pang. "Try to get over me?"
Harvey shook his head, his brown eyes widening as his hand reached up to stroke her cheek. "Try to accept that you'd moved on. I wouldn't have been able to ever get over you or stop loving you."
She closed her eyes and placed her hand on his. "I hadn't even begun to move on. I didn't want to. I couldn't."
"I know," he said, leaning down to press his forehead against hers. "I know that now."
"Good," Donna replied, squeezing his hand before slipping her arm around his neck. "Because, I'm not going anywhere, Harvey. I may be working for Louis, but you will always be my priority."
"And neither am I," he said. "You have always been my priority, too. That's why I needed to talk to you first before I said anything to Mike."
"What is it?"
"A lot has happened over this past week, Donna. Marcus. My mother," his thumb slid down to brush her lips. "Us."
"It has," Donna agreed, pressing a gentle kiss to his thumb.
"This has been one of the best and the worst weeks in my life," he continued, leaning back against the headboard. "We… I haven't really caught a proper break for a good while now. Don't get me wrong, being with you this past week has been amazing and I've never felt happier."
"But?"
Harvey sat up and took her hand, looking intently at her face. "But, we haven't really found the time to focus on … us. Just the two of us. It has all been under the inquisitive eyes of my nosy brother and his family."
She snorted lightly at that. "True."
"And when we get back to New York…"
"We'll be under the inquisitive eyes of everyone else," Donna finished his sentence, understanding blooming on her face.
"Yes, exactly," Harvey sighed. "And once I go back, I'll have so much to deal with - Louis and Soloff, for starters. And I know our friends are happy for us, but, they're also our colleagues. Essentially, work will consume us. I want us to be able to have some time to ourselves before we enter the fray. I want some time for us to be just… Harvey and Donna. What do you say? Would you be willing to spend a week away with just me? Just us?"
Donna didn't reply immediately, staring at him in quiet surprise. This man who'd once scoffed at the idea of prioritizing a personal life over work, was now putting her - them - first.
Them. Harvey and Donna.
Two people who loved each other. Whose lives now extended beyond the confines of the firm.
There was really only one answer that she could give, throwing her arms around his neck. "Yes. Of course, Harvey. I say yes."
She crashed her lips against his in a fervent kiss, her tongue slipping out almost immediately to demand entry. He complied, allowing his own tongue to tangle with hers, even as he pulled her leg over his hip, bringing her to straddle his lap.
"Donna," he murmured as she moved from his lips to trail hers towards his neck.
"Hmm," she said, her fingers having slid to the top button of his shirt.
He swallowed and gently caught her hand. "What about Louis? I don't want him giving you any grief over this."
"You let me deal with him," she said firmly. "Louis is going to have to learn that I'm in charge of my own life and if he can't then he can fire me."
"Donna…"
"It won't come to that. But if it does, well…"
He stopped any further words with a gentle kiss. "I know. You don't have to say anything now. Just know that you only have to say the word. It's up to you. Whatever you need. I just want you in my home. And in my life, if you'll have me."
"Wow, you really know how to make me cry," she said, sniffling and bringing her hands to cup his cheeks.
"I'm just getting started," he said, his arms sliding fully around her waist to pull her closer.
"I love you, Harvey. Of course, I want that. I want a life with you. I want everything with you."
"I love you, Donna. So much."
She kissed him again, before settling more comfortably on his legs, her arms still loosely around his neck.
"So, where would we go?" she asked, sliding a palm down to fiddle with his collar.
"Well, we don't have to decide that right now. For one, we could spend it in the city, itself, alternating between our apartments."
"That's not a bad idea," she said, her head filling with images of them hand-in-hand, returning from a play and of him in her kitchen, cooking up a meal much like he had at the god-awful dinner party.
"Or," he continued. "There's my cabin…"
"In the Adirondacks," she finished, eagerness coursing through her.
"You like that idea," Harvey said, breaking into a grin.
"I do," she agreed, nodding. "A week away from everyone. Just you, me and the mountains. It's perfect."
"You know, I haven't actually been there yet. I was supposed to go there with Dad and Marcus."
She looked sadly at him. "I know. Harvey, are you sure you're OK with going there? I don't want to…"
"Donna, I wouldn't have brought it up, if I wasn't OK with it. It had actually been one of the options I had thought of when Dr. Werner suggested the sabbatical."
Donna felt her heart lurch at the idea of him all alone there. Her grip on him must have tightened involuntarily, because he soothed her immediately with a gentle squeeze and a soft kiss.
"I couldn't do it. I was already feeling lonely, and missing you. The idea lost its appeal. But going there with you? It'll be perfect, like you said."
"It would," she nodded.
"And we can make it ours. Our own personal retreat from the city."
"I'd love that."
"Good," he pressed a smile into her lips, before slipping his hands under her top and pulling it off her. He slid his hands down to cup her bare breasts. "You know, I could get used to this habit of you not wearing anything under your clothes."
Donna grinned and made short work of his button down, groaning at the sight of his undershirt.
"And I could get used to you wearing far less than you do. All these layers. Honestly."
Harvey chuckled and quickly shrugged out of his shirt. "Anything for you. But wait, are you telling me, you were naked under these clothes the whole time?"
She shook her head, and pulled him closer. "Maybe. Besides, you do know that women can get underwear off much easier than men, right?"
"The old bra from under your shirt trick?"
Donna stared incredulously at him. "You know about that? How?"
"I do know these things, Donna."
"Uh huh. How?"
He sighed. "Old Friends episode, OK? Rachel did it…"
Her mouth dropped open.
"What?" he asked, playfully bopping her nose.
"I know she did. But Harvey Specter doesn't watch Friends. Uh huh, no way."
"You'd be surprised at what Harvey Specter watches," he retorted, lifting her up to a kneeling position so he could rid her of her skirt and panties.
"Well, I can't wait to find out," she said, gasping as he tugged her forward by her waist, so his face was level with her stomach.
Donna let out a low whimper as his hands trailed up her bare legs to rest on her hips, his thumb brushing against the faint tan line on her skin which was usually covered by her panties.
"And I can't wait to show you," he returned softly, as he traced the shape of her hip bones. Donna felt her insides turn into liquid heat as he pressed his nose into the soft skin just above where she needed him most.
Her hands slid into his hair, when she felt him brush a feathery kiss, and then another, there, and his name escaped her lips in a soft whisper. As his lips traced the dip in her navel, Donna felt her heart stutter at how slowly, how reverently, he made her feel loved.
She curled her fingers over his scalp, revelling in the softness of his hair, while his hands moved down, to cup her bottom. She tugged at his hair gently to make him look at her, before reaching down to kiss him, deeply, slowly like he had just done.
As they continued to kiss, Harvey pulled her back on to his lap and they both gasped as her heated center met his still covered one. Donna closed her eyes as a pulse of arousal shivered through her.
"Harvey," she said, breaking their kiss and pressing herself down against him. "Seriously. Layers. Too many of them."
He captured her lips again before gently rolling and lowering her onto the mattress next to him. Her hands immediately joined him in divesting him of the rest of his clothes.
Once he came into view, she reached for his hand, pulling him over her and between her legs.
He let out a huff of laughter against her lips. "Someone's eager."
She rolled her eyes, and then pushed her hips against his arousal and nodded. "Yep, someone definitely is."
Harvey leaned down again, his lips landing on the swell of her cheek. "Always."
Donna moved her head, so her mouth was next to his ear. "Now, show me how much."
He pressed another kiss to her lips, murmuring. "As you wish."
Then, carefully, his lips travelled down the length of her body - leaving a trail of scorching heat that seeped through her skin, warming her heart before pooling low in her abdomen. She vaguely found herself wondering if they would always be like this, when she felt his tongue dip into her belly button.
And the answer came to her on its own, just as his nose brushed against her inner thigh - of course, it'd always be like this with them. If there was anything the past week had taught her, it was that she and Harvey had been always as good as married, without actually being that. And once they'd taken the leap, they would be all in.
There would be no way they'd lose this. This intensity that buffeted their love-making - the way every touch and brush against their skins spoke more volumes than words could ever manage. The way every kiss was a conversation in and of itself. The way the world seemed to tilt even more on its axis when they were joined and moved with each other in a rhythm that was as old as time.
She felt herself buck off the bed when his lips finally reached their destination, his nose brushing against her heat.
"You're just so beautiful," his low voice sounded distant in the fog of her arousal and she responded by reaching her hands down to thread through his hair. He raised his head, meeting her heated gaze, and without breaking it, he parted her legs before bending them towards her chest and allowing her ankles to rest on his shoulders.
Oh!
Donna curled the fingers of her free hand into the sheets below her, while the hand in his hair slipped down to brush against his stubble. She'd never before let herself feel this exposed - literally or figuratively. She had never reached a point in any of her previous relationships where she had wanted to.
But with Harvey - even though it was barely a week into their relationship - it just felt right. She trusted him in a way that she had never trusted anyone before and she knew he'd never abuse that trust.
Harvey watched her, as she caught her breath in this new position and she nodded. Donna closed her eyes as his love enveloped her then, his tongue searing mindless patterns into her hot flesh while his hands found purchase on her breasts, caressing and squeezing them in tune with his tongue's movements.
Pretty soon, she was scrabbling for purchase on the bed sheets when she felt his tongue slip into her heat, and her body arched off the bed.
"Harvey!"
He lifted his head to hush her, giving her a brief respite, and Donna pushed her feet against his shoulders in admonishment. She then slid her feet under his armpits and used the leverage to roll them over.
Harvey's face had turned into a picture of stunned disbelief and Donna pressed a triumphant smirk into his mouth.
"It's my turn now," she asserted, gliding herself down his body, her hands coming to rest on his stomach. At that, his own hands came up to thread between her fingers, squeezing them gently.
Donna realized then that this was as much the same for him as it was for her. Being able to surrender himself unquestioningly and completely to her love, allowing her to love him in the way he deserved to be.
She freed one hand to curl around him: he was beautiful to look at. She moved herself closer to him, her hand slipping up to stroke him, slowly from base to tip, before allowing her thumb to slip over the tip.
The movement elicited a low moan from him and she slipped her hand back down and up again, setting a steady pace to build him up.
She kept her eyes on him, needing to see the way she affected him. His eyes were hooded but steady on her face, and when her hand slid further down between his legs, he shut his eyes, an expletive escaping his mouth in a low growl, before his voice came out in a plea.
"Donna, please."
Taking her cue, she lost no time in taking him into the heat of her mouth. And then she lost herself in her own actions. Each slide of her lips against his skin elicited a louder groan from the man she loved. Groans which reverberated through her own body and stoked the fire raging through her own veins. She slipped her leg over his, as she felt her own need build again.
Sensing her movement, Harvey's hand came up to rest on her hair, his thumb slipping down to her temple to stroke her skin.
"Hey, come here," he whispered and then off her disappointed look, he added. "Please?"
Releasing him, she slid herself back over to him, damp skin sliding over damp skin, until her face was level with his. He pulled her down for a soft kiss, tongues gliding briefly against each other.
And then wordlessly, he slipped his arms around her and gently shifted her so that their centers were aligned and then in one smooth thrust, she felt him slide into her. His palms came to rest on her buttocks and together they began to move.
Donna knew that neither of them would last long. As he moved inside her, their eyes held each other's gaze, with Harvey's hand leaving her back to pull her head down to his, muffling their moans that were growing in volume as they hurtled towards the edge.
Just as she was about to tip over, she felt him turn them over to their sides, his mouth not leaving hers. One of her legs came to rest next to his, while he pulled the one on his waist even further up, so that her knee now rested under his armpit.
The new angle was all she needed before she was in free-fall, his name lost in between their fused lips. Harvey followed her after a few more thrusts, muffling her name into the crook of her neck.
He let go of her leg, and Donna let it dangle over his waist, running the back of her heel against the center of his back. His free hand came to rest on her rump, while the other slid up to cup the back of her neck. With their faces close to each other, they breathed together as their heart rates slowed down.
Pressing a kiss to her nose, Harvey then shifted on to his back, bringing Donna with him to settle into his side, her head coming to rest on his chest.
Her mind cast back to what he had said just before he'd suggested the extended sabbatical.
Whatever you need. I just want you in my home. And in my life, if you'll have me.
A slow smile crossing her face, she pressed a kiss to his chest before asking. "Harvey?"
"Yeah?"
"So, what you said before about wanting me in your home and in your life."
"Hmm?"
She raised her head to look at him.
"Was that…?"
She felt his chest heave a deep breath at that, and his hand slipped over her hair. He tilted his head in the way he always did when he was about to say something that he thought should be obvious to her.
"A proposal?" he completed her question.
She shrugged, her eyes going wide with mischief. "It's only the second time - or is it the third? - that you've said something like this. It's getting hard to keep count."
He let out a huff of amusement at that as his hand came up to push her hair behind her ears.
"Believe me, when I'm proposing, you'll know I'm proposing. But, for the record, I do want to marry you."
"Good. And for the record, when you do ask, I'll say yes," she smiled, her hand slipping softly over the light smattering of hair on his chest.
"Good," he parroted, placing his hand back on her thigh to squeeze it.
The next morning, a Sunday, Harvey found himself waking up to Donna entering the room clad in his shirt and her silk pajama pants. He grinned as he spotted the steaming cups of coffee in her hand.
"Hey," her face broke into a smile when she saw he was awake. She held out one of the cups, which he took.
"Did you…," he began, as the familiar taste of vanilla hit his taste buds.
"Make this?" she nodded, settling down at his side. "Yup."
Harvey inhaled, letting the fresh aroma fill his nostrils. He'd missed this. This blend was as unique as the woman who made it. And as the hot liquid slid down his throat, he realized just how much he'd missed it.
"I missed this," he said, settling back against the headboard and taking another long sip.
"Me too," she responded, looking at him over the rim of her cup.
Harvey raised his eyebrows. "The coffee? But it's..."
She nodded, interrupting him. "I know. I just hadn't made it in a while."
Harvey crinkled his brow. "Not even at home?"
She shook her head, her gaze catching his. "I couldn't. It felt a bit too much after..."
There wasn't any need for her to say anymore. Harvey knew what she had meant. She'd been heartbroken and unsure of his feelings for her.
"I'm sorry," he said, setting his cup down and taking hers out of her hand, before pulling her to him. "I was an idiot. And it'll always kill me that I hurt you so much. I'm going to try my best to make it all up to you."
"You already have," she said, planting a gentle kiss on his nose. "Just being with you this past week has been everything I wanted it to be and more. You've opened up your entire life to me more in that short time than you ever did in 12 years. And you have a wonderful family that's made me feel like I'm part of them, already. I suspect my own family won't be as easy."
Harvey's expression turned surprised and worried, as he sat up a little straighter. "Really?"
"Well, not so much my Mom. Mom's - well, you've met her - amazing, and so much of what makes me, well, me comes from her," she said, tracing the neckline of his shirt, before adding. "Crappy taste in boyfriends, aside."
Harvey grinned at that and bopped her nose. "Fair enough. Go on."
"Well, she already likes you - now, don't look so smug, mister," she looked at him meaningfully. "My dad is going to be a whole other ball game."
"I know," he shifted uncomfortably and sighed.
Donna patted his chest gently. "I know you've had your issues with him, Harvey. But, for all his faults, he's still tried to do right by me, and I don't resent him because of what he did."
He didn't respond, but swallowed hard. He knew that this was a conversation that would have come up eventually, especially since it was all but official that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Donna.
She interrupted his thoughts. "Are you ever going to tell me what happened between you two? I know something must have, because he doesn't seem to..."
"Like me?" he said, slowly. "Yes. But you're not gonna like it."
She tilted her head. "Is this about that real estate deal that I brought to you?"
"It is," he said.
She moved off his lap and settled on her side of the bed. "I thought that was done with. I assumed he'd found an investor for it, because he told me he did not need my money anymore."
Harvey nodded. "Yes, because I told him not to."
She frowned. "You talked with him?"
"I went to see him, yes. I told him that I'd shut down his deal if he took your money."
"You mean, you threatened him not to."
Harvey could sense that she was going on the defensive, exactly as he feared she would.
"Yes. I had to."
Donna shook her head. "Harvey, you had no…"
"Right? Maybe I didn't and I know he's your father. But I was only looking to protect you. He had already lost your family a great deal of money."
"And I told you that it didn't matter. He made up for it, Harvey!" she hissed, her eyes welling up. "I told you not to judge him for it."
"I know you did. But I couldn't. Not when I knew that the deal in question was a risk. A risk that he was willing to stake your 401K on."
"Just because he made a bad deal before, it didn't mean this one was. If I remember correctly, you didn't even look at the deal," she said, annoyance lacing her tone.
"I did look at it, after you stormed out on me that night," his own voice turned sharp. "The amount he needed was a risk. And if it had tanked, it would have taken your future down with it."
Donna stayed quiet and he sighed, running his hand through his hair.
"What if it wasn't as risky?" she asked, after a beat. "He's not a bad businessman, as you think he is! All it did was stop me from helping my father."
"And what if it was risky? You never know with these things. All it takes is one wrong move. If you had financed it, you'd have ended up in serious trouble. I just couldn't let that happen to you. The idea of anything happening to you would have killed me. So, it might have cost me his respect or appreciation, Donna, but I was willing to risk that if it meant keeping you out of trouble. It's no different than what you did with Cameron Dennis."
"Harvey, my dad isn't Cameron Dennis!"
"No, he isn't. Their intentions were very different, definitely."
"Exactly, Cameron's intent was criminal! And you were going to lose everything because he planned on using you as his scapegoat!"
"And you knew I'd be pissed at you for doing what you did! Because back then, I'd considered the man a mentor. But you did it anyway. Why?"
"Because, I didn't exactly care what you thought he was! I didn't want you to get into trouble! Seeing you lose everything would have destroyed me… oh."
She stopped and Harvey looked at her sadly.
"I know your dad isn't Cameron Dennis, Donna. But I wasn't thinking about him, at all. I was only thinking about you. And I'm sorry about the way I handled it, but I'm not sorry that I did it."
Donna sighed, and Harvey watched as she fiddled with the hem of the shirt she was wearing. She raised her head and looked at him, her eyes still watery.
"I love you," he said, reaching for her hand, relief flooding him as she intertwined their fingers. "I always have, you know that now."
"I do," she said, squeezing his hand. "I'm sorry, I overreacted. But, I… I love my dad, Harvey. And it's important to me that the two most important men in my life get along. So, what are we going to do?"
We.
Harvey felt his heart shift into a joyful two-time beat at her words and the implication that they'd tackle it together.
He smiled, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "I'll have to make my case to him. And my hope is that I can make him see why I did it."
"That'd be a good start," Donna nodded, smiling slowly.
"But if he doesn't?" Harvey asked. "It won't be easy, like you said."
"He will," she said, firmly. "I'll see that he does. Because, like I told you, it's important to me, and that means he needs to get along with the man I love."
"You sure?"
"I am," Donna shifted back on to his lap again, putting her arms around his neck. "And if he asks me to invest again?" she asked, a teasing note entering her voice.
Harvey gave her a look, his own arms encircling her waist, before he turned serious. "Then I'll leave it to you to decide what you want to do, if you can promise me to at least have it vetted by someone. If not by me, maybe Louis? Just for my own peace of mind? Please?"
She nodded and raised a hand to touch his cheek. "You're amazing, you know that. I do trust your judgement, Harvey. I don't need Louis for that."
"Thank you," he said, and Donna leaned forward to capture his lips.
"No, thank you," she returned. "I know I can be a little defensive about my dad, but I needed this."
"So," he grinned, pulling her closer to him, so that their chests pressed together. "That's your mom and dad, down. That leaves…"
"Laura," Donna rolled her eyes. "The bane of my existence."
"That bad?"
"I told you. I never introduced her to my friends or boyfriends for a reason."
"You did," Harvey acknowledged. "So, what's the reason?"
She hesitated a little, before sighing. "Laura has always had this way of making me feel -" she paused, as though casting about for the right words, "- less than. Sometimes deliberately, but more often than not, she does it without even realizing it."
Harvey looked surprised. The idea that anyone could make Donna doubt herself… He paused, wondering if that's what he'd done, right from the way he'd accosted her over her role in the Liberty Rail case and then what had happened after that.
Donna interrupted his wandering thoughts. "Harvey?" She waited until he caught her gaze. "Where did you go?"
Harvey shook his head. "Just wondering if I am guilty of that myself. I know I've made you doubt your worth a few times. Liberty Rail. Coastal… "
Donna's eyes widened. "No. You haven't. Harvey, those were different. You were calling me out - rightly so - when I did something misguided. And in my own fear, I failed to see it for what it was: your own fear of something happening to me," She pressed a soft kiss to his lips and continued. "That isn't what Laura does. When Laura does it, it's from a sense of her own stupid superiority. Kinda like... Tanner."
"Like Tanner?" his eyebrows went up in shock, again.
"Yes," Donna nodded assertively. "She can read people almost as well as I can. She gets that from our mom, like I do. But, she uses that ability to find people's weak spots and then uses that to turn them into her little sock-puppets. I really don't like talking about her."
Harvey squeezed her waist. "So, she's the anti-you. You find people's strengths and build them up."
Donna grimaced, though there was a hint of a smile in the corner of her lips. "I guess that's one way of putting it. The unfortunate thing is," she murmured, her eyebrows furrowed. "She is family. And so, she'll be your family, too."
Harvey tried not to smile at the extremely put-out look on his girlfriend's face. He kissed her again, before asking. "So, I get to meet her?"
"Someday, I guess," Donna said, a low huff escaping her. "Maybe around the holidays. Should be fun."
The sarcasm in her voice had him struggling to keep a smile from erupting again. "I can't wait."
Donna caught sight of his face, however, and poked his chest. "Not. Funny."
"It is, a little," he said, losing the battle and letting a big grin split his face. "Just a little."
He pressed a commiserating kiss to her nose, feeling his heart skip a beat when she wrinkled her nose adorably in response.
"Thank you, Donna," Harvey said, after a beat.
"For what?"
"Just sharing all of that with me. I can't wait to meet them."
"Even Dad?" she asked, mischief coating her tone.
He tilted his head. "Yes, smart-ass. Even him."
Donna grinned and leaned forward, resting her head on his shoulder. "Good."
They sat like that, in quiet silence, for a few long minutes. Harvey closed his eyes, feeling Donna breathe against him, her palm running soothingly across his chest. His own hands ran across her back, before slipping under his shirt that she was wearing, his fingertips brushing against the silk of her shirt.
"We should get dressed," Donna said, her voice drowsy despite the coffee that she'd just drank. "Marcus and Katie have planned a day out in the park for the kids."
"Hmmm," Harvey murmured, just as sleepily. "Sounds great."
"Lily will be there, too," Donna added.
"Good."
"And Bobby," she mumbled.
"What?" Harvey snapped, the sleepiness had left his voice.
"Harvey," Donna raised her head, her hand moving to his cheek.
He sighed. "I guess Haley and Josh would want him there."
"They would," Donna said, patting his chest. "Are you going to be OK with it?"
"Not really," he said. "But, like I told Mom and even Marcus, I'm not gonna object to him being there. I just don't think I can..."
"I know," Donna said. "You just have to be civil. Both of you. Besides, the way I heard Marcus say it, he won't let Bobby ruin this for you."
"I guess we'll have to see what happens," Harvey said, his hands moving from her back to her sides before pushing his shirt off her shoulders.
Donna smirked. "We have to get going."
"I know," he smiled, slipping out from under her and off the bed. "That means taking a shower, first," He held his hand out.
Donna got to her knees, sidling to the edge of the bed, her hands tugging him closer to her. "In that case," she said, reaching for the hem of his t-shirt and sweeping it up, before holding her own hands up, looking at him through her eyelashes.
He bent his head, pressing a deep kiss to her mouth, before sliding her camisole top off her chest. Then he reached for her waist, lifting her easily into his arms, while her legs slipped around his waist and carried her into the shower.
"Harvey," Dr. Werner's voice held a note of surprise as she answered her phone.
Harvey had decided to try to call his therapist for a quick conversation before they left for the park. He knew trying to reach her on a Sunday was a long shot, but had been relieved to hear her voice almost immediately.
"Hi, Dr. Werner," Harvey said, note of contrition in his voice. "I'm so sorry to intrude on your Sunday morning."
"No worries," the doctor said, a chuckle escaping her. "I like to come in on the weekends for a bit of study and research. And like I told you, I'm available to talk whenever you need it."
"Right," Harvey said. "I'll keep this short, though."
"I'm listening."
Harvey could hear the smile in his therapist's voice.
"So," he took a deep breath. "My mother."
"Yes?"
"We worked it out."
"Harvey," the pride was unmistakable in the woman's tone. "That is just marvellous news. When?"
"Yesterday," he said, smiling now. "We had lunch and we hashed it out then."
He spent the next five minutes explaining everything that had happened. His therapist listened without interrupting, allowing him to lay out how he felt at the end of that lunch, including his struggle to still fully reconcile Bobby's presence in their lives.
"And that's a perfectly valid feeling, Harvey," Dr. Werner said, gently. "Listen, you've made amazing strides in just one week. Like I told you, all you needed to do was just plow ahead and take charge of your own emotions without pitting them against your fears, and letting your fears win. That is something I'm absolutely proud to say that you have done. As far as Bobby is concerned, it's just that much harder because he isn't family, by blood."
"He isn't," Harvey said. "Which is why I'm tempted to just ignore him when he's around."
"And yet," Dr. Werner continued. "He's still family to your brother and his children. And I'm sure you don't want to disrupt that. So, this is what I say. You have to give a little. You cannot completely shut him out, Harvey. Because that won't be healthy for you. You need to give him the chance - if he decides to take it - to apologize for his role in everything and then, establish some sort of truce. You don't have to be best friends, but a civil relationship that doesn't necessitate your brother or mother playing peacemaker every time would be - in my opinion, at least - the best you can work out."
"Right," Harvey sighed.
"But, you are entitled to take your time with it," Dr. Werner said. "Give yourself a little break. Just don't take too long, otherwise it'll start to fester."
"I'll try," Harvey said, his head turning as the bathroom door opened.
He watched as Donna slipped out of the bathroom clad only in a towel. She had kicked him out of the shower after their little session, claiming she needed a second shower after it. As she caught his gaze, she smiled, her doe eyes sparkling in the morning light and her skin flushed from their activities.
"Harvey?" Dr Werner's voice broke in.
"Yes," Harvey said, shaking himself. "I'm sorry, I got a little… distracted."
Donna let out a little tinkle of laughter at that as she came to stand in front of the vanity, and Dr. Werner heard it and chuckled, as well.
"I'll let you go, Harvey," she said, her voice light. "Good luck with everything."
"Oh, wait," Harvey said. "I know you said I needed to take two or three weeks. But Donna and I are planning to come back to New York either tomorrow or on Tuesday."
"You'll be going back to work?" Dr. Werner asked, her voice turning concerned again.
Harvey shook his head, before realizing his doctor couldn't see him. "No," he said. "Not immediately, anyway. Donna and I decided we wanted some time together before we went back. So I just wanted to tell you that I might not be able to make our next scheduled phone appointment next week, since I'll be off the grid."
"First, you're doing a good thing. For both you and Donna. And I completely understand. We can reschedule the appointment for when you're back."
"Excellent," Harvey smiled and then hung up.
He stood up then and moved behind Donna, burying his head in the crook of her neck. Inhaling the fresh smell of strawberries and lemongrass, he pressed a light kiss to her skin. Donna's hands came to rest on his arms, and Harvey knew she'd sensed his need for a little reassurance after a talk with his therapist.
Incredibly helpful and freeing though they were, Harvey's talks with his therapist still left him feeling a little off-kilter after they ended. Because, as Dr. Werner had told him, they were still hard work for his mind.
In the early weeks, he'd recovered from them in his office with his father's music and burying himself in work. This past week, however, with the exception of the first time, he'd had Donna's love to ground him and settle his mind. And the last time, she'd sensed his need to talk and she had let him, using the chance to get a few of her own questions answered, as well.
Now, she knew he just needed her presence surrounding him and he sensed her turning in his arms, raising herself on her toes to loop her arm around his neck, pulling him fully into her embrace. And Harvey found himself falling in love with her all over again, when her lips pressed into the side of his neck.
He tightened his grip on her. "I love you so much."
He closed his eyes, as he felt her simply press another kiss into his skin, the words unspoken but he heard them nonetheless.
I love you, too.
Lily and Bobby had come to the house half an hour before they had to leave, and Donna had watched as they greeted Harvey.
Lily had hugged her son and Harvey had returned it easily. Donna tensed a little as Harvey and Bobby looked at each other, but the two of them had merely exchanged nods and Harvey had turned away to talk to his mother again. Lily, to her credit and Donna's relief, had kept her promise of not pushing for more between her son and husband. Donna exchanged a sideways look with Marcus who also seemed to be exhaling with relief.
Harvey hadn't been inclined to talk much after his conversation with his therapist. From the snippets she'd heard from the bathroom, they'd definitely talked about Bobby, but she'd chosen not to eavesdrop out of a sense of respect for Harvey's boundaries. She knew that when the time was right, Harvey would let her in on what happened.
But that was clearly not today. After he'd hung up, he'd just come up behind her and held her for a spell. Recognizing that he simply needed her, she'd been glad to give him just that. Holding him close so that she could nearly feel his heartbeat through her own skin, she'd willed every ounce of her love for him through the pores of her skin to soothe him.
And it had helped. Once they'd pulled away, his eyes had regained their sparkle and he'd suggested they get on with getting ready for their outing.
Now here they were, the early afternoon sun warming them up as they set out on foot towards the local park in the neighborhood. Donna stole a glance at the man at her side, her hand intertwined firmly in his.
If it was even possible, Harvey looked more handsome than he ever had. Completely free of the trappings of the lawyer that he was, he looked very much like he belonged here - in this typical suburban setting. His short hair was ruffled in the light breeze that was blowing. His eyes were hidden behind his favourite shades and he wore a light brown jacket over a dark green button-down, paired with his favorite pair of jeans. The stubble she had been admiring a day before had now graduated into a light beard that had - and Donna felt herself flush at the thought - felt delicious against her thighs last night.
Hit with a sudden inspiration, she stopped walking and Harvey looked at her questioningly. Donna pulled her phone out, and turning her camera on, she raised herself on tip-toes to press a kiss to his cheek, while she took a series of snaps. She grinned as Harvey obliged, even turning his head to meet her lips for a few more snaps.
When she was done, she immediately scrolled through the photographs, and found one that she loved. Before Harvey could figure out what she was about to do, she sent it off to Rachel, with the caption. "Me and my man, aka, New York City's Best Closer. What do you think?"
"Donna!"
She giggled and slipped her hand back into his, tugging him forward to catch up with their group.
"I'm still their boss," Harvey huffed, as he started walking. "I need to keep my image…"
"Oh, hush," Donna said, rolling her eyes playfully. "You know very well that Mike and Rachel are gonna be happy to see that." She squeezed his hand and then quipped. "And if anything, it'll make them respect you more."
And sure enough, Donna felt her phone vibrate with a series of replies and to her absolute delight, she heard Harvey's phone buzz, as well. Mike had definitely seen the photo.
Rolling his eyes, Harvey pulled his phone out and she saw his lips purse as if to hide his grin. She looked at her phone.
R: OMG! OMG! YOU GUYS LOOK SO FREAKING ADORABLE!
R: I'VE NEVER SEEN HARVEY LOOK LIKE THAT! THAT MAN LOVES YOU SO MUCH!
R: HE LOOKS SO DIFFERENT, THOUGH! DELICIOUS! *hearteye emoji*
R: AND LOOK AT YOU! YOU LOOK SO HAPPY! I'M SO THRILLED FOR YOU, DONNA!
Donna chuckled, showing it to Harvey and he stopped trying to hide his own grin when he read Rachel's words. And then rolling his eyes again, he showed her Mike's replies which caused Donna to snort.
M: Just saw an interesting photograph sent by your *girlfriend*
M: Who is that guy she's with? There's no way that's you.
M: Where's the hair gel? And the pouff?
M: *devil emoji* Only kidding. I'm so happy for you two.
"When we get back to New York, I'm gonna kill him. Slowly. Painfully."
"I'll probably join you." Donna smirked and watched as Harvey dashed off a reply.
H: The *girlfriend* says she'll be happy to join me in murdering you and burying the body, if you don't stop.
M: I can't stop. Won't stop.
H: Go bother someone else. Shouldn't you be working on some shit with Robert?
M: It's a SUNDAY, old man. *shocked emoji*
Harvey ignored the reply, and stuffed his phone back into his pocket.
"Stupid puppy," he said, but his irritated reply was still belied by his smile.
"Don't pretend like you don't like it," Donna said, looping her arm into his. "Let's keep walking. They're waiting."
Marcus and his family had seen them stall and were now waiting at the end of the turn in the road for them.
A few minutes later, Donna was settling herself on the cool grass of the park that abutted Haley and Josh's school. She watched as the rest of the family settled down next to them, and Harvey slipped behind her, so that she was sitting in between his legs, while her arm came to rest on his bended knee.
Katie, who had taken a spot next to them, smiled widely at them, before striking up a conversation with Harvey about the kids' school. Donna half-listened to it, feeling a complete sense of contentment, her thumb running absently over Harvey's knee.
It was going to be a wrench, she thought, to return to New York and leave all this behind. She had come here in the hopes of getting Harvey back, but instead was returning having gained a whole family.
But she consoled herself with the thought that thanks to Harvey and Lily's reconciliation, a lot of potential had opened up for family visits. And Donna was excited for each of them. Katie and Marcus had already made plans to come and see them during the Labour Day weekend. And Lily had scheduled her own visit, coincident with an art show that she wanted Donna to accompany her to. There was also the fact that she and Harvey had made plans to spend Christmas here, that they hadn't told Marcus or Katie, yet. But Donna knew that they would be thrilled.
Their talk about herown family had gone better than she had hoped. And while she was still unsure about how things were going to be between Harvey and her father, she had faith that Harvey would see it through from his end. He always did. And she would need to get her father on the same page.
All in all, Donna thought, things were looking up on the family front. The professional front still needed work, but once they got Louis to accept the new normal, she hoped things would return to what they once were.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Lily, who after setting up the food she'd brought along, settled on their other side. Donna turned to talk to her, but before she could say anything, Marcus and Josh had come up to them, demanding that Harvey join them in a game of catch.
Once he was gone, Lily said quietly. "I never thought I'd see a day like this so soon. But, here we are."
"Yeah," Donna said, smiling and watching as Harvey joined the boys - including Bobby - in their game. Her attention was drawn to Haley who had settled into her lap after Harvey had left. Donna playfully tugged on the little girl's ponytail, before placing a kiss on her head. Haley had grown attached to her in the short time she'd spent here, and Donna knew she was going to miss the little girl, especially when she left.
"You'll come visit again, Aunt Donna? You and Uncle Harvey? Soon?" the girl asked, looking up at her.
"Absolutely," she said. "You can't keep us away. We rather love spending time with you, Haley."
"And what's more," Haley's mother added. "Your Uncle Harvey said we could go visit them over the long weekend that's coming up. How'd you like that?"
"That is awesome," the girl clapped her hands making all the adults laugh. She then slid off Donna's lap, rushing towards her uncle who had spotted her running to him, before catching her and sweeping her off her feet in a circle.
Donna heard Josh complain loudly about his sister interrupting their game and watched as Harvey and Marcus played peacemaker between the squabbling children, Bobby watching them quietly.
"He's wonderful with them," Lily said, her voice shaking and off Donna's curious look, she added. "I never saw him with Haley and Josh before. Because…"
"Right," Donna said. "I know. But yes, he is. I hadn't seen it to this extent either, but I did get glimpses of it, when clients brought their kids in, sometimes. It was rare. But when it did, it was a joy to behold."
Lily looked at her contemplatively for a beat, before saying. "You want kids."
Donna shrugged. "I haven't really thought about it before. But now…"
"Have you told him that?"
"Not explicitly. But I think he knows. And I know he wants them, too. For now though, we just want to be with each other."
"Of course," Lily smiled, her eyes still on Harvey who had now managed to cajole Josh into letting his sister play, as well. "I can't wait to come visit you next month. I had this show on my radar for a while, but I'd been putting it off. The thought of coming to New York without…" she broke off, her voice getting choked again.
"It's alright, Lily," Donna said, putting her arm around the woman. "If not this year, it would have happened some time. Harvey could never have gone his entire life without making it up with you. He was always going to forgive you."
Lily nodded wordlessly, swiping at her cheek again. "I'm starting to sound like a broken record. But I'm really glad you're in his life, Donna."
"I'm glad he's in mine," Donna said, and smiled as she saw Harvey catch sight of them talking together. His grin was visible even from where she was sitting. She waved her hand and he raised his hand before turning his attention back to Josh who was demanding he concentrate on their game.
"He's never going to be able to say no to them," Katie said. "He's putty in Haley and Josh's hands. And they know it."
"Clearly," Donna said, laughing, even as a fleeting thought of her needing to be the assertive parent to one of their own made her stomach flip-flop in anticipation.
Katie clearly seemed to have read her mind. "That goes for your kids, too. When you have them."
Donna turned to give her a look, while Lily chuckled next to them. "Katie!"
"What?" the brunette held her hand up. "I'm just calling it like I see it. And by your own admission, you've thought about them. So what are you "Katie"ing me for?"
Donna shook her head. Between Katie and Rachel, she'd sure picked friends who knew how to get under her skin, but she loved them. Had come to love them like younger sisters in a way that her own sister never had. She knew Rachel and Katie were bound to hit it off when they met.
The afternoon was one of the best outings she'd had in a long time. Once the boys had returned to their seating spot - Harvey sitting behind her again - they feasted on the cheese and tomato sandwiches that Lily had packed for them, and then topped it off with Harvey's favorite dessert: Strawberry pie.
"I haven't had this in such a long time," Harvey said, his eyes strangely bright.
Lily had reached over to squeeze his hand. "I couldn't not make this for you before you left."
"Thanks, Mom."
With their stomachs full, the group had begun to lounge around and Donna heard Lily approach her and Harvey.
"Donna," Lily said. "Do you mind if I steal him away for a bit?"
"No, of course not." Donna smiled.
Harvey nodded, pressed a kiss to her cheek, and stood up.
"Can we take a little walk?" she heard Lily ask.
"Of course, Mom." He looked down at Donna. "See you in a bit."
As Donna watched them go, she felt her heart give a curious flutter that she couldn't quite explain.
Harvey let his mother lead them a short distance away from their party in silence, her arm looped through his. They walked slowly, neither of them inclined to say much in that moment: just walking together, mother and son, in a way they had never done before.
It was Lily who broke the silence. "This is really nice, Harvey."
He looked down at her. "It is. I'm glad I came here, and that everything happened the way it did."
"Me, too.," Lily gave him a watery smile. "You have no idea how much."
"I think I have some idea," he said, a small lopsided smile appearing on his face. "So, what's on your mind, Mom?"
Lily paused, looking up at him, her gaze distant. She caught sight of a wooden bench and indicated that they should sit. "Shall we?"
Harvey led the way to the bench, and the two of them sat down.
He waited. His mother clearly had something important she wanted to say, and it was obvious from the way she kept fidgeting with the small bag in her hand. But, he didn't push.
"So," Lily began finally.
"So," he parroted, a small smile tugging at his lips.
His mother lightly punched his arm. "Behave. So, I hear you're set to leave tomorrow?"
Harvey nodded. "Yeah. I've imposed on Marcus long enough, and…"
"And?"
"Well," he said, deciding to let his mother in. "Donna and I just plan to spend the next week together by ourselves."
"That sounds wonderful and completely understandable," his mother smiled knowingly.
Harvey felt himself turn a little pink, but grinned nonetheless.
"Anyway," his mother said, her expression turning intent. "I wanted to give you something. I was originally planning on bringing it with me when I came to visit you later this month. But, you know, I didn't want to wait."
"What is it?"
"Marcus has already told me that you are as good as planning on marrying that wonderful woman over there," she indicated her head towards the group behind her.
"He's such a blabbermouth," Harvey huffed, but his smile belied his words. He turned to look, as well, admiring the way his girlfriend's golden red locks shone in the late afternoon sun.
"Is he wrong?" Lily asked, amusement coating her own voice.
"No." Harvey shook his head, his hand coming up to scratch his ear.
"Good." Lily smiled before reaching into her bag and pulling out a small, slightly worn velvet box.
He knew instantly what it was and felt his heart leap.
"Mom," his voice came out in a hoarse whisper.
"This belonged to your grandmother," his mother said, quietly opening the box to reveal a stunning sapphire ring, embedded in a circle of small diamonds.
He took the box from her, still feeling dumbstruck. He slipped the ring out of its slot, feeling the cool metal of the platinum against his fingertips.
"She absolutely loved you and adored you," his mother continued. "You were her first and favorite grandson. She alone knew your heartache; even knew I was responsible for it. She was furious with me, but I had been dismissive of it. It'll always remain one of my many regrets, the way I dismissed her."
"I know," Harvey said, stalling her, unwilling to let those memories cloud their conversation. "I know, Mom."
"Anyway, you know your grandparents had a wonderful marriage. They loved each other till their last breath."
Harvey nodded, still staring at the ring. After he'd learned of his mother's infidelity, the days spent in his grandmother's house constituted the few happy memories he retained from his childhood. He even vaguely recalled his grandmother, petite and shorter than his mother, dressing her daughter down for what she'd been doing.
His mother's voice sifted through his thoughts.
"She never even offered this ring to my brother for his wife. She was adamant that it should go to you when the time came. And Harvey, she would have loved Donna."
"Oh, Nanna Lizzybet," Harvey reverently whispered his moniker for his grandmother, his eyes shifting to the clear blue sky overhead. His voice was still choked, as he met his mother's gaze. "This is… I don't know what to say"
"You don't have to say a thing," his mother squeezed his arm. "You just need to do what you need to do. Ask her. Don't wait too long."
"I won't," he said, his voice coming out in a breathy exhale. "We… I've already, sort of, proposed to her. Twice."
"Sort of?" his mother asked, curiosity lilting her voice.
"Well, said the words, but not in those exact words," Harvey said, a small smile touching his lips again at the memories of those moments.
"And?"
"Well, she's said yes, but again not in those words," he said, meeting his mother's gaze. "But, the understanding is there. I just need to…"
"Make it official," his mother said, a full smile splitting her face.
"Right," Harvey said, closing the box and putting it into his jacket's inner pocket. Hiding this from Donna was going to be a daunting task.
But, as quickly as he thought it, a possible solution presented itself. There was one person he had trusted the most - even before he'd met Donna.
Jessica.
She'd hold it for him until he needed it. He grinned, looking gratefully at his mother.
"Well, still. Don't wait too long then, to make it official," Lily said, nudging his arm sideways.
Harvey let out a full laugh now. "I won't. This is perfect, Mom."
He reached over to pull his mother into his arms.
"Oh, I love you, Harvey," his mother said into his shoulder.
"I love you, too, Mom."
Over his mother's shoulder, he let his gaze wander to their own group in the distance.
Donna and Katie were now reclining on the grass, laughing together, while Bobby and Marcus seemed to be entertaining the children.
He smiled.
Yes, he couldn't wait to go back to New York to start working on his future with Donna, and to see his found family again. Jessica, Mike, Rachel and oddly enough, even Louis.
But his real family?
They were all here.
His past and his future finally reconciled in the way he'd wanted it to be for a long time.
He was finally home.
*THE END*
Author's Final Notes:
I hope you've enjoyed this final chapter. I'd love to know your thoughts.
This isn't the end of the ATYWG 'verse, by any means. I plan on writing a few more outtakes and stories within this 'verse. So, be on the lookout for them.
And, reviewers get to choose how Darvey spends their first Christmas. Harvey says New York. Donna says Paris. Mike and Rachel say Seattle. Who wins? ;)