A/N Thanks for reading. Here is the final chapter, just needed to wrap up the loose ends.
"We still need to talk once this all blows over," Donna said looking into his eyes. "There are things that need to be addressed. But now. I think you need to put on your armour and pay Hardman a visit."
Harvey was anxious to confront Hardman. He knew Hardman was capable of orchestrating this whole investigation, forging documents, and calling out the firm. Hardman was a revengeful man. What Harvey didn't know was whether or not Hardman had any clue that he had actually broken the law for Mary. He needed to find out, but show no signs of weakness.
"Well, if it isn't Harvey Specter and his little protégé. I was wondering when you'd stop by," Hardman said with a mischievous grin. Harvey hated Hardman and it took everything out of him not to punch his smug face. Knowing that could put him in more jeopardy, he flexed his jaw and got right to the point.
"I know you forged those documents," Harvey said. "So why don't you pull them before I make a formal complaint against you."
Clearly, not fazed by Harvey's request, Hardman swayed in his office chair still grinning.
"Oh Harvey, you think asking politely will work? Donna's name is signed all over those documents. I don't know how you can argue otherwise." Harvey shook his head in disgust. Hardman knew he was getting under Harvey's skin and so he kept baiting him.
"You are so protective of that redhead," Hardman teased. "That's why this is so much fun. If we went after you I wouldn't get to see you squirm. Now, go and get your girlfriend ready for prison."
"She's my wife now. And you're right, I'll do anything for her but you're wrong, picking her will not be fun for you," Harvey said ready to storm out of the office.
But Hardman had one last dig, "You finally made an honest woman of out of her. I gotta say I'm impressed I didn't think you had it in you, Harvey." Harvey give him a stern look and left eager to come up with a better plan.
When Harvey and Mike returned to the office they were greeted by a very anxious Donna. She looked right at Harvey about to ask how the meeting with Hardman went, but she could see in Harvey's facial expression that it didn't go well. She nodded and headed back towards her office, she didn't have the energy to push for more information. She was no doubt anxious, but she was going to trust Harvey to come through.
"Donna, wait!" Harvey said. He had a new plan and he needed Donna to help. They headed to the theater company to meet with the head finance officer to see if they could uncovered any clues.
Ken Richards could recognize his favorite tall red head from a mile away, even if it had been 15 years.
"Donna Paulsen!" He shrieked, "Girl, you look fabulous!"
"Donna Specter," she said holding out her ring with a big grin. The two old friends threw their arms around each other and hugged. Harvey had to clear his throat before Ken and Donna realized they had left him standing alone. Donna giggled and then introduced her husband to Ken, who was quite taken by Harvey's attractive appearance.
"As much as I see that the two of you need to catch up, Ken we have some serious questions to ask you," Harvey said. "A few years back, did you receive a large sum of money from Mary Rossmor with Donna's signature?" Ken looked confused at both the sudden change of tone in the conversation but mostly the money question. Harvey handed over a copy of the transaction with Donna's signature. Ken carefully looked over the document before lifting his eyes to meet a very anxious looking Donna and Harvey.
"What is this, we haven't had any type gift or financial loan in this amount," Ken said shaking his head, "If it had Donna's signature I would have remembered." Donna and Harvey looked at each other. This time they were the ones confused. "So, the Feds have been following me and questioning me and they never checked to see if this transaction even occurred? What the hell is even going on here, Harvey?" Donna said.
Harvey didn't know what was going on but he breathed a sigh of relief knowing that Donna wouldn't be on the hook for this forged signature. What was worrying him now was the unknown.
Donna and Harvey left Ken with plans for a future dinner date to catch up. Now they had to make this whole case go away and now they felt one step closer.
Back at the office Harvey immediately called Agent Edwards, knowing he was the more reasonable agent. Harvey asked if they ever checked to see if money was ever exchanged between Mary and the theater company at the direction of Donna. They hadn't. Harvey couldn't believe the lack of professionalism coming from the agents. But he also remembered that Hardman could be pretty convincing. So that was it, the agents apologized and said they'd stop looking into any connection with Donna. They also were now aware at the games Hardman and his client were playing and the investigation would focus on them. Harvey hung up the phone. He was pleased this scare was over but he couldn't understand why Hardman didn't put up a bigger fight. He pushed down the uneasy feeling in his gut.
Harvey picked the phone, and called Hardman once more.
"Harvey, what can I do for you now?"
"Daniel, I just need to understand. Why would you plant evidence against Donna but make it so easy to discredit? It took one conversation to find out the evidence was bullshit. What was in it for you?"
"You really don't get it do you, Harvey. Ever since Jessica banished me from the firm, I've been trying to find a way to bring it down. I was hoping they'd find evidence that you did do something illegal for Mary through an investigation. It may not have worked this time, but trust me, I'm not done coming after you," Hardman threatened.
"Lucky for me, I've recorded this conversation. And if you ever come after me, or Donna, or this firm again... I will turn this over to police and watch you get sent to prison," Harvey said hanging up the phone confident Hardman would stay away this time. He felt his muscles relax and he went to tell Donna the good news.
Later that night they had a mini celebration at home with champagne and take out. Donna was once again marveling at the way Harvey handled stressful situations. He always promised he'd never let anything happen to her and once again he didn't. Dinner was relaxing and flirtatious a welcomed break from the intensity of the past few days. A few drinks in and Harvey was ready to change the subject and hear what Donna had to say about their relationship.
"Earlier, you said you wanted to talk. I think it's time," he said. Donna's bright eyes sunk a bit as she tried to channel her thoughts.
"We got married pretty fast, without discussing things," Donna said struggling to find the right words. "I don't want to change you. Your ability to walk into a room and be the superhero is one of the reasons I love you most. You were amazing today. And I'm so grateful for you getting me out of another mess."
"But..." Harvey said anxious for her to make her point.
"But, she mirrored back, "Harvey you can be a little reckless at times. Picking fights with an enemy could put us or our family ... if we decide to have one... at risk."
Harvey was silent, he was trying to process what she said. He knew he could be reckless and it only affected himself. But now, it affects her too. She said family. She wants kids or at least a kid. It was a huge statement she was making and he knew he had to handle it right or risk losing her. Kids. He never really had time to think about kids. His relationships never lasted long enough to bring it up in conversation. This was his first time really thinking about having kids. And he liked the idea. Harvey was so lost in his thoughts that when he finally looked towards Donna, he noticed she was starting to panic. Her eyes were wide, her breathing was heavy and her was face white. He started to chuckle.
"Look Donna, I had no one else but myself to think about but can't change the past. But what I can do is change how I operate. I promise you, I'll be more careful for you, for us and for our future mini-me or mini-you," he said in the most genuine way. It was enough to make Donna cry. She was so relieved that he not only understood her fears but that he was open to having kids.
Two years later, life was very different for the Specters. Harvey and Donna still worked at the firm but they agreed to delegate some of the work load to associates so they could spend more time as a family with their one year old daughter, Juliet.
It was a beautiful summer day and the Specters and Ross's were sitting in blankets in Central Park with Juliet and Joey, Mike and Rachel's son.
"Would you ever thought we'd be here together with babies? It seems like it was just yesterday you two were still denying your feelings for each other," Rachel said to Donna and Harvey with a big grin. Donna looked to Harvey with a raised eyebrow and smirk.
"Should we tell them?" She asked.
"Tell us what?" Rachel quizzically said.
"I don't think the puppy could handle it," Harvey relied.
"I beg your pardon. I can handle anything," Mike said offended.
Harvey looked back at Donna and shrugged his shoulders, giving her the go ahead.
"Harvey and I only got married because we needed spousal privilege for the Mary Rossmoor case," Donna said.
Rachel and Mike's jaw drop. They were stunned. Which meant that they had initially done a good job of pretending to be together.
"I mean I knew it was fast, but... the club and your vows," Rachel said trying to recall all the events of the Vegas weekend.
"Well that was real," Harvey said stopping Rachel's rambling. "Don't worry. It became real once Donna and I talked in the bridal suite. Our happily ever after is very much intact."