THANKFUL CHAPTER 3
In this chapter, I had a little fun with script dialogue that didn't make it to the screen. See if you can spot it!
RECAP:
- Donna and Harvey arrive in Seattle to surprise Mike for his birthday.
- They surprise the couple with news of their pregnancy, and of twins.
- Mike and Harvey smoke up for old times sake and confess their fears about becoming fathers.
- Harvey promises to help Mike with building a crib, while Donna and Rachel plan to go shopping.
"I swear to God there are more parts here than on the Starship Enterprise," a frustrated Harvey huffs, as he tries to decipher the crib instruction manual. "I've had legal briefs that were easier to read!"
"Be grateful it's not IKEA," Mike jokes. "Then we'd have to put it together twice!"
It's ten am on a Saturday, and both men are on hands and knees in the nursery. Scattered across the room are two dozen crib parts. Plus, bags of nuts, bolts and washers. Propped against the wall, a shiny white crib mattress.
"Can I ask why you didn't just order a ready-made crib?" Harvey mumbles, as he searches for parts A through J.
'Because this is no ordinary crib," Mike replies. "This is the Caravan Crib, made from environmentally sourced trees. And the paint and varnish are eco-friendly and non-toxic. You know, in case the kid tries to chew his way through the bars."
"Well, from what I'm reading here, it also says it's easy to assemble," Harvey chuckles, as he fiddles with the instructions. "I wouldn't chew on the bars just yet."
As Mike groups the nuts and bolts into organized piles, he continues to explain, "You can change the mattress height, and after your kid learns how to escape, the entire thing transforms into a toddler bed. Cool, huh?"
"Damn kid might be a toddler by the time we get it built," Harvey quips.
"Be brave, Harvey." Mike can't help but laugh at his friend's moaning. Then he motions towards the mattress. "Check this out, it's double-sided… one side for newborns, the other for toddlers. All organic material. Totally safe."
"A newborn side of the mattress?" Harvey repeats, rolling his eyes. "Who comes up with this shit? How did we all survive our childhoods?."
"Give it a few months," Mike warns. "You're gonna be worse than me."
With just weeks to go before the Ross baby arrives, the room is nearly complete. And although Mike and Rachel are expecting a boy, the nursery décor is neutral.
Three light grey walls, and the fourth wallpapered in lemon and white stripes. In one corner, a glider and footstool, both upholstered in the same happy yellow. Along the opposite wall, a maple change table and dresser. On the floor, boxes of cloth diapers and wipes, newborn clothes, organic shampoos and lotions.
Two hours later, Harvey and Mike finish assembling the crib. And for all his complaining, Harvey actually enjoyed the experience.
When it comes to the law, he and Mike have always balanced each other out. Turns out, they fell into the same pattern when building this baby bed.
Harvey held the larger pieces, while Mike fiddled with the bolts. Harvey tested the limits of the front drop rail, and Mike adjusted the springs. When Mike suggested where to place the crib, his mentor challenged his decisions.
"Near to the door might be noisy," he said. "Not beside the curtains, it's not safe. Next to the chair is better."
When they finally finish, both men sit against the wall to admire their handiwork.
"Holy shit, there's a baby crib in this room!" Mike jests, leaning his head back with satisfaction. "This baby thing is really happening."
"I guess it is, and it looks good… and safe," Harvey compliments, with a satisfied grin. "Only thing missing in here is a beer fridge."
"Yeah, the last time we shopped for baby gear, I noticed they were out of bar carts and decanters," Mike deadpans. "I'll remind Rachel… I think Playmobil makes one."
Chuckling at his friend's response, Harvey turns to Mike, "You guys are gonna do great."
"Thanks, man," Mike replies. "Who would have guessed that we'd be new dads at the same time.
"Definitely not me," his mentor replies, shaking his head. "All my years of gambling… I would have never bet on this."
"And yet, you've never been happier," Mike points out, his expression reminding Harvey that the young lawyer was right all along.
"It's like the life I had before, was someone else's…" Harvey admits, resting his arms across bent knees. "How I got knocked into this one, I don't know."
"You got knocked into nothing," Mike challenges. "You made it happen."
"I did…," Harvey agrees, a tiny smile forming. "I've never made a better decision than in my life than Donna."
"Good, because you're gonna need all the help you can get with the decisions you're about to make," Mike replies, as he rises.
From the large built-in closet, he pulls out all the baby gear he and Rachel have purchased.
"You ready for a little show and tell?" Mike asks.
A 'nature sounds' crib mobile, baby monitor with HD video, infant car seat, ergonomic bathtub, baby carrier with a seasonal cover, and a motorized Bluetooth sleep chair controlled by a mobile device.
"So let me get this straight… you don't need to go near your kid to get them to sleep?" Harvey confirms with surprise. "Just rock them through your phone? Maybe it's just me, but that sounds kinda nuts."
"Nuts, until you're sleep-deprived and exhausted, and the only thing you can safely hold is your phone," Mike replies, thumbing his mobile screen. "Rachel's not a fan either, she calls it the neglect-o-matic!"
"I'm with Rachel on this one," Harvey chuckles.
"You like luxury vehicles, Harvey?" Mike adds. "Wait until I show you this stroller… it even comes with winter tires!"
xxx
Sipping on herbal tea at the Queen Mary Tea Room, Rachel and Donna take a break from their morning shopping. At Donna's feet, five bags loaded with gorgeous maternity clothes.
Shapely office dresses, flattering blouses for a growing bosom, stretchy cotton t-shirts, and skinny jeans for when she's not-so-skinny.
"How's Harvey adjusting?" Rachel asks. "One baby was a surprise, but two?"
"He's got that baby app on his phone to report on our babies' development," Donna grins. "At night, he works from home, so we can spend time together, and he hasn't missed a doctor's appointment. It's pretty sweet, actually."
Rachel giggles, never doubting for one second that Harvey wouldn't take his role seriously. "And how are you feeling?"
"Bigger every day." Donna sighs, as she places her hand on her protruding belly.
"I feel huge," Rachel empathizes, rubbing her own tummy. "I swear this little Ross is ready. The midwife said that's how it is in the final weeks."
With a furrowed brow, Donna hesitates, then asks, "Are you nervous about how the baby will affect your and Mike's relationship? With Harvey, it's been playing on my mind."
Nodding, Rachel replies. "We've talked about it, because everything is going to change. Not just personally, but with our careers, too. I was nervous at first, but we'll figure it out… and so will you and Harvey."
"It's more than that," Donna adds. "My body… everything is changing so quickly, I don't recognize myself, and I'm afraid Harvey won't… "
"Harvey?" Rachel chuckles, her eyes wide. "He's so in love with you… it's even more obvious now than it ever was."
"I know I'm being ridiculous, but…" Donna replies.
"You look fantastic… you're one hot mother-to-be!" Rachel interjects. "And, soon enough, these babies will be born and you'll find your way back."
"Thanks, I always knew I wanted this," she says, "But this is a lot sometimes."
"You and Harvey will handle it, just like you've handled everything else," Rachel assures. "Now, after tea, let's head to my favourite baby boutique. I'll show you everything you'll need."
xxx
"Well, that was quite a day," Harvey says, as he slides into bed next to Donna. After the Sonic's basketball game, the two couples met for an amazing birthday dinner at one of Seattle's finest restaurants.
"It was a great day," Donna agrees, as she leans into the open arm that Harvey has waiting. "You two did a great job on the baby's room."
Snuggling closer, Harvey chuckles. "It took a while to get that crib together, but we figured it out…. and I learned a few things."
"Learned a few things?" Looking up at him, Donna is suddenly intrigued.
"Mike did a show and tell of their baby gear… and we're going to need two of everything," he sighs. "I have a feeling these babies are going to take over the house."
"They definitely will," Donna agrees, nuzzling her head into his neck. "What we're really going to need is an extra set of hands."
Harvey furrows his brow. "Like a nanny?"
"And grandparents," she smiles at him. "But yes, a nanny."
"We'll start looking after the holidays,' he replies, thinking that Louis might have some advice. He and Sheila love their nanny. "How was your day with Rachel?"
"The best!" Donna beams, as their legs tangle under the covers. "I have to show you something."
Rolling out of bed, Donna rummages through her shopping bags. As she turns, she places two white onesies on the duvet.
The first reads, "Daddy's Co-counsel" while the second says, "I am legally authorized to be this adorable".
"Seriously?" Harvey laughs, reaching for the doll-size clothes. "Can I get the second one in a men's large?"
"Very funny," Donna smirks, while making a mental note that with Christmas around the corner, she's going to do exactly that. Then, she'll tell him with the most theatrically serious face, that it's a new workout shirt for the boxing gym.
"I got one for little baby Ross, too," she adds. Pulling the third cute outfit out of the bag, Donna holds it up for Harvey to read, "Attorney Work Product."
"That's funny!" he chuckles. Seeing his smile, the butterflies flutter in Donna's stomach.
His boyish grin, twinkling eyes and laugh lines, it's something she'll never take for granted. For years, he was never this open, and now, he outright giggles. For Donna, there is no better feeling than to see Harvey like this.
As she carefully folds the onesies, she glances over to find his blackening pupils scanning her body.
"What?" she asks, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
"You look pregnant now," he states. "I noticed when you took your coat off at the restaurant."
"I popped," Donna sighs, looking down at her protruding belly.
"Popped?" he repeats.
"It's when your tummy just pops out…. I think it happened today, or maybe last night," she replies, unenthusiastically.
"Something wrong?" Harvey questions.
"Healthy babies are the most important thing, but my body…" Donna says, her palms resting on her front. "I feel heavy and round… my clothes don't fit…. and…"
"Stop right there," Harvey says, knowing where this conversation is headed. "First of all, your amazing body is doing exactly what it should. And, I swear to God, every day that passes… you're more beautiful."
"Yeah, well, it's a cute belly now," she challenges. "You might not feel that way when I'm three times this size, and taking over the entire bed."
With a tiny laugh, he replies, "You really think I could ever feel less attracted to you? Donna, I loved you when you had bangs!"
"Hey…I got a lot of compliments with those bangs!" she frowns. "They were on trend!"
Pressing his lips together, Harvey playfully tilts his head. Then, he gets up, and rounds the bed, to step in front of her.
His hands gently cup her belly, and tender lips find hers.
"You're carrying our family, Donna," he says, softly, his affectionate eyes zeroing in on her frustrated expression. "There's nothing more beautiful or sexier than that. I have you and a family… you've changed my life."
"But I'm also going to change…," she warns. "My body, my face… God, at some point, I'll be waddling when I walk."
"I don't care," he replies with a firm tone she's heard many times before. Then, Harvey takes her hands into his. "As long as you don't bring back the mom bangs."
Pulling her hands away, Donna glares. "Harvey I'm serious! I've looked one way for all these years, and now everything's going to change!"
"Not everything," he challenges, this time intertwining his fingers with hers. "You're still going to be the most amazing woman I've ever met."
Then, with a kiss to her neck he mumbles, "And these curves? I'm not complaining. I gotta say… you're one hot mother."
As much as Donna wants to be frustrated with Harvey, a smile forces its way through, "Rachel said the same thing…"
"Because it's true," Harvey flirts, as Donna's arms extend across his shoulders. "What's making you so insecure? This isn't like you."
With a laboured sigh, she shrugs her shoulders, "I don't know. The changes are happening so fast… and with two babies we'll be tired… and we'll have no time for each other, we'll probably fight and…"
"Slow down, Donna…. you're getting ahead of yourself," Harvey says softly. "We're going to make mistakes, just like our parents did."
"And that's supposed to make me feel better?" She retorts. Then suddenly, Donna's eyes begin pooling with water.
"You see! My hormones!" she chokes, her arms surrendering. "The other day, I was alone in the executive kitchen and I just started to cry. And this morning in the shower."
Running soothing circles across her back, Harvey nods. "It's ok… you don't have to have it all figured out. We're both new at this."
"How are you so calm?" she asks, her red-rimmed eyes searching his.
"Because I got a little bit of control back today," he proudly explains. "And I'm pretty sure you're going to be happy with me."
Wiping the tears from her cheeks, Harvey then turns and reaches for a stuffed monkey sitting in the corner chair.
"Umm… is that monkey wearing a diaper?" Donna sniffles, as she pulls herself together.
"And he's been sitting there all evening, just waiting for you to notice," Harvey grins.
Cocking her head and pointing, she looks at Harvey with confusion… "Wait a minute. Did you put a diaper on that monkey?!"
"It sounds weird when you say that… but yes," Harvey chuckles. "With Mike… and we're definitely going with cloth and a diaper service."
"Mike showed you?!" she blinks, her lashes wet. "In my wildest dreams I never…"
Looking at Harvey, she can tell by the playful expression on his face, that he's pretty satisfied with himself.
"You can check, Harvey changing diapers, off your list," he says, the monkey now dangling from his hand. "Because I'm pretty much an expert."
"One empty diaper on a stuffed animal, and you're an expert?" Donna can't help but smile.
She knows this has nothing to do with a monkey or with a diaper. She's upset, and he's proving to her what he's capable of. "I'm impressed… how was it?"
"Somewhere between managing a deposition and going mudding with Louis," he teases. "But I got the hang of it."
"You really are full of surprises," Donna giggles. Taking the stuffed toy, she examines his diapering job. "You did good. Monkey looks happy."
Well, I was more concerned about making you happy," Harvey replies. "I know what you're going through isn't easy. And I love you for it. Nothing is going to change that."
"How much do you love this belly?" she teases, as she presses her body flush against his. "Between you on diaper duty and my hormones, it's making me feel…."
"So I get to take this hot mother to bed?" he flirts back, as he runs his hands along her rounded waist. "Come here."
Before Donna even has a chance to take a breath, Harvey presses his mouth to hers, the sensation tingling her spine and weakening her knees. She's already hot and bothered, so Harvey playfully tugging on her bottom lip, sends her into orbit.
As he gently lays her down on the bed, Donna's tank top rolls up to reveal her growing belly. With a sweet smile, Harvey delivers a trail of comforting kisses across the soft skin of her abdomen. His teeth nip her black bikini underwear and she exhales.
"Close your eyes, kids, because Daddy's about to do something to Mommy," he chuckles, as he peels the lace away.
"Oh my god, you're a bad man!" she breathes, excited about where his mouth is about to go.
With a lick of his lips and a twinkle in his eye, Harvey chuckles.
"I'm a very bad man."
xxx
It's seven am when Harvey pads into the kitchen for a coffee. Seeing a note next to the machine, he rubs his eyes in disbelief.
D and H,
Rachel's water broke at 2. Baby's coming. We're at Northwest Hospital. Text me.
Mike.
Note in hand, Harvey rushes into the bedroom. Within minutes, the couple are dressed and waiting for their cab. On the way to the hospital, Harvey cancels their afternoon flight, and messages Louis about the change in plans.
"I texted Mike that we're here," Harvey says, as Donna nervously takes a seat in the labour and delivery waiting room.
Sensing her fear, Harvey reaches for her hand. "It's going to be fine… we just need to wait for that little Ross to show himself."
His words sound assuring, but his weak smile gives him away. Harvey would never tell Donna outright, but he's terrified. This situation is exactly what he fears with her. An unexpected turn with her pregnancy.
As they wait, Harvey draws her in until her head rests on his shoulder. This closeness is as much for him as it is for her.
As they sit quietly, his mind races. Frightening thoughts firing from all sides. Knowing what Mike has gone through in losing his parents, Harvey can't stand the thought of something happening to Rachel or the baby.
As he nervously runs his hand up and down Donna's arm, she takes notice.
"Three weeks early is not a big deal," she says, sensing how anxious Harvey is. "The baby's pretty much developed by then."
"You're right," he passively agrees. His darting eyes, the timbre of his voice and the redness across the back of his neck... Donna knows he's stressed, so she continues.
"Plus, Rachel is healthy," she casually mentions. "She's been doing yoga. The doctor would never let her do that if there was a concern."
"That's good," he sighs.
"A smaller baby is easier to push out," she continues. "Less stress on the mother and baby."
Turning to her, Harvey shakes his head with frustration. "I know what you're doing, but I'm the one who should be comforting you…," he sighs, "You're the one who's gonna have the babies. If I can't handle this…"
"Rachel will be fine and so will we," Donna interrupts, patting his arm. Last night, he eased her insecurities, and now it's her turn.
Harvey is just about to respond when both their phones begin to buzz.
He's here! All good!
Reading their messages, Donna and Harvey exchange relieved grins.
Attached is a picture of an exhausted Rachel holding a screaming pink newborn, his head thick with black hair.
"See? Everyone's fine," Donna exhales, while quietly thanking whatever deity may have heard her prayers.
Looking at the picture, she squeezes Harvey's arm. "Oh my God, he's beautiful," Donna whispers. "Look at him!" Her hormones in full swing, tears begin rolling down her cheeks.
"Definitely has Rachel's hair," Harvey smiles. His eyes are misting as well.
Relieved, the couple bide their time waiting to hear from Mike.
"Hey!" A tired looking Mike says, as he enters the waiting room. Seeing his friends, no words are needed, as they all rush in for a hug.
"I hope you don't miss your flight," Mike says.
"You kidding me? We wouldn't have missed this for the world," Harvey beams. "We leave tomorrow night."
"We just can't wait to meet him." Donna says.
After Mike details the delivery, the three friends walk towards the recovery room.
Peaking in, Donna is the first to enter. Surrounded by soft lighting, Rachel is sitting in bed, cradling the hours-old infant.
"Well, this has been quite a weekend," Donna whispers, as she places a kiss on Rachel's head. "Congratulations, mama, he's beautiful."
Beaming with pride, Rachel hands the sleeping infant to her friend, and Donna's breath stills.
"Six pounds," Rachel says. "Small but mighty."
As Donna slowly rocks the newborn in her arms, she looks up at Harvey, his wide eyes twinkling.
"Do you want to hold him, Harvey?" Donna asks. His expression says yes, but his fidgeting figures suggest that he's nervous.
"Just be sure to support his head and back," Donna instructs, as she carefully hands the bundle over.
Cradling the newborn, Harvey hunches his shoulders. Then, his heart swells at the sensation of this perfect little person in his protective hold. With one hand over the sleeping infant's chest, Harvey takes in the rise and fall of his tiny body.
He's simply in awe of the child in his arms. Rosy cheeks and black hair curling from under a tiny hat. The most delicate fingers moving and searching for something to grasp.
Glancing at Mike, Harvey whispers. "He's got your mouth… and Rachel's nose."
Then, five tiny fingers instinctively wrap themselves around Harvey's thumb, and his heart soars.
"He's amazing," he breathes, losing himself in the moment.
"Harvard material for sure," Mike teases.
"He's better than that, he's gonna school those Harvard douches…" Harvey grins.
'Have you decided on a name?" Donna asks.
"We have," Rachel smiles, her eyes dancing between her friends.
"James… after my father," Mike says.
"James Harvey Robert Ross…." Rachel says.
Hearing his name, Harvey suddenly looks up, his eyes damp.
Then, he glances over at Donna. She crying too.
"You gave me a life, Harvey, the least we can do is give him your name," Mike explains, his blue eyes twinkling. "Without you, we wouldn't be here today. That's the truth."
"Thank you both," Harvey chokes, unable to fully express what this means to him.
"Ok, Mister, you've had him long enough," Donna says, stepping closer. "It's my turn with sweet baby James."
"Alright," he sighs, clearly unhappy to give him up.
xxx
With Mike staying overnight with Rachel, Donna and Harvey head back to the bungalow. They spend the afternoon going back and forth to the hospital, delivering take-out and an overnight bag for Mike.
After visiting hours are over, they return to the bungalow to ensure the nursery is perfect for when Mike, Rachel and baby James arrive the next day.
As they settle into bed, Donna turns to Harvey, "Was that your first time holding a newborn?"
"It was…" Harvey smiles. "Lucy was a week old before I saw her, and I didn't meet Marcus's kids until they were a little older. I thought they were small, but, newborns..."
"Amazing isn't it?" Donna agrees, as she snuggles into Harvey's chest.
"I wasn't sure… you know, holding him," Harvey admits, "But when I did, I forgot about everything…"
"Babies have a way of doing that," Donna says. "Soon, we're going to have two wanting our attention."
"I honestly can't wait" Harvey says, sitting up. His eyes twinkling with excitement. "Until now, I've been nervous. But after holding James… I can't wait, Donna."
"I've been feeling a lot of things, but I can't wait to meet our babies, too," Donna beams, as she also sits up. "And there's no one else, but you, that I could imagine doing this with."
"Only you," he agrees, with a tender kiss. "Holy shit... we're gonna be parents!"
"Harvey… remember what I told you about swearing?" Donna scolds with a playful frown.
"You gonna send me to my fucking room?" he flirts, with a nibble of her chin. "Because I'm ok with that."
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" she laughs. "Enjoy it now, Mister, because in five months this bad habit has to go."
"Jesus Christ, Donna, you're no goddamn fun!"
"Harvey, behave!" Donna giggles, as he pulls her under the covers.