THANKFUL 4
RECAP:
- Harvey and Donna are visiting Mike and Rachel in Seattle.
- He and Mike build a crib, and Harvey proudly diapers a stuffed monkey.
- Donna confides in Rachel that she fears Harvey will no longer find her attractive.
- Harvey wakes on Sunday morning to a note that Rachel went into labour.
- The couple head to the hospital to meet baby James, who's middle name is Harvey.
In Chapter 4 here… lots going on, and we've skipped a few months. But this is not just a Harvey and Donna "I love you" story. This is about how their life together unfolds, and how the people around them play into their universe .
No sex in this one, but all the consequences of sex... and a few heartfelt moments. Hope you enjoy and tell me what you think. XO
Donna lets out a frustrated groan as she awkwardly drops onto the sofa. With less than a month to go before the babies are due, she's on her first day of home rest. As per her doctors' requests, she's to take it easy in these final few weeks.
"You gonna be ok here by yourself?" Harvey asks, as he slides his arms into the sleeves of his grey suit jacket. "My mother will be here in an hour. Ray's picking her up from the station and he'll give her a key. But if you need anything, call me."
"I might be calling you to help me off this couch!" Donna sighs, her cellphone in her hand. "Now I know how a beached whale feels."
"Well, you look great," Harvey smiles, his eyes pooling with adoration. "Pregnancy suits you."
"Don't get any ideas!" she teases. "I have a feeling we're going to be challenged with these two. The way they kick…"
Although Donna's relieved she's not having to squeeze herself into a work outfit today, she's also a little nervous. The thought of sitting at home intentionally trying to do nothing, is new territory.
To prepare, she's made plans to help pass the time. Books and movies to catch up on, last-minute baby items to order online as well as telephone calls to friends and family.
As Harvey leans over with an affectionate kiss, he gently places his hand on her rounded tummy, his fingers traveling over the bump of her protruding belly button. They're in the homestretch and he couldn't be more excited.
There's a lot to look forward to, including the surprise of whether they're having boys or girls or both. Donna was keen to know, but Harvey wanted to hold out, which has made the name selection process more challenging.
Two boys names and two girls names, and as Donna advised, their choices might go right out the window once they see their babies' faces.
"That was quite a kick," Harvey chuckles, as he spreads his fingers to one side of her rolling abdomen. The movement bringing a smile to both their faces. "I'm thinking soccer players or karate instructors."
"As crazy as this sounds, I'll never tire of this feeling," Donna beams. "Little humans moving inside me."
"I think I just felt two feet kicking," Harvey declares, his hand running soothing circles across her front. He's actually a little envious of the closeness Donna already shares with their children, while he's left to wait patiently. "Can I get you anything before I go?"
"I'll be ok until Lily comes," she nods, her thick hair bouncing. "But say hi to the office for me."
His dark eyes shift between her hazel ones, and they catch a restlessness there. As much as the couple is looking forward to being parents, Donna not being at the office, is a big change… for both of them.
Even when she went to work for Louis, she was still at the firm. And even though they're married now, Harvey already feels a pang in his chest at not seeing her throughout the day.
With another slow kiss and a wistful sigh, he sets off to work. The click of the front door lock, and the townhouse is so quiet, that Donna can hear a pin drop.
Scanning the decorator white walls, she huffs. Rachel warned her to enjoy these quiet moments because, soon enough, she won't have a second to herself. But for the first time in her life, she has no idea what to do.
Reaching for a notepad and pen, Donna scribbles a messy list of items for her hospital bag. As she learned from Rachel's experience, it's never too early to have a bag ready.
She's feeling pretty good about the nursery, however, as everything is pretty much complete.
Last weekend, Marcus came to help Harvey build two cribs. And as Mike had predicted, Harvey insisted he builds them himself.
"These aren't ordinary cribs," Harvey expertly explained to Marcus. "These are non-toxic, made from environmentally sourced wood, and they're the safest cribs around. That's why we're doing this ourselves. I want to make sure they're built right."
Remembering the brothers last weekend, Donna laughs to herself. Harvey sounded just like Mike… and as his protege predicted... just like an overprotective father.
After completing her list, she tosses the notepad on the coffee table and reaches for her phone.
One quick text to Harvey to say hello...
What are you doing?
Just got in. Everything ok?
I'm bored.
Already? I've been gone twenty minutes. Watch a movie.
Like what? And don't say something with Tom Cruise. I like my men tall.
Even Jerry Maguire? It's a romance and you like cute. He's cute in that.
Not cute enough. When will you be home?
I have a deposition. This is going to be a long month.
Forget the month. This day is taking forever.
How are you feeling?
Bored.
Besides that…
Just as Donna is set to respond, she hears a key in the lock.
Oh, I think Lily's here.
Thank you Sweet Baby Jesus!
Sweet Baby Jesus is right! I can't move off this sofa! Love you.
Love you, too. See you tonight, beautiful.
You're cute.
Tom Cruise cute? (winking face emoji)
No. Waay cuter! (kiss emoji)
Dropping her phone on the sofa, Donna turns to see her mother-in-law at the living room entrance.
"Donna, look at you!" Lily says, as she drops her purse and suitcase along the wall.
"Lily!" Donna replies. "I'd get up, but unless someone rolls me off this sofa, I'm going nowhere!"
With a warm hug and kiss on the cheek, Lily chuckles. "I guess my grandchildren are taking up more space every day."
"You can say that again!" Donna replies, with a laboured breath. The weight of her stomach making it challenging to inhale.
"Well, you look wonderful!" Lily smiles, as she moves to sit next to Donna. "So, what can I do for you today besides roll you off the sofa?"
Lily pats Donna's knee, and the two women share a knowing laugh.
"Keep me company. Talk me down from the feelings I'm having… and yes, roll me off this sofa or get me a bedpan because with these two, there's no room left for my bladder," she grins.
The two women continue giggling, as the elder lady rises, reaches for Donna's hands and slowly pulls her to standing.
With her fingers kneading her back, Donna slowly makes her way to the washroom. Meanwhile, Lily boils the kettle and delivers two cups of peppermint tea to the coffee table.
With a happy sigh, the elderly woman stares at the painting above the dark oak fireplace mantle. Memories of the tiny doll and plastic duck take her back more than thirty years. Discarded toys she found while watching Harvey at little league.
Lily remembers working on the canvas as if it were yesterday. Harvey was barely ten, but he intently watched her as she worked. His eyes focused on her careful brush strokes, while they casually chatted about baseball.
"I have an idea," Lily says, as Donna returns. "Have you thought about Father's Day?"
"Father's Day? As organized as I think I am, I have to admit I haven't," Donna says, blinking. "What did you have in mind?"
Placing her hand over Donna's, Lily explains. "I'd like to paint you. Do a portrait of you… for Harvey. For his home office."
"Me? Like this?" Donna's eyes widen. "You'd want to do a portrait of me pregnant?"
"Yes! He's told me how much he loves the way you look right now," Lily continues. "I know he'd cherish a portrait of you."
"Wow, he said that to you? Then it's an amazing idea!" Donna beams.
Her fingers drumming the sofa cushion, she pauses, then quips, "I'd love that… under one condition…"
"Anything," Lily replies.
"Let's make it more impressionistic, than realistic," Donna suggests, lightheartedly. "Last thing I need is an artistic representation of my stretch marks. I do have some vanity left!"
"Deal!" Lily laughs. "How about we go through your closet to find something you feel beautiful in. I'll take pictures and then I'll work my portrait from those."
"Thank you Lily, what a fantastic first Father's Day gift for Harvey," Donna replies, gratefully. "And I can't think of a better way to start off my maternity leave."
XXX
"You're deep in thought…" Samantha says, slowly stepping into Harvey's office. She's come to fetch him for the meeting they have in fifteen minutes. "Deposition details?"
Looking up, Harvey offers a half-smile. Since Samantha and Marcus are now seeing each other, he's felt more connected to her, so his reply comes easily.
"Mother's Day, actually," he admits, tensing his jaw. "Donna isn't due until the 25th, but I'm wondering if I should get her something anyway. Maybe give it to her after the babies are born."
"So… a push present, you mean?" Samantha asks, as she comes to sit across from Harvey's desk.
"A what?!" His expression giving away his inexperience.
With a casual smile, Samantha folds her hands on her lap. "Push present… It's when the father buys the mother a gift for giving birth… for... umm… pushing the baby out… and knowing Donna… I'd highly recommend against it."
Closing his laptop, Harvey juts his head back and frowns. "You think she'd hate that? Even diamonds?"
"Forget even considering a push present," Samantha states, waving the idea away. "Women like Donna aren't impressed with a gift for something women have been doing naturally for centuries. She'd be more grateful if you took some real time off after the babies are born."
"I'm taking a week," he assures. "Plus, we'll have grandparents and the nanny."
"Your honeymoon was longer. Take three weeks," Samantha advises. "And if you have help with the babies, then take care of her."
"Three weeks? That's a lifetime in this business," Harvey replies. "I'm not sure…"
"We'll survive," Samantha challenges. "Louis, Katrina and I will gladly cover for you. Donna doesn't expect you to take that kind of time. It will mean everything to her."
"Ok, so what do I do about Mother's Day?" he asks. "Flowers?"
"Oh Harvey," Samantha giggles, with an exaggerated roll of her eyes. "Yes, flowers, and something special for after the babies are born."
"Like what?" Harvey asks. At a complete loss, he's open to any suggestion.
" A double heart necklace from Tiffany & Co.," Samantha explains. "You can give it to her for Mother's Day, and then when the babies are born, on each heart, engrave a name on the front, and the weight and birthdate on the back. They also come with a birthstone. May is an emerald, a perfect color for Donna."
Processing the idea, a smile soon makes its way across Harvey's mouth. The twinkle in his eyes telling Samantha that he's on board.
"I like it," Harvey grins. "Thanks Samantha. I appreciate this."
"Anytime," she smiles back, happy to have made a difference. Now that she and Marcus are together, Harvey and Donna are beginning to feel even more like family. "Now that you've got your answer… are you ready to ask some questions? They're expecting us in the conference room."
"Deposition, right! Let's go!" Harvey replies, heading for the door. "And then to Tiffany's."
"Smart man," Samantha grins, as she follows him out.
XXX
It took Donna less than ten minutes to find three outfits that she thought suitable for Lily's painting. Not because she's confident in her choices, but because she's running out of clothes that fit.
Despite her limited wardrobe, Donna happily models the items that she hopes might work.
The first outfit is a long, white, French lace nightgown that falls softly around her shapely legs. The sleeveless bodice rests low across her bust and ties just above her exposed belly.
The second is a silky dark green bra and bikini set, chosen because she knows Harvey loves the color on her. And the third is a stretchy, off-the-shoulder black maxi dress that hugs every maternal curve.
"What do you think?" Donna asks her mother-in-law, who's taken no less than a dozen photos of her in each outfit. Despite how lovely the clothes are, she's feeling self-conscious.
"They're all stunning, and I'm going to keep these photos forever, because one day, you're going to look back and appreciate how truly gorgeous you look right now," Lily assures, sensing that Donna is not feeling her model best. "But I still think we can do better..."
"What do you mean?" Donna questions, drawing her full red strands back from her face. Since being pregnant, her hair is thicker and shinier than ever.
"The white is stunning and I love the satin green," Lily compliments. "Let's go with both of those. The emerald bikinis with the white lace falling around your belly and down your legs. With your hair, this will make for an amazing painting."
As Donna visualizes the image, she wraps her mother-in-law in a warm hug. "Thank you Lily," Donna sniffles. "I can't wait to give this to Harvey."
XXX
It's still dark when Harvey wanders into the nursery. He's not normally awake at five am, but it felt unusually cool and quiet under the king-size covers.
Donna often tosses and turns in the morning, adjusting no less than five pillows in an effort to get comfortable. So it was the stillness of their bed that forced his eyes open.
Dressed in boxers and the fun t-shirt Donna gave him for Christmas, he pads his way to the ensuite bathroom, before noticing the light seeping under the nursery room door.
"There you are," he smiles at seeing Donna sitting in the wheat-coloured glider, her feet propped on the matching footstool. "Thought you went off and had these babies without me."
Seeing what he's wearing, Donna shakes her head and laughs. "I'm sorry but that t-shirt never fails to crack me up," she says, remembering the look on Harvey's face Christmas morning when he unwrapped it. Marcus and the kids thought it was hilarious, and begged him to wear it for the entire day.
The large t-shirt is a copy of the newborn onesie Donna bought in Seattle. It reads, I'm legally authorized to be this adorable.
Looking down at the writing on his shirt, Harvey chuckles, "It should actually read, I'm legally authorized to be this embarrassed."
"Either way, you're adorable," she sighs, her palms resting across her front.
Sensing a change in her mood, Harvey lifts her feet to rest on his lap, as he occupies the footstool. With a gentle massage of her feet, he notices her perfectly manicured toes. It's one thing he's appreciated about Donna throughout this pregnancy. She's made a point of being good to herself. Manicures, pedicures, facials and therapeutic massage.
"What's going on in that head of yours?" he asks, his voice still sleepy. "It's early, even for you."
"Couldn't sleep and the nursery kept coming to mind, so I decided to come here and sit." Her voice now quiet but thoughtful. "Maybe this is what nesting feels like… you just want to be sure everything is ready."
"Everything's ready," he confirms. "Besides, they'll be in the cot next to the bed at first, right?"
"They'll want to sleep together is what I've heard," she says.
"At least someone will be getting some sleep," he chuckles.
"My doctor's appointment today…" Donna begins. "I know you're wrapping up a big case. How about I get Lily to come with me? It's just routine and something tells me she'd be thrilled."
"I don't know…" Harvey sighs, as he taps his fingers on the tops of her feet.
"I won't be alone, and now that I'm not in the office, I know things are busier," Donna offers. "At least until Davis gets the hang of the position."
"You sure?" he asks. "I hate to miss one."
"You can come next week," Donna smiles.
"Ok, but only if you're sure… and since I'm already up, I'll get a jump on today," Harvey says, as he moves to stand.
After leaning in for a kiss, he draws back to scan the nursery. Donna selected the most soothing colours. Cream walls, and a very large, floor-to-ceiling watercolor tree mural. The large leaves in varying shades of blue and green, add a calmness to the space.
On the floor, a soft green area rug that compliments the bedding and artwork on the walls.. Instead of two, Donna opted for one large dresser, with each child receiving three drawers.
Across the dresser top, dozens of stuffed animals, mostly impulse buys from Harvey. He can't help but smile when he sees the collection. Plush elephants, floppy bunnies, furry teddy bears and a random Spock doll, because he just couldn't resist.
In one of the cribs, Harvey spies a stuffed monkey wearing a diaper, a funny thank-you gift from Mike and Rachel for helping out on the weekend baby James was born.
Next to the glider, a gift from Donna's parents. A maple and white bookshelf complete with two dozen children's picture books, including Donna's favourite, Goodnight Moon.
"Everything is definitely ready… This is a beautiful nursery," Harvey compliments, as he gets up to leave. "Do you want me to help you get back to bed?"
"After your shower," she exhales. "I think I'd like to sit here a little longer."
XXX
"Thank you for inviting me to come to your appointment," Lily says, gratefully. "With Marcus's kids, I never had the chance."
"Of course! My mother came to an appointment last month, and now that you're here, it's perfect timing," Donna replies, as the technician preps her for an ultrasound. She and Lily have such an easy rapport, inviting her feels as natural as having her own mother attend.
As the technician moves the wand across her belly, he clicks the pictures, then suddenly pauses. Frowning, he reaches for the phone.
"Is Dr. Simpson available?" he calmly requests, as if it's the most routine of calls. Seeing his behaviour, Donna's heart pounds with panic.
"Everything ok?" she asks, willing herself to sit up.
"Babies are fine, but the doctor will be here to take a look… it's not unusual in the final weeks of a twins pregnancy to have an expert review the ultrasound," the technician explains, in an effort to reassure Donna.
Sensing her fear and feeling anxious herself, Lily offers Donna's hand a reassuring squeeze.
Seconds later, Dr. Simpson, the on-call twins specialist arrives. He's quickly down to business, and Donna watches intently as the whites of his eyes reflect the glow of the screen. His pupils traveling up and down the grainy image before him.
Then, he turns to Donna and exhales.
"Donna, the babies are fine, but if we don't take action now, there may be some complications later," he says, moving the screen so she and Lily can see. Pointing at the image, he continues, "We already have one baby in the right position for delivery, but the other is transverse. That's not so much a concern as the varying heartbeats we're hearing… and we don't want to take chances with that… I recommend we deliver today… by C-section."
The room suddenly begins to spin, as Donna absorbs the news.
"To…ddday?!" she stutters. "But I'm not ready. I don't have my things! And Harvey!"
With a confident grip on Donna's hand and realizing how nonsensical Donna's response is, Lily calmly whispers, "Don't worry, we'll get your things… and Harvey, too."
A stethoscope is now placed on her abdomen, and Dr. Simpson listens.
"Donna, please don't worry, your babies are ok," he informs, pulling the apparatus away from his ears. "We're being smart here, and given that you have a few weeks left, we don't want to risk having to rush you in for care at that point."
"Ok… so what do I do?" she asks, her voice shaking. All of a sudden Donna's gone from planning a leisurely month at home, to delivering two newborns during the first week of her maternity leave.
"Call your husband. I expect we'll be ready to go in two hours," the doctor explains. "We'll get you prepped, and I'll have the nurse bring you the paperwork."
The doctor hasn't even left and Donna is already texting Harvey.
Call me ASAP! Babies are fine but they're coming today.
Staring at her screen, Donna wills a fast response but nothing comes, so she presses #1 on her speed dial…. Straight to Harvey's voicemail.
"I forgot, he, Louis and Samantha are in court!" Donna says to Lily. As much as she's tried to appear calm, Lily's worried expression gives her away.
"It's ok Donna, you'll get through. Who at the office is the first to come to mind for help?"
"Gretchen!" Donna replies, as her fingers jump to place the call.
"Hey, Red! Bored already?" Gretchen teases, with a deep-throated chuckle.
"Gretchen, I need your help. Harvey needs to come to the hospital right now! I'm delivering today!" The panic in Donna's voice reverberating through the phone.
"What?! What's going on?!" Gretchen asks. "Are you and the babies ok?
"Yes, but the doctor is concerned about the strain on one, and they'll be doing a C-section in two hours. And I can't reach Harvey! I'm at Mount Sinai."
"Don't worry, I'll get Ray to head to the courthouse. I'll go there now and find Harvey myself! Don't worry, Red, we'll get him there in time to meet those beautifiul kids."
As Gretchen rushes out, she tells Susie at reception to cover for her. Waiting for the elevator, she anxiously texts Harvey, Louis and Samantha.
"Of all the times for you three fools to be in court!" she says out loud as the elevator pings.
Fifty floors down and once the doors open to the lobby, Gretchen makes another call.
"Ray, it's Gretchen. Donna is about to have her babies and we need to get Harvey to Mount Sinai. Head over to the Centre Street Courthouse and wait. Don't leave unless you hear from me, I'm heading over there now!"