THANKFUL 6
Recap:
- Donna is on bed rest and Lily keeps her company.
- Lily will paint a portrait of a pregnant Donna as a Father's Day gift for Harvey.
- Lily and Donna go to her prenatal appointment and the doctor decides to deliver.
- Donna can't reach Harvey and so Gretchen goes to court to find him.
- Harvey arrives just in time and Donna has a C-section
- Donna delivers twins… Isabelle and Ivy Specter
Thanks everyone, hope you're still liking this story. It's a soft and different journey for Donna and Harvey. Let me know how you're enjoying it. Reviews help me to improve.
"After you and the girls, I'm pretty sure I love coffee the most," Donna smiles, as Harvey delivers to her hospital bed, a steaming mug of black with two sugars and a splash of vanilla. She's waited months to drink coffee again, and since the girls were born, she hasn't taken one delicious cup for granted.
With a grateful sip, Donna welcomes the sweet warmth that awakens the back of her throat. "This is soooo good. I've missed my Sunday morning coffee in bed. You have no idea how happy this makes me."
"As long as you don't think it's better than your Sunday morning in bed with me…," he flirts. His hand reaching through the side hole of the incubator.
Although Isabelle and Ivy are healthy, Dr. Simpson recommended a week in hospital to help them along. The girls are so tiny, one of Harvey's hands practically covers both their bodies.
To keep from mixing them up, Isabelle is wearing a white preemie sleeper and hat, while Ivy is head to toe in soft pink.
"I think you're pretty safe," she teases, her long fingers wrapped around the mug. "But if you bring me one of those fancy coffees with whipped cream on top, I can't guarantee…"
"Had to mention the whipped cream, didn't you?" he chuckles, his eyes focused on the newborns, as their tiny hands instinctively grasp one another. "Do you see this? They can't stop touching each other, even in their sleep."
"Nine months in tight quarters will do that I guess," Donna replies. "From everything I've read, twins are different. We're going to have fun watching them."
After delivering two days ago, Donna is finally starting to get her colour back. But until her incision heals, she's under doctor's orders to refrain from carrying anything, including the feather-weight twins.
As a result, Harvey has been doing most of the "heavy lifting". Changing diapers, delivering the girls for feedings, and walking them up and down the hospital corridor, until they fall asleep.
When she hasn't been nursing, Donna's tried to rest, but the excitement of the last two days has been a lot to adjust to.
Gretchen, Samantha, Katrina and Stu came by yesterday. Today, the new grandparents are visiting, while Louis and Sheila are also set to drop by.
"You know what today is, right?" Harvey asks, turning to Donna with a playful grin. Since she's been up all hours with the newborns, she's lost track of time.
"Umm… my second full day of being a mother?" she replies, as she inhales the last few drops of her dark roast.
"It is… and you also got in just before the deadline." There's a twinkle in his eyes. He's surprised she doesn't remember. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but… Happy Mother's Day, Donna!"
Her hand covering her mouth, Donna's tired eyes go as wide as saucers. "Today? I completely forgot. I can't believe I'm actually a mother… and I didn't get anything for our mothers!"
With a tilt of his head, Harvey looks at the redhead, amused she would feel this way. "Pretty sure we've scored in the gift-giving department. And I got you something..."
Stepping away from the incubator, Harvey pulls a robin's egg-coloured box from his coat pocket, before coming to sit on the edge of the hospital bed.
"After what you've been through… the sickness, the weekly tests, the bed rest, and then the delivery… every day should be Mother's Day," he says softly, the emotions swelling against his nostrils now. "Taking care of yourself and our girls…. I love you. You did this for us, and this means everything, Donna."
Seeing the sincerity in his dark brown eyes, Donna reaches for his hand. What a difference a year can make. In fact, last year at this time, they weren't together, and she had just started seeing Thomas.
"I love you, too.. but I won't lie, it hasn't been an easy nine months," Donna admits, her eyes turning towards the incubator. Watching her two babies, she breaks into a wide grin. "But completely worth it… look at those two… they're incredible."
"You're incredible," Harvey jumps in, while handing her the blue Tiffany box. "I was also going to get you flowers, but we have a window sill full of them right now… I think you'll like this, though."
Donna slowly opens the box, and her eyes begin to mist. A white gold necklace featuring two heart-shaped pendants… one inscribed with the name, Isabelle, the other with Ivy.
On the back, their birth weights, and birth date… May 8, 2020.
"Harvey… this is… beautiful!" she gasps, as he moves to clasp the chain around her neck. "How did you do this so fast? They're two days old."
"Samantha," he explains. "I planned to give this to you today and then engrave it after, but the girls threw a wrench into those plans. Samantha took care of it yesterday."
"My first ever Mother's Day gift. It's beautiful, thank you," Donna says, wiping the dampness from her eyes.
Closing the distance between them, Donna gently kisses Harvey, pausing to savour just how grateful she feels in this moment. Two healthy babies and the love of her life sharing this journey. It's everything she's ever wanted.
Seeing where she is now, Donna shudders at how she once tried to make things work with Thomas. She would have been content, but it would be no where near the happiness she feels now. Harvey coming to her door last year, set off a chain reaction that finally led them to where they both are supposed to be.
"And one more thing…," Harvey adds. "I'm taking three weeks off…" He's still not completely certain it's the smartest professional move, but he doesn't care.
"Three weeks? Harvey, you don't have to…" Donna replies, shaking her mess of red hair. "I'll have help."
"I'll keep an eye on things at the office, but when will I ever get this time back?" he challenges, his thumb stroking the top of her hand. "With you and the girls? I've worked my entire career to get where I am. I don't want to miss this. I think… we… deserve a little family time."
XXX
After happy Mother's Day snapshots are taken of mothers, grandmothers and the newborns, Harvey excuses himself from the hospital room. With Lily cuddling Isabelle, and Carol rocking Ivy, he sees that Donna and his girls are in good company.
It's been two nights of sleeping on a hospital lounger, and Harvey is starting to miss his bed. He's managed to rest some, despite waking every few hours to deliver the twins for nursing.
Thankfully, with so many visitors to keep Donna company, he's been able to shower and change at home. As he heads towards the hospital coffee shop, he dials Mike.
"I have to say, I was a little disappointed you didn't name them Butch and Sundance," his protégé quips, as he takes the call. "But Izzy and Ivy will do, I guess."
"I was fully onboard with Batgirl and Wonder Woman, but Donna wouldn't have it… said they'd get picked on at school," he volleys back.
"Superheroes? They'd school those Harvard douchebags!" Mike laughs. In the background, the sound of squawking birds and a gurgling baby.
"Where are you?" Harvey asks.
"Hiking at a nature reserve… Rachel thought it would be healthy for me to bond with James this way," Mike explains. "He's strapped on to me like a Tom Ford vest… I'm sure you get the picture."
Harvey laughs at the visual. "Do you do everything your wife tells you to do?"
"Everything… just like you, my friend," Mike points out. "How's Donna and how are the twins?"
"Donna's great and recovering. Ivy is four pounds eight ounces and Isabelle is five pounds exactly," Harvey replies. "Both lightweights… but strong. A week at the hospital and then we're home."
"And the delivery…?" Mike asks, his breath laboured as he takes a hill.
"Goddamn frightening," Harvey admits outright, as he slides into a corner booth at the coffee shop. "I don't know how doctors do it. It all worked out, but I was stressed the entire time. Donna handled it like a champ… but I have to say, I'm glad it's over…"
"Oh, it's just beginning my friend," Mike warns, lightheartedly. "And I'm proud of you, Harvey! Congratulations!"
"Thanks Mike. I'm grabbing a coffee. Gotta keep myself going. I'll talk to you soon. Wish Rachel a Happy Mother's Day for me," he smiles into the phone before hanging up.
With eyes closed, Harvey massages his tired brow, keen to savour these quiet moments alone. Now that he has a family, the responsibility it entails begins to weigh on him.
It's not just the day-to-day care, the schooling and the activities the girls will eventually participate in. He's thinking about life insurance, the rewriting of his will, and the prenuptial he and Donna signed. He's thinking about the risky choices he's made in the past, and how he's determined to change his ways.
Everything Harvey's worked for, everything he's earned… it's all about caring for his family now. He makes a mental note to have Louis revise the paperwork.
"Well, well, well… look what the cat dragged in," Travis Tanner smirks, as he approaches Harvey's booth. "Here for a lobotomy? They've made great progress with the surgery, might actually make you smarter."
"I take it you're here for a heart transplant," Harvey mutters, returning to scroll his phone. "And by that I mean, actually getting one. Sad that hospitals don't perform miracles. But there's a church down the street… you might wanna try that."
With a snicker, and his hands in his pocket, Harvey's old foe, looks him over.
"Actually, I'm here to see a long-time and very lucrative client... heart attack. The rich ones get bedside service," Tanner says. "How's your lovely wife?" He knows the question is sure to irk Harvey.
"Donna's great," he replies, as he gets up to stand. Tanner is the last person he's going to let ruin his day. Coffee in hand, he moves past the steely-eyed lawyer.
"Harvey!" Jim Paulsen says, as he steps into the cafe. "I just met the twins! You up for a chat? I'll grab something to go."
"Love to Jim," Harvey says, before giving Tanner a side-eye. "The thing about having a family… they set your priorities in order…"
"Two new Specters on the planet? I guess congratula…" Tanner begins.
"Save it," Harvey interrupts, as he walks over to meet his father-in-law. There have been more than enough days that he's let Tanner affect him, but no more. With a confident exhale, Harvey turns his attention to Jim.
Coffees in hand, the two men head to a small park on the hospital grounds. Harvey's hardly been outside since the babies were born, so he appreciates the fresh, spring air.
"How are you, my boy… and be honest," Jim asks, with a half smile. They're sitting on a park bench. Morning joggers and parents with strollers are criss-crossing on the path in front of them.
"Tired, but good," Harvey replies. "It's all a little surreal… "
"I remember that feeling," Jim says, sipping his hot drink. "I remember thinking, how the hell am I going to do this!"
Harvey nods. He doesn't want Jim to think he can't handle himself. People have babies every day, but he's a little worried. Will he be a good father? Will the mistakes he's bound to make, be fixable?
"Moms…" Jim begins, as if he's reading Harvey's mind. "Moms get the support. From friends, other mothers… and their own mothers. But dads… we're not always open about our fears…"
Not wanting to push Harvey into talking, Jim lets the words hang to allow his son-in-law to process them.
"Yeah, I get that," Harvey nods. "I don't want Donna to know how this weighs on me."
"Weighs on you? What exactly?" Jim asks, turning to him.
"I know that financially, I can take care of my family, but I don't want to fail them in other ways," Harvey admits. "I want to be the role model my daughters deserve… and given what happened in my own family, I just hope I can."
"Harvey," Jim chuckles, with an understanding nod. "Believe me, I understand. It's not a sprint with children, it's a marathon. To be honest, they just need to be loved. And from what I know of you and your loyalty to the people you care about…. that won't be a problem."
"I can't work like I used to," Harvey explains, taking in what Jim has had to say. "Gonna have to change that. The way I've done things in the past. I won't take the risks I used to."
"Makes sense, and I appreciate that you see that already," Jim compliments. "As you know, I've made mistakes that have affected Donna and her mother. You're already one step ahead. You're a smart man, Harvey. I have no doubt you'll do the right thing."
"My dad was gone a lot of the time. I could have used him being around more… so that's something I've been thinking about," Harvey replies, thoughtfully. "I want to be around for all the important things."
"And you will," Jim advises. "There's plenty of time to make the changes you'll need."
Turning to his father-in-law, Harvey asks. "What's it like raising a daughter?"
Propping his glasses up with his finger, a wide grin takes over Jim's round face.
"They own you," he chuckles. "They make you do things you'd never, in a million years, ever think you'd do. I've been to more teddy bear tea parties than I care to admit… so prepare yourself for that."
"I think I can handle that," Harvey smiles.
"Glitter in your hair is a definite... there might also be a tiara in your future," Jim laughs. "And you're gonna wear lip gloss… at least once!"
Although he's shaking his head back and forth, Harvey's twinkling eyes give away that he'd be fine with all of it.
"As they grow, you'll realize the impact you have on how your daughters view their worth," Jim says, his expression becoming serious. "This is the most important part of your role as a father. You are the definition of what a man is, and they'll hold every other male in their lives to that standard…. So keep the standard high, Harvey. That's all I can say, keep your standard high."
"I can do that, Jim," Harvey nods, earnestly. "I will do that."
After a thoughtful exhale, the elder man, once again, turns to face his son-in-law. "I also want to say thank you… thank you for making me a grandfather. I can't tell you how grateful I am."
"You know we're going to put you to work, right?" Harvey grins. "You're next in line for another tiara."
With a welcome laugh, Jim places his hand on Harvey's shoulder. "Birthday party, tea party, beauty pageant, where do I sign up?!"
XXX
It's early afternoon when Harvey returns to Donna and the twins. After chatting with Jim, he went home to shower and change. The newborns are asleep, after their most recent feeding, and the room is quiet.
Stepping into the hospital room, Harvey kisses Donna and heads straight for the babies. His hand, once again, inside the incubator.
"You just missed Louis, Sheila and Lucy," Donna says, while trying to get a hairbrush through her thick locks. It feels like weeks since she's groomed herself. "Lucy is a doll… you look refreshed after going home."
"Yes and before that, I was with your father, getting parenting advice," he says, sheepishly.
"You? You're a natural, Harvey… you're like a mother hen with that incubator," she compliments. "Does Mike know you've changed practically every diaper? He'd be impressed."
"Are you impressed?" he asks, with a playful raise of his eyebrows.
"Very… " she teases. "In a hot dad, taking-care-of-business kind of way."
"I'll keep that in mind," Harvey grins. Donna looks tired, but the sparkle in her hazel eyes remains, and her porcelain skin still has its pregnancy glow.
"Ummm… Louis bumped into Tanner downstairs," she says, with a cautious glance. "Travis said he saw you… everything ok?"
Donna is careful with her words. The last time the smarmy lawyer came up in conversation, Harvey had a nightmare that she left him to marry Tanner.
"Did he bring up those Tanner feelings?" Donna asks, using the phrase they'd agreed upon if Harvey felt like he was ever having a panic attack.
Coming to sit on the bed next to her, he grasps Donna's hand. "Actually…. No," Harvey replies, his tone hinting at his satisfaction. "Guess I have more important things to think about."
"Aside from the obvious, what changed?" she asks. "He's always been a thorn in your side."
"Priorities…" Harvey smiles. "It's as clear and simple as that. Tanner doesn't even make the cut."
"Babies sure do clarify things, don't they?" Donna agrees, shuffling herself over to one side of her bed. "There's room for two here, care to join me?"
Harvey's face instantly brightens as he kicks off his shoes and slides in next to Donna. Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, he nuzzles his face against hers.
"I've missed this," he hums, while caressing her cheek with his nose. "I've missed you…"
"Well, I'm right here," she smiles, her palm against his fresh cotton shirt. She knows exactly what he means. "Seems to me we need a date night… take advantage of the grandparents while they're still visiting."
"Really? You feel up to it?" Harvey questions, knitting his brow. "Just a quick dinner out. Del Posto maybe? Like our Wednesday nights? I think we need to keep that… once I get back to work, we can make Saturday night our date night."
"I'd love that!" Donna beams, as she takes in the excitement in Harvey's voice. She's missed this closeness too. In the final few months of her pregnancy, she and Harvey have spent quality time together, but not the kind of intimacy she's been craving.
She's missed having sex with Harvey. A lot. It will be another few weeks before that happens, but it's something they're both looking forward to.
As Harvey closes the distance between them, Donna stills her breath in anticipation of the kiss that's coming her way. Instead, he finds her neck, and she giggles with surprise.
"I've also missed this," he mutters. She can feel his smile on her skin.
Eyes closed, Donna inhales the sensation of Harvey's warm breath on her neck, and the tingle of her scalp, as his fingers spiral through her hair. Even in her hospital bed, and days after surgery, Harvey has a way of making her feel sexy.
"You realize a nurse might show up any minute," she warns. "Or worse, my father!"
"You're father likes me," he grins, like a pleased-as-punch teenage boy.
A few affectionate kisses later, and there's a cry from the incubator.
"Babies have the best timing, don't they," Donna playfully sighs.
"Looks like Ivy's awake," Harvey remarks, as he peers over at the newborns. "I'll get her."
Peeling himself away from Donna, he slowly rolls himself out of the bed and walks to the incubator.
The instant Harvey picks Ivy up, she stops crying.
"She knows you," Donna whispers. "Those eyes, she's staring at you."
Looking down at the tiny swaddled infant in his arms, Harvey swallows with pride. "You think? So soon? I haven't even gotten her a bike yet."
"She definitely knows your voice," Donna nods. "But look at her staring… Yes, Ivy, Daddy is very handsome. Even on four hours sleep."
Harvey can't help but chuckle. He knows what it feels like to be in love, but what's coursing through his veins right now, is something completely different. Love doesn't even begin to cover it. His heart is exploding and melting all at once. He feels proud and protective. Without a second thought, he would give his life for this child.
As he slowly drops onto the lounger, Harvey admires Ivy's delicate features. Blue eyes framed with the strawberry blonde eyebrows. With his thumb, he caresses her soft, round cheek. Ivy turns her face towards him, the sensation soon lulling her back to sleep.
"Daddy has the magic touch," Donna smiles. Seeing Harvey this way, warms her heart. It's about more than the love he has to offer, it's about how far he's come. When they met fourteen years ago, Donna knew he had the potential to be this loving man, but she also knew he had a long way to go.
Over the years, she's watched him grow and mature and overcome the personal obstacles that have crippled him. And now they're here. He's one of the best men she's ever known. He's her Harvey.
As Harvey gently places Ivy back down, Isabelle begins to stir.
"Never one without the other," he whispers, while lifting the second child up. This time, Harvey moves to sit on the bed next to Donna. The baby safely cradled between them.
After Donna kisses her newborn daughter, she gazes up at her husband.
"I'm so proud of you. Harvey." Just hearing her say these words fills him up.
"Thanks, Donna, I'm proud of you, too. In fact, I'm proud of us," he replies.
"You are? Why's that?" she asks, tilting her head.
"Do you remember last summer, before we got engaged, we finally admitted to each other that we wanted the same things?" he asks, while gently rocking Isabelle.
"I do."
"We've done pretty well, don't you think? We're a great team, Donna."
"We've always been, haven't we?"
"We sure have."
"I can't wait to go home and start this new chapter together." Donna says, as she caresses Isabelle's head.
"As far as I'm concerned this new chapter's already begun," Harvey remarks. "And home is anywhere you are. In my heart, it's always been, you know that, right?"
"I do. But everything's changed. We're the adults, and they're the children," Donna explains. "Home is so much more than us now."
"I love everything about our life and I love you," Harvey states, as he continues to gently rock his sleeping daughter. He really couldn't be any happier.
"And I love you, Harvey," Donna smiles. "Now why don't you put Isabelle next to her sister, so you can cuddle with the mother of your children. We have to steal these moments when we can."
"You want me to gently rock you until you fall asleep?" Harvey flirts, his voice low and seductive.
Donna giggles at Harvey's naughtiness.
"Oh my, daddy, is that what we're calling it now?"