THAT PARIS WEEKEND CHAPTER 16

"Why don't you just pretend that you're lying in a big delicious bowl of whipped cream?" Donna suggests while trying to contain her laughter.

"You're no help," Harvey retorts, as he gears himself up to go mudding with Louis. "Now you've ruined every whipped cream fantasy I've ever had!"

"I'm sure we can fix that," she says, still giggling, her hand on his chest as they lie face-to-face in Donna's bed.

This is the first full weekend Donna and Harvey have spent together as a couple, and Harvey is not too happy about the fact that, today, he's likely to see more of Louis' naked body than Donna's.

But Harvey gave Louis his word that he would follow through, and although he'd never admit it, he's curious about this mudding thing. Mike and Rachel have gone, even Donna went, so Harvey figures if they've survived, he will too.

"What are your plans for today while Louis is torturing me?" Harvey asks, as they enjoy the last few minutes of their lazy Sunday morning together.

Donna rolls her eyes. Harvey can be such a baby sometimes. Although, she has to admit, she finds it cute when he pouts.

"I've got a telephone call planned with Rachel… then I need to get organized here and get my life back in order. You've been taking up all my time," she adds with a smile.

"So are you going to tell Rachel how you can't live without me?" he asks, his nose tickling her ear as he draws her closer. Donna can feel his smile on her cheek.

"Your name might come up," she teases. "I may have a few things to say."

With the exception of Friday night, when Donna's father visited, the pair has spent every night tangled in bed together since returning from Paris. It's only been a week, but for Harvey, waking up without Donna next to him is no longer an option. His place or hers, he doesn't care, and eventually, the next logical step will be for them to move in together.

Maybe it was the conversation with Jim Paulsen, or the healing that came with talking to Donna afterwards, but in his heart and mind, Harvey feels completely settled now.

Every now and then, though, he thinks about how long it's taken him to get here, and he winces. All that wasted time. If he had been brave enough over the years, this morning would be just another of many lazy Sunday mornings together. Maybe they'd even be married by now, and have a kid or two.

Whenever Harvey thinks about this kind of future, he feels hopeful and excited. The fear is gone. He's also looking forward to having Donna meet his mother, Marcus and the kids one day soon.

"If I survive mudding…," he whines, as he nestles closer to her under the duvet. "I'm going to head to the office for a bit and then I'll pick up some take-out for tonight."

"Ok great," she says. "Now put on a brave face and go have fun with the managing partner."

"I thought I was already having fun with the managing partner…" he kids, earning him a laugh from Donna.

xxx

Wrapped in a white silk bathrobe with her hair in a ponytail, Donna sits alone on the sofa and sips her coffee. She begins going through her stack of unopened envelopes when the phone rings.

"Rachel! Finally! How are you?" Donna answers as she places the unread mail on the coffee table.

"Everything is great, but forget about me… how are you?" Her friend enquires. "I wish I was with you now, drinking tea… like old times. Not to mention I'd love to be there to see all this happen in person!"

Donna knows exactly what Rachel is referring to, the excitement in her voice is coming through loud and clear over the phone line.

"Well, you wouldn't be seeing much," she says, tempering Rachel's excitement. Only my father, you and Mike know. I told Harvey that I needed a few days at the office without anyone knowing… because it will definitely change things at work for me."

"And what did he say?" Rachel asks.

"He wasn't too happy about it," she says. "I'm not sure he understands that it may not impact his career but it will likely affect how I'm seen at the office."

"Oh Donna, I know you are sensitive about that, and it might be different at first, but I really don't think that will be the case," Rachel assures. "Harvey hasn't been your boss for a long time, and you've more than proven yourself as COO. This is an opportunity for you to stand up for yourself. If men at the office can have relationships and not have it affect their careers, then show them that women can too."

"Thanks Rach, it means a lot to hear that. It's something that concerns me though." Donna sighs. "Maybe it's just my issue. I did have a few days to get my head around things at work so I feel better about it now."

"If anyone can handle it, Donna, it's you… Funny how things have changed though," Rachel observes. "You always thought Harvey was the one who was afraid to risk everything, and now it's you who's been hesitating."

"Wow, you're right," Donna responds, placing her hand across her forehead with this realization. "Harvey told me he doesn't care what people think and that we should just tell them."

"Well, that tells me he's a man who knows what he wants," she replies, her tone optimistic. "And after all these years, that's pretty great actually. Give him the benefit of the doubt... So enough about that… I want details! Tell me everything!" Rachel giggles.

During their hour-long conversation, Donna proceeds to tell Rachel about Harvey unexpectedly showing up in Paris, their intense fight and her devastation when she learned about Thomas. She recounts how Harvey cared for her afterwards, encouraging her to spend the weekend with him.

Donna gives Rachel a minute-by-minute, play-by-play account of their two wonderful days in Paris – shopping at Hermès, picnicking in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, walking along the river, visits to the Louvre and the bookstore. Then she tells Rachel about their last night and how Harvey surprised her with a special evening at the Eiffel Tower.

"Are you serious? Harvey kissed you on the balcony of the Eiffel Tower?" Rachel can't believe this. "You and Harvey?! Are you sure this isn't a movie!"

"I know, but it was more than that, Rach…," she confides. "We talked a lot and cleared up some things that needed to be dealt with. It wasn't easy but it needed to happen. After that he told me he loved me and wants this, wants us." Just the thought of that evening sets Donna's heart racing.

"I can't tell you what that did to me, Rach...what it still does to me when I think about it. I might still be in shock I think," she admits.

"So…" Rachel continues. "What happened after? Did you go back to the hotel to make it… official?" she asks cheekily.

"Actually, we didn't, if you can believe that. Lord knows I wanted to, but Harvey thought we should take things slow," Donna says. "He wanted be sure I was in the right frame of mind after Thomas."

"Harvey?!" Rachel is incredulous and Donna can picture her mouth dropping at the other end of the phone. "Our Harvey? I would have never expected that from him. I don't think I'll ever be able to look at him the same way, Donna… he's definitely in love."

"I am too, Rachel," Donna confirms. "At first, I was afraid he'd change his mind, because, well… he's Harvey. But let's just say it's definitely official now." Rachel can tell by Donna's voice that she has a wide grin on her face.

"And your dad knows? How did that go?" Rachel asks.

"As expected. It was tense at first and I actually left them to talk. My father was tough on Harvey, wanted to know how serious he is about me," Donna states. "Dad said very little to me afterwards except that he respects Harvey, so I'm taking that as a good sign."

"So… it seems to me this is it for you two," Rachel cautiously suggests.

"It is for me, and Harvey's told me as much," Donna confides. "But you know, that doesn't make me any less nervous about the entire thing. There's a part of me that's still terrified it will all end."

"I understand, but that's love isn't it?" Rachel empathizes. "After Mike told me he had never gone to Harvard, I started to second-guess everything, too. But you've known Harvey for a very long time and he wouldn't have taken the risk if he wasn't one hundred per cent certain."

"You're right," Donna agrees. "I think I just need to trust that everything is going to be ok. Harvey seems a lot more confident than I am these days."

"It will work out, I'm sure of it. Harvey and you are together now, Donna. Don't be afraid to stake your claim though and don't wait too long if you want more with him." Rachel advises.

Then she adds, "So…when are you coming to visit me, we should make plans…."

xxx

"Louis… warn me next time you plan to drop your towel…." Harvey sighs after realizing he can now never "unsee" Louis' bare bum.

"Harvey, relax, you've played sports, you've been in locker rooms," Louis says defending his nakedness. "Now quit complaining and slide your body into that glorious tub of volcanic love!"

Harvey rolls his eyes, drops his towel and, with arms balancing on either side of the tub, quickly slides into the bath to avoid offering Louis a show of his own. The mud is warm and sticky, and Harvey feels like he's been dropped into a vat of baked chocolate pudding. As he sinks deeper into the mix, he squirms at the sensation of the mud making its way into places it doesn't belong.

"So how long do we have to do this for?" he asks, visibly uncomfortable. If Harvey could set a stopwatch right now, he would.

"Well, if you start with that question, you're never going to relax enough to get the benefits," Louis instructs.

"Ok then, Louis… what's the point of this?" Harvey asks, clearly impatient.

"You're a terrible student, you know that?" Louis scolds. "Mud is good for your skin. It's cleansing, keeps you looking young and if you're living with a pregnant, hormonal fiancée, it also keeps you sane..."

Harvey stares at the ceiling before closing his eyes. Resting his head on the tiny towel pillow attached behind, he tries to distract himself with thoughts of Donna wrapped in a bedsheet.

"So… Harvey," Louis begins. "Not sure if you saw the latest client list, but we lost Thomas Kessler and Associates last week. Alex had recently taken him on after David Stephens left the firm... Needless to say, Alex is not happy…any idea what that was about?"

"I do…I'll talk to Alex tomorrow and give him one of mine," he offers.

"You're not going to tell me more than that?" Louis opens his eyes and turns his face towards Harvey. "C'mon, Harvey, as managing partner, I need to know what happened."

Harvey sighs, knowing there is no escaping this conversation.

"Only if you swear to secrecy…. I mean it Louis… Donna will kill me if she knew I said anything." Harvey explains.

Louis raises his eyebrows in surprise. He didn't expect Harvey to be so upfront so quickly. Usually there's denial, insults, maybe even a few terse words between the two of them before they talk about anything meaningful.

"Jesus, Harvey, not a word, I promise…" Louis assures.

Harvey pauses and he takes a deep breath. With his head still resting and eyes closed, he sets out to explain.

"Donna didn't know this, but… Thomas is married, has a kid and another one on the way," Harvey says. "I confronted him and fired him from the firm."

There's a second of silence.

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Louis quickly sits up in the bath, mud dripping from the swirling black hairs on his chest. "I thought he was divorced. We helped with that… Poor Donna."

"That's what he told everyone, including Donna," Harvey says, quickly glancing at Louis. "So, after I learned about his second wife….I went to Paris to tell Donna. I didn't want her to be alone when she found out…. that's why I left so quickly."

Louis pauses, contemplating what Harvey just confided.

"I'm confused..." Louis is trying to understand. "Donna seems happier than ever. We talked on Tuesday and she was practically glowing… told me the trip was not what she expected but that she's really happy."

Harvey closes his eyes once again and a tiny smile appears on his face.

"Is that what she said?" he asks. His pulse still races when he thinks about the last ten days of his life.

"Harvey, I know something's going on, why don't you just tell me." Louis states matter-of-factly. "You think I haven't noticed that you've been a lot nicer this week? You didn't even bail on mudding... which I fully expected you to do."

Harvey lets out another sigh. He has to admit, the bath is having a relaxing effect on him. The mud is actually making him drowsy.

"Alright Louis… I shouldn't be saying anything… you have to promise again…I really mean it," Harvey warns.

"I promise," Louis agrees, as he settles back down into the mud.

"A lot happened in Paris and Donna…well…Donna and I….we're…" Harvey doesn't get the chance to finish.

"Are you kidding me?!" Louis yells, splashing mud everywhere as he suddenly sits up again. "I knew it! That's fantastic!"

Harvey doesn't turn his head but gives Louis another sideways glance.

"You can't tell Donna that I told you, Louis," Harvey warns. "She's afraid of what the office will think, so she wants to be the one to tell people in her own time."

"Not a word from me…" Louis settles back into the tub and lies quietly for a minute.

"Harvey, how are you with all this?" he asks, his voice giving away his concern. "I know it's always been complicated between you two. What changed?"

"Honestly? Thomas… the entire situation forced me to think about what my life would be like without Donna, and I couldn't… have that," Harvey admits. "I had to take a risk if I ever hoped to make this happen with her... with us."

Louis turns to Harvey, his face full of understanding. "Well I'm proud of you Harvey. I know that wasn't easy for you. Just like it wasn't easy with Sheila. But trust me, it's worth it. You and Donna…you belong together. I've always believed that."

"Thanks Louis," Harvey says, his voice softening.

"When things finally worked out with Sheila, I felt like I was home. Does it feel like you're home, like you're where you should be?" Louis wonders. Harvey can hear the sincerity in his voice.

"It does."

"Can I offer you a piece of advice then?" Louis asks, as he looks over at Harvey.

"What is it?" Harvey slowly opens his eyes to peer over at his colleague.

"You've waited thirteen years for this, don't wait too long for the rest," Louis advises. "If this makes you happy, don't wait. Donna is one of the best people I know, and it's always been clear to me how much she loves you."

"Thanks Louis, I'll think about that." Harvey nods. He's so relaxed now that he can barely feel his legs. After a few moments in thought, he turns to Louis. "So…how are you and Sheila doing? You ready for fatherhood?"

"I'm definitely ready," Louis admits. "And ready for Sheila to have this baby… Pregnant women and their hormones, Harvey… it's insane. No matter what I try to do to help, it doesn't make her happy. I am actually scared of that woman sometimes!"

Harvey chuckles. "You're going to make a great husband and father, Louis, I'm sure of it."

"Thanks Harvey. You know, it was about this time last year that I was terrified of ending up alone," Louis admits. "And now, to be with the woman I love and to have her love me back….I can't tell you how that makes me feel."

"I think I have an idea," Harvey suggests.

The two men soak quietly in their baths for several more minutes and then Louis informs Harvey that their time is up.

"Already?" asks Harvey. "It wasn't as bad as I thought."

"So now you love mudding too?!" Louis says with a giddiness as he suddenly lifts his naked body out of the tub, forcing Harvey to abruptly turn his head.

"Love it? I wouldn't go that far, Louis." Harvey cautions.

"I guess this is just one more thing we have in common now!" He adds with excitement.

Harvey shakes his head as he gets up and quickly grabs his towel.

"Yes, Louis, we're practically twins…," Harvey replies. The sarcasm from his words dripping almost as intensely as the mud falling from his body.

xxx

It's early evening when Harvey arrives at Donna's apartment. He unlocks her door to find the lights dimmed, a glimmer of the setting sunset peaking through the curtains and Aretha Franklin playing on the stereo. The room is empty and Donna is no where to be found.

"Donna?… You here?" he asks, as his eyes scan the room.

"Come join me." she answers, her voice muffled from behind the bathroom door.

Harvey places the take-out he brought on the kitchen counter and proceeds to slowly open the bathroom door. The room is aglow with a dozen lit candles. Donna, her hair in a messy bun, is soaking in a giant tub of bubbles and holding a glass of wine in her hand.

Harvey's eyes go wide with excitement, his tongue running across his teeth as he leans over to kiss Donna.

"Seriously?!" he asks. "If this is my reward for going mudding. I might make it a regular thing!"

"All that mud… I can't have you ruining my sheets now can I," she playfully suggests. "You better get in."

Harvey immediately begins unbuckling his belt. Within seconds, his clothes are off and he slips in the tub, the hot water instantly drawing him in and causing a shiver up his spine. Donna reaches for the second glass of wine sitting on the floor next to the tub, and hands it to Harvey.

"I was expecting you," she smiles. "But it's not a giant tub of whipped cream... you'll just have to use your imagination."

"Is this in celebration of our anniversary?" Harvey asks as he takes the glass, and sinks even deeper into the water.

"Anniversary? I thought everyday was a celebration with me," she jokes, as she lazily swirls the bubbles with her hand.

"It is… but it's also been exactly one week since you couldn't keep your hands off me," Harvey says, delivering that signature grin that melts Donna every time. "That's worth celebrating."

"Funny, I don't remember it that way. It's been exactly one week since I let you kiss me," she recalls.

"It's actually been one week since I've seen you in the lingerie you wore to dinner," he quips.

"That wasn't lingerie, that was haute couture," she informs, confidently taking another sip of her wine.

"Then haute couture must be French for lingerie… " he volleys back. "Don't get me wrong, I'm all for it, and it's one of the benefits of learning another language."

Donna giggles and stretches her leg across the giant tub, her calf now caressing Harvey's thigh. On instinct, he reaches down and puts his hand on her shin to massage her leg.

"So be honest… how was mudding with Louis?" she asks. "I bet it was no where near as bad as you thought it would be, was it?"

"Well, the mud ends up in places it really shouldn't go… which took some getting used to…, " he chuckles. "But hanging out with Louis wasn't so bad."

"You and Louis… it looks like my boys are growing up." She teases before changing the subject.

"I talked to Rachel today and she asked when I'd… we… might like to come visit. Maybe we could make time to go for a weekend this summer?" Donna tilts her head as she tickles his thigh with her foot.

Harvey smiles back, quickly pulls himself out of the tub and wraps a towel around his waist.

"I'll be right back," he says.

When Harvey returns he has an envelope in his hands. "Since you're all wet, I'll show you." He proceeds to pull out two first-class tickets to Seattle for the upcoming July 4th weekend.

"I know I should have asked first but I wanted to surprise you. I had Gretchen make sure there was nothing pressing in your calendar. Rachel also knows," he admits.

"She does?! Harvey… are you serious? We're going to see Mike and Rachel in a couple of weeks?!" Donna can hardly contain her excitement. A wide grin on her face as she starts splashing the water around her. She reaches for Harvey's arm and pulls him down for another kiss.

Harvey chuckles at her playfulness as he sets the tickets aside, drops his towel and slides back in.

"Well, it seems to me we're pretty good at this weekend travel thing," he quips. "Let's see if we can make it two for two."