THAT PARIS WEEKEND CHAPTER 20
Hi everyone, thank you for making it all the way to the FINAL CHAPTER of THAT PARIS WEEKEND. I've had fun and I hope you did too. Thank you to everyone who has commented and encouraged me, you all know who you are. I've appreciated it.
As I write this, I'm not certain what the future holds for Suits. But the love story between Donna Paulsen and Harvey Specter is timeless. So... if you ever need a Darvey fix, please come back. Follow them through the streets of Paris, and then back home as they navigate their relationship among colleagues and family, and against their own insecurities.
I hope you see Harvey's growth, and appreciate how he strives to become an even better man for the love of his life. Donna also changes, allowing herself to become more vulnerable, and truthful about who she is. With each chapter they've grown, become closer and have learned how to support one another.
I also hope the silly banter and one-liners have brought smiles, the heartfelt confessions have given you butterflies, and the love scenes have been swoonworthy.
There will be more Suits-related stories from me in due time, so keep an eye out. XO
Because it's the final, it's a wee bit longer, so here we go...
THAT PARIS WEEKEND CHAPTER 20 (Boston Part 2 of 2)
"So… this is cozy," Harvey remarks with a grin, as they both adjust their bodies on the creaky wrought iron bed.
"They call it a double bed because it's so narrow, your chances of getting lucky actually double," Donna giggles.
Laughing, Harvey draws her body even closer. Donna and her ridiculous sense of humour.
"You sayin' you wanna get lucky?" he flirts. Even though they've teased for years, there was always a line, and asking Donna something like this would have forced an explanation that Harvey wasn't ready to give.
"On this creaky bed?" she questions, her palm on his chest and legs tangled in his. "Every time we shift, the entire house probably thinks we're at it. I need to face your mother in the morning."
Harvey gives his head a small shake. They're both long past their teenage years, so he can't believe he's even saying this. "She probably already suspects that we've done it, Donna."
"Well, she and I aren't best friends yet, so I'm not taking any chances," Donna whispers, as if Lily might hear. "I don't need her knowing I deflowered her son."
"Deflowered?" he chuckles. Her fancy language only encourages him further as he places tempting kisses along her neck while his fingertips tease her silk nightgown. "I think it's a little late for that. You deflowered me years ago," he says between kisses.
"I certainly did," she giggles, easing her neck back. "And I'm very happy to deflower you again, but not on your mother's creaky guest bed."
Harvey lets out a frustrated sigh. He gets it though. Last week, he did the very same thing when Donna's father visited. She asked Harvey to stay, and he wouldn't even consider sleeping over, let alone having sex, with Jim sleeping steps away in the other room.
Pulling back, he locks his eyes on hers. His dark pupils, full of adoration, become wide. Donna feels the heat of his gaze and it awakens the butterflies.
"That's quite a look you're giving me," she remarks, the faint scent of the bedside peppermint tea teasing her nostrils.
"You know I love you, right?" he asks, his index finger caressing her chin. Marcus's words of advice have been rattling his brain all evening.
"Of course I do," Donna whispers, sensing that Harvey is unsettled.
"You feel it, right?" He's not even sure if he completely understands the question.
"Harvey… where's this coming from?" Donna frowns, she's starting to feel uneasy.
"I'm serious." He steadies her chin with his fingers, ensuring he holds her gaze. "What do I do that makes you feel loved?"
First the fort kiss and now the questions. Donna is starting to understand. Staying at his mother's house and seeing Marcus on his own, has clearly stirred Harvey's insecurities.
"Are you ready for my list?" she asks, with a reassuring smile. "Because it's a long one."
"Really?" Harvey's not convinced. He knows what she's trying to do. But he doesn't want reassurance, he wants honesty.
"Yes, really. Now get out your pen and paper," she teases.
"Hmmm… feeling that you love me… let's start with… flying to Paris? Seriously, Harvey?" Donna affectionately rolls her eyes. "The Eiffel Tower? All those fireworks the next morning?" She playfully reminds him with an eyebrow seductively raised.
Donna pauses to gauge Harvey's reaction. He's quiet, almost expressionless, but his eyes tell her he knows what she's doing. They're lying so close, she can feel his chest rise and fall in time with hers. When he asked, her instinct was to go back to what she's always done… give him a big dose of reassurance to keep those insecurities at bay. But she's sensing something different.
He really is serious, she thinks.
This is not about him. This is about her.
Donna takes a breath and briefly closes her eyes. Not that she needs to dig too deep to find the answers, but this is about her needs, and they've never before spoken about her needs in this way.
"Ok…," she starts, her pulse rising a little. "Remember when I told you the best part of my dreams was waking up wrapped in your arms? That's pretty much how I've woken up every morning since… You heard me, didn't you?"
"I did," Harvey responds, his voice soft but certain.
"And when you asked me what I wanted? I told you I wanted to someone to share Christmases and Thanksgivings and… babies with…."
Donna catches her breath. She's still surprised at how blatantly honest she was when he asked. "After we made love, you repeated every word back to me… You really heard me then, didn't you?"
Harvey nods, signaling he's heard her once again.
"When I know you've heard me like that, Harvey, I feel loved."
Donna's eyes start to mist. She didn't expect this conversation would affect her like this.
"Something else…." Donna swallows to contain the emotion pounding in her chest. "You've put me first on more than one occasion recently… in Paris, at home and at the office. It hasn't always been this way between us, you know. That hasn't been our pattern. So, when you've considered my needs or put them above your own, I've felt that love."
Harvey closes his eyes for a second, taking in her heartfelt words. He knew Donna would have something to tell him, but he didn't expect this. Actually, he didn't know what to expect. For years, he's cared for her, he'd even admit now to it being love, but Marcus is right. That's not enough to keep a woman like her.
Donna needs to feel his love on her terms, not his. While the grand gestures and even the expensive gifts have been appreciated over the years, it's clear to him now. What makes Donna really feel loved is to be appreciated, heard and her feelings considered.
This makes total sense. Every fight they've ever had has been because he's failed her in that way. Harvey thinks back to who he was when they first met, a young man who couldn't think past his own needs. Years later, when he planned on leaving the firm, he just assumed she'd go. Didn't even think to ask her. The memory of him doing that stuns him now.
What the hell was I thinking?
He still doesn't completely understand why she stuck around so long, waiting for him to figure himself out. All he knows is that he is beyond grateful that she did.
"My beautiful flowers…," she says, bringing him back to their conversation. "I would have appreciated anything. You think I didn't notice that they were from the best florist in Manhattan? I know you, Harvey… you wanted me to have the best. You've set me and this relationship apart… I felt it then."
"You're right," he whispers, the corners of his mouth slowly curling into a smile as he places his forehead on hers.
"I'm not done yet…" she says, pulling back to hold his gaze.
"There's something about your touch, Harvey… your hands and being close to me like this." Donna can feel the water pooling in her eyes now. "Maybe it's because we've kept our distance for so long, but every time we touch, I feel it, and I need that from you. It reassures me, so don't stop… ok?"
"Ok…promise," he whispers. "But why the tears?"
"Because no one has ever cared enough before to ask what you just asked me… even that tells me …" Her voice trails off. She can't finish.
Donna has never felt more vulnerable than she feels right now. For years, her "know-it-all" confidence has allowed her to keep an emotional distance. Not just with Harvey, but in every relationship. But now, she has nothing left. It's all out there. What she wants and what she needs. He knows everything and he has all of her.
With her tears trickling down, Donna still manages a smile. "I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting this tonight."
Harvey wipes the droplets from her cheeks and returns the smile. "Guess I never thought it would hit a nerve like it did. But I'm glad I asked."
"What happened that you'd want to know this?" she asks.
"Talking to Marcus about Katie," Harvey sighs.
"Are you feeling unsure, because it's ok…" Donna swallows, her insecurities percolating. No matter how certain Harvey says he is, there's still a tiny part of her that expects it to all fall apart. "We can slow things down… if it's all too fast."
"Why? Is that what you want?" he asks, his worried eyes darting between hers. Now Harvey wonders if Donna is having doubts. It's become clearer to him that he's not the only one struggling.
"I asked because I don't want to repeat the mistakes our families have made," he clarifies. "Is this all too fast for you, Donna? Moving in and everything?"
"I'm still adjusting… but no, I never want to go back," she admits, as she wipes away a stray tear. "When good things happen, sometimes I'm petrified they'll just be taken away one day."
"I think I know that feeling," he says, brushing the hair from her face. "It's already happened to the both of us, hasn't it? With our families… But it's not going to happen to us."
Donna nods in agreement. Clearing her throat, she regains her composure with some Lipschitz-style 'positive outcome'.
"Not every relationship fails. People do stay together…" Her words are just as much for her as for him. "My grandparents, Ray and his wife, Robert and Laura, and… I know you don't want to think about this, Harvey, but your mother and Bobby have been together for a very long time," she reminds him. "That's also commitment."
Harvey sighs and adjusts his position in the bed, the frame creaking with every turn. "You're right. I guess coming back here just brought it all back… and you know me, Donna. I like being prepared. That's why I asked."
"Do you think you can ever accept your mother and Bobby's relationship? We are staying at their house…" she says.
"I'm trying. Accepting it feels like I'm betraying my father," he confesses.
"I don't think your father would want this, Harvey." Her words gently nudging him. "Maybe you can find a way to be ok with it for the sake of family. For your mother, Marcus and the children.. and for your happiness."
Harvey nods, grateful that this beautiful woman is now his love.
"I love you, Donna… I honestly don't know what I'd do without you," he confides.
"Well you're stuck with me in this tiny bed. I'm not leaving." she smiles. Donna knows what those words mean to Harvey.
And with a gentle press of her lips to his, she seals that promise. Harvey exhales and lets his body relax into hers.
"And as for feeling loved…," she adds, her grin widening now. "I know you'd have sex with me, even if I had a shower cap on... If that isn't unconditional love, then I don't know what is."
Harvey chuckles as turns off the bedside lamp.
With a tender kiss goodnight, he says,"… And that offer will always stand, Donna."
xxx
After breakfast, and after the men head out for the kids' swim lessons, Donna and Lily make their way to the park trail. Dressed in yoga capris, a white tank, and sneakers, Donna can already feel the heat of the day building.
Between last night's heart-to-heart with Harvey, and the distance with Lily, she's feeling out of sorts. Fresh air is just what she needs.
I've always loved a good nature walk," Lily says, a water bottle in hand and a sun hat on her head. "Bobby and I go three times a week.'
"It's nice to have this park near your house," Donna states. Harvey told her to be herself, but she's not being her talkative, colourful self, opting, instead, to choose her words carefully.
"We've only been here a couple of years, but it feels like home," the elder woman adds. "It's nice to have enough space for family gatherings, like this weekend."
"My father's in Connecticut, my mother in Florida and my sister, Joy, lives in California. So these kinds of family gatherings are rare for me," Donna replies.
"I had no idea your parents weren't together," Lily says, glancing at the red head. "Maybe that's why you and Harvey understand each other so well."
"One of the reasons, perhaps. We've talked about it over the years." Donna agrees, cautious to say too much.
"You've known each other quite a long time, haven't you?" The elder woman asks. "Marcus and Gordon mentioned you a time or two."
"Thirteen years, actually," Donna replies, sensing Harvey has told her little about his work life. "I was his secretary until last year. Gordon called the office quite often. I really liked him."
"He was a good man, a good father," Lily agrees, relaxing her pace as they both grow more at ease with the conversation.
The women continue to make small talk as they walk past the giant oak trees that shade the path. Eventually, the trail takes them to a pond with park benches along its bank.
"Why don't we sit, Donna." Lily suggests, gesturing to a nearby bench. Donna follows, curious and a little anxious as to what Harvey's mother might have to say. Until now, Lily has been pleasant, but not overly welcoming.
"I see how important you are to Harvey…," Lily begins, "and now that it's just the two of us, I need to be honest with you."
"Of course," Donna replies. Her stomach is in knots, but she offers her best theatrical take on a "relaxed" expression.
"I must confess, I've had mixed feelings about you coming this weekend." Lily's candour startles Donna, she's not sure how to respond.
"Well, I hope your feelings are leaning towards the good now," she says with wide eyes and optimism.
"They are…" Lily assures, offering a slight smile. Donna exhales in quiet relief.
"As you know, there have been years where Harvey and I haven't spoken… and not a day goes by that I don't regret how I hurt him," Lily admits. "For much of that time, you've been part of his life, and I haven't. That's been a bitter pill for me to swallow…"
The elder woman scans the pond long enough to allow her to organize her thoughts. "I do feel grateful, Donna… that he's had someone as lovely as you to be there for him."
With her hands tucked on her lap, Donna nervously glances at Harvey's mother, uncertain as to what to say. "Thank you, Lily."
"And thank you for encouraging Harvey to come to me. You've helped him and that's also made a big difference in my life." Donna can hear the gratitude in Lily's voice. "I know he's a grown man, but he's my son. I don't ever want him to be alone, and pay that price, because of what I've done."
Her lips pressed together, Donna nods to acknowledge the elder woman's heartfelt words. But she senses that's not why they're really here.
"But… I'd be less than truthful if I didn't admit that I've also felt… jealous, envious… of you." There's a quiver in Lily's voice now. "You've been there for parts of his life that I know nothing about. Seeing you together, it's clear how close you are… it reminds me of how much I've missed. How I've failed as a mother."
This is why Lily has been so guarded, Donna realizes.
Donna takes in the raw emotion on Lily's face now, a mix of sadness and remorse. She reaches to comfort her with a hand to her arm. "I understand… I would feel the same way," she empathizes. "I know we can't change the past, Lily, but I'd like to think this weekend could be a fresh start for all of us."
"I'd like that very much… I'm sorry I haven't been more welcoming. It's not anything you've done. You're lovely, Donna, you really are." Lily says, slowly exhaling her words. With emotions running high, the two women turn away to watch a flock of ducks flapping across the pond. Then, Donna, once again, focuses her gaze on the elder woman.
"Lily, I think I need to be honest with you as well," Donna begins. If she and Lily are going to be in each other's lives, they both need to make a clean start.
"Ok," she replies, tilting her head exactly the way Donna has seen Harvey do hundreds of times.
"I've also had mixed feelings," Donna confesses. "I wasn't sure what to expect when I got here, and how I'd feel about you, too."
Harvey's mother nods, encouraging her to continue.
"I know all about the past, and there's a side of me that's always been very protective of Harvey," Donna admits. "I was afraid this weekend would stir up the hurt he's felt, and maybe set him back."
"I understand," Lily complies. "And how do you feel now?"
A tiny smile forms on Donna's mouth. "Good… and Harvey's good. I've appreciated your honesty, Lily. It means a lot. And, I think, after that dinner last night, we're all going to be just fine."
"It was a nice evening, wasn't it?" Lily smiles back as she reflects on the wonderful conversations that were had. "And I can't believe you two went up the Eiffel Tower twice in two days!"
"That Paris weekend will go down in the history books, that's for sure," Donna chuckles, the twinkle returning to her eye.
Lily turns to her once more. "Can I ask one more thing?"
"Of course," Donna obliges.
"As you know, prying anything out of Harvey is near impossible… Can you tell me some things that I may have missed… Things a mother might like to know?"
There's still a deep sadness in Lily's eyes that pulls at Donna's heart. Those years apart from Harvey have clearly been painful for her. She's pretty sure Harvey doesn't even realize the hurt his mother has experienced.
"I most definitely can." Donna senses that she and Lily have finally turned a corner.
"Well… he's an amazing lawyer," she begins. "One of the best in New York. Everyone thinks he's a tough guy, but I know better. Harvey would never admit it, but he's taken care of a lot of people over the years, including me and others at the firm."
Seeing that the elder woman is hanging on to every word, Donna takes a chance on being more personal, and showing more of herself.
"You think women love clothes, Lily? Well, Harvey and his suits…," Donna starts, her eyes wide in mock disbelief. "They're tailor-made and he has 30 of them, all hanging by color in his closet. I've never met anyone so organized. Every dress shirt is monogramed and he's meticulous about polishing his shoes," she chuckles and dramatically rolls her eyes. "Then there's his hair… don't touch his hair."
"Yes… I remember the hair," Lily giggles. "That started in high school."
"Did you know he has 10 Harvard t-shirts? All exactly the same." Donna makes her point with palms open towards the elder woman. "He gets one every year for donating to his alma mater, and he refuses to give any of them away… Yet, I apparently have too many pairs of shoes. But at least they're all different!"
Lily is now openly laughing at Donna's good-natured ribbing.
Donna furrows her brow, and then asks, "Did Harvey ever tell you about hiring Mike Ross?"
Lily shakes her head, "No".
"I'll leave him to tell you that story one day, but he did something that surprised even me. He took a chance on a young troubled kid, hired him, and changed his life for the better."
"Really?" Lily's eyebrows jump with surprise. "Harvey always liked to do things his own way."
"Believe me… he definitely did that," Donna adds. "Mike and his wife run a legal clinic in Seattle. They met at the firm, and we're visiting them for the long weekend."
"That's wonderful!" Lily states. "What kind of man would you say my boy is… outside the office?"
A blush rises on Donna's face. "He's a pain in the neck, Lily." Donna giggles.
"Same as always then," Lily laughs back.
"Except, he's the best man I know." Donna admits, her face giving away her complete adoration for Harvey.
"He would never want anyone to know how deeply he feels things, but he does," Donna continues. "He's kind and generous and principled… and I trust him completely."
"And I know he feels the same way about you," Lily compliments. "He told me so yesterday."
"We haven't always gotten along, but we've always found our way back," Donna says, proud of the bond she and Harvey have built over the years. "And I would take a bullet for him."
"Yes, I sense that he's as much your someone special as you are his," the elder woman suggests.
"I'm not sure what you mean," Donna replies, a little confused at Lily's choice of words.
"When Harvey first came to see me, I asked him why he did, and he said someone very special to him had encouraged him," Lily informs.
Hearing that, Donna takes a breath, and with glassy eyes, looks directly at Harvey's mother. "Lily… I love your son, I really love him… I guess that's what you need to know."
"That's exactly what I need to hear," Lily responds, placing her hand on top of Donna's.
" Lily…" Donna adds, "There's something else I'd like you to know."
"What is that?" the elder woman asks.
"Although Harvey was absent from your life for that time, don't think for a second you were completely gone from his," the red head explains. "For as long as I've known him, he's kept one of your paintings in his office. Always where he can see it… you've been with him."
Tears pool in Lily's eyes, and she can hardly contain her feelings. Leaning across the bench, she wraps her arms around Donna, embracing her in a warm hug.
"Thank you," she whispers, sniffling. "You have no idea what this means to me."
"I do. You're his mother," Donna states, as she feels her own eyes getting wet. "You should have seen how things went down between Harvey and my father!"
The two women sit on the bench for a few minutes longer, while Donna details the evening Harvey met Jim Paulsen.
After everything Donna has heard about Harvey's mother over the years, she has a new-found respect for her. Lily took the time to explain her feelings, caring enough to be honest with the woman in her son's life. Donna can't imagine a better start to their relationship.
"Ok, Lily, are you ready to hear more because I'm just getting started," Donna giggles, as they head back on the path. "Did you know Harvey puts vanilla in his coffee…? He only has one plant, it's a cactus… Was he into bagels as a kid? Because that's all he ever eats for breakfast… "
"Oh, Donna," Lily says, affectionately placing her hand on the red head's arm. "I think we're going to have a lot to talk about."
xxx
After the children's swim lesson, Marcus heads to the change room, leaving Bobby and Harvey alone on the pool deck. Except for a handshake, Harvey has made every effort to avoid the man he blames for breaking up his family.
"I want to thank you, Harvey," Bobby begins, trying to break the ice of their very frosty relationship.
"For what?" Harvey leans back in his seat, legs extended, his arms protectively crossed…and his eyes locked straight ahead.
"For making your mother so happy this weekend," he says. "She's been over the moon since you called her about coming."
"Good to hear." Harvey's response is curt. He's trying to get over this thing with Bobby, but all he can picture is his mother and Bobby in his parents' bed. Then the feelings rush in – confusion, anger, guilt and… hurt.
"Look… I know we'll never be friends but…" Bobby replies.
"Never." Harvey interrupts.
"Ok… then I'll just say this… I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the hurt that I caused you." Bobby's voice is hushed, but sincere.
"You're sorry?" Harvey challenges. His eyes stay firmly fixed on the pool, because he's afraid what might happen if he looks Bobby in the face.
"I've apologized to your father and to Marcus, and now I'm apologizing to you," he says. "It was wrong what happened and there's no excuse for the hurt it caused." Bobby waits for a reaction from Harvey.
Silence. So he continues.
"But you also need to know… I love Lily a lot, and I won't apologize for loving her for all these years. At one time, I tried not to, believe me, I tried. But you don't get to choose who you love."
More Silence. Then…
"No, you don't… But you can choose how you handle it," Harvey disputes, his tone flat.
"You're right," Bobby replies. "I guess not all of us are capable of that inner strength."
"I guess not," Harvey mumbles.
Bobby huffs, sits forward in his chair and leans on his elbows. "She's not alone and unhappy, Harvey. I've taken good care of your mother, and I've been there for Marcus and the kids, too. That should also count for something."
Harvey presses his lips together and tenses his jaw. He swallows down the bile rising in his throat.
Lipschitz said to breathe through it.
Closing his eyes and with a deep breath in, he thinks of his mother, Marcus and the kids. Then with an exhale, he visualizes last night's dinner and Donna and the future. He made a promise about Christmases, Thanksgivings and babies. And he doesn't want to go another ten years without family.
Bobby isn't worth losing all that for.
"I'll be honest… I don't think I'll ever completely get over it, Bobby. You have no idea how it's affected my life,' Harvey utters, as he feels a rash of heat spread across his chest. "But for my sake I need to move past this, and if it makes my mother happy, I'll try. Donna and I want family in our lives."
Bobby nods. "Well that's all I can ask… and, Harvey, the door will always be open."
Harvey nods, and then he forces out words he never imagined would ever leave his lips.
"Thanks for your apology, Bobby. I appreciate it."
Just then, Marcus and the kids make their way across the pool deck. Seeing the children with their wet hair and goofy smiles, Harvey instantly feels lighter. It's time to move on.
Bobby is definitely not worth it. He thinks.
xxx
It's midday, and Donna and Harvey enjoy the last few hours of their visit before heading back to New York.
Harvey, Marcus and Bobby are playing backyard baseball with the kids, while Lily and Donna prepare a light lunch for the family.
With the hot summer sun radiating above, the group gather under the giant striped awning to enjoy platters of homemade biscuits, salads, cheeses and deli meats. This time, the atmosphere is more relaxed so the conversation is even more spirited.
As everyone sips their lemonade, Lily returns from the kitchen carrying the beautiful cake platter that Donna had gifted her. It's stacked with the selection of delicious Manhattan pastries.
Donna is deeply touched by the gesture, and catching Lily's eye, she smiles, only to have Lily return it. They don't need words.
Welcome to our family, Donna.
"According to Donna, this pretty cake platter is for family celebrations," Lily explains to everyone. "And after this weekend, I think we have a lot to celebrate."
The children jump out of their seats to hover over the sweet treats.
"I think we should start a tradition," Hailey suggests, as she licks the chocolate off her fingers.
"What kind of tradition?" Bobby asks.
"When Uncle Harvey and Aunt Donna visit, they have to bring a dessert to put on the family platter," she explains.
Smiling, Harvey winks at Donna and mouths the words, Aunt Donna...
Donna catches her breath at the young girl's words. This is Harvey's family. This is her future and she couldn't be happier if she tried.
"You know what, Hailey, I think that's an amazing idea," Donna replies to the agreement of the group.
Clearing his throat, Marcus raises his glass. "I'd like to propose a toast. To new beginnings and new traditions."
"…And to family." Lily adds.
"…And dessert!" Henry cries.
xxx
With their luggage neatly stowed in the Aston Martin, all that's left are the goodbyes. This time, it's warm hugs all around.
Lily gives Donna an extra-long hug. Whispering in her ear, she says, "You're an important part of Harvey's life and I'm so glad you're now part of ours."
"Me too," Donna whispers back.
With brotherly pats on the back, Marcus and Harvey continue their teasing. "Good seeing you, Harvey. But I think I like Donna better," Marcus kids. "Don't be a stranger."
"Yeah, I like Donna better, too," Harvey volleys back.
With a hug, Marcus thanks Donna again for her offer of the suit. "I'll let you know what happens with Samantha."
"Just have fun," she advises, giving Marcus a peck on the cheek.
Wrapping his arms around Donna, Bobby thanks her for coming. "Something tells me you're going to take this new tradition very seriously."
" I sure will, there'll be some amazing desserts in your future," she promises with a wink.
Lily holds Harvey in a long motherly embrace. "I love you Harvey. You and Donna, you're good for each other. Don't let her go."
Harvey soaks in her words. "Thanks, Mom. I won't."
Bobby and Harvey settle for a handshake, but this time, Harvey reaches first.
"Thanks for everything, Bobby," he says. "We'll be back." And he means it.
Bobby nods. "Looking forward to it, Harvey."
As the car backs away, Donna rolls down her window to ask a question of the children. "So… what will it be next time? Cherry pie or Chocolate cake?
"Chocolate!" They both yell.
"Chocolate cake it is!" she says as she waves goodbye.
And with that, Donna and Harvey begin the long drive back to Manhattan. This time, Harvey doesn't bother with the scenic route. He wants to get home as soon as possible. He feels more settled than ever and can't wait to take the next step with Donna.
For the first few minutes of the drive, the couple sit quietly, each lost in their own thoughts about the weekend. Although it didn't unfold quite as Donna had expected, she feels more confident than ever about Harvey, and their future together.
Harvey hoped that this weekend would give him clarity, and it did. And not just about Donna, but about family and what it's worth to him.
"What are you thinking?" he asks.
"That I'm pretty much the luckiest girl on the planet," she says, stealing a kiss on his cheek. "I like your family."
"And they like you back," he smiles. "We're two for two on great weekends... You ready for what's next?"
"I am," she says, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. "If it's between a condo and a brownstone…. definitely a brownstone."
"How did you know that's what I was going to ask?"
There's never been a day when she hasn't surprised him.
"Oh, that's right, you're Donna," he remembers. "A brownstone it is."
- The End -