After Donna had completed the last two days of the bar exam, all that was left to do was wait six weeks for the results. In reality, both of them knew that the redhead had passed — there was no reason she wouldn't have — but they didn't want to celebrate too soon. So, as soon as she finished her last exam, Harvey went to pick her and Rachel up from the exam hall, dropped the brunette off at her place, and, when Donna saw her fiancé taking a different route than the one to the condo, she turned to him.
«What are you doing?»
«Well, we've been focused on this exam for three months — minus Cuba — and I know you need to catch up on your work, and I've got things to do too, but I was thinking we could get away for a bit, just the two of us, to decompress. I've got a little getaway planned for us, with visits and... sex. A lot of sex »
«I like your plans»
«I knew it» snorted Harvey as he dropped a kiss on her hand.
«But what about our bags?»
«The bags are already in the trunk»
«You're perfect»
«I know. Come on, you're in charge of the music»
If Harvey was more into jazz and blues, it was because he was head over heels in love with his fiancée that he tolerated musicals for nearly seven hours, making a pit stop in Binghamton before continuing the drive to Toronto. For a few days, the couple enjoyed each other's company without mentioning work, exams, or anything related to law. They had been so consumed by the bar exam that they hadn't really had time for each other. Now that they had just gotten back together — despite being engaged — they were eager to return to the life they had before, where they devoted all their time to one another. Days later, they were back in New York as Donna was wrapping up the final cases for Mr. Miller, who would retire once the redhead passed her bar exam, while Harvey prepared his courses for the following year. One night, the couple was discussing their future plans after he returned from a meeting with Jessica.
«So, what did she say?»
«She's going to get rid of Hardman soon, and once she's in full control, she'll reinstate me at the firm»
«That's great news, honey»
«Yeah»
«Why do I feel like you're not as excited about this as you should be?»
«It's not that I'm not excited... It's just that I've kind of gotten used to being a professor. I mean, I love the idea of mentoring and making good lawyers like you and Mike. But I miss being a lawyer»
«You can do both, right? I'm sure Jessica will be okay with that»
«Yeah» sighed Harvey.
«And what's the problem now?»
Donna knew her fiancé well enough to sense there was more on his mind. So she gently moved toward him, slipping her hand into his hair before whispering.
«Talk to me»
«I'm a little torn, because it feels like I'm facing a dilemma. If I work part-time as a lawyer and part-time as a professor, my salary will be lower. And even though I'll still make a lot of money, I know we'll have more expenses in the next few years, and I won't be able to keep giving you this crazy life at the same time»
«Harv, these past three years have been wild, but I don't need you to take me all over the world every weekend or buy me clothes and jewelry all the time. And as for future expenses, I'll have a higher salary too, maybe not as much as yours, but enough to put our babies in the best daycare in Manhattan, if that's what you're worried about»
Seeing her fiancé's shy smile, she kissed him tenderly, finding him so cute and adorable as he continued speaking, still thinking through his words.
«And besides, the hours at the firm used to be crazy. I think as a professor, I'll be home more to take care of you... and maybe the little ones one day... you know?»
«Well, I think you should do what your heart wants. We don't care about the money, the hours, our positions, or anything else. We'll figure it out, just the two of us, or the three of us — maybe four. Who knows?»
«Or five?» whispered Harvey.
«Alright, I'm stopping you right there. Two is more than enough. Otherwise, we're cutting everything down there»
«Two is perfect, then»
Seeing her fiancé with both hands on his crotch, a panicked look on his face as he was probably imagining what a vasectomy would do to him, Donna couldn't help but burst out laughing. The rest of the evening, the couple continued to talk, gradually slipping back into their routines as they eagerly awaited the results of Donna's bar exam. The six weeks of waiting felt endless, and every time Donna received an email, both of them jumped, hearts racing at the thought that it might be a notification about the results being posted online. One day, while they were enjoying the evening together to take their minds off things, both of them were in the middle of an intense, sweaty sex session.
«Baby» groaned Harvey in her ear.
Harvey and Donna had a very fulfilling sex life — maybe a little too much. For the young woman, she had sex since she came of age, and whether it was with her boyfriends or some one-night stands, each time, it was pretty standard. As for the lawyer, he had had many sexy encounters before — traditional or not — and thought he had done everything, but since he was with the redhead, he realized that what he had known before her was nothing compared to what he was living now. Their sex life was crazy and they were never satisfied. Sometimes, the couple would spend their evenings on websites looking at the most outrageous positions with crazy names — the supernova, the rocket launcher, the corkscrew, the superman — and then trying them out. If the primary goal was to take pleasure and enjoy each other's body, most of the time it ended in fits of laughter when they lost their balance or fell. But even though they were adventurous and completely crazy, their favorite position was still a good old classic missionary position with Harvey on top of her and their bodies sliding and sweating against each other, just like right now.
«Honey» moaned Donna.
Donna was now lying on her back, both arms around her fiancé's neck, while Harvey was on top of her, supported by his elbows on either side of her head, pumping inside her as they both moaned. No matter how many times they had sex before, it still felt so good every time. Harvey was stretching her perfectly, both of them feeling waves of pleasure with each thrust of the lawyer inside her. As they were completely lost in the moment, Donna's phone rang, indicating that she had just received an email.
«Harv, stop»
«What?»
«Maybe it's the bar result»
«We'll see later, come on»
«Harv» moaned Donna.
«I'm sure you got in. Just like I am right now»
As Harvey continued his thrusts deeply inside her, Donna untied her arms from his neck, pushing him back slightly before whispering.
«But I need you out right now»
As he pulled out, groaning, Donna caught her phone — along with her breath — before checking her mailbox, her sweaty fingers leaving marks on the screen as her body was still on fire. Meanwhile, Harvey was lying on his back next to her, his heart pounding between the physical exertion from a few seconds ago and the stress of the potential result.
«Holy shit»
«What?»
«The results are published»
«And?»
«Wait— oh my god, my heart is beating so fast »
«Me too, and my dick hurts too, so hurry up»
«Take care of that yourself»
As she muttered this absently, her gaze fixed on her screen as she quickly typed on it, Harvey stared at his crotch for a few seconds, considering his fiancée's proposal before he approached her and whispered, his bulge still aching.
«Nah, it could be used to celebrate — so?»
«I don't know, I'm looking for my name. Pacholski, Pacini, Parker, Pareja, Patterson, Paulsen — Oh my god»
«What? What does it say?»
«Success»
«Did you just pass the bar?»
«I did»
«You fucking did it, baby»
«I fucking did it»
Immediately, Harvey jumped on Donna, kissing her passionately over and over again, trying to put all the love and pride he felt for her. As Harvey trailed his lips down her jaw, her neck, behind her ear, her collarbone, and her cleavage, Donna talked nonstop.
«I can't believe it, finally. I mean, if you'd told me three years ago that I'd be a lawyer today, I never would've believed it. And on top of that, I'm a graduate from Columbia — it's insane. Plus, now we can really start our life. Though, I'd like to wait a little longer before we dive in. But it's just crazy to —»
«Baby?»
«What?»
«Let's celebrate, please. I'm about to explode down here»
«Oh, yeah, sorry. Let's do it»
Soon, Harvey was inside her again, pumping full speed as the fire consumed them again. That night, they spent it making love, celebrating the redhead's success under the sheets until they fell asleep in each other's arms in the middle of the night. The next day, the redhead had barely opened her eyes when she rushed to call her parents to tell them the good news.
«Oh my god, sweetie, we're so happy for you»
«Thanks, I can't believe it»
«We are proud. What about now?» asked Laurel.
«I'm going to submit the necessary documents, attend the admission ceremony to take the attorney's oath, and then I'll handle things with Skadden. I'm sorry I couldn't get you tickets by the way — it was pretty limited, and everything sold out quickly »
«Don't worry, Donna. Will you send us pictures?»
«Of course»
«Good. We're so proud of you, sweetie»
«Thanks, mom»
For a few more minutes, Donna chatted with her parents while Harvey lay next to her, slowly waking from his sleep as she reviewed her results — all absolutely perfect. After the great news, the couple began gathering the necessary documents, preparing for the New York State Supreme Court ceremony where Donna would take the Oath of Attorney. Though they knew they shouldn't be seen together just yet, Harvey didn't want to miss the day his future wife officially became a lawyer. Besides, with several hundred graduates present and their friends and family there, the chances of anyone knowing who he was there for were slim. So after Harvey had settled in and Donna had already arrived with Rachel, he eagerly awaited her. During the lengthy introductory speeches from judges and court officials congratulating the new lawyers, Harvey scanned the crowd, smiling when he spotted Donna's beautiful red hair. Once everyone had taken the oath together, a series of inspiring speeches, blessings, and special presentations followed, but Harvey could think of only one thing — seeing his beloved again. At the end of the ceremony, he quickly made his way out, arranging to meet Donna in a secluded corner. As soon as she spotted him, she leapt into his arms, and he kissed her again and again, congratulating her a hundred times against her lips. A few moments later, Harvey bombarded her with photos, beaming with pride until they left the reception hall and headed back home. Later that day, while Harvey was in the living room watching a baseball game, Donna had isolated herself in her room to call her parents, as the older Paulsens were thrilled to hear from their daughter, their joy evident as they spoke.
«We're so happy, sweetie»
«Me too. I've received an official certificate confirming my admission to the New York Bar, and they've already added my name to the New York attorney registry»
«That's wonderful. And when will you hear from Skadden?»
«I have an appointment next Thursday to handle all the paperwork, but it'll be quick. Everything's already arranged with Mr. Miller»
«That's great. What about the pictures?»
«I'm sending them now, just wait»
At the same time, Donna pulled the phone away from her ear, putting it on speaker as she scrolled through her phone, sending a few photos to her mother while she murmured softly.
«I've sent everything — did you get them?»
«Yes, just now — oh sweetie, you look so happy» chuckled Laurel.
«We're so proud» added Jim.
For a few more seconds, they discussed the photos, then her mother hesitantly interrupted.
«Donna?»
«Yeah?»
«What's that on your finger?»
«What?»
«On your finger. Is that... an engagement ring?»
For a few seconds, the conversation fell silent as Donna alternated between staring at the huge diamond on her finger and the photo she had just sent to her parents — a photo she hadn't checked first, an obvious sign that she was no longer single.
«Donna?» murmured her father.
«It's not — I mean —»
«Donna, what's going on? Is this what I think it is?»
«Is your mom right, Donna? Are you engaged?»
«Look, it's a bit complicated because —»
«Yes or no, Donna?»
«Dad, there is —»
«Donna?»
«Yes»
For a few seconds, the call remained silent before Donna heard her father's slightly tense voice, speaking quickly.
«You're engaged? But since when? I mean, we didn't even know you were seeing someone. What's really going on? I'm not sure I understand —»
«I'm coming to Hartford, alright? That way we can have a proper conversation»
Donna's parents were speechless, and after a brief pause, she made plans to visit them the following day before hanging up. After a few seconds looking in the void, she then ran into the living room, wide-eyed, finding Harvey looking a little lost.
«Wow, everything okay?»
«They know»
«Who?»
«My parents» whispered Donna, as if afraid someone might overhear.
«Your parents know we're together?»
«Worse. They know we're engaged»
«What?»
«It's my fault. I sent them the photos from the ceremony you took of me, but I didn't realize my ring was visible. Of course, they saw it, and I had to admit that I'm engaged»
«Oh shit»
«Oh shit indeed»
«What are you going to do?»
«I'm going to Hartford tomorrow, they deserve an explanation»
«Should I come with you?»
«I don't think so. I mean, they just found out I'm engaged, and the next day my future husband shows up? I don't want to overwhelm them — we might kill my dad »
«I understand. But I'll drop you off, alright? I'll go for a walk in the meantime, and when you're ready to head home, just call me »
«Alright»
The next day, Donna sat in the car next to Harvey, absentmindedly playing with her engagement ring as Harvey could see just how stressed she was, her mind clearly preoccupied. Gently, he caressed her knee, his voice soft as he spoke.
«Hey, it's going to be fine. In a way, we were going to tell them in a few months anyway. Sure, it's earlier than planned, but at least this way, we don't have to hide anymore. It'll feel good to have it out in the open»
«I know, and I know you're right too, but it's not just about telling them. It's about explaining why and how. And I'm not sure my dad will accept the age difference, the fact that you were my professor, and the secret relationship. I mean, you two are the most important men in my life, and I don't want to have to choose between one and the other»
«You won't have to choose, baby. Look, you'll talk to them, explain everything, and then I'll be the perfect son-in-law, and your dad will love me»
«Perfect son-in-law, huh?» Donna giggled.
«Hell yeah» snorted Harvey.
«Alright... what about you? Not too stressed?»
«For what?»
«Well, soon it'll be the first time you meet the family of a girl you're dating, and in this case, your future wife»
«Yeah, that's true. I'm alright… Well, for me, the most important thing is that you're happy. The rest? I don't care about. I'll meet every person on the planet if it means making you happy»
«My hero»
As they exchanged smiles, Donna leaned in to kiss him tenderly, Harvey's eyes never leaving the road as they sped toward Hartford. Hours later, barely parked in front of the house, the redhead kissed Harvey one last time before stepping out of the car. She then heard the engine roar as he restarted it, making her take a deep breath before knocking on her parents' door, Laurel answering a few seconds later.
«Sweetie»
«Hey mom»
«Please, come on in — you're alone?»
«Yeah, I thought it would be better to come alone at first, so it doesn't feel like too much all at once. But he's nearby»
«I understand. Come on, dad is in the living room»
A few seconds later, Donna gave her father a smile before hugging him. She then settled down with her parents in the living room, the interrogation beginning almost immediately. Donna, taking the lead, started the conversation.
«Well, I don't think we're going to beat around the bush. Go ahead»
«It's just... we're surprised, Donna. Since when have you been with your... fiancé?»
«Three years»
«Three years? That's a lot»
«Yeah»
«Why didn't you tell us sooner?»
«Because there were a lot of things going on around us, and we wanted to wait for the right moment to talk about it»
«But the engagement? Why wait until now?»
«Because everything happened so quickly. But look, the most important thing is that I'm in love, he makes me really happy, and he's a good guy, alright?»
Seeing that Donna wasn't eager to discuss it further, Laurel decided to change the subject, noticing her daughter's slightly awkward mood.
«You're right, that's the most important. So when are we going to meet this mysterious young man? You said he was nearby, right?»
«Yeah, but I didn't want it to be too much»
«Well, we just found out by accident that our daughter was engaged to her secret boyfriend, who she's been with for almost three years. I don't think it's going to be too much» said Jim with a sad smile.
«Alright. I'll call him, then»
Quickly, Donna stepped aside to dial Harvey's number, and he answered after a few rings, his voice soft and loving.
«Hey»
«Hey, where are you?»
«I'm just walking around the neighborhood. Why?»
«They want to meet you»
«Oh. Alright, um... okay. I can be there in half an hour. Is that good?»
«Perfect. See you, honey»
«See you. I love you»
«Love you too»
For half an hour, Donna chatted with her parents, trying to ease the tension, until she heard a knock at the door. Immediately, she rushed to open it, her heart racing while standing there was her fiancé, with a slightly embarrassed smile, holding two large bouquets of flowers in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other.
«Hey»
«Hey»
«Come on in»
«Thanks — Here, for the love of my life»
«Thank you, honey»
As he handed her one of the bouquets, she couldn't help but kiss him quickly, a sweet, reassuring gesture before leading him into the living room. Her parents were standing there, waiting — and while Harvey was usually confident, unshakable even, in this moment, he couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
«Hello»
«Hi, you must be Harvey. Nice to meet you, I'm Laurel»
«Nice to meet you, ma'am, here. This is for you»
«Oh, that's very sweet, but please, call me Laurel»
«Alright... Laurel. Um, hello, sir»
«Jim. Nice to meet you»
«Jim, okay. Hum, this is for you. Donna told me you're a wine lover, and the wine shop said this was their best bottle»
«That's very kind of you, Harvey— Please, make yourselves comfortable»
A few moments later, both of them settled on the couch, side by side. Harvey rested his hand on Donna's thigh, his thumb gently caressing her knee as Donna wrapped both of her hands around his arm, almost as if they were alone in their own world. The comfort between them was palpable — but it was clear that Donna's parents were eager for answers, as Laurel was the first to speak, her tone curious but warm.
«So, how did you two meet?»
«Well, I had planned to grab a drink with a friend to celebrate my entrance to Columbia, but she couldn't make it. So, I was about to leave the bar when Harvey walked in. We started talking — just a simple conversation at first, and before we knew it, we'd spent the whole night chatting about everything and nothing. We decided to meet again a few days later, and... well, here we are»
In reality, Harvey had ended up fingering her in the restroom after only two margaritas, they had spent a hot night together before realizing they were student and professor and starting a secret relationship for almost two years — but that, they would never admit to the two older Paulsens.
«That's sweet. And Harvey, Donna told us you're a lawyer?»
«Yeah, at Pearson Hardman in Manhattan»
«It's one of the top three most influential firms in New York State, mom» smiled Donna, looking at her man with love, so proud of him.
«Ah, that's very good. And how long have you been a lawyer?»
«Almost fifteen years»
For a few seconds, there was silence in the room as her parents exchanged glances, likely doing the math in their heads. Harvey, sensing the need to ease their concerns, decided to clarify.
«I'm thirty-seven»
«Oh»
«Yeah»
«So you're older by…»
«Nine years, dad. Nine years»
«Nine years... That's quite a difference» sighed Jim.
Sensing Harvey tensing beside her, Donna squeezed his hand and spoke in a soothing tone.
«Age is just a number, right? We didn't let it get in the way. We were just... right for each other from the start»
Noticing Donna's nerves, Harvey decided to take charge of the conversation in turn.
«Look, I know it's a lot to take in. But I want you both to know that I'm committed to Donna, she's the most important person in my life, and I will always take care of her. It's just — I'm so in lovewith her »
Hearing his heartfelt words, and knowing it was hard for him to express his feelings — especially in public — she couldn't help but melt before dropping a kiss on his cheek and whispering a soft I love you too against his skin. Sensing the tension in the room, Laurel quickly changed the subject, and the four of them fell back into a more normal conversation. As the older redhead went into the kitchen to prepare coffee, Harvey's phone rang as he sighed, and Donna leaned over his shoulder.
«Who's that?»
«The dean»
«Why is he calling now?»
«He wanted to talk about the student case. You know, the second-year one with his constitutional law exam— I forgot »
«Oh, yeah, right»
«It's fine, I'll call him back»
For a few seconds, they both forgot they weren't alone. But as Laurel placed the coffees on the table and Harvey tucked his phone away, Jim's voice cut through the air, plunging the room into heavy silence.
«You work at the university?»
In that moment, the couple exchanged a look, both realizing that the topic they had been trying to avoid for the past few hours had just exploded in their faces. Donna froze, unsure of what to say, while Harvey cleared his throat, his voice betraying a hint of unease as he finally spoke.
«Yes... yes, I do»
«Where?»
«Colombia»
«Donna. Are you engaged to your professor?»
At Jim's blunt words, the room went deathly quiet. Both Donna and Harvey tensed, and Donna instinctively squeezed Harvey's hand, her discomfort palpable as she stumbled over her words.
«Dad, I —»
«It's a simple yes or no question» interrupted Jim, his voice tinged with frustration.
«No it's not, it's… complicated»
«How so?»
«When we met, I didn't tell him I was about to start my studies at Columbia, and he didn't mention he was a professor there because he was just starting out himself. But when we realized he was my teacher, we considered stopping everything. The problem was, by that point, we were already in love. So, yes, there was that hierarchical difference, but we both knew what we were doing. We decided to keep it a secret, and we kept our professional and personal lives separate. My studies were never affected, we just... kept everything private. That's why we didn't tell anyone, but you need to understand that —»
«So, you're asking me to understand that my twenty-five-year-old daughter had an affair with her professor, a man nine years older than her?»
«No, it's not about any of that. Just understand that we were in love, and after three years, we still are. From the very beginning, I knew he was the one I was going to spend my life with. It has nothing to do with his age, his profession, or anything else. Keep in mind that at the beginning, we were just two consenting adults who met in a bar, and it was love at first sight for us. I'm just in love— and I'm happy with him, so happy»
For a few seconds, the room fell silent as Harvey was torn between melting at Donna's heartfelt words and being anxious about Jim's reaction. Then, after a moment, the redhead's father sighed, his voice quieter than before.
«Well, if you're happy and in love…»
Donna exhaled a quiet sigh of relief. Without missing a beat, she leaned in and kissed Harvey passionately, her affection unrestrained as Harvey, caught off guard, blushed deeply, realizing that this was happening — right in front of his future in-laws. In the end, if they had feared Jim and Laurel's reaction, it turned out to be not as bad as they'd anticipated.
Now, the only thing left was to figure out how to announce it to the rest of the world.