Chapter Text
Three years later…
That morning, the alarm went off softly — fifteen minutes earlier than necessary. It was a habit Donna and Harvey had built over the years: a small quarter of an hour just for them, in the calm before the redheaded tornado with doe eyes descended upon the house. Still wrapped up together, the sheet barely covering their hips, they basked in the warmth of their bed. Donna was curled into Harvey’s chest, her fingers tracing lazy circles on his skin while he kissed her slowly, his hands already wandering more boldly along her bare back. Their kisses deepened, bodies pressing closer, the lazy tenderness quickly shifting into something more heated… until a strange, repetitive noise floated up the stairs.
« No, dooooon’t do that! »
« But why? »
« Because Mommy and Daddy said no »
« But why? »
Harvey rolled his eyes and let his head fall back onto the mattress with a groan as he muttered.
« You’ve gotta be kidding me… »
Donna buried her face in the pillow, groaning too, before snuggling closer against his warm, muscular body as she murmured.
« How many of them are downstairs? »
« No idea… the whole crew, I’d bet »
He pushed himself up slightly and raised his voice, letting it carry down the hall.
« What’s going on down there? »
A high, clear voice, slightly panicked, answered almost instantly.
« Luna and Emma want to open the gate, Daddy! »
In a heartbeat, both adults recognized Isla’s voice — five and a half now, the eldest of the clan.
« That’s not true! »
Emma, age three, protested right away as Luna chimed in sing-song.
« We just want cuddles »
Harvey sighed deeper, pressed a kiss to Donna’s forehead, and murmured a resigned to be continued, realizing their intimate moment would have to wait until at least tonight. Sliding out of bed, he padded toward the landing, where four little redheads were waiting in front of the safety gate at the top of the stairs — the last bulwark before the total invasion of their privacy — hair tangled, pajamas adorable, wide grins stretching across still-sleepy faces.
« Daddyyyyy! » they all squealed in unison.
Harvey crouched under their hugs, kissing each forehead, pulling them against him one by one so none of them would feel left out. Then he lifted them over the gate, murmuring with a crooked smile.
« Alright, up you go. Slowly — this isn’t a race »
One minute later, the master bedroom was overrun with tiny feet. Isla launched herself onto the bed first, quickly followed by Maya — four years old now — then Luna and Emma, the twins turning three next week, clambering up clumsily until they reached Donna, already half-laughing. Donna stretched her arms open, welcoming them into a tangle of giggles and red hair, while Harvey collapsed onto the mattress beside them, surrounded by his four daughters. Yes —Harvey Specter had given his wife four daughters.
« But why are you all up so early? » asked Donna.
Maya, settling between her sisters, shrugged at her father with perfect logic, as if she couldn’t understand the point of the question.
« ’Cause… we missed you »
Harvey groaned softly in delight, rolled onto his side, and pulled them all close, wrapping an arm around Donna too. The six of them were tangled together, squeezed against each other in a bubble of warmth and quiet. Over the sea of red heads, Donna and Harvey exchanged a glance — bright eyes, a deep complicity born of a thousand shared moments.
Three years. Four daughters. Two divorces. One trial. Pregnancies, sleepless nights, bottles, tears, cuddles — and this bed, this morning — their perfect chaos.
Once the divorce had been finalized, it was like a heavy weight lifted. Everything felt lighter — Harvey and Donna had finally been able to start living again. A few days later, they signed a simple piece of paper at City Hall to make their marriage official. No lavish ceremony, no silk gown, no flowers strung from ceilings — they had each already tried the grand wedding once, and everyone knew how that had turned out. No need to do it again. And with Donna heavily pregnant with twins and two toddlers at home, they honestly didn’t have the time or energy to plan an event. What mattered was simple: they were married — for real this time.
The first two, Isla and Maya, remained little wonders — tiny angels who made parenting look deceptively easy. They adapted to every stage with astonishing grace, fully invested in their mom’s pregnancy: touching her belly, talking to the babies, kissing her stretched skin, asking the same questions a thousand times in their imperfect language with that sparkling curiosity unique to their age.
And while twins had never been part of the original plan… in hindsight, maybe it was a blessing. Donna even said one night, toothbrush in hand: Three is always awkward, an unbalanced number. But four? That’s two pairs. Two duos. A perfect balance. Harvey hadn’t dared point out that balance wasn’t exactly the word that came to his mind when he thought of four kids — but she wasn’t entirely wrong either.
Still, having four children — especially four little girls — meant one simple thing: military-level organization.
Every morning, without even needing to talk about it, Harvey and Donna moved in perfect sync. As soon as the alarm rang, Harvey went down first, started the coffee, popped bread in the toaster, got breakfast going. Meanwhile, Donna freshened up the four girls, still half-asleep, dressing them in their traditional matching underwear-and-blouse sets, coordinated for each of them.
Then they switched: Harvey came upstairs to help finish dressing — socks, pants, sweaters — while Donna threw on her own clothes at record speed. Each girl’s outfit was already stacked neatly from the night before, labeled with color-coded sticky notes to avoid morning debates. Once everyone gathered in the dining room, breakfast was served at their usual spots. The girls chattered away, Donna checked the school folders, Harvey gulped his coffee standing up, and then came the critical stage: the bags. Harvey packed them — water bottles, comfort toys, extra clothes, emergency pacifiers — while Donna braided hair and clipped barrettes, each style matching their moods. Isla wanted a bun, Maya two little ponytails, and the twins… well, it depended on the day.
Finally, out the door but as always, the twins refused the stroller.
« No push! » Emma declared, arms crossed.
« Big girls » added Luna with a wide grin.
Donna and Harvey exchanged an exhausted look. Harvey leaned in, whispering as if hoping the determined toddlers wouldn’t hear — though with their parents’ genes, intuition and stubbornness were practically guaranteed.
« Do we take the carriers just in case? »
« Nope! » Luna shouted from the steps.
« Walk » Emma added firmly.
« Okay… let’s go then. But I don’t want to hear anyone complaining about sore legs » Harvey warned.
So off they went, six of them, moving at toddler pace — thankfully the school was only four blocks away. Once there, the twins fussed as usual about not wanting to be separated from their big sisters, while Isla and Maya strutted in like little teenagers, ready to conquer preschool. After dropping off backpacks and kissing their daughters goodbye, Harvey and Donna finally headed home, walking side by side in the morning calm.
« I’ve got a client meeting in Midtown at ten » said Harvey.
« And I’m full remote today. I’ll take over the home office until later this afternoon »
« Meet up for pickup? »
« Of course. Solo with four? Not a chance »
After sharing a laugh, they stopped at the door, a quick kiss, then Harvey leaned in to kiss her again, slower this time, stars in his eyes as Donna whispered.
« I love you »
« And I’m literally obsessed with you »
He kissed her once more, and she laughed softly, gently pushing him away before murmuring against his lips.
« Go to work, Mr. Specter. And don’t be late for pick-up »
He smiled, walked down the steps with a light stride toward the car, while Donna, hand on the doorknob, sighed with a smile, thinking: and to think we do this every day.
In the end, the day had been long, packed, like all the others, but productive. Donna powered through meetings from their home office, keeping one eye on the clock. Around three o’clock, she left the house, while Harvey had squeezed in a client lunch in Midtown, a quick stop at the firm, and an improvised call from a downtown café before racing to their meeting point. He was waiting in their massive black SUV — a brand-new Lexus TX they’d had to buy after trading in their old family car, the one that had once fit three car seats but could no longer handle four. When Donna opened the passenger door, he shot her a grin.
« Hey hotshot, we’re exactly on time. That’s a miracle »
« Hello beautiful — yeah, I felt like I was in an episode of Mission: Impossible »
They laughed, shared a soft kiss, and Harvey hit the gas toward the school where their four little redheads were waiting. While Harvey searched for parking, Donna had already scooped up Isla and Maya outside the main entrance. The girls — five and a half and four — came running, backpacks bouncing, hair a mess.
« Mommyyyyy! »
« We had yoga today! »
« And Maya got a gold star ’cause she put the puzzles away without anyone asking! »
Harvey finally got out of the car and instantly melted when he saw them. Both girls launched themselves into his arms, their big doe eyes shining with adoration for the man they saw as their superhero.
« Daddyyyy! »
He picked them up one by one, planted exaggerated kisses on their cheeks, and murmured with all the tenderness in the world,
« Who are my little princesses? »
« Me! » Isla shouted, arms up high.
« And me! » Maya chimed in proudly.
« Of course. Best little princesses ever » he whispered, completely smitten.
After another round of hugs, the little crew headed to the daycare wing to collect the twins. The teachers greeted them with smiles, not even waiting for them to ask.
« Perfect, as always »
« A real delight. Two little rays of sunshine — and very independent, I must say »
Harvey and Donna exchanged a knowing look before the redhead murmured.
« We don’t doubt it »
« Thanks for today » added Harvey gratefully.
Soon they were all back at the car, the couple working in sync to strap everyone in while the girls begged for more kisses, one after the other.
« Another one, Daddy »
« Me too, Daddy »
« Yeah, me too! »
« Babies, come on… Mommy and Daddy already gave all four of you kisses and cuddles. If we keep this up, we’ll never leave. Tell you what — when we get home, I promise we’ll spend the whole evening cuddling, all six of us. Deal? »
When the four little redheads pulled identical pouts, he shut the back door and chuckled at the twins’ dramatic whines. Their scandalized looks were pure Donna — a copy-paste of the face she made whenever he did something outrageous. And Harvey couldn’t have been happier: he had four little versions of the woman he was crazy about. Sliding back behind the wheel, he heard the twins declare in their high-pitched voices.
« We love you, Daddy! »
Almost immediately, the two eldest chimed in, perfectly in sync.
« Love you too, Daddy! »
« I love you too, my four babies. But now we’ve got to hit the road »
While Donna tucked everything neatly in the trunk and climbed into the passenger seat, she turned to him with a tender smile and whispered softly.
« I love you too »
« And I… you have no idea » he breathed.
Heart racing, he leaned in for a tender kiss before starting the engine.
That evening, like every evening, Harvey and Donna gave it their all. They threw themselves into parenting with the same fire and drive they’d once poured into their careers. Playtime on the living room floor, bubble baths where the twins splashed their big sisters, dinner where everyone wanted a plate just like Mommy’s, then bedtime stories told in soft, sleepy voices. And as often happened, the four girls fell asleep tangled up across the bed, sprawled half over the cushions and half over their parents. Harvey lay on his back with Isla curled against his chest and Emma clinging to his arm, while Donna had Maya starfished across her belly and Luna tucked into the crook of her arm. They didn’t say a word, just shared a glance across the sea of red hair, a half-smile that said everything: we did it.
Because twenty years ago, neither of them would have dared dream of this life. Harvey, at the start, had been angry at the world, chasing only glory, money, recognition. He didn’t believe in love, didn’t believe in family, didn’t even believe in himself. Donna, the brilliant, fiery redhead, had just said goodbye to her stage dreams to build a new life in New York. She hadn’t planned anything — except maybe that night, in that bar, when their eyes met for the very first time.
From that moment, everything changed.
They danced around their feelings for years, refusing to give in, refusing to risk. And then, one day, they made the wrong choices. Donna thought Mark could give her stability, a house, children — but soon realized he didn’t want Donna. He just wanted to beat the man who had stolen her heart years earlier. Harvey turned to Paula because he was broken, because he wanted to prove he was fine, because she was a therapist and maybe that meant she could love him despite his demons. But he was never himself with her — he chose her out of fear of losing Donna, not out of love.
Their marriages had been a masquerade. They lied to themselves, to their partners. And that kiss at Harvey’s wedding… it was only the beginning of the end. There were fights, regrets, anger. Then Lily died, and in his grief, Harvey only wanted one person: Donna.
That shared heartbreak pulled them together, and Harvey finally understood. He decided to fight — for her, for them. And Donna, who had always loved this stubborn, damaged lawyer, chose to risk her dreams once more. But this time, it wasn’t to disappear — it was because everything suddenly made sense. Their divorces were long and painful, but they hadn’t waited for the courts to grant them permission to really live. And today, their four daughters — Isla, Maya, Luna, and Emma — had filled their lives with meaning, chaos, and love. A life they never could have imagined back then, one that fulfilled them beyond anything they’d ever hoped for.
They had failed to build a future with Mark and Paula. They had tried to rebuild themselves for the wrong reasons. But what they had built together, despite everything… it was more than a love story. It was a real family. They had made mistakes — too many, probably. Detours, choices they still regretted sometimes. But looking at their four mini-redheads asleep between them, they knew they would do it all over again, a thousand times, without hesitation. That night, they fell asleep in each other’s arms, heads full of memories, hearts overflowing with love — unaware that tomorrow would bring its own surprises.
As planned — Saturday morning, seven sharp — the couple was already busy getting everything ready for the full day ahead. Donna, coffee in hand, wearing nothing but a thong and one of Harvey’s t-shirts, circled the kitchen island, muttering.
« I’d sell a kidney for a sleep-in. It’s Saturday, we should be in bed, not existing »
« And yet, instead, you had the brilliant idea of visiting your parents today » snorted Harvey.
« Oh, shut up. Pack the bags — I’ll do the bottles »
« Yes, my love »
After one last kiss and a moment just for the two of them, Donna and Harvey got moving, taking advantage of the girls still sleeping in their parents’ bed to quietly dart between the four bedrooms upstairs. The baby monitor glued to Donna’s hand, they worked in silence for nearly half an hour — until static crackled, followed by two small noises. The parents kept preparing, laughing softly as the voices of their daughters drifted through the monitor — chatting away like four best friends at a sleepover. As they heard the kids calling them, the couple went upstairs. The four little girls were already bouncing excitedly on the king-size bed, and the moment Harvey lay down, all four of them piled on top of him. For nearly five minutes, they chattered about princesses and dragons until Donna stepped in, scooping Emma up just as she was about to leap onto Harvey again, hugging her close and making the little girl burst out laughing.
« Alright, my babies, we’ve got a lot to do today before heading over to Grandma Laurel’s and Grandpa Jim’s »
« Yeah! » shouted the four girls in unison.
« Then let’s get moving »
Quickly, the couple split up the tasks. Harvey took a shower and got dressed while Donna freshened up the four mini redheads and slipped their underwear on, then they switched — she went into the bathroom, and he finished dressing the girls in the outfits Donna had picked out. Once done, the family sat down together at the breakfast table before Harvey tidied everything away and Donna tackled the job of taming four wild heads of hair.
« So, what’s the plan for today, Mommy? »
Catching Harvey’s devastating smile, Donna couldn’t help but chuckle before answering in the same light tone.
« Well, Daddy… as soon as we’ve finished taming these manes, we’re stopping at the store to buy a super gift for Grandpa Jim so he’ll be just a tiny bit nicer to Daddy, then we’ll grab some snacks for the road, have a bite to eat, and head out »
« If we go to the store, can I get a princess doll? »
« And me, a Barbie? »
« I want a stuffie »
« Me too! »
« My babies, you already have everything you need at home, right, Daddy? »
Seeing Harvey pull a helpless face — and knowing full well he could never say no to them — Donna made sure to shoot him a warning look not to cave, but she could still see him panic, torn about what to do. In the end, Donna negotiated with the girls until they agreed they could each pick out a snack for the drive — apparently the best news of the day. Before long, everyone was buckled into the massive family SUV, the four girls safely strapped into their seats while Harvey and Donna settled up front as Harvey sighed.
« So, about your dad… what do I get him? Vodka or rum? I’d like some peace tonight… and tomorrow morning too »
« Harv… you’re getting him a nice bottle of wine for the two of you to share tonight »
« Great »
Rolling his eyes, Harvey made Donna laugh out loud, the memory of her father’s face flashing back when she’d first announced her pregnancy — and Harvey had hugged him, grinning, and called him my dear father in law. She’d thought she’d get used to it, but every single pregnancy announcement always got the same reaction from Jim, and Harvey never stopped enjoying himself. Soon enough, the couple reached their destination as Donna took the girls to Central Park while Harvey swung by Columbus Circle Wine & Spirits — there was no way he’d risk letting four little tornadoes loose in a liquor store. Donna sat on a bench at Heckscher Playground, keeping an eye on her daughters, especially the twins, who were far less delicate and calm than their older sisters. While she watched Maya and Isla carefully walk along a balance beam barely higher than the sandy ground, a nasal voice broke through beside her.
« Well… if it isn’t Paulsen »
Lifting her head, Donna spotted a blonde she hadn’t seen in nearly three years — and yet, despite the time, still managed to irritate her instantly.
« Great… » sighed Donna.
« Where’s my dear ex-husband? Finally moved on from you? »
« No, but apparently you haven’t moved on from him »
« You don’t seem thrilled to see me »
« Forgive me, Paula, but you were never a sign of good things »
« Never a sign? You’ve got to be kidding. You’ve always been the villain in this story — I was the one trying to save Harvey from… »
« Mommy? »
Just as Paula was ready to spit venom, they were interrupted by Maya, who walked over to her mother with a sly little smile and big chocolate-brown eyes — the daughter who resembled Harvey the most, though in truth, they all looked like Donna.
« Yes, baby? »
« Can I have some water, please? »
« Sure, yeah »
Donna quickly pulled a water bottle from her Hermès bag — she knew her daughters inside out — and handed it to Maya, who gulped it down before returning it politely.
« Thanks, Mommy »
« You’re welcome, my princess »
Meanwhile, Paula hadn’t budged while Donna stayed seated, her mom’s gaze fixed on the three others playing, while the blonde stood there, arms crossed tightly across her chest. As soon as Maya ran back to the playground, the blonde started up again.
« Proud of yourself, huh? »
« Of what? »
« Of all this — stealing my husband, trapping him by getting pregnant on purpose, turning him against me, and — »
« Has Harvey ever actually told you what happened? »
Maybe it was Donna’s calmness that unsettled her, or maybe the revelations about to come, but suddenly Paula froze. Donna’s eyes softened as they followed her kids, and in a gentle voice, she murmured.
« The day of your wedding, just hours after you said I do, while you were out there smiling for the crowd, your husband was on the terrace with me — his tongue in my mouth, kissing me and telling me he still wanted me… us »
« You’re lying »
« Then when his mom died, the two of us ended up in Boston — without our spouses, because deep down, we knew we didn’t want you two there. After the service, we sat in the car and talked. I told him I wasn’t sure my ex-husband and I wanted the same future, and Harvey admitted he didn’t feel like himself in your marriage, like he was married to his therapist, not his wife »
« Bullshit… »
« Maybe, but that’s what he felt. Maybe that’s what he resented you for — never taking his opinion into account. Anyway… after a while, we looked at each other and suddenly everything made sense. We kissed, and it spiraled from there »
« You mean you kissed him, then probably seduced him until he caved. That’s what you’ve been doing since you walked into his office, huh? »
« Actually, it was him. He kissed me first. He was the one who slid his hands under my dress first. He unzipped his own pants, dropped his boxer briefs, and fucked me in his car for hours. It was him »
Paula’s face flushed red, eyes wide and jaw clenched, while Donna calmly kept an eye on the playground, waving back at little Luna before continuing.
« He’s also the one who dragged me up to his hotel room that same night. The one who begged me to stay and made love to me until morning, whispering against my skin how much he regretted everything and how badly he needed me »
« You see? That’s all you are — a fuck. Someone who bends to his every whim. That’s what turns him on. But trust me, sex isn’t everything. One day, he’ll wake up and realize all he wanted from you was someone to play out his fantasies »
« I wouldn’t say that… When we came back to New York, he dumped you without a second thought. Then he ran straight to me, knocked on my door, and asked me to leave my husband for him — while Mark was in the living room a few feet away. After that, he wouldn’t stop. He showed up at my office, bought me gifts, lingerie… even went so far as to buy a massive engagement ring from Tiffany’s — a diamond at least four times the size of the one you bought yourself, since he hadn’t even bothered to »
Paula’s eyes dropped to the enormous sparkling diamond on Donna’s left hand, now paired with a simple white-gold wedding band — and on the other, an eternity ring encrusted with diamonds, plus four slim bands, one for each birth. A second later, Donna continued.
« He even faked client meetings just to make sure I’d end up spending the evening with him »
« That’s crap… »
« Remember when you kept blowing up his phone after he filed for divorce? Well, we were together in Hartford, waiting to see if I was pregnant. When the test came back negative, his first thought was to try again the next month »
« Who are you trying to convince, Donna? Me, or yourself? Deep down, you know Harvey never wanted kids. With the kind of father he had, it messed him up for good »
« I think you’re the one trying to convince yourself — because deep down, you know he could never have had children with you. The day that question came up, he never would’ve gone through with it. Not like that. Because having kids? That’s only with someone you love, someone you can actually see a future with »
« And you think he loves you? Loves this life? The moment he wakes up and sees it for what it is, he’s going to bolt — leave you and your four bastards behind »
At that, Donna snorted, turning to Paula with real amusement in her eyes.
« This life? You really think what you gave him was what he wanted? He stayed out late on purpose, came home to you in a frumpy robe, nose buried in a psychology magazine. You talked about your day without caring about his, and when he tried, you threw your bullshit theories at him. You had no sex life, no social life. The most you ever did together was sit in silence watching documentaries, eat at vegetarian restaurants, and parade him around proudly as your husband to anyone who’d listen. You emasculated him until he became exactly what you wanted. He couldn’t watch a game, had to quit boxing because you thought it was too trashy, couldn’t grab a drink with his buddies, couldn’t even dress a certain way — and he did… all to avoid your tantrums »
Paula was struck speechless. Deep down, she knew every word Donna said was true — and what shook her even more was that the redhead knew all of it. Just then, Isla ran over for a sip of water, and once she ran back to play, Donna murmured with a sly smile.
« What? Surprised? You didn’t think Harvey would keep it all to himself, did you? Remember, besides being married, we’re best friends — we tell each other everything. And since I’m honest, I’ll tell you everything too »
After another glance at the girls playing in the sand, she looked briefly at Paula to continue.
« In the evenings, we pick up the kids we made together, we take care of them, we laugh, we have fun — because the truth is, even at five years old and younger, they’re amazing company and we have a blast. Then once they’re in bed, we sip wine and talk about our day before we fuck passionately — in our bed when we make it that far, or on the kitchen counter, in the living room among the toys, or wherever the mood hits. Because yeah, you like to imagine I seduce Harvey to get what I want, but the reality is, I don’t need to seduce him — everything about me excites him. Even if I wore a frumpy old robe… though I’ll admit, I prefer silk nightgowns, short ones — that’s what he likes. But you would’ve known that if you’d really known him »
Seeing Paula’s furious glare, Donna only smiled softly before finishing.
« The truth is, deep down, you always knew Harvey and I would end up together. That’s why you went after him in the first place, right? You tried to get from him what you thought was impossible. But all you got was an engagement born out of hate and jealousy, a marriage doomed from day one, a husband who ran from you, who couldn’t picture a future by your side — and everything you always dreamed of? Another woman got it »
« You have no idea what you’re talking about. »
« Of course I do… I know because I actually know him — and deep down, so do you. You never wanted Harvey because you loved him, not really. You loved the idea of taking what I didn’t have yet. If you’d truly loved him, you wouldn’t have dragged out the divorce for nearly three years while he became the man he wanted to be — I mean, just look at him »
At that moment, she saw her husband hurrying toward the sandbox, just as she expected, carrying a bag with a bottle of wine for Jim — and of course, an unnecessary bag with what was surely a gift for the girls. Without taking her eyes off him, Donna felt Paula turn too, huffing. Harvey crouched in the sandbox, handing out little surprises to the girls who squealed with delight, while Donna murmured.
« On top of being an incredible husband and an exceptional lover — he’s also an amazing father. He’d die for me and our girls. I’m sorry if this whole story has rotted you — or maybe you were rotten inside from the very start — but either way, you need to move on. We’re happy, we’re in love. Forget about us »
Before Paula could even respond, the four little girls came running as fast as their tiny legs could carry them, clutching their gifts in their arms and shouting with excitement.
« Mommy, look! »
« Daddy bought us something! »
« I got a pretzel! »
« And me, a waffle! »
« I got a cinnamon roll! »
« And me, pancakes! »
Donna couldn’t help but snort as she watched them hold their Jellycat stuffed animals shaped like their favorite breakfasts, squeezing them tight as if they were the most precious things in the world. But she was quickly interrupted by her husband, who came up behind her with a sigh.
« Oh great, first my father-in-law and now my ex? Today must be my lucky day »
« Ex-wife » corrected Paula.
« Well, given how short the marriage was, can we really call it a wife? Anyway, what do you want, Paula? »
« Trust me, I’m not thrilled about running into you two either… »
While Paula feigned indifference — despite being completely demolished by Donna minutes earlier — Harvey laced his fingers with his wife’s, gave a gentle tug, and said with certainty.
« Perfect. Then we won’t waste any more time. Bye, Paula »
Without another glance, he grabbed the hands of the two older girls, Donna doing the same with the twins, and the whole family walked away. After a few seconds of silence, Harvey smirked and murmured.
« I also bought you a Jellycat… »
« What? » Donna laughed.
« They had one shaped like a strawberry shortcake — only missing the whipped cream »
« Harv… »
« Oh come on, that’s funny, right? »
« A little, yeah… And honey? »
« Huh? »
« Aren’t we gonna talk about what just happened? »
« About what? Paula? »
« Yeah, what else? »
« Do you have something to say about that? »
« No… Not really »
« Me neither. So let’s move on »
At his mischievous smile and complete lack of concern, she kissed him tenderly as they kept walking toward the rest of their day, hearts full and butterflies fluttering in their stomachs.
About fifteen minutes later, the couple found a little pizzeria al taglio near Central Park with a terrace outside. They squeezed in as best as they could around a small table for six and with the twins on their parents’ laps and Isla and Maya sitting beside them, Harvey studied the menu until the waiter came and Donna placed the order — about a dozen slices to feed their family of six. As soon as the food arrived — and after Donna wiped down all the little hands with the trusty wipes she always kept in her bag — the girls dove into the pizza, tomato sauce smeared around their mouths and strings of mozzarella stretching from their tiny fingers.
« Is it good, my princesses? »
« Yeah! »
« So yummy! »
« I love pizza! »
« Me too! »
Seeing their wide grins, the parents chuckled before continuing their meal, chatting about the upcoming trip while the four little redheads stayed laser-focused on their food. Toward the end, Harvey had practically inhaled his portion, and no sooner had he swallowed the last bite than all four girls turned toward him with the exact same teasing smile he was famous for, before chiming in together.
« Oh… I know those faces. What do you want? »
« Deeeeessert! »
Watching them sing-song with mischievous eyes, their parents laughed, quickly weighing the situation. The girls hadn’t eaten too much pizza, there were still at least two hours before they had to hit the road, and they could share a dessert. Without much hesitation, Harvey ordered a tiramisu for four, fully aware he’d end up finishing it himself — and would need to double his running time tomorrow morning, which at least meant avoiding Jim.
« Honey? »
« Hmm? »
« While you’re having dessert, I’ll pop over to the bookstore and grab that novel my mom keeps going on about — you don’t mind, right? »
« Nah, go for it. Some mommy break »
« Alright »
After answering the girls’ fifteen thousand questions, Donna slipped away for her errand — enjoying not only a quarter-hour of silence to herself but also giving Harvey some one-on-one time with their daughters. Meanwhile, as the tiramisu disappeared between tales of princesses and pancakes stories, Harvey watched his four little girls with mascarpone and cocoa all over their faces. He couldn’t help but look at them with love before pulling out some wipes and starting to clean hands and cheeks.
« Come on… let’s get all cleaned up before Mommy comes back, alright? »
« Daddy, look! »
As Luna had mascarpone on the tip of her nose, Harvey snorted as he wiped it off — but was cut off mid-gesture by a male voice.
« Daddy, huh? »
Turning around, Harvey sighed, rolling his eyes before collapsing back into his chair, muttering under his breath.
« You’ve got to be kidding me… exes day, is that it? »
« Excuse me? »
« Donna already had Paula’s little ego trip earlier, I’m guessing it’s my turn now. What’s going on in that bitter little head of yours? Still jealous of me? »
« Jealous? I’m not the one stuck with a ruined life and four brats underfoot. Tell me, were they accidents or just another one of Donna’s whims? »
Harvey felt a chill run up his spine, but his smile only widened — because he knew exactly what he was doing. He turned toward his four little girls, blissfully unaware of the tension, their shades of red hair tied up in Donna’s neat, stylish hairstyles, dressed in their trendy little outfits. Without missing a beat, he tucked his fingers into Isla’s pigtail. The little girl looked up at Mark, while Harvey sighed, addressing his wife’s ex.
« Yeah, four kids in under three years — must sting when you couldn’t even manage one after a whole year of marriage. By the way, since she left you, did you bother getting tested to make sure everything’s working down there? »
« Real proud of yourself, huh? »
« Of giving my wife everything she ever wanted and making her happy? Yeah, pretty damn proud. I mean, look at them… You never could’ve done it, and we both know it. You call them whims, but they’re the greatest gifts life has given us. And you know what? Donna could ask for ten more, and I’d step up without the slightest hesitation — especially considering how much fun the process is »
« You think this is funny… »
« Of course. Look at them. Our eldest, Isla — remember her? The one you once pretended was yours? Look at her, she already looks just like Donna. Gorgeous, right? Then there’s Maya — the one who looks the most like me, which I’m sure drives you insane — and yeah, you tried to claim her too by the way. Bold move, considering you couldn’t produce anything yourself. And then the twins, Luna and Emma — the perfect mix of me and Donna. I hope their faces haunt your lonely nights »
Mark laughed bitterly before spitting out the words, dripping with hatred, as if hoping to land a blow.
« Turned into a doting dad, huh? You? The great Harvey Specter, the pit bull in court? You’ve lost your edge, your reputation, just because you couldn’t say no to Donna. Just for a glorified secretary who preferred being under your desk instead of doing her job »
Once he made sure the girls were distracted playing with their new Jellycats, Harvey rose and slowly approached Mark. His voice stayed calm, almost soft, but every word cut like a blade — and carefully out of the children’s earshot.
« You knew me before. You thought you knew what mattered. The files. The wins. The competition. Now? I win differently. Every morning when I see their faces. Every night holding Donna in my arms, fucking her until we collapse, giving her the life she always dreamed of, making baby after baby until she asks for something else — because her happiness is mine. And you? Still alone? Still angry? Still talking like you’ve won something? You call my wife just a secretary, someone who only fed my fantasies… but the truth is, you know exactly what she is. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have tried so damn hard to get her yourself — and failed »
Mark clenched his jaw while Harvey kept tearing into the graying man.
« You’re nothing but a failure who couldn’t make the most exceptional woman in the world happy. A loser who never knew how to satisfy her — not personally, not financially, not socially, not emotionally, and definitely not sexually. Me? I put her on a pedestal every single day. I make her feel like the most perfect woman in the world. Whatever she wants, she gets — the kids, the big house, dream vacations, every damn luxury bag — everything. I make sure she can live her life as a mom and as a woman, that she feels loved and desired. And sexually? You have no idea how satisfied she is »
« Shut up… » muttered Mark.
« Tell me, Meadows… what have you accomplished besides screwing up your marriage and being a pain in the ass to a family for nearly three years? Nothing, huh? So keep being a loser and stay the hell away from my wife and my daughters, got it? »
Without another word, he shot one last glance at the girls and turned on his heel, leaving. Harvey watched him walk away with a triumphant smile on his lips before pulling himself together — only to be interrupted by the twins climbing onto his lap to cover his cheeks with kisses. Just as Isla popped the last spoonful of tiramisu into her mouth, she turned toward Harvey with a curious look.
« Daddy, who was that? »
« No one important. Come on, is everyone finished? »
« Yeah! »
« Great. How about a big hug while we wait for Mommy? »
In less than a second, all four clung to their father however they could, while Harvey made sure to plant a kiss on each little forehead so no one felt left out. Barely five minutes later, Donna returned, and the family left the restaurant together, heading back to the car. On the way, they stopped at a store, letting the girls each choose a snack as a reward for surviving more than two hours on the road. Soon, all four were buckled into the SUV with their little pink bags of strawberry-banana kids’ chips, and they set off — destination: Hartford.
The first thirty minutes of the drive passed to the sound of Harvey’s Spotify playlist, titled The Specter Princesses and made up almost entirely of Disney songs. By the time When Will My Life Begin? from Tangled came on, the four little redheads were fast asleep, mouths slightly open as Donna whispered.
« How much longer? »
« I’d say about an hour and a half if there’s no traffic »
« Good thing »
As Donna sighed, eyes on the road, Harvey cast a quick glance at his wife before murmuring.
« Babe? »
« Mmh? »
« I ran into Mark earlier »
« You’re funny »
« I’m serious »
At that, she whipped her head toward him, eyes wide.
« What do you mean you ran into Mark? »
« Well, when you went to get your mom’s book, the girls and I were sharing tiramisu, and suddenly he was there »
« Was it ex-spouses day or something? » moaned Donna.
« Exactly what I thought »
« And… how was he? »
« Well, still the same asshole who thinks I’m to blame for your shitty marriage. But don’t worry, I put him right back in his place » smirked Harvey.
« No doubt about that » snorted Donna.
For a few seconds, the car fell into silence as they both stared ahead, each lost in thought. Then Harvey squeezed Donna’s thigh, murmuring.
« You good? »
« Yeah… It’s just, I mean, it’s been three years since all that ended… Why can’t they move on? »
« Well, we moved on. That’s what matters, huh? »
« Of course, yeah, but still… »
« Hey, let’s not even talk about them. We hadn’t thought about them in almost three years, let’s keep it that way. They’re two bitter people. Meanwhile, we’re happy, still crazy in love, married, thriving — and we made a bunch of babies… »
« Speaking of babies… »
« What? »
« I felt nauseous this morning »
For a few seconds, the car went dead silent. Donna felt Harvey’s grip tighten on her thigh and his breath catch. Waiting for his reaction, she heard him gasp out with certainty.
« Donna, no »
« What do you mean, Donna, no? Let me remind you it takes two for this »
« I know, but… We can’t. Four already… but five? » choked Harvey.
« Or six — twins, remember? »
Donna chuckled while Harvey swallowed hard, eyes wide and jaw clenched, before murmuring.
« Donna, I’m not joking… We’re 43 and 44. That’s not exactly baby age — let alone for two if it’s twins. The girls already take up so much time and space, the house isn’t big enough, I’d have to trade in the SUV for a school bus, and that means daycare, preschool, kindergarten and elementary school all at once — it’s just not… »
« Honey… relax, I just had some nausea. Nothing proves I’m pregnant »
« We both know what nausea means with you, Donna. We’ve been through this three times »
« Either way, I picked up a pregnancy test during my little detour, so we’ll find out soon enough, right? The second we get to my parents’ house, we drop the kids, they take over, we lock ourselves in the bathroom and do the test »
« Great… You couldn’t have told me that once we got there? Saved me the stress during the drive? »
« Oh, please. I’ve been stressing since this morning, no reason you shouldn’t stress with me… Especially since this is your fault »
« My fault? » gasped Harvey.
« Hell yeah »
« Let me remind you that you’re the one jumping me every single time »
« Alright, I’ll pretend you didn’t say that, especially since we both know who’s really jumping who… But do I need to remind you about the vasectomy episode? You told me you’d do it after the twins, and once you got to your appointment, you chickened out and left »
« Babe, I told you — I read it could mess with things… down there »
« And I told you that’s a lie »
« I’m in my forties. I plan on fucking you for a few more decades — no way I’m risking anything happening »
« And there’s no way — if I’m not pregnant right now — that I’m having a fifth, a sixth or even a seventh at the rate we’re going. Got it? »
As he sighed, eyes fixed on the road, Donna hid her smile. Because even though she loved being a mom, and she knew Harvey did too, four was enough — and she understood his panic. The rest of the drive passed in silence, Harvey’s knee bouncing, Donna chuckling to herself and every time she said his name, Harvey muttered another thing they’d need to think about if there really was a fifth baby on the way. A few minutes later, Luna’s voice broke the quiet.
« Mommy… »
« You’re awake, sweetheart? »
« Yes »
« Me too »
« And me too »
« Me too »
With all four clearly awake now, Isla murmured.
« Daddy, are we there yet? »
« Ten more minutes, my princess »
« Alright »
Soon, four little voices mixed together as their parents tried to keep up. When they finally pulled up to the small house in Hartford, the redheaded tornadoes bolted to the front door, pounding on it until Laurel opened.
« Hello, girls! »
« Grandma! »
The moment they were inside, the girls darted off, yelling for their grandfather. The adults followed more calmly, each hugging Laurel in turn.
« Hey, Mom »
« Sweetie — how are you? »
« I’m great »
« And you, Harvey? »
« Happy to be here. And you, Laurel? »
« Happy to see you all »
« Sweetheart »
« Hey, Dad »
« Jim! » smirked the lawyer.
« And Harvey… »
Still standing close to Jim, Harvey went for irony — he knew the older man had never quite accepted the fact that his daughter had not one, not two, but four children with him… A detail Harvey loved to rub in just to annoy his father-in-law. From the sound of the four little girls giggling with the dog in the living room, Donna grimaced at her mother before murmuring.
« Mom, can you keep an eye on the kids? We just need five minutes »
« Sure — but is everything alright? »
« Well… we’ll tell you in five minutes »
« Oh »
Laurel’s glance shifted from her daughter pulling a pharmacy bag from her purse to Harvey looking like a panicked teenager, and she instantly understood while Jim, however, looked totally confused. Without another word, Donna and Harvey slipped upstairs to the bathroom as Jim shot Laurel a baffled look, but she only sighed and rolled her eyes. Upstairs, Donna tore open the box while Harvey leaned against the counter, watching her take the test like he had seen her do before. After a few moments of silence, he murmured.
« What do we do if it’s positive? »
« What do you think… » sighed Donna.
« Yeah, stupid question »
« Though honestly, I’ve run out of baby name inspiration… I never planned past three names on my list »
« If it’s a boy, we’ll name him Mark. Just to piss him off »
« Oh my God, Harvey » snorted Donna.
Both laughed until Donna’s phone alarm rang, and they took a deep breath together, then checked.
« Oh thank God! »
« Negative »
« Honey, I love making babies with you, but I don’t think I can give birth a fifth time »
« And I’ll die if we have a fifth, Donna. I love our kids so much it hurts sometimes, I’ve got so much love it feels like my heart could burst. One more? I mean — don’t forget heart problems run in my family »
« Harvey… »
« And we’re booking that vasectomy appointment »
« Thank you »
After a heated kiss in the cramped bathroom, they went back downstairs where the girls sat cross-legged on the rug, oatmeal cookies in hand, little glasses of milk on the table, happily chatting together. As Harvey and Donna sat on the couch, Jim gave Harvey a suspicious look, and determined to annoy his father-in-law, Harvey smirked arrogantly and declared.
« Oh, don’t worry, Jim — we weren’t doing anything sexy in that bathroom. Donna just thought she might be pregnant — again — but false alarm »
At that, Jim’s only response was a shocked look at his daughter. Not wanting to linger, Donna handed her mother the book she had brought her, shifting the conversation to something much safer than her sex life. Soon, mother and daughter were deep in conversation while Jim just listened, and Harvey was already lying on the rug, playing with his daughters and the pile of toys Donna had packed. That night, after dinner — homemade mac & cheese with veggies only the adults ate — Harvey and Donna slipped upstairs, finally enjoying a rare moment alone. A quick shower that ended up being anything but — hot water, hands finding each other instinctively, Harvey’s breath in the curve of Donna’s shoulder, muffled moans — like two teenagers sneaking around in their parents’ bathroom.
Later, sprawled on the floral comforter in Donna’s old bedroom, Donna was wearing an oversized Harvard T-shirt, hair still damp. Harvey was shirtless, pajama pants slung low on his hips, propped against the headboard with Donna between his legs, her back against his chest. After a long silence, Harvey murmured.
« Remember… the first time we came here together? »
« When I thought I was pregnant… and you showed up here panicked out of your mind because I wasn’t answering your calls » smiled Donna.
« I didn’t know what you wanted. I was terrified. Then you looked at me, told me you thought you were pregnant with my kid, and I swear my heart stopped »
Donna closed her eyes, then whispered.
« You said something that night. Do you remember? »
« I told you I loved you. And even if it was the worst timing ever, I wanted to be there »
She nodded slowly.
« And ten days later… I wasn’t pregnant, but I was determined to leave Mark »
A long silence stretched, then Donna added, a dreamy smile tugging at her lips.
« You asked me all those questions. Remember? »
Harvey smiled against her temple.
« Apartment or house? »
« House. Townhouse, Brooklyn, garden… »
« How many kids? »
« Two or three… We had four » She laughed softly.
« SUV? »
« The biggest one because of all the car seats »
« And you wanted to work at your own pace, keep your social life… »
She turned her head slightly toward him.
« And you promised me a garden, weekends putting together furniture… and kids who’d look at you like you were Superman »
They gazed at each other, Donna whispering, emotional.
« We did it all. Everything we said that night. Even more »
« And it’s even better. Because we did it together » murmured Harvey.
He kissed her softly, tenderly — not like fire, but like a vow. She smiled against his lips.
« I love you, Harvey Specter »
« I love you, Donna Specter »
They stayed there, curled up in a room full of old memories, in the house where their story had almost begun — and finally exploded. And just down the hall, four little girls slept soundly, dreaming of unicorns, soap bubbles, and tiny Brooklyn gardens.
It had taken nearly two decades, fights, silences, panic pregnancy tests, betrayals, two divorces, and missed turns — but looking at the life they had built, the love they breathed, and the four little girls who called them Mommy and Daddy, they knew they couldn’t have dreamed of anything better.
This was their life.
Absolutely perfect.