Chapter Text
Morning always started the same way these past months.
Harvey’s alarm rang at exactly 6:30 a.m., and with a single arm thrown back, he turned it off before rolling over and pulling the warm body lying next to him closer. As every morning, he drew the redhead against him until her back rested against his chest, the lawyer placing soft kisses on her bare shoulder while his nose trailed along her neck, whispering softly against her warm skin.
« Good morning »
« Good morning to you »
« Pancakes? Waffles? Or upgraded oatmeal? »
« Waffles »
« Consider it done »
And after one last kiss to her neck, Harvey left the master bedroom in nothing but boxers, first grabbing the ingredients — flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and butter — and quickly preparing waffle batter while plugging in the machine, scrolling through his phone to check the day’s schedule as he cooked. After a quick shower and once he had put on his suit trousers and white shirt, he leaned over Donna to kiss her, whispering softly.
« Wake up… The bathroom is all yours »
As she simply hummed in response, he stayed a few seconds longer, just watching her sleep, her hair messy on the pillow, her wedding ring faintly shining as she moved as he drifted into his thoughts.
Sometimes, he still wondered how he had managed to find her again, how he had been given a second chance, and although they had only officially been together for a month, Donna had gone from girlfriend to fiancée to wife in the span of two days. It hadn’t been the grand fairytale wedding they once imagined, and their honeymoon had been spent with their sixteen-year-old son, but it had been perfect.
Once Donna was awake, he moved to the next room, knocking a few times without answer before entering and finding his teenager sprawled out like a starfish in the middle of the bed. After picking up a few clothes and opening the window to air the room, he sat on the edge of the bed, running his fingers through his son’s hair — still unsettling how much he saw himself at that age — before murmuring.
« Rise and shine, sleepy head »
« Mmm… »
« Yeah, I know you don’t want to, but let’s go »
And just like that, Harvey went back to the kitchen to finish the waffles, adding sliced avocado, an omelet, bacon, and some cut fruit, setting everything on the table while waiting for everyone to join.
For nearly fifteen years, he had simply grabbed a coffee on the go and picked up a plain bagel downstairs. Now, every day, he woke up earlier, preparing a balanced, homemade breakfast full of energy for the two loves of his life — and he did it gladly. So about twenty minutes later, Donna came into the living room, kissed her husband one last time before sitting down, and watched as the teenager came out of his room dressed casually but neatly, taking his seat across from them.
« You’ve got a test today, right? » Harvey asked.
Harvey, his tie half-done, was absently reading the news on his phone, but he lifted his eyes to watch his son’s reaction, having developed the same truth detector superpower Donna had when it was about Wade.
« Yeah. Easy »
« Baby, you never say ‘easy’ when it’s actually easy »
« Mom… »
Harvey chuckled softly, and despite himself, Wade smiled too as they continued eating until it was time to leave. Unlike before, Harvey no longer used his driver, no, they now had one of the safest, largest SUVs on the market — after Donna’s accident, Harvey refused to take any more risks and saw the vehicle as a way to protect his family.
Driving down Madison Avenue, he turned onto 85th Street and stopped in front of Regis High School as Wade unbuckled his seatbelt, leaning forward to kiss each of his parents on the cheek, muttering softly.
« Have a good day. Bye mom, bye dad »
« Bye baby »
« See you, my boy »
And just like that, Wade got out of the car while Harvey watched him until he was safely inside the building. Then he continued toward Midtown, stopping in front of the New Amsterdam Theatre, watching his wife take her badge out of her bag, her title — Director of Audience Experience — boldly printed under her name.
« What time do you finish today? »
« Normally five »
« Alright. I’ll pick up Wade after his baseball practice and we’ll come get you, okay? »
« My hero »
« Oh please »
In a second, she chuckled, leaned in, and kissed him tenderly while Harvey savored the closeness he still couldn’t quite believe, despite everything that had happened, until she stepped out of the car and walked into the theatre, his heart melting. Maybe she hadn’t become the famous actress she once dreamed of being, but today she was fulfilled in this modern and prestigious role in one of the very theatres where they used to spend their evenings seventeen years ago, when Harvey would surprise her.
After making sure she was safely inside, Harvey drove on to the office, where nothing had changed. The files were still heavy, the meetings still tense, the stakes still high — but Harvey had changed. He was usually the first to arrive and the last to leave, often working until midnight to stay on top, to prove he was the best, but now, he didn’t care as much. He stuck to office hours, handing off lighter cases to younger associates so he could be present for his family.
At noon, after a productive morning, he called his wife, smiling as he heard her voice telling him she was fine and looking forward to seeing him that evening. Then Wade called.
« Hey, my boy »
« Hey dad »
« So? The test? »
« I think it went okay. I mean, algebra isn’t really my thing, but I want my place at Harvard, so I’ve got to do well »
« I’m sure you did great. Don’t worry too much »
« Yeah… »
« And where are you now? »
« In the cafeteria. We’re about to eat, but I wanted to tell you first »
« Thanks, I appreciate you thinking of me. Anyway, I’ll let you enjoy your break with your friends and we’ll see you later after practice? »
« Alright. See you dad »
« See you, buddy »
And just like that, he hung up, smiling as he looked at the photo of Donna and Wade on his wallpaper before slipping the phone into the inside pocket of his suit jacket and continuing his day, going from meetings to trial preparation until he stopped abruptly at 4:30 p.m. when his alarm went off.
Few employees at Specter Litt Williams — especially men in their forties — imposed office hours on themselves, often letting their private lives fall by the wayside but Harvey had done that for over a decade, and now it was precisely his wife and son who mattered most. So, barely with his jacket on and briefcase in hand, he left his office, drove toward the school, and saw Wade waiting calmly outside.
« Hey, how was your practice? »
« Pretty good — but wait until you hear what Harry did… »
Wade had friends now. He had a normal sixteen-year-old life. He played baseball after school, was the golden boy of his team, complained about teachers when he found them boring, talked about university as if it were just around the corner, dreaming of becoming like his father — a great lawyer. But every day, without exception, he came home smiling and excited to talk about his day, because it wasn’t just his mother waiting for him anymore — his father was there too.
So all along the drive, Wade explained to Harvey how his teammate had nearly caused an accident, while the lawyer listened carefully and gave his thoughts, until they arrived in front of the theater. Without waiting, Harvey quickly made a phone call, and the redhead’s voice echoed through the speaker.
« Hello? »
« Hey babe, we’re right outside »
« We’re waiting for you, Mom. »
« Alright, I’ll grab my things and be right there. Love you both »
« Love you » father and son replied together.
And just like that, the two of them kept talking and joking while Donna hung up and gathered her things, a smile on her face and butterflies in her stomach — a reaction not missed by Missy, her colleague, who immediately whispered.
« Lucky you, still so fulfilled and in love after so many years. I envy you »
She simply chuckled and waved at her colleague before disappearing to meet her family.
She had never told her coworkers that she had once been a single mother until last year, that she and her husband had separated on bad terms when they were still kind of teenagers themselves, that she had hidden her pregnancy from the future father, or about all the nights she had cried realizing she might never truly be happy again. No, instead she simply said she and her husband had a sixteen-year-old son together and given how often he showed up unexpectedly with food and flowers, everyone assumed it was true love… which it was.
She and Harvey were trying to truly make up for lost time, and beyond being an incredible father to Wade, he was a perfect husband and an outstanding lover, ensuring her happiness and fulfillment in every part of her life. So without waiting, she left the theater, spotted the huge black SUV waiting for them, and got in, saying with a big smile.
« Hello, my loves »
She managed to twist around, kiss her son gently on the cheek, then turned and kissed Harvey tenderly on the lips as if they hadn’t seen each other in years, while Wade rolled his eyes, muttering.
« Do you have to? I mean, you’re married, we get it, you love each other — you can stop »
« Never. Come on, tell Mom what Harry did on the field today »
And just like that, the conversation resumed, and the family headed back to the large New York condo they shared, which over the months had gone from a bachelor’s apartment into a warm, family home. As soon as they arrived, Donna went straight to the kitchen, because while Harvey mastered breakfast, she was far better at everything else. But as the smell of lentil coconut curry filled the room, Harvey sat next to Wade in the dining area, both focused on the worksheet, the lawyer muttering.
« Since when do math problems have letters in them? »
« Since always, Dad… God, why is this so complicated? »
« Hey, come on, don’t give up. We’ll get through it… Let’s start from the beginning »
It mattered to Harvey to be present for his son’s homework. Having missed out on learning to read, write, and everything else in between, he at least wanted to be there for algebra, physics, and English literature. So he stayed by his side, trying to understand, sometimes spending sleepless nights researching online just so he could support him as best as possible in his education.
Once the homework was done and Wade visibly felt relieved, they all sat down to enjoy the meal Donna had prepared. No phones at the table, no client interruptions or rushed emails, the redhead telling a story from the theater, the teen sharing a silly joke about one of his teachers, and the lawyer… well, he just watched them as if afraid it might all disappear.
Donna sometimes caught him doing it, like that evening when she gently caressed his cheek and whispered.
« Stop staring at us like that »
« I can’t »
« Why? »
« Because I spent too many years without this »
For a few seconds, the room fell silent. Then Donna leaned in, and their lips met in a tender kiss until Wade lifted his fork and said, with his typical teenage faux-annoyance.
« Okay, that’s enough. It’s embarrassing. Eat »
After dinner, they all cleaned up and took advantage of the break to shower and get into pajamas — Donna and Harvey even making out in the shower after holding back all evening in front of their son — before joining each other in front of the TV for the night’s game.
Cuddled up against Harvey, book in hand, Donna devoured the love story of the novel’s protagonists while Harvey’s strong arms wrapped around her, his deep voice discussing the White Sox vs. Cubs game with their son. Deep down, she never could have imagined nights like this — even in her wildest dreams — but feeling the body of the love of her life against hers, their son laughing at one of Harvey’s jokes, and the sense of being home, she couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
As soon as the movie ended, they all went to bed, only to start again the next day.
However, while Wade was at school, Donna at work, and Harvey about to head to a client meeting, his phone rang. The lawyer was surprised to see his son’s school name on the screen — and slightly panicked at the thought of the worst. So in a second, he answered, his voice harsher than intended.
« Hello? »
« Good morning, Mr. Specter, I’m calling regarding Wade »
« Is he okay? »
« Yes, yes, don’t worry. We are currently experiencing a power outage that we are unable to fix. As a result, we have no heating, no hot water, no lights, and nothing to feed the students today. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee proper care »
« Can I come pick him up? »
« That would be ideal. We understand you both work and it may not be possible, but… »
« I’ll be there in ten minutes »
Without letting her finish, Harvey hung up, checked his watch, and left the office without a word, getting into his car and driving toward the school.
It was ridiculous — his son was sixteen, he was practically a grown man, he could survive a day in a coat or even walk home alone. But for Harvey, Wade was still a little boy — the same kid who once cried in his arms when he was scared, who told him I love you while avoiding his gaze. So without hesitation, he arrived at the school, called Wade, and a few seconds later the teenager appeared, wearing his thick black Ralph Lauren coat and matching beanie, quickly getting into the car.
« Hey my boy »
« Hey dad, thanks for picking me up »
« It’s normal, it’s freezing. I wasn’t going to leave you out here alone. Now, do you want me to drop you at home? »
« What do you have planned? » asked Wade.
« A client meeting, then court for a quick trial, and then I’m heading back to the firm »
« Can I spend the day with you? »
« Are you sure? I mean, you’re going to get bored, right? »
« I’m not, I promise »
« Then we’re heading to my client »
Without waiting, Harvey drove toward his next appointment, Wade sitting beside him as father and son talked about what awaited them with Richard Halston, a CEO of a large textile company who had once again gotten himself into trouble. Once they arrived, the teenager looked around; the client’s office was luxurious — almost too much so — with dark wood, a bookshelf full of books that had never been opened, and a panoramic view over Midtown. The man behind the desk immediately stood up when Harvey Specter walked in.
« Mr. Specter. Thank you for coming so quickly »
« I don’t waste my time, Halston »
Harvey walked in without hesitation, completely confident, while just behind him the teenager followed — tall, shoulders straight, calm gaze, and an air… Specter. In a second, Halston frowned, murmuring while pointing at Wade.
« Uh… and this is…? »
« My son. Wade »
« Your son? I… I didn’t know… »
« Nobody knows everything »
« Hello » whispered Wade.
« He’s going to stay… during our meeting? »
As Harvey sat down in the armchair facing the desk as if he owned the place, the man looked at him wide-eyed, clearly surprised, before the lawyer replied casually.
« Yeah »
« But… this is a sensitive matter »
« He’s sixteen, not six. And he already hears worse than this at home when I’m on the phone. I don’t see what could shock him here »
Wade let out a small arrogant smile while Halston opened his mouth, then closed it again as Harvey crossed his legs, completely relaxed.
« My son comes first, and if that’s a problem, I can leave right now »
« No, no… of course. Very well »
« Perfect »
Leaning slightly forward, Harvey turned his head toward Wade, gesturing toward the chair beside him before speaking softly, in a calm fatherly tone — nothing like the voice he had used a moment earlier.
« Sit down »
Wade sat beside him, serious, while Harvey looked at Halston and murmured with a slight smirk.
« Alright. Let’s begin »
The meeting went on. Halston spoke numbers, risks, contractual clauses, while Harvey answered with his usual calm — sharp, precise while beside him, Wade didn’t say a word — none — but he listened to everything. His eyes moved from the client to his father, noting every detail, every pause, every moment where Harvey imposed silence with just a look, until Halston finally sighed.
« Alright… I see I don’t really have a choice »
« No. You don’t »
The meeting ended with final remarks, Harvey stood up, shook the client’s hand, then briefly placed a hand on Wade’s shoulder as he whispered.
« Let’s go »
Wade followed him, still silent, but as soon as the door closed behind them, everything changed as in the car, Wade exploded.
« Okay, wait… how did you do that? »
« Do what? » chuckled Harvey.
« The moment he was about to argue and you didn’t say anything, you just… looked at him and he stopped instantly »
« That’s because I had already won »
« But what was the plan? Did you know he’d back down? And when you said you could leave, was that a bluff or…? »
« It was a bluff. Obviously »
« That’s insane… And the contract, the liability clause, were you serious or did you just say it to scare him? »
Harvey looked at him for a moment, moved to see his son was genuinely interested — not just there to tag along. He wanted to understand, truly curious about everything his father did, as Harvey murmured.
« You were really listening to all of that, huh? »
« I don’t know… it’s fascinating. It’s… you »
Quickly, Harvey looked away slightly, a bit emotional despite himself, as he murmured softly.
« What about we talk about it over a good meal. Are you hungry? »
« Always »
And just like that, they stopped at a small deli nearby — nothing fancy, just two sandwiches, fries, and a father-son moment as Harvey watched Wade eat like nothing else mattered, while the teenager talked about his future plans and his desire to be like his dad.
Harvey listened, heart full.
A little later, the car stopped in the underground parking of Specter Litt Williams, and father and son got out, heading up to the sixty-second floor as every head turned.
Everyone knew, of course — they knew Harvey had a son without knowing the full story — and even if they had seen the teenager before, seeing him there again, in person, next to Harvey, both of them chuckling and joking around, was different. An assistant whispered to another, lawyers nodded in surprise as Harvey walked without slowing down, and as always, Wade followed — straighter than ever — until they reached Harvey’s office and the lawyer opened the door.
Wade walked in, looked around — the office, the view — the place where his father was… himself. Harvey took off his jacket and sat behind his desk while Wade did the same, settling on the couch a little further away. He pulled out some homework as father and son went about their business for a few moments before the trial that awaited his father. Both Harvey and Wade were focused: the teenager looked down at his papers on the coffee table, silent but attentive, while Harvey reread a document, his face set in his usual concentration.
The office was calm, then… the sound of heels echoed in the hallway until Harvey slowly looked up, already tired before even starting any conversation with whoever this was. The door opened and Scottie walked in as if she owned the place. Without surprise, she looked perfectly at ease — perfectly annoying — as Harvey sighed.
« Of course »
« Hey, Specter » smiled Scottie.
She walked toward the lawyer, likely intending to flirt with her former flame, but she stopped abruptly when her eyes landed on a teenager — tall, arrogant smile, piercing gaze, exactly like someone she thought she knew. In a fraction of a second, she frowned and murmured softly.
« …Marcus, I suppose? »
« No. It’s Wade » muttered the teenager.
Harvey straightened slightly, clearly not pleased by the other lawyer’s presence, not even looking up as he said matter-of-factly.
« He’s not my brother, Dana. He’s my son »
For a few seconds, the room fell silent as Scottie stared at him, then burst into an incredulous laugh before murmuring.
« Oh my God. No »
« Yes »
« Harvey, you can’t just point at a random teenager and say he’s your son »
« I can. And that’s exactly what I just did » sighed Harvey.
Scottie stepped closer, still in shock, murmuring as if they were the only ones in the room, as if the teenager didn’t exist.
« What do you mean he’s your son? »
« Well… him and my mom had a biological moment, and I happened. Are you comfortable with the concept of reproduction or do I need to draw you a diagram? »
At his son’s arrogance, Harvey closed his eyes for a second with an amused smile he couldn’t hide, murmuring softly.
« Wade… »
Scottie looked at him, then at Wade, then back at Harvey again as a long silence settled. Then, with a breath, she said.
« Alright… he’s definitely your son. But… no way! Don’t tell me the love of your life, the one who broke your heart years ago, gave you a secret baby »
Harvey simply raised his hand, still holding the document he was reading, his wedding ring catching the light as Scottie froze again, murmuring in disbelief.
« You are… »
« Married »
« Harvey Specter… married? »
Before she could say anything else, Harvey cut her off sharply, clearly irritated by her insinuations and unaware she might be making Wade uncomfortable.
« Why are you here? »
« I’m involved in this morning’s trial »
« Since when? »
« Since the London branch of my firm decided this case was worth the trip »
« Of course » sighed Harvey.
Scottie kept staring at him, still unable to move on, while Harvey stood up, motioned for Wade to pack his things, then walked past her without slowing down, saying without even looking at her.
« Are you coming with us to court, or does my son bother you? »
And just like that, all three of them left, getting into the lawyer’s large SUV while Scottie was still surprised by her ex’s life — this lawyer who had swapped his sports car and car hookups for a family vehicle and the presence of his son in the passenger seat beside him.
Throughout the ride, the two men chatted, forgetting the brunette in the back, until they arrived at the courthouse and all three got out to walk up the steps. Harvey walked ahead, Wade at his side, hands in his pockets, calm, observing everything with the air of someone who already belongs in this world. They entered the courthouse’s massive hall — a mix of footsteps, murmurs, rushing lawyers, motionless police officers — then the security checkpoint, where an officer raised a hand as soon as he saw Wade.
« Hey — no. Minors aren’t allowed in this area »
Harvey stopped dead in his tracks, then slowly turned, giving that classic Specter look — a mix of irritation and arrogance — as he replied in a sharp voice.
« He’s my son »
« I understand, but… this is an important hearing, he has no business being here… »
Harvey stepped forward — not aggressively, but worse, because he remained calm.
« He’s with me »
« Sir, that’s the procedure… »
« Procedure is for people who have time. I have a trial. Do you really want to be the man who delays Harvey Specter? »
The officer swallowed hard, then gestured for them to go through as Harvey didn’t even say thank you — he simply walked past, Wade following, Scottie right behind them, murmuring softly.
« Okay… so he’s really coming »
« Yes »
« Harvey, you know we’re going to have to work together on this case »
« I know »
« And you’re still acting like I don’t exist »
After ignoring her until now, Harvey finally stopped, looking at her with an already irritated, tired expression.
« Scottie… I don’t have time »
Then he immediately walked off again. Wade glanced back at Scottie with an almost amused smile, and the brunette understood that the man she used to push to his limits — the one full of demons — had been replaced by a husband and father who cared about nothing but his family. In the end, the hearing went quickly. Harvey was brilliant, sharp, unstoppable as always, while Wade watched from the back, silent. With every objection, every dramatic pause, he understood a little more why his father was a legend, and it only reinforced his desire to become like him one day.
Later, they left the courthouse, the sun slowly setting over New York as Scottie caught up with them on the steps.
« Wow. Aren’t you going to walk me back? Where did your chivalry go, Specter? »
Harvey looked at her, cold but honest.
« For my wife only… and I actually have to pick her up anyway »
Scottie froze again, still stunned, as Harvey gave her nothing more — not a look, not an explanation. He simply placed his arm around Wade’s shoulders, naturally protective, dropping a kiss on his head before murmuring with a smile.
« Come on, let’s get mom »
Wade nodded as they walked down the steps together, Scottie standing still, watching them disappear. Harvey Specter had a son, a wife, an entire life she had never seen coming, as she murmured to herself in disbelief before they vanished into the crowd.
On their side, the brunette already forgotten, father and son got into the car and drove toward the theatre where Donna was finishing her day. As soon as they arrived at the New Amsterdam Theatre, Donna came out through the staff exit, a bag on her shoulder, her hair loosely tied up, looking tired… but happy. And when she saw them, her face immediately lit up.
« My loves! »
« Hey mom »
« Hey babe… How was your day? »
Donna smiled as she got into the car, and on the way back they talked about everything and nothing, while Harvey kept smiling the entire time — because this was what it was now: ordinary drives, casual conversations, and above all — family.
The evening passed simply — dinner for three, a movie chosen by Wade, of course — and Donna almost fell asleep on the couch, her head resting on Harvey’s shoulder while the teenager pretended not to watch them. Then, barely as the end credits rolled, Wade disappeared into his room with a vague.
« Good night. Don’t be loud »
Donna stifled a laugh, blushing slightly, while Harvey raised an eyebrow, still wearing that teasing smile at the corner of his lips.
« He’s getting cheeky »
« He’s a teenager » Donna corrected.
Harvey looked at her for a moment, then reached for her hand, gazing at her tenderly as he murmured softly, his voice gentle but deeply… loving.
« Come »
Donna followed without a word, taking his hand, letting herself be pulled into the master bedroom as the doors closed behind them, as if the rest of the world could wait. In the quiet of the room, Donna curled up against him, her hand absentmindedly playing with his fingers and his wedding ring as she murmured.
« I think you and Wade liked today. A lot »
« Is it that obvious? » Harvey chuckled.
« Your eyes were shining all evening »
Harvey stayed silent for a moment, then admitted more quietly, with a sigh, as if he had been holding it in all day.
« Today… there were a lot of small moments »
« What moments? » asked Donna.
« Wade talking without shutting down. You coming home from work. The three of us in that car… It reminded me how much I love being a father »
« You’re a good father »
« I never thought I would be and no one ever really believed in me like you did. I mean, even today… when some people question my legitimacy. As a father. As a husband. You never doubted me. Not once »
« Because I see you, Harvey »
« Just… Thank you »
At that simple word, Donna frowned slightly before murmuring softly.
« For what? »
Harvey gave a faint smile, as if the words were too big, then spoke gently, as if every word was fragile and he didn’t want to break it.
« For Wade… for our son who is… perfect. And you gave me the chance to be his father, and that? That is worth more than all the money and victories in the world »
« Harvey… »
« And for me too… thank you for loving me like this. For giving me a reason to live beyond other people’s approval. You gave me a second chance — to be the man I was always supposed to be »
Facing the lawyer’s words, Donna had tears in her eyes as she whispered softly.
« You already are »
Harvey pulled her closer.
« I love you, Donna »
« I know »
« No. I love you… like I’ve waited my whole life just to finally say it without losing you »
« You won’t lose me anymore… Until death do us part »
And sometimes, Harvey thought back to that night almost seventeen years ago. To Donna leaving, broken by his immaturity, his harsh words, his fear of love. He thought about their dramatic reunion, the hospital, that unknown son who had stormed into his life like a tempest. That difficult period, the silence, the fights, the tears.
He never thought he would be ready.
He never thought he deserved it.
And yet… today, he was going home. With Donna. With Wade. With a life he once thought impossible.
A simple life.
A full life.
A life filled with love.
And for the first time…
Harvey Specter had nothing left to run from.
He had everything.