A/N: So, apologies that it took over a month, but this is it...the last ever installment of a story that was only ever intended to be a few chapters long when I started, and became a bit of a monster!

In true 'me' style, the epilogue kind of ran away with me. They're supposed to be a short tag on, this one is over 10k, my longest one yet - so yeah, I know it's not really an epilogue, more like a final final chapter.

Thank you to my incredible, amazing beta's that have supported me throughout this journey - Blue, Aimee & Kate. Special mention to Cassie too, who has also gee'd me up & gave me fab advice.

Finally, thank you to everyone that took a chance on this story and stuck with it, and particularly all those that have taken the time to leave a review. I cannot thank you enough. The comments and feedback kept me going and boosted my confidence when I needed it most. Please, please leave a final review if you can, it would mean the world.

Love to all

Jo xx

Battling Fate

Epilogue

Both men stood side by side, looking out of the 40th floor window onto a familiar vista of concrete, glass and steel. The bustling streets below, a vibrant metropolis at their feet just like old times.

"So what do you think?"

"I think it's exclusive, expensive looking and it screams 'Harvey Specter'"

"But?"

Mike contemplated his words as he side-eyed his friend. "But… it doesn't scream 'legal clinic'"

"Good."

Mike raised an eyebrow. "But it is a legal clinic, Harvey."

The older man smirked. "Our clients first point of call will still be the more modest satellite office in The East Village. This, however, will be where opposing counsel and their unscrupulous, evil, money-grabbing corporate clients will be invited to. This is where we'll hold depositions, where we'll negotiate settlements, and they need to know that when we file a class action lawsuit, we mean goddamn business and we can pack one hell of a punch."

Mike gave a tiny smirk. "I never called them unscrupulously evil and money-grabbing."

"No, but you thought it."

The two men glanced at each other and grinned before looking back out at the impressive city skyline.

"Seriously though, Harvey, are you sure? The rent here must be extortionate, and with the money you've already invested in Zane Specter Ross—"

"Mike, I'm sure. We may be friends, but trust me, I wouldn't have invested a dime if I thought it didn't make good business sense. Look at the Seattle office, we've more than tripled the revenue there and it's just going from strength to strength."

"Yes, but that was all out of a modest office space, nothing as swanky as this. Are you sure it's needed?"

"I am." Harvey placed his hands in his pockets and cast his eyes across the many office buildings before him. "This is New York. This is where the corporate big guns are, and like I told you when you first started working at Pearson Hardman, these people always respond to first impressions, to how we look. I want them to come here and have no doubt that not only can we go toe to toe with them, but we're also more than likely to kick their ass."

Mike slowly nodded. He didn't doubt Harvey's conviction or his reasoning. His old mentor and now business partner of two years was not only the best lawyer he'd ever met, but he'd turned out to be an astute businessman too. However, it wasn't the cost of the investment needed to get their New York project fully off the ground that concerned him. It was the timing of it. This last year, and in particular, the last few months had been turbulent, to say the least.

"Is now the right time, Harvey?"

Harvey sighed. "It's not ideal, no. But you know we've been looking for the right location for some time now, and this place is perfect. I've pulled in a few favours and we have first refusal on the lease, but it's a small window of opportunity. It's now or never."

Mike continued to stare straight ahead as he listened to Harvey's reasoning. He didn't answer, and Harvey seemed to sense his apprehension.

"Mike, it will be okay. The lease won't start until March anyway, that's still six weeks away and then it's going to take a couple of months before the office is fully operational. I don't need to be here before then. With the new staff we've already got on board, I probably won't need to be here full time until early summer."

Mike looked down to his feet then. "Okay… But I have to ask, Harvey. What will you do if the verdict tomorrow doesn't go the right way?"

Harvey immediately tensed his jaw. "It will."

"But what if it doesn't?" Mike pressed. He wouldn't normally push the issue, Harvey's tone leaving no doubt that he wasn't interested in entertaining the idea of the alternative, but they were business partners now and even though it was primarily Harvey's money that had bankrolled their venture, Mike was equally invested in it. The results of the trial tomorrow not only weighed heavily on them both, but the outcome could change everything.

Harvey closed his eyes, and Mike could sense the waves of tension rolling off of him. He reached out a hand and clasped his friend's shoulder. "I agree with you, Harvey. I really do. I'm sure that everything will go fine tomorrow, but before we fully commit to this, I need to know what you plan on doing, just in case it doesn't."

Harvey glanced across to his friend and he met his concerned frown with a determined stare. "We move ahead regardless. The rest, we'll deal with one day at a time." He took a deep breath. "Life has to go on, Mike."

They held each other's gaze as a wordless acknowledgement passed between them, the silence only broken when Harvey's phone began to ring. He retrieved it from his jacket pocket and noting the caller ID, immediately answered the call.

"Hey." His voice noticeably softened, but then to Mike's concern, he visibly paled and his eyes widened as he looked up to Mike almost in panic. "I'll be right there."

"What's happened?" Mike asked, his heart sinking. He sensed it wasn't great news and he held his breath, waiting for Harvey to answer.

"It's Donna… I need to get to the hospital." His voice wobbled and Mike nodded immediately whilst simultaneously praying that just for once, after these last few months, his best friend could catch a break.

"Okay, Harvey. Let's go."

They sat in silence in the back of the limo, the chauffeur, although professional and friendly, wasn't Ray. Harvey's old trusted driver had long since found alternative employment when Harvey had left for Seattle, and Harvey wasn't interested in making small talk with the new guy.

He wouldn't have wanted to talk anyway. His mind was racing at a million miles per hour and his heart was pounding at a similar pace. He was staring out of the window, trying not to freak out as wave after wave of fear and nausea washed over him. He squeezed his eyes shut and willed himself to stay calm.

Everything would be okay. It had to be. After all they'd been through, everything they had suffered, he refused to accept anything less.

He thought back over the last two years of his life and the incredible roller-coaster of a journey they had been on.

It had started with their first Christmas together as a couple in Seattle with Mike and Rachel, the Ross newly weds beyond excited that their friends were not only happy and obviously in love, but also now engaged. The change in scenery and time spent with their friends had been exactly what they'd both needed. They'd taken the week to sample what Seattle had to offer, whilst enjoying the company of their closest friends. It had been an escape from all the trauma and pain they had recently suffered, and for those few days, they managed to relax, as they laughed, loved and happily lost themselves in each other.

Just as Harvey had predicted, they managed to wrap up their lives in New York and they found themselves back out in Seattle by February of the following year. Harvey threw himself into his new partnership at the clinic with Mike and Rachel, as Donna set about searching for a new home. She did consider their offer of managing the office of Zane Specter Ross, but it soon became apparent that the recovery from her ordeal was going to be a slow process. Every day she got a little better, a little stronger and closer to the Donna she'd been before, but she was tentative and nervous, often second guessing herself. Then, there would be occasions where someone would say something, or there would be a sudden trigger like a sound or smell and she would freeze, or worse, have a panic attack and it took several months before the nightmares completely stopped.

It was March of that year, a month into their move, that their relationship shifted once again.

The catalyst for change had been a conversation Donna had with Rachel about a recent visit from Robert and Laura. Rachel had mentioned that her parents had been hinting at the prospect of grandchildren and she confided in Donna that her and Mike had discussed starting a family and had decided to wait a couple of years. The clinic was their priority and they also wanted to just enjoy newly married life before adding children into the mix. The conversation had apparently hit a nerve with Donna and it lingered in her mind. She said nothing to Harvey at first, but the idea took hold and with a growing sense of awareness, she realised that a child, Harvey's child, was something that she desperately wanted.

However, she was afraid that he wouldn't feel the same, or worse, that he would, but she would be unable to make him a father. Unlike Rachel, Donna realised she didn't have the luxury of time. She was in her mid forties and despite being fit and healthy, she was well aware of the statistics. As she wrestled with that notion, her fears began to fester. Like a suppurating boil, her doubts spewed a whole myriad of worries and anxieties.

It only took a week of watching his fiancee spiral about whatever it was that was troubling her, before Harvey snapped. A few terse words followed by an argument over something ridiculous and forgettable, Harvey had had enough and he demanded she tell him what was going on.

He'd be lying if he tried to claim that the thought of children hadn't occurred to him, especially since he'd decided on forever with Donna. Forever meant family, and the possibility of having one with the love of his life had not only crossed his mind but had featured frequently in his dreams. However, he'd not dwelt on the thought as his primary concern had simply been her well being, and wanting to see her better and back to her old self.

What he hadn't been prepared for, was how much Donna seemed to want it. Her confession shocked him, but he wasted no time reassuring her of her first fear, that even though just being with her was enough to make him the happiest man alive, starting a family with her would be the icing on the cake.

Her other fear, that having decided it was something they wanted, to possibly then discover that it might not happen for them, he approached more pragmatically.

He sourced the best fertility doctor in Seattle and booked an appointment for them the next day. He supported her as best he could, telling her that worrying about it would not help, and reassuring her that whatever lay ahead for them, they would always have each other and he loved her.

They did their research, they made changes to their lifestyle, they kept a positive attitude and they had lots, and lots of sex. The latter being the easiest part of their plan, as they found it difficult to keep their hands off each other anyway.

Then in June of that first year they met with their fertility specialist and were faced with a harsh reality check. Donna's fears were realised when she was told that whilst certainly not impossible, her chances of conceiving naturally were slim. Her age was indeed a factor. As the doctor reeled off all possible alternatives they might want to also consider, egg donors, IVF, even adoption, Harvey watched in dismay as she seemed to shut down. She looked defeated and he felt helpless.

He tried on their journey home that day to offer her words of comfort. He tried to tell her that they could still keep trying anyway, that if they went for the egg donor option, she could still carry their child, that this was a setback but it wasn't the end of their dream to have children. But he already knew that his words were redundant. Deep down, he sensed that even time to digest and process the news they'd received that day would make no difference. As they stepped over the threshold of their home, it was mere seconds and she broke down, sobbing in his arms. She cried all her fears, frustrations and pain out that night. He held her, he comforted her as best he could. He loved her.

They talked the next day. Donna confessed what he already suspected, that she didn't want to pursue more treatments, she didn't want to consider IVF and egg donors. She confided in him that she had hated how much the idea of conceiving had consumed her, how she felt it had already taken over her life, when all she truly wanted was to love him and be loved by him. Her only worry was that Harvey would be disappointed, that he would want them to try different avenues.

Even though he was quick to reassure her that she would always be all that he ever wanted or needed, he saw the sadness behind her eyes. Despite her words to the contrary, he knew that the longing remained and he also suspected that she harboured guilt too, and he hated that he couldn't eradicate that pain and guilt for her. That no matter what he said, or no matter the many ways he showed her how much he loved her, he would never be able to convince her that she would always be enough for him.

He decided that same week that Donna needed something positive to focus on. He needed to see her smile again. At least, a smile that properly reached her eyes.

With a few phone calls to some old friends, and a bit of surreptitious scheming with Mike and Rachel, his co-conspirators, he had a plan of action.

He waited for their weekly date night, choosing to cook Spanish Romesco chicken, her favourite of his dishes. They ate by candlelight, drinking fine wine, laughing together and sharing stories, both old and new. It was later that evening, as they swayed to his father's music, their arms wrapped around each other, Donna's head resting on his chest, his cheek against her forehead that he revealed his surprise.

"I have something for you," he whispered against her brow.

"Oh?"

She pulled back slightly and eyed him curiously.

He reluctantly released his hold on her and reached down to the coffee table, lifting the lid on the rectangular textured silver box that was placed there. He retrieved a white envelope and handed it to her, his expression a little nervous, but his eyes failing to disguise the excitement he felt.

Donna instinctively realized that this was something he had been planning for some time, and she frowned. It wasn't that Harvey was averse to giving her gifts, on the contrary, she'd discovered that he frequently liked to shower her with tokens of his affection. He just rarely managed to surprise her, and she hadn't seen this coming at all.

"Open it then," he said with a nudge, his mouth turning up at the corners as he watched her puzzlement with amusement.

She dutifully obeyed, her finger sliding under the envelope and her frown morphed into a look of genuine surprise when she revealed the contents.

"We're going to New York?" she asked, as her eyes scanned over the first class flight tickets.

He nodded. "That's not all," he said biting his lip as he pointed to her hands, still clutching the envelope.

She looked inside and found an embossed card detailing an appointment for her and Rachel at Mark Ingram's Atelier. She inhaled sharply and her eyes flashed up to his.

"Oh my god—"

"Rachel assures me that it's the best. She's beyond excited at helping you choose 'the' dress."

Her mouth fell open as she digested what he was trying to tell her. He stepped forward and placed his hands at her waist.

"Donna. I don't want to wait anymore. I want you to be my wife."

"Harvey—"

"I know that we agreed to always discuss everything, but I kinda wanted to surprise you for a change. So, I've arranged everything." He was looking at her nervously now, worrying slightly that he'd called it wrong, and she might be mad at him. "We fly out to New York on Tuesday, Rachel and Mike too. She's going to help you choose your dress and get whatever else you need, and then on Saturday, we're getting married."

Donna continued to stare at him open mouthed, so Harvey took her silence as an opportunity to continue. "I know you said that you didn't want a huge wedding, and it won't be, I promise. But I have put a lot of thought into it. Everyone that we care about will be there, and I'm confident that it will be—"

He didn't get to finish his sentence as she launched herself at him, flinging her arms around his neck and crushing his lips with hers. He immediately responded by pulling her into his embrace and returning her kiss with equal passion before breaking out into the widest grin. Relief and joy flooding his veins as he once again saw the sparkle in her eyes.

"I love you, Harvey Specter," she gasped before continuing to kiss him senseless.

Harvey closed his eyes and his heart leapt as he recalled that night. How happy they'd been.

And their wedding was indeed perfect.

They exchanged their vows on a warm balmy evening at the end of June before their closest friends and family. The service was held at Louis's beach house, Harvey having decided that there was nowhere better, the venue holding such a special place in their hearts.

He could still picture her now, so vividly. A vision of beauty and grace in a simple but exquisitely embroidered Dana Harel gown, her hair in waves with a delicate crown of lilies and peonies woven into her auburn locks. She looked ethereal and she had quite simply taken his breath away as they'd stood there in the sand and promised themselves to each other. For a man that once claimed that he was against having emotions, that caring made you weak, he let the tears fall freely that day, and he didn't give a damn what anyone thought of him.

They honeymooned in Paris and London. The former satisfying his desire to take her to the city she had dreamed of visiting when she was younger. Of course it didn't hurt that the city was regarded as the lovers capital of the world, and they took every opportunity to fulfil all the romantic cliches whilst they were there.

In London, Harvey indulged Donna in her love of theatre, having secured tickets to all the finest shows, from the big productions on Shaftesbury Avenue and Drury Lane to some of the smaller fringe shows of the West End. He even managed to surprise her on the penultimate day of their honeymoon with a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon for a front row performance of Hamlet at the RSC. Donna had been in her element. She'd been giddy with excitement all day, right up until the lights dimmed and the actors took to the stage, when she'd become totally transfixed and mesmerised by the production.

Harvey couldn't have told anyone a thing about the play, or any of the shows they went to see during that second week of their honeymoon. For as spellbound as Donna was as she sat staring at the stage, Harvey paid no attention, for he was equally spellbound by her. Completely enraptured, and his heart bursting with love, he observed all her reactions, her micro expressions as she followed the actors every word, the way her eyes would sparkle, or tear up, the odd gasp in shock, the way she'd bite her lip and frown or suddenly belly laugh with abandon. Watching her was better than any show could ever be, and he revelled in every second.

They returned from their honeymoon and settled happily into married life in Seattle. Harvey helped grow the clinic with Mike and Rachel, Donna continued her therapy and having been inspired by their trip to London, she also joined a local theatre group, eager to dust off the cobwebs and flex her acting muscles once more.

Then just before Christmas of that first year, life threw them another curveball. Two in fact.

The first was a phone call from Sean Cahill with troubling news.

Before their move in February, one of the last things Harvey had done, with help from Mike, was to work with Sean one more time to get all of Forstman's assets frozen. Harvey may have given Charles a reprieve by not having him transferred to within arms reach of Roman, but he was damned if he was going to let the bastard off scot free. It wasn't enough that Forstman's sentence was to be extended significantly. Harvey had observed just how cushy Charles's stay in prison had been, and it had only been comfortable because he'd never lost access to his money. Harvey was determined to put an end to his gravy train. No more paying off guards, other inmates or whoever else he'd been bribing to ensure his prison stay resembled that of a four star hotel.

So, with Sean's help, they liaised with the FBI and saw to it that Forstman's assets were seized under the process of criminal forfeiture. It went some way to appeasing Harvey, who's hatred for the man was deep seated. As far as Harvey was concerned, Charles's fate was sealed the second he'd put Donna in danger.

However, Sean's phone call changed all of that.

Forstman didn't have friends, Harvey had no doubt of that fact. However, what he did have was plenty of people in his pocket. Powerful people whom he had leverage on. People that he had influence over. From his now considerably less than comfortable prison cell, he was still the puppet master, pulling the strings, and just mere months after having his assets seized, Forstman had been granted an appeal hearing.

Donna took the news in stride. It was only an appeal after all, and the man was still in jail, and would be for many, many years to come. Harvey, however, was livid. He knew his adversary well enough to suspect that Charles had more than a few aces up his sleeve, and he just didn't trust that the son of a bitch wasn't planning some new scheme to come after him. Again. In fact, his gut told him that that was exactly what Forstman was doing and it riled him. He found himself dwelling on the realisation that had he stuck to his original plan, and had Charles transferred to Rikers, it was unlikely that the asshole would still be a problem.

He tried to push that thought away. He knew deep down that heeding Donna's plea's and not going through with the plan had been the right thing to do, but he couldn't help but feel bitter about it.

Then, just as he tried to reconcile that notion, the second curve ball hit.

Roman's trial.

What should have been a slam dunk case for the fed's, suddenly wasn't. Karimov had an impressive team of defense attorneys and they were systematically picking apart every element of the federal prosecutors case. As each month passed, and the case dragged on, the chances of a successful conviction of all the charges brought against Roman, looked less and less certain.

This did affect Donna. With every passing day, as the case against Roman weakened, she became more anxious and agitated and by late spring of the following year, her nightmares had returned.

Harvey, already furious about Forstman, was now beside himself with rage. He tried to keep his temper in check, he tried to remain positive and calm, but as he watched his wife begin to spiral again, he couldn't help but vent his frustration. Everyone bore the brunt of his anger. Mike, Rachel, his mother and brother, even Donna herself.

He knew he wasn't handling it well, that he was lashing out at those that meant the most to him, but his anger was born out of fear. Fear that they would never truly escape the nightmare from their past. Fear that they would never be free of it, never be safe.

Then in June, just shy of their first wedding anniversary, Donna was served with a subpoena. She'd been called by Roman's defense team to testify in his case. She took one look at the written notice in her hand and immediately threw up.

It was the tipping point for them. Harvey was incandescent with rage and was spoiling for a fight, furious that Donna could be made to suffer such an ordeal, and frightened of the physical toll it was taking on her.

Then Donna made a confession that was a wake up call for Harvey. She revealed to him that her visceral reaction to the subpoena was less about Roman, and more about him.

"You are already angry and stressed, Harvey. Your mood is sour all the time, and I fear what this latest development might do to you. I'm frightened of losing you to this."

That stopped Harvey in his tracks. His fear was almost self-perpetuating. He was allowing it to drive a wedge between them, and her worry that she was losing him to his fury and frustration was making her ill.

So he swallowed down all his fears, parked his inherent desire to be in control and fix the situation himself, and he placed a call to Louis and Samantha. He stepped back, allowing them to take the reins and trusting them to take care of the situation.

The case continued to drag on, but his friends did manage to prevent Donna from having to testify. Donna's sickness, however, did not abate. The trial still took its toll on her, the nightmares so vivid that she got little sleep, the knock-on effect meaning she struggled to function during the day. She took comfort in Harvey and the attention and love he lavished on her, but she once again seemed a mere shadow of her former self, her appetite lost, her energy reserves low. It was like she was running on empty.

Little did they know at the time, that there was more going on with Donna than just her stress and anxiety over the case.

"Harvey, we're here."

Mike's voice interrupted his thoughts, his recollections immediately pushed to the back of his mind as his heart leapt into his throat once more.

He raced into the hospital, Mike hot on his heel. He strode out like a man on a mission, his destination his only focus. When he reached the door to the now all too familiar private room, Mike touched his shoulder.

"I'm gonna call Rachel, let her know. I'll be out here if you need me, okay Harvey?"

He gave a quick nod in response, his face ashen, before entering the room.

"Harvey!"

Donna looked up at him as he made his way over to her, her eyes wide and worried, her lip quivering. She reached out to him as he swiftly crossed the room so that he was by her side, taking her hand and pressing it to his lips.

"Hey," he said softly, running his fingers through her hair before leaning in and pressing a kiss against her forehead. "I'm so sorry I couldn't get here sooner."

"You're here now." She tried to smile but he could see the fear in her eyes and hear the tremble in her voice.

"What happened?... Everything was fine when I left this morning."

She swallowed. "My blood pressure spiked again, despite the medication. I could tell they were worried, Harvey. Then the pain...Shit!" She suddenly gasped, her face contorting in pain and Harvey felt her grip on his hand tighten.

"Donna!" Harvey blanched, panic licking up his insides.

"It's happening, Harvey," she managed to sputter out through gritted teeth.

Harvey's eyes widened as he absorbed her words. "But…"

"I know, it's early. But the pains started and with my blood pressure being so high again, they said they would have induced me anyway," she gasped, and then whimpered, her eyes filling with tears. "Harvey...I'm scared."

Harvey swallowed heavily. "Hey, hey...it's okay. I'm here. It's going to be okay." He cupped her cheek with his other hand and searched her eyes, trying to reassure her.

"You don't know that, Harvey. They're saying it's pre-eclampsia. You know how much that puts us at risk."

"I know, but you're here, they're monitoring you, and if it is pre-eclampsia, it's actually a good thing if you're in labour."

"That's what I've been trying to tell her for the last hour." The door had swung open and their obstetrician, Dr. Benesch entered the room. She smiled at them both as she made her way over to all the machines that were hooked up to Donna, monitoring her closely. "You were only grumbling this morning, Donna, about how you'd had enough of being here."

Donna tried to smile but the worry she felt was clearly evident on her face.

"So she is definitely in labour?" Harvey asked.

"She is," Dr. Benesch confirmed. "And you are right, Mr Specter, with her high blood pressure, that's a good thing."

Harvey gulped, his heart racing. "What happens now? Will you have to do a cesarean?"

Dr. Benesch shook her head. "With pre-eclampsia, a natural birth is preferable, so for now that's what we're aiming for. I need to examine you, Donna, and see how far along you are, is that okay?"

Donna nodded and Harvey stood, leaning down and placing a chaste kiss on his wife's lips, he lingered there, savouring the feel of her, allowing it to placate him, like their kisses always did, his heart beating wildly. He knew he had to remain calm for both their sakes. She needed him now, more than ever. "I'm just going to step outside and let Mike know what's happening and I'll call your parents too. Then I'll be right back here, okay?"

Donna frowned, clearly not wanting Harvey to leave, but she nodded at him, reaching up to kiss his lips once more before he left.

Harvey stepped outside and Mike looked up, his phone to his ear. He mumbled a few words and ended the call before standing to greet his friend. "How is she?"

"Her blood pressure spiked, they think it's pre-eclampsia...They were going to induce her but she's in labour already." Harvey was breathing heavily as he ran his hand through his hair.

"Shit, Harvey. Are they going to be okay?"

Harvey didn't answer. He was almost afraid to. Despite Dr. Benesch's optimism, he was petrified. There was excitement and hope too, no doubt about that. The prospect of his impending fatherhood never far from his mind, but nothing had been easy so far, they had been faced with one hurdle after another, and the last year had been an emotional struggle to say the least.

Consequently, he was too scared to embrace that excitement, so worried about Donna and all the possible things that could go wrong. Despite the possibility of this being one of the happiest days of his life, he was scared shitless at the prospect that it could turn out to be the complete opposite. He could literally lose everything. That wouldn't just be the worst day of his life, it would end him.

"They have to be, Mike." He looked back at his friend, his gaze conveying both his apparent fear but also his stubborn refusal of any other possible outcome. "She has to be," he added, his voice breaking on the words.

Mike stepped forward and embraced his friend, as though to bolster him as well as comfort him. "It's gonna be fine, Harvey, I'm sure of it. Now...You go back in there and be with your wife... your family," he corrected with a small smile. "I'll take care of everyone else okay?"

Harvey pursed his lips and nodded his gratitude.

When he made his way back into Donna's room and to her side, Dr. Benesch was finishing up her examination and she gave him an encouraging smile.

"Mr Specter, you'll be pleased to hear your wife is at 5cm dilated. That's really good progress. I've just explained to Donna that considering the circumstances, an epidural would be advisable. It will help with the pain and is also precautionary in case we do need to intervene with a C-Section."

Harvey opened his mouth to respond when Donna suddenly gasped.

"Fuck!" she cried out as another contraction hit. "Jesus... Mother of...! Fucking hell!" She had grabbed hold of Harvey's arm and was squeezing it with all her might, her face contorted.

Harvey's eyes widened, both from the surge of pain in his arm and also her sudden outburst. However his instinct to protect and soothe her kicked in, and pushing his panic aside, he scooted closer to her. "You're doing great, Donna. Breathe...remember the exercises—"

His words faltered when Donna's eyes flew open and she flashed him a killer glare. "Harvey, I swear to god, don't you dare...Christ!" Her chin fell to her chest as her muscles tensed and she gritted her teeth through the pain. Harvey looked on helplessly, his desire to help her now thwarted by a sense that whatever he said or did would most likely be derided.

Eventually the contraction subsided and Donna's head fell back against the pillow. She was panting and her lip started to tremble as her eyes filled with tears. She turned her head to her husband. "Sorry," she whispered. "That one was a bitch!"

"Hey, don't be. I deserve it. I'm the one who got you in this state," he said with a slight smirk, feeling relieved.

"Don't remind me," she scoffed, but for the first time since he'd arrived back at the hospital, there was a hint of a smile behind her words.

Harvey pulled up his chair and clasped her hand between his own. "I love you, Donna. So much," he said so earnestly that the sentiment immediately softened her expression. "I wish I could take the pain away for you."

"I know you do."

Donna's labour continued like this for several hours. Her contractions became more frequent and intense, but with her epidural the pain had subsided.

Not their fear though. Her blood pressure continued to be a problem, and then, not long after her water finally broke, it was action stations. Donna looked panicked as monitors bleeped, medical staff surrounded her and reality dawned on her that this indeed was happening.

"Harvey?" Donna gasped, as final preparations were made for her to start pushing.

He had his lips pressed against her forehead, as he stroked her hair and her cheek, and he desperately fought to keep his own emotions at bay. The simultaneous feelings of excitement and worry overwhelming him. "I'm here. You can do this, Donna."

She took a deep breath and stared at him, the fear in her eyes mirroring how he felt. "Harvey, I'm so scared."

Harvey gulped but he cupped her cheeks and met her stare with so much love.

"I have faith in you. You've always been the strong one, and this is no different."

"But it is different, Harvey. This isn't just me. It's not just my life that's at risk. So much has gone wrong for us—"

"Hey, you can't think like that." Harvey searched her eyes, desperate to convey to her how much he loved her and how much he believed in her. "I want you to listen to me now, okay?"

Donna nodded through her tears as she clung to him.

"There have been so many times you've blown me away with your strength and your courage. You always claim that I'm the one that gets the job done, that always wins, well that's only because I've always had you. I've had your strength and your belief in me. You were my secret weapon. That hasn't changed. Things haven't been easy for us, but look where we are now? Yeah, we've had some knock backs but we've survived and we've beaten the odds. So, I have complete faith in you. You are incredible, and you can do this."

"Okay, Donna, honey. Are you ready to push?" Dr. Benesch's voice interrupted them. "On the next contraction, okay? I need you to bear down really hard."

Donna pursed her lips and nodded her response. She glanced at her husband.

"I love you, Harvey," she said with a slight gasp. "Whatever happens, I need you to keep talking to me, okay?" she pleaded.

Harvey squeezed her hand. "Okay." He kissed her then, his tongue sweeping across her lip, and he brushed her nose with his as he summoned his warmest and most confident smile.

The machines signalled her next contraction and Donna obeyed the instructions she was given. With her hand clasped tightly in Harvey's she focused all her energy and pushed with all her might.

"That's great Donna, keep going, keep going. Fantastic…that's it. Okay, and relax. That was really good." Dr. Benesch patted her on the knee and smiled.

Harvey let out a steadying breath and remembering Donna's plea, he leant even closer to her so that he could whisper in her ear as her own breathing began to slow a little.

"Do you remember when we found out you were pregnant? We were still reeling from the whole trial mess, and you were so sick, I was so worried about you. I knew that it was more than just stress… and we went to see Dr. Fang..."

"Dr. Feng"

"Feng, Fang… you can't blame me, he looked like he slept in a crypt."

Donna snorted and Harvey winked at her. The machine's bleeped and the doctor nodded at them.

"Okay, Donna. Ready?"

Donna took a deep breath and began to push, her chin close to her chest, her eyes squeezed shut, her hand shaking in Harvey's with her expended effort.

"That's fantastic Donna. Keep going. You're doing so well!"

Donna cried out with her last ounce of breath and her head fell back. Harvey rested his forehead against hers, as he brushed her hair from her damp skin. "You're amazing," he whispered.

"I don't think I can do this, Harvey," she whimpered.

"Yes you can. You know how I know? They told us this would never happen, we never thought it could happen for us and then it did. It's meant to be. Just like us." He kissed her again. "Remember when we went back for the test results. I was so frightened, Donna. Then when he told us you were pregnant...We were so stunned."

"You were speechless for five minutes."

Harvey grinned. "I was so overwhelmed with joy."

"Okay Donna, here comes another one. I want you to give everything you've got, okay?"

They continued like this for another twenty minutes, Donna giving her all on every contraction, Harvey calming and soothing her after each one, although he had less time to talk to her about those early days of their pregnancy, as her contractions were coming much quicker now, with little time for rest in between.

She was beginning to severely tire, he could sense that, and he didn't fail to notice the exchange of concerned looks between Dr. Benesch and the nursing staff.

Her breathing was more labored, and he noticed her blood pressure was rising again. He could feel his own pulse began to race and he glanced across to the doctor as Donna's eyes briefly closed. She gave him a nod which confirmed his thoughts. One more push and if there was still no change, they would likely have to intervene.

"Donna, sweetheart?" he whispered softly. "I know you're really, really tired, but I also know that you can do this. You are the most amazing woman I have ever met, and I need you to channel all that awesomeness into this next push, okay?"

Donna moaned but she nodded at him as he wiped her brow, looking down at her with complete adoration.

"Okay, here we go. Come on Donna, you can do this."

Donna lifted her head off the pillow, she leant forward and poured every ounce of energy she had into her push.

"That's it, that's it, the head is through Donna…. Okay, I need you to pant, take a breath, and then one more push for the shoulders okay?"

Donna was gripping Harvey's hand so tightly, he'd lost feeling in his fingers. He was desperate to see, but was determined not to leave his wife's side, sensing she needed him now, more than ever.

Donna took a deep breath and began bearing down once more. She threw everything into it, every muscle shaking, her eyes squeezed shut. Then, with cries of encouragement from her doctor, the nurses, and Harvey, she practically roared her last ounce of energy and the sound of her scream was suddenly replaced with the distinct cries of a newborn baby.

Donna collapsed back into the pillow as Harvey gasped. He looked from his wife to Dr. Benesch as she lifted a wrinkled, pink, white and red bundle of flailing limbs.

"Well done, Donna!" Dr. Benesch exclaimed with the widest grin. "Congratulations, you have a beautiful baby boy."

Donna was sobbing, they both were, as they watched the doctor whip their son across to the nurses where they immediately began their checks.

"Is he okay?" Donna panted, her eyes half closed from sheer exhaustion.

"Well he certainly has a strong pair of lungs. He looks healthy, but I need to check him over, alright?"

Harvey was crying freely now, he tore his eyes away from his newborn son as he looked back to his wife, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "We have a son," he whispered to her as he dropped his forehead against hers. They stared into each other's eyes, not needing to say anything, every feeling communicated so effortlessly between them.

"He looks well, Mr and Mrs Specter. He'll need to go up to NICU as a precaution, because he's premature, but would Dad like to hold him first, while I check Mom?"

Harvey swallowed hard as he looked back at Donna, who was fighting to stay awake. "What about—"

"That's what I'm going to check now, okay? Everything looks okay for the moment, but I need to check."

Harvey nodded as a nurse approached him with a warm smile before placing the tiny bundle in his arms. He could feel himself shaking, but then he looked down at the tiny pink baby cradled against him and his heart swelled. He sucked in a whoosh of air as he gazed at his son.

"Hey there, little fella," he chuckled through his tears. "I'm your dad." His little boy's eyes were tightly closed, but the little snuffles he made melted Harvey's heart.

"Donna?" Dr. Benesch's voice caught his attention, and he instantly picked up on her cautionary tone.

"What's wrong?" he immediately asked, his heart leaping up into his throat.

"Nothing's wrong. Donna's contractions have stopped, which is not unusual. So we're going to need to give her some hormones to start them again. The good news is, baby number two is in a good position, so once I break her waters, it shouldn't be too long before we find out if this handsome little chap has a brother or a sister."

"But she's exhausted," Harvey said, as his gaze fell on her limp form. Her eyes were closed, and she looked totally drained and spent. His feelings of helplessness returned. How could she possibly go through all of that again?

Dr. Benesch appeared to read his thoughts, for she reached over to him and touched his arm. "The second baby often comes much quicker. Your son here has already paved the way for his twin."

"When?"

"Most likely within the next half hour. She can rest briefly whilst we administer her drip. The nurses will need to take this handsome boy now though, okay?"

Harvey nodded and placed a gentle kiss on his son's cheek before standing up and handing him to one of the two nurses assigned to him. He watched with both a full and heavy heart as his baby boy was taken from the room, before his attention switched back to Donna who was still sleeping, albeit briefly.

He reached up and took her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. Every day he was sure he couldn't possibly love her any more than he already did, yet every day his heart swelled further with complete devotion.

He had nothing but admiration for the way she'd handled the last year. From Forstman, to Roman's trial, to her unexpected pregnancy.

After their initial euphoria at the news that she was pregnant, she'd faced a multitude of problems. She bled very early on, having to be admitted to the ER on more than one occasion, her bleeding so severe. She made it to her twelve week scan, only for them to be blindsided once again, when the sonographer detected more than one heartbeat.

Twins. Not unusual for a woman of her age, apparently, but it completely floored them.

It certainly explained the severe nausea and fatigue, and unfortunately neither of these symptoms improved for Donna throughout her pregnancy.

Then in the middle of her second trimester, they received news that her father had suffered a massive stroke. He beat the odds and survived it, but he was left severely debilitated as a result. With Jim now partially paralysed and barely able to speak, Donna was devastated.

They made the decision to move back to New York. Not only did Donna want to be nearer to her parents, but Harvey secretly felt better knowing his wife would be in New York for the later stages of her pregnancy. He had no problem with the excellent medical care they had received in Seattle, but New York was familiar to him, he knew people. People that he could help them with whatever they might need moving forward. Besides, they'd already been in Seattle for more than the initially planned twelve months, the clinic there was thriving and it was time that he began planning the opening of their New York office.

So they moved back to Manhattan.

Donna tried to spend as much time with her parents as possible. Thankfully, Clara and Jim had already reconciled their marriage not long after Jim's attack, so the pressure on Donna was alleviated knowing her mother was there for him, 24/7. She, herself, was struggling though, the nausea and fatigue taking its toll along with the worry for her father and also Roman's trial that was still dragging on. Harvey saw to it that Jim's development project was finished which offered some comfort to them and also meant her parents were more than financially secure.

That comfort did little to pacify Harvey though, when they heard the news that Forstman had won his appeal and not only had access to his money again, but the bastard was now seeking to appeal his extended sentence.

Harvey didn't have the luxury of dwelling on that new development though, for Donna, now in her third trimester, began suffering severe headaches, her nausea worsened and most alarmingly, her blood pressure began to rise. She ended up being hospitalized, so that her and the twins could be closely monitored.

She never complained. He knew she was scared. Christ, he was petrified, but she rarely voiced her fears and she never vented her frustrations out on Harvey. She took every day, one day at a time, determined to stay positive and he suspected she did this for him. She understood his inherent need to protect her and keep her safe. If she stayed calm, then maybe so could he.

The only thing that betrayed her deep fear was her insistence that they not discover the sex of the babies. Harvey was puzzled at first, especially knowing Donna's natural predilection for planning. However, after confiding in his mother, Lily suggested that it was one way Donna could hold back from the twins. Confused, he'd asked her to elaborate.

"She loves those babies, Harvey. Of course, she does. She's carrying them and growing them. But without knowing their gender, it helps to not see them yet as sons or daughters. She's trying to protect herself a little, in case anything goes wrong."

So they chose not to discover the gender of their babies, which was no easy feat considering the number of scans Donna was required to have. She would often joke with the sonographer that if he or she let it slip, she'd get Harvey to sue their ass.

Harvey continued to watch her sleep now, his heart bursting with love for her, so thankful for all that she had done for him. He was now a father. He has a son. He pursed his lips in a vain attempt to stop his tears from falling. His mind then automatically drifted to the other baby still to make an appearance. His breath hitched as he wondered whether they would be blessed with another son, or maybe a daughter. He shook his head slightly. He honestly had no preference as long as both they and their mother were okay. He closed his eyes and despite not being a religious man, he offered a silent prayer to keep his precious family safe.

Dr. Benesch's predictions were right. Donna didn't sleep for much longer, her contractions starting up once more. And, despite a worrying few minutes when their baby's heart rate suddenly dropped, the second birth did indeed proceed much more smoothly than the first.

So it was that at 3.27am, Ivy Evelyn Specter was born. Her wails even louder than those of her older brother, and as she was placed in his arms, Harvey broke down in tears. He was completely overwhelmed with emotion.

"Thank you," he whispered to Donna as he met her exhausted but loving gaze.

Two days later, he was standing next to Donna's bed, two incubators beside him, with both babies sound asleep. The room was full of flowers, balloons and toys, having been visited by family and many of their friends already.

Mike and Rachel had just arrived, they'd just about managed to squeeze through the door, having had difficulty due to a ridiculous number of helium balloons and two of the largest teddy bears Harvey had ever seen.

"You have got to be kidding me. There's no way in hell they will fit in the car." Harvey scoffed.

Mike grinned. "I know, but I thought it would be fun to see you try."

Harvey narrowed his eyes at Mike. "Are you going to come and visit every day? We had enough of you yesterday."

"Hey, I take my godfather duties seriously," Mike grinned.

"I never asked you to be Godfather. Did you ask him to be godfather?" Harvey turned to Donna.

"I may have, but in my defense, I was on some seriously heavy medication." Donna pouted, batting her eyelashes.

Mike placed the giant teddies in the corner of the room and shrugged at Harvey. "I can understand why you might have reservations about choosing me as Godfather. I mean we all know how awkward it will be when these two realise how much cooler I am than you."

"That's only because you're a convicted felon."

"...and therefore, much cooler than you."

"Okay Fonzie, I think it's time for you to leave." Harvey smirked.

"No way Batman. We've got a sweepstake going, and I'm here to collect."

Harvey tilted his head and quirked an eyebrow.

"What sweepstake is that?" Donna asked.

"The only one that matters. What name you're going to give to Specter Jr. here. I mean come on guys, it's been two days now. Poor little guy is going to get jealous that his sister has a name and he doesn't!"

"He's two days old!" Donna chuckled.

"Exactly, it's well overdue!" Rachel chimed in.

"Do I really want to know what names are in the sweepstake?" Harvey asked with a grimace.

Rachel giggled. "Oh you really, really do..."

"Don't tell me," Harvey groaned. "Louis wants us to call him Romeo or Hamlet."

"Even better, he debated for a while between Prospero and Oberon but finally staked $500 on Banquo…"

Harvey rolled his eyes.

"Samantha is adamant it's going to be Harvey Jr...cause you know, what with your ego and all, and Alex reckons you'll just stick with baby number one because you like a challenge." Mike was grinning from ear to ear.

"I see, and what's your money on?" Harvey asked, his tongue in his cheek as he tried to keep a straight face.

"I've always thought Hector Specter has a nice ring to it." Mike looked away wistfully.

"Hilarious!"

At that a wail sounded from one of the incubators and Harvey moved swiftly over, identifying the sound as coming from his daughter. He picked her up gently, and cradled her in his arm, swaying her gently back and forth.

"See?" Mike said, his tone automatically softening as he watched his friend. "Ivy likes it. Hector Specter it is!"

"If you must know," Donna said with an amused grin, as Rachel swatted at Mike's chest. "We have chosen a name." At that, Ivy's brother decided to make his presence known and a couple of snufflings suddenly turned into another wail to rival that of his sister's.

Donna reached over and picked up their son. She placed a kiss on his forehead, instantly calming the little boy, before offering him over for Rachel to hold. Her friend gave a little squeal of excitement and carefully accepted the precious bundle from Donna.

Donna smiled. "Meet Jacob Gordon Michael Specter."

Mike's smirk faded with surprise and his eyes instantly lit up. "Really?"

Harvey grinned as he carefully placed Ivy back in her crib, now that she was soundly back to sleep. "Yeah. Donna's grandpa was named Michael, so…"

"Sure he was!" Mike mumbled, but he was grinning from ear to ear. "Thanks guys. That means a lot. Although I'm a bit pissed that I'm down a few hundred bucks on the sweepstake."

Donna giggled but her smile soon faded when she noticed a quick glance between Mike and Rachel, and scrutinizing him further, she quickly deduced that something was amiss.

"Mike?" Donna said suddenly, and he looked over and met her frown. "There's something else, isn't there?"

Mike swallowed and he fidgeted nervously as he looked between the others in the room.

"What is it?" Harvey picked up on the sudden tension.

Mike opened his mouth and then hesitated as he ran his fingers through his hair. Harvey's shoulders sunk, guessing what was coming next. "It's the trial isn't it?" Harvey felt his insides churn. Louis had mentioned when out of earshot from Donna the previous day, that the jury were taking longer than originally expected. They'd been out for a few days.

Mike nodded.

Harvey shook his head. "Goddamn it. What happened? They came back didn't they? What was the verdict?... Don't tell me he got away with it."

Mike held his hand out, palm up, as if to calm the coming storm. "It's not what we wanted, but he is going down."

Harvey's jaw tensed and he glared at Mike. "What happened?"

"Not guilty for murder. Not guilty for most, but not all of the fraud, embezzlement, money laundering charges—"

"Jesus Christ. What about kidnapping?"

Mike simply stared back at his friend, his lips rolled between his teeth and Harvey spun away from him "Mother fucker!" he spat out angrily.

Mike continued. "Not enough evidence that he was the kingpin apparently. His defense team must have done an outstanding job of convincing the jury that it was all Maxim."

Harvey moved to the window, his hands spread out on the ledge, his head hung down, eyes closed as he digested what Mike was telling him.

"So what did he go down for?" he asked dejectedly.

"Aggravated assault and some of the fraud charges."

"How long?"

"Harvey—"

"How long, Mike?"

"Eight years."

Harvey's knuckles whitened as he gripped the window ledge. "You're fucking kidding me? He'll be out in four!" Harvey bellowed.

Donna had remained silent as she listened to their exchange, but as she observed how tormented her husband was at the news, she cleared her throat.

"Harvey?"

Harvey looked back over his shoulder at his wife, his expression so dejected, so dispirited and he shook his head at her. "I'm so sorry, Donna. I'm so, so, sorry."

"Hey, enough!" she said firmly. "It's done. There's no point dwelling on it now."

"But I promised I would make him pay!"

"And you did! His plan failed, he lost his business empire, he's now in jail. None of that would have happened without you. You did that. So, enough, Harvey. We have each other, and we now have our two beautiful babies. They're strong and healthy, despite all the odds. We have a lot to be thankful for."

Harvey stepped away from the window and over to his wife, taking the hand that she was reaching out to him. He gave it a squeeze as he leaned down and placed a kiss to her temple. "I am more than thankful, Donna. You have no idea. I'm just…" his words faltered.

"I know," she whispered to him.

"...and with Forstman too," he murmured.

"I know," she repeated softly as she placed her hand on his cheek.

"Actually, that's the other news I have," Mike interrupted.

Harvey and Donna both looked up at him with a frown.

"Forstman won't be a problem to you anymore." Mike said with a careful smile.

Harvey lifted an eyebrow. "His appeal got turned down?"

"No… he's dead."

Harvey's eyes widened and he glanced to Rachel for confirmation, who nodded, before fixing his stare back on his friend. "What? When?... How?"

"Last night. They still have to do a post mortem, but they think it was a brain aneurysm."

"Holy shit!" Donna gasped.

Harvey expelled a heavy sigh and closed his eyes temporarily as he let Mike's words sink in. When he opened them again, he turned back to Donna and lifted his hands to the sides of her neck, and gently pulled her forward so that he could kiss her softly.

"I didn't make him suffer the way I wanted… but I'll take it," he whispered against her lips. He gave her a soft smile and she reciprocated it. Their shared relief that Harvey's nemesis was no longer a thorn in their side.

"We should leave you guys to it," Rachel announced, interrupting their moment. "I've no doubt these little ones will want feeding soon, and I'm sure you still need to get some rest." She carefully passed Jacob back into his mother's arms and stepped back, wiping a happy tear from her cheek.

Mike nodded, taking her hand. "We'll see you guys in a few days. Let me know how you cope with getting Rufus and Jemima into the car."

"Who?" Harvey frowned.

"The teddies," Mike grinned and Harvey rolled his eyes. "Donna… I want pictures!"

Donna chuckled but her attention soon shifted back to her son in her arms, as she gazed lovingly down at him.

As Mike and Rachel bid their final farewells and made their way to the door, Harvey suddenly stood and strode over to his friend, pulling him into a bear hug.

"Thanks Mike… for everything."

The two men held their embrace before pulling away and swiftly nodding at one another, both choking back tears.

"Anytime Batman."

A week later, it was time for Harvey to take his family home.

He felt a buzz of excitement, as he acknowledged that this really was the start of the rest of their lives, and although he was well aware that life would be very different, he couldn't have been happier about it. He couldn't wait.

The babies were both dressed and ready to go. Harvey had checked three times already that their hats, booties and blankets were all in place, much to Donna's amusement. Harvey's affection and attentiveness did not come as a surprise to her. She'd always known that this was the real him. Now she got to see him extend his love to their children, and watching him, being totally besotted with them, filled her heart with joy.

"You ready?" he said with a smile, as they each clutched a bassinet.

"We're ready."

There was a knock on the door and Dr. Benesch poked her head around. She was clutching two pink and blue helium balloons and wearing a big grin. "Oh I'm glad I caught you before you left. I wanted to say goodbye and wish you best of luck," she said with a wink.

Harvey chuckled. "Did you not see the obscene number of balloons we've already received this week?" he quipped as he pointed to the two balloons.

Dr. Benesch shook her head and laughed. "I did see, yes. I think you broke the hospital record for the most balloons and flowers. Which is why, these aren't from me. They were left at the desk for you and I wanted to make sure you got them before you left."

"Thank you Doctor," Donna said as she took the balloons and tied them round the handles of Ivy's bassinet. "And thank you for everything that you did for us. We are so grateful."

"Just doing my job. You take care now."

They followed her out of the room and made their way to the car. Donna gingerly settled herself into the front passenger seat, Harvey insisting that she still take it easy. She suspected it was also so that he could be the one to strap the babies into the back. There is no way he'd be satisfied unless he was the one to secure them, yet wouldn't dare suggest that she wouldn't be just as careful.

Harvey double checked Jacob's car seat, placing a kiss on his son's tiny nose once he was satisfied, before switching around the other side of the car to do the same with Ivy. He untangled the balloons from the handles of her bassinet, to place them in the trunk of the car, and that's when he saw it. A white card hanging from the ribbon of the pink balloon. He turned it over and his breath hitched as he read the words.

Many congratulations Mr and Mrs Specter.

I hope you liked my gift, Charles never saw it coming.

I'll be seeing you soon. R K xx

Harvey swallowed, his heart racing.

"I think we're good to go, Harvey. Fifteen checks is more than enough," Donna giggled, her voice breaking through his shocked reaction.

"Harvey?"

"Yeah, I know," he said quickly and flashed her his signature smile as he scrunched the card up in his hand and threw it on the ground. He shut the trunk and with a flick of his wrist, released the balloons, and they whipped away in the breeze.

He climbed into the driver's seat and started the engine, reaching across and grabbing Donna's hand.

"Let's go home."

THE END.

A/N: It wouldn't be me if I didn't end the whole story with some kind of cliffhanger.

I don't have any intention of a sequel, but this ending gives me the option if I change my mind. In the meantime, if you find it disconcerting, remember that Darvey are together, have a family and they are happy. That's the most important thing. Maybe someone bumps off Roman before he gets out of jail ;-)

Once again - thank you for everyone that supported me throughout the last 8 months. It's been a blast!

Jo xxx