The Final Night - Mon POV

My fingers are so swollen I can no longer wear my wedding band. It broke my heart the day I woke up to find my finger turning a shade between red and blue. I cried as I tried to wiggle the rings off my finger. As I sat up in bed starring at the piece of jewelry that Chandler bought me our first Christmas together, he walked over to our dresser and grabbed one of my necklaces. He suggested if I can't wear it around my finger, than maybe wear it around my neck. That way, it remains close to my heart.

That day, along with every day that follows, I wonder how I ever managed to almost let him go.

I watch as Rachel moves about my kitchen in search of something to eat. "So you're tell me, Chandler is actually working this close to your due date?"

I shrug, playing with the rings on the edge of my necklace. "It's not like he wanted to." I explain. "I told him to go. It's pointless for both of us to be sitting around like a bunch of bums as we wait. Besides, if I were to go into labor I'd call him."

Finding my gluten-free box of cookies, Rachel finally sits down and digs in. I have a strong feeling that Chandler called Rachel and told her to keep me company while he was at work. She's been here for a few hours now. Not that I mind, but I could really go for a nap.

"Do you think today may be the day?" She asks

This is the most comfortable I've been in weeks. I don't feel any pressure in my back or tenderness in my breast, I feel the most normal since I've popped. "Truthfully? No." I tell her. "I still have a couple of days to go. But I'm getting so anxious, and I know Chandler is too. When the time comes, I'm sure I'll know."

"And you've picked out a name?"

A smile creeps upon my face. "Maybe."

"Come on, Mon! Just a little hint. It doesn't even have to be a full name, just a letter."

"Sorry, Rach. This is something we wanted to keep to ourselves."

She frowns. "Can you at least tell me the gender?"

"We don't know it." I tell her, rubbing my enlarged stomach.

"So you've picked out a name but you don't know the gender?" She questions

I nod. "Chandler is insisting it's a girl, though."

She takes a bite. "And what do you think?" She asks, passing me a cookie although I never asked for one.

Taking it anyway, I pause, my smile unable to fade. "Honestly, I think it might be a girl, too." I whisper, fiddling with the cookie in my hands. "He's pretty much got me convinced it is and now I can't see it any other way."

"Wow." She shakes her head.

"What?" I frown slightly

"Nothing." She pauses "It's just...I still can't believe you're actually married to Chandler Bing. I mean, the Chandler Bing." She repeats "And you're having his baby. I can't even imagine what the office is saying about this one." She jokes.

Most of the time, I can't believe it either. If it wasn't for my friends and family, I'd probably still be looking for Mr. Perfect. As for what the employees and staff of the former Bing's Advertising Company is saying? I don't care. Besides, there isn't any reason to wonder; I never liked the girls in that office.

Shrugging, I take a bite. "Probably nothing but gossip."

"Yeah..." Rachel trails off

I look over at her confused "What is it?"

"Nothing." She closes up the box of snacks.

"Tell me." I nudge her leg with my foot.

It's silent for about a minute as Rachel avoids eye contact. "I see you two together..." She shakes her head. "And you're perfect for one another." She pauses, rethinking her words. "Never mind. It's stupid."

"Rachel." I sit up straighter and reach out for her hand. "Tell me."

Finally, she looks up at me and I search her eyes for any clues of what she's thinking. And suddenly, I know.

"Do you think I will ever find my Chandler Bing?"

Tilting my head, I look over at her sympathetically as I hold her hand. "I think you might have already found him." I whisper.

By the look on her face she already knows who I'm talking about. As if right on cue, the phone rings and Rachel stands to answer it. Seconds later, she is handing it over to me. "It's your Prince Charming." She mocks and I chuckle.

"Hi honey." Smiling, I continue to rub my tummy. "Yes, I'm fine." I assure him. "The baby is fine. We are both fine, don't worry." Feeling a slight nudge against my hand, my smile widens "Yes, Rachel is still here." I listen as he explains he may be a few more hours. Rachel grabs a couple of waters from the fridge and sits down, waiting patiently as I talk to my husband. Then, just as my smile appears, it fades. "Tonight?" I question. "Well, did you tell them you can't this week?" Rachel leans forward, wondering what could possibly change my emotions so quickly. "No." I say simply. "If there's nothing you can do, then there is nothing you can do." I trust him when he says he tried to get out of it, but arguing about it over the phone isn't going to change anything. "We can talk about it when you get home." I don't want to get worked up over this now. I can't get worked up. "I love you too. Bye."

Just as I hang up, Rachel searches my eyes, waiting for me to explain.

"He's on call tonight."

"What? Did he tell them he can't?"

Sighing, I look over at her as if that didn't cross my mind.

"Right. You already asked."

My hands find my temple as I try to calm myself down.

"Honey..." Rachel moves to my side. Her hand rubbing small circles on my back, trying to comfort me.

Sniffling, I wipe my finger across my cheek, trying desperately to hide the fact that I'm crying. "What if-" I hiccup "the baby comes and-and" I shake my head, unable to stop the tears. "-and he's not there?"

"He'll be there." She assures me. "Look, if I know Chandler Bing," I look over at her "which we both do, he would quit his job before he misses the birth of your child."

"I don't want him to quit." Yes, I want him to be in the room when I deliver, but I don't want him to chose between me and his career.

"I know that. And he knows that, too." She brushes a loose strand of my hair so it's out of my face. "The point is, nothing can keep him away from being in that delivery room with you." She reaches over for a napkin and hands it to me, which I gladly accept. "You may have the baby tonight, you may have it tomorrow. Hell, it could be next week before we see Baby Bing." We laugh "There is no point getting upset over something you don't know the outcome of."

She is absolutely right. I hate it when she's right, but I actually feel better. Wiping the final tear from my cheek, I take a deep breath and relax. "How do you always know what to say?"

Shrugging, she smiles slightly as she places a hand gently on my baby bump "I've learned from the best." Her smile grows as her attention shifts to my unborn offspring. "Hi baby! Whoa..." She pauses, feeling a few kicks against her hand "An active baby, aren't we."

I just nod "Oh yeah. Chandler says we've got ourselves a little soccer player."

She glances up at me, her hand still on my bump. "Did he play sports as a kid?"

"Oh no. He was never an athletic kid growing up. But he was part of the chess club in 7th grade." I mention, to which I know I'm going to be in trouble for later.

Rachel laughs. "Okay, I think I need to know more about that."

I shake my head, laughing along with her. "I've said too much already."

"Fine. But don't think I'll forget about this conversation Monica Bing." She teases "So you're really not going to tell me the name?"

"Rachel!" I continue to laugh, completely forgetting why I was upset a minute ago. Just then, the door opens and in walks Ross. "Hey." I greet.

"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" He asks, heading straight for the fridge and grabbing a drink.

Rachel and I make eye contact, silently speaking to each other using our facial expressions. Looking between her and Ross, I finally speak up. "Nothing. I'm going to use the bathroom." I announce before standing and leaving the two of them alone.

As I close the bathroom door I can hear them make small talk, when suddenly Rachel asks him about the other night. The other night? What happened the other night? I listen a little longer, but it's useless, I can't hear a thing through these thick walls.

Ross and Rachel are two people that are madly in love but won't admit it. They've dated in the past but Rachel accused him of cheating; which never happened. And they never really found their way back together. They've managed to remain friends, but anyone who looks at them knows there is something more than just a friendship.

Secretly, Rachel has professed her love for my brother to me. And from what Chandler told me, Ross won't stop talking about how much he misses Rachel. They still love each other, but neither one is ready to admit it. I told Chandler we need to fix them up. But he keeps insisting that I have enough to worry about with the baby on the way. If it's meant to be, they will find their way back to one another; it's just a matter of time.

It's quiet and I wait another long minute before emerging from the bathroom and returning to the kitchen.

They are sitting at the kitchen table, the conversation between them subsiding as I enter the room.

"So Mon, when do you think you'll break? I know Mom and Dad are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their grandbaby."

Holding my stomach - as if to keep my baby in - I carefully sit down. "Hopefully soon. Trust me, we are just as anxious as they are."

"Rach says you've picked out a name."

Seriously.

I give her a look of mistrust. I went into the bathroom for them to talk about me?

"Yes. But I'm not saying." I watch as they exchange a look of "I told you so." Reaching for my water, I take a sip. "So, you've talked to Mom and Dad?"

He nods "They send their love. They also expect a call the second your first contraction hits."

Rolling my eyes, I chuckle. "If anyone's getting a call, it's going to be my husband."

Confusion crosses his features. "Won't he be with you?" He asks

"I hope so." I say, informing him of the news I found out minutes before he arrived. "He's on call this week."

Rachel reaches out and places a hand over mine, knowing how much this news upset me earlier. "He'll be there."

Taking a deep breath, I give her a reassuring smile. "Anyway, he should be here soon. You guys don't have to stay, I'll be fine."

"Are you sure? We don't want you to be alone." Rachel gives my tummy a soft rub.

"I'm sure." A yawn escapes my lips which is all the assurance they need. "I'm going to lie down. Take a short nap."

They nod, standing together. "Okay, but if you need anything, or if something happens-"

"I'll call you second." I tell them, watching as they grab their coats and head for the door.

"Alright. we'll talk to you tomorrow." They tell me right before shutting the door behind them.

Finally. I'm alone.

I don't remember how I got there, or how long it took me to fall into a peaceful slumber. But when I feel the bed shift beside me, and a strong, but gentle hand on my lower abdomen, I do know who is beside me.

My eyes flutter open to find Chandler looking down at me.

"Hey." I say softly

"Hey." He smiles "How was your day?"

"Long. Exhausting." I place my hand over his. "I've missed you."

He leans down, placing a long, hungry kiss against my lips. And suddenly, there is a very active baby between us.

"Someone is excited to see me." He jokes

"We both are." I tell him, pulling him onto the bed.

Climbing over me, he lies down behind me, bringing my body closer to his. Wrapping his arms around me, he holds me tightly. I can smell his aftershave from the shower he took before leaving the firehouse. When we found out I was pregnant, Chandler began to shower after work rather than coming home smelling of smoke; something he decided was best for both me and the baby.

"You know what I'm most excited for?" He whispers against my neck.

"What's that?"

"Seeing you change a mean diaper."

I let out a belly laugh, nudging my foot against his leg. "Really?" Looking over my shoulder I find him grinning. "That's what you're most excited for?"

He nods "Absolutely."

"Well," I pause "Do you know what I'm most excited for?"

He waits, so I continue.

"Finding out if this hyperactive child is a girl or a boy."

He quickly props himself up by his elbow. "What? I thought you were okay with waiting?"

I shift my body so I can see him more clearly. "I am!" I caress his cheek in promise "But honey, 9 months is an awfully long time."

"Babe, if you want to know, I can call Dr. Connolly and we can find out right now." He starts to move towards the phone when I stop him.

"Chandler."

Pausing, he looks at me with wonder.

"We've waited this long. What's another few days?" By the look on his face he still needs assurance. Looking deep into his eyes, I tell him softly "I want to wait." Leaning up, I place a slow and passionate kiss upon his warm lips. "Really." His strong arms hold himself above me as I bring one leg up and rub it against his.

"If you're sure." He gives me one last chance to change my mind.

"I'm sure." Wrapping my arms around his neck, I sigh contently. "Guess what I did today."

He thinks about it for a minute, considering all the possible things an extremely pregnant woman can do. "Did you take a long relaxing bath?"

I chuckle, "Yes. But that's not what I was thinking." I look over at my bedside table. "I set up the baby monitor!" I tell him excitedly.

His smile grows "Looks great." He examines it closer "It's on and everything. And you think the camera might be a little too-"

"We're not going to be helicopter parents, Chandler." I remind him "Besides, the baby will be in our room for the first couple months." I may think differently when our baby gets here, but right now, the camera isn't something we need.

"Okay. And tomorrow I'll put the car seat in." He pecks my cheek and rolls over so he's lying beside me. Placing his arm around my body, I lie my head on his chest as he brings me in closer. "And soon, we'll be bringing home a little one of our own."

"Soon, we'll be parents." He places one last gentle kiss upon my head before we fall into an easy sleep.