After a few days, Rachel got discharged from the hospital and it wasn't without drama. It was with things like that that made Ross and Rachel's relationship even more difficult, if not impossible to mend. They are both killing whatever love there was left in their hearts for each other. - are thoughts going through Monica's mind as she and Phoebe busied themselves decorating Ross and Rachel's apartment. Chandler and Joey volunteered to help but Chandler ended up falling asleep on the side chair with balloons in his mouth. Daniel fell asleep as well on his father's lap.
Hey, Mon, Chandler's new job must really be giving him a workout huh. He's always tired and sleepy! Joey said.
Oh, I don't think, it is his new job that's giving him a workout… It seems that these two are always doing their workout! Phoebe giving Monica a naughty look.
No, we weren't! Monica objected.
Oh, right! How can you explain this? Phoebe pointing at a hickey on Chandler's neck then at Monica's shoulder, which she thought got covered by her blouse and realizing that it was see through.
The discussion was cut short by the arrival of Rachel and her baby. Chandler took it as a cue to go back to his office for the meeting that he was so anxious about. He carefully transferred his sleeping son on the sofa before walking over to Monica to say goodbye.
Joey took off as well to avoid Ross. It turned out to be a good decision as Ross still couldn't get over the confusion about the non-proposal by Joey at the hospital. Monica perfectly understood his brother. There was Rachel not even a day after giving birth to Emma, agreed to marry Joey.
If Rachel was a different person, she would have taken Ross' side openly but she was one of her best friends and so even if she didn't agree with any of her decisions - past and present that concerned Ross, she just had to keep that feeling to herself. His brother was a grown man anyway.
Emma had been crying for quite a while when Chandler came asking for a private time with his wife.
What's up? Monica asked as she sat on the sofa putting Daniel's feet on her lap.
Okay, ahhhm… Chandler also taking a seat on the sofa on the head side of his sleeping son. You know we said it would be fun to move to Paris for a year? You could study French cooking and I could write and we could picnic along the seine and go wine tasting in Bourdeaux?
Oh yeah! Monica closed her eyes and leaned her head on the backrest of the sofa as Chandler caresses the top of her head.
You know how people say that Tulsa is the Paris of Oklahoma?
Who says that?
Chandler explained how he accidentally said yes to moving to Tulsa to be the president of their office there. He felt like he didn't explain it well to Monica because he himself was also in shock. As he headed back to their office he was blaming himself for such carelessness. First, he transferred job and while it paid so much more than his previous one, it became so difficult for his family, especially to Monica. If he moved to Tulsa, it would be Monica again who would make the most adjustment and with two kids to take care of.
Meanwhile, over at Rachel and Ross' apartment, Monica was left alone with baby Emma in her arms and a sleeping Daniel on the sofa. Phoebe had gone home while Rachel took the time to steal a few minutes of sleep that she had been deprived of during hours of labor.
The news about Chandler moving to Tulsa came as a shock and she thought she was not able to convey to Chandler what she really wanted to say. She acknowledged how big an adjustment it would be to the family and to their friends but what she wanted to let Chandler know was that he has her and his sons' support.
Chandler delayed coming home that day. He wished he was coming home to tell Monica he had found a way to get out of that transfer to Tulsa. He was freaking out and he had not freaked out in a long time. Just thinking about being apart from Monica and his sons was torture.
Monica heard the sound of Chandler's feet walking back and forth along the hall. It could be pretty weird but she had been with Chandler enough that she could recognize him with just the sound of his walk. She knew what was up that was why she intentionally skipped work so they can have a really good talk about this curveball.
Monica decided to fetch Chandler from the hall and found him sitting on the step head down.
Hey, what are you doing here? Monica asked walking towards him and sitting by his side.
Nothing. I'm just really tired. He said playing with the ring on his finger.
You want to have a bad massage? Monica said looking at Chandler trying to catch his eyes.
Chandler met her eyes forcing a smile.
Mon, I'm so sorry I got us into this mess. I mean I know how hard my new job has been for you and now, it's gonna get even harder.
Well, it is unexpected but I just know we can work this out!
I promised to make you happy but now it's just, it's… Monica stopped him with a quick kiss on the lips.
I am happy, Chandler. You wanna know why? Chandler was looking at her waiting for an answer. Well, someone told me one night, I make him happier that he ever thought he could be. That someone promised to make me feel the same way… and you know what? He never failed to do that every…. Monica kissing him on the lips…single….another kiss …day… and another.
A smile started to form on his face - Really? he asked.
Really. She looked into his eyes nodding.
Come on. Let's have dinner. Monica stood up extending her hand to Chandler.
Oh, good, honey. I'm starving. Chandler wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
Chandler went to Daniel's room to give him a kiss while Monica prepared their dinner. He had intended just to give his son a quick kiss goodnight but ended up sitting by his side. He never thought fatherhood could be that satisfying and fulfilling and one that could give him overwhelming joy. He couldn't quite describe what he really felt about it but when he looked at his Daniel and at his pregnant wife, it was pure happiness that couldn't be contained in his chest it manifested all over his being.
Daniel, his first born was two years old last December. Looking at him as he sleeps, he couldn't believe he and Monica had made this wonderful good-looking boy.
Hey! Monica gave Chandler a kiss on the head before hugging his head from behind then rested her chin on his shoulder. Dinner's ready.
Monica watched Chandler as he gave Daniel a kiss and together they went back to the kitchen for a late dinner.
I was not able to get out of moving to Tulsa but my boss agreed that I only have to stay there for four days so the other three, I can stay here with you and the kids.
So you're gonna be gone four days a week? Monica thought for a while then said - No!
I'm sorry, are you just used to saying that?
No. We can't be away from you for that long!… Yeah. You're my husband and the father of my kids! We can't live in a different state from you for 208 days out of the year.
Thanks for figuring out a way but if you're going to Tulsa, then we're going with you.
I feel so guilty, Mon. I mean, I don't want you to quit your job. I know how much you love it.
Honey, I realized I don't have to quit my job. Not yet, at least. I will be on maternity leave anyway, so we can be there with you while I am on leave… What I'm thinking about is the apartment though. I mean, it's hard if we give this up but if no one's gonna be here, it will just be a waste of money.
I don't think we have to give this up. I mean, I get free accommodations there anyway and we can come home every two weeks or maybe every month.
But I have to give birth here… And you have to be beside me.
Oh, that I assure you, honey. I told my boss, that's non-negotiable.
Chandler let out a sigh of relief then looked at his wife with such adoring eyes. He took her hand and kissed it. Thank you.
Monica placed her hand on top of his - I love you.
Chandler replied by cupping her face and pressing his lips against hers. They both can taste the macaroni and cheese they just ate from kissing each other's mouths - and the love.