Ross stood there, helpless, as he watched Rachel walk away. He tried calling after her but she didn't even hesitate. This was so not how he wanted to end things with her. He continued to stand there as the minutes passed, until he had a good enough grasp on his thoughts. He looked around. Miraculously nobody had witnessed their recent encounter, and he was glad for that. He glanced at his watch. He was getting married in an hour and a half. Great timing, Rach. he thought to himself.

He was still stunned at the event that just occurred. Truthfully, what he felt was more like disbelief. She's in love with me? Damn. That is so like her. Rachel is only concerned with what Rachel wants and it doesn't matter how it affects anyone else. He shook his head as he conversed with his own thoughts. Emily was stable. She made sense. Sure, they hadn't been together for very long, but it didn't matter. She was so fun and he loved how she made him feel. But Rachel.. Rachel was like a sandstorm that tore right through him, making him totally helpless at the mere thought of her. She'd had a hold on him since he was fifteen. She was sweet, she was fiery, she was flawless, the kind of woman who got everyone's attention just by walking in the room. Back when they were together, she had the ability to send him to another world. She was the woman of his dreams. But because of his mistake, she would only ever be a dream. In fact, he realized this about 8 months ago. That's why he made it a point to not ever let him think of her like that anymore, because any time he thought about the pain of losing her, it was too much to handle. They had too many issues to ever try and make it work. And the thought of feeling that pain again, there was no way. It would break him, he knew it.

Sure, I'm making the right decision. I'm marrying Emily, he thought.

Quickly the empty room that was once filled with silence began buzzing with wedding planners, caterers, family, and the wedding party. Ross welcomed the distraction. It was so much easier to not have to think about it. Besides, he'd been doing it for so long now that he'd gotten pretty damn good at it. He made small talk with his family and intercepted a few arguments about lawn ornaments and other wedding costs. Chandler and his sister were acting really strange. He wasn't sure what was going on there, but he was thankful that he had a better poker face than whatever it was they were trying to hide. Maybe they're keeping secrets about a wedding gift, he mused. He looked around for Joey but he was nowhere to be found. He must have hooked up with that bridesmaid, he thought.

The wedding planner scurried through the small crowd and began nudging the wedding party towards the dressing rooms because guests would be arriving soon.

Ross was soon joined in the small room by Chandler, Joey, and his father, Jack.

Joey made his way to a table where he became enthralled by a meat and cheese tray. Chandler was sitting on the couch grinning like a fool. What is up with him? Ross thought. He didn't even look that happy after spending the night with Janice!

"Are you ready son? It's almost time!", said Jack Gellar.

"Yeah, dad. I'm ready." Ross replied with a boyish grin.

Jack placed his hand on Ross's shoulder. I'm happy for you son. Emily is a great gal and I'm glad she makes you happy! Just make sure she doesn't turn in to a lesbian like the last one!"

"Dad! Come on!" Ross exclaimed while looking at his dad in bewilderment.

"What? I'm just saying! A man deserves a woman who can meet his needs. You know, your mother still meets my needs. In fact, we enjoyed a little rendezvous in the wine cellar just a little bit ago..."

Ross threw one hand over his ear and the other up towards his father as if to block the image that was just portrayed. "Alright, Alright, I got it dad! Thanks for the advice." he said, not masking his annoyance.

"Sorry, son. As I was saying.. when you find the person that gives you that spark in your life, you have all that you need. There is nothing better than finding your soulmate. Emily completes you. Congratulations, son!" Jack beamed with pride as he straightened Ross's tie and headed towards the ceremony.

"Thanks, Dad.." Ross said quietly. The weight of his father's words was enough to bear the entire room.

Suddenly the wedding planner barged into the room making her presence known. "Ross, darling, you look simply dashing! It will just be a few minutes now. Groomsmen, please come with me to meet your bridesmaids at the back of the hall. Ross, wait here for five minutes and then take your place at the front of the hall. This wedding will be simply stunning!" She hurried Joey and Chandler out of the room as they said their goodbyes and good lucks to Ross.

Ross found himself alone in the room, so he moved towards a mirror and began practicing his "I do's". After choosing the one with the perfect balance of sincerity and conviction, Ross gave himself one last pep talk.

Here we go, he thought. Second time's a charm. Let's get married! He adjusted his tux jacket and turned and walked out the door.

Rachel looked up from her hands and let her eyes adjust to the sunlight. Young children were laughing and playing around the large trees across the sidewalk from her. London really is beautiful. She was not used to the sense of serenity it brought. It was nothing like Manhattan, that was for sure. It was busy, but it had a freshness to it. She wondered if she would have any time to explore the city. Hell, it's not like she had anything else to do. Ross was getting married any minute. She didn't even have a flight booked home. She stood up, unsure of her destination but certain that she had cried out every tear that was left in her body. She took a long deep breath and looked up as she exhaled. She had to close that chapter of her life. It was time to start a new one. She walked down the sidewalk and looked into the windows of all of the shops lining the street. It took every bone in her body to keep Ross out of her mind, but she was determined. She did what she came to do and she didn't regret it. She wasn't going to let the outcome ruin her. She was worthy of that one great love and she knew she'd find it someday.

She noticed a coffee shop across the street and it caught her attention. The dark green walls of the building reminded her of the coffee house at home where she spent so much of the last four years. She made her way to the crosswalk and then turned towards the green building. The interior gave off a similar feel to Central Perk. The walls were made of exposed red brick and the decor was modern and refined. The dark wood tables and chairs filled the room as people laughed and conversed about anything and everything. She could get used to this place. She went up to the counter, grabbed a coffee, and found a table by the window. She sat there, sipping her coffee, as she watched the people passing by and thought about the events of the past 24 hours. She couldn't help it.

"Ross?" Chandler knocked on the door to the dressing room.

"Hey Ross, come on man", Joey added. "It's time to get this show on the road! I've got a bridesmaid to see at the reception!" Chandler jabbed him in the side. "Ow! I mean uh.. Let's get you married, buddy!"

"Alright man, we're coming in", Chandler called out to him. As he opened the door and peered into the dressing room, he looked at Joey.

The melodies of the classical guitar and irish flute began floating through the hallway from the ceremony.

"Uh, Joe.." Chandler said quizzically. "Where'd he go?"