Chapter 6
Rachel tried on six different outfits before finally deciding to wear her full-length wine-colored strapless satin dress, with a slit up the side, and matching color pumps.
"It's not every night you dine at 'Tavern On The Green'," she told her reflection in the mirror.
She went with a little darker shade of make-up and then styled her silky shoulder-length honey-colored hair so it framed her petite face perfectly.
"Rachel," Ross called out, as he entered the apartment, "Honey, are you ready?"
Rachel checked her appearance one more time as she placed a matching satin wrap around her tanned shoulders. Satisfied she looked her best, she reached for her burgundy clutch purse and walked out of her room, striking a pose as her eyes locked on Ross' appreciative gaze.
"Wow!" he said. "You look fantastic!"
Rachel happily modeled for him while he gaped and practically salivated at the beautiful woman before him. His woman.
"I'm the luckiest man alive."
"Honey, that's so sweet!"
He pulled Rachel into his arms and their lips met in a hungry, wanton kiss.
"You look absolutely stunning," he said, when they had both recovered from their kiss.
"Thank you. You're looking mighty handsome yourself, Mr. Geller."
And he did. He looked sharp dressed in a navy blue suit, white shirt and a powder blue tie.
"I'm sensing you want this to be a very special night," Rachel said.
Rachel ran her tapered fingers along Ross' cheek and then they shared another long, lingering kiss before Ross escorted her to the door.
He patted the inside pocket of his suit jacket to make certain he had the ring and then took Rachel's hand in his as they left the building to hail a taxi.
If you agree to be my wife, he thought, as they rode towards the restaurant, then this will indeed be the most special night of my life.
*~*
"It's such a beautiful night," Rachel said, her voice reflecting her good mood, "and we got the best table with the most gorgeous view of the Park and the skyline. How did you manage all this?"
"Oh," Ross said, chuckling and nodding nervously, "I have my ways. I can be very persuasive when I want to be."
"Why, Mr. Geller," Rachel teased, her eyes twinkling, "I never knew that."
He reached across the table to squeeze her hand. The candlelight only added to the loving atmosphere.
"I love you so much," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I wanted tonight to be perfect, and so far it is."
"I love you, too," Rachel said, all teasing gone from her voice. "Thank you for making this night just right."
*~*
"Ross, this night is so beautiful! Look at all those stars glittering against the midnight sky. The moon is almost full. The air is warm and not too breezy. I love summer nights in New York City. Let's walk around the upper west side before we take the carriage ride. Please."
"Okay," Ross readily agreed, unable to deny his lady anything, especially when she looked as hot and beautiful as she did that night.
While holding hands and strolling at a leisurely pace along the Park's west side, Rachel couldn't remember a time when she'd felt more contented and relaxed. She had everything she'd ever wanted. Her career in fashion was going well, she had great friends, her family hadn't caused her any recent problems, she was vital and healthy, and most of all, she had the man she loved at her side. Finally, after everything they'd been through, she and Ross had found a way to make their relationship work. Solid was the word to describe them, and she couldn't be happier.
She glanced down at their joined hands, and her eyes fell to her ring finger. Well, she thought pensively, there was one thing that would make her even happier than she already was. But she wouldn't dwell on that tonight. When the time was right and he was ready, Ross would ask her to marry him. It was going to happen. She was sure of it.
"Wow, we made it to the fountain," she said.
She hadn't realized how long she had been lost in her own thoughts.
"Are your feet tired yet?"
"No, not really. Let me just do one thing, and then we can get into the carriage."
Rachel walked a few feet away from Ross, pulled a penny from her purse, closed her eyes and made a wish before pitching the coin into the water.
"Now, I'm ready."
*~*
The ride to Columbus Circle and then through the lush green of Central Park was breathtaking. As Ross mentally rehearsed, one last time, what he was going to say to Rachel, he couldn't help but be drawn into her excitement. It was as though she were seeing the sights of Manhattan for the very first time.
"You're having a wonderful time, aren't you?" he asked.
"Yes! You know, we don't do this enough. We should definitely spend more time here."
"We can add it to our list of things to do."
Rachel looked up at Ross and smiled as she ran her hand along his jacket-covered arm.
"What else should we add to that list?"
"It's funny you should ask that, Rach. I have something very important that I would dearly love to add to that list, but I need you to make it happen."
Rachel saw the serious look on her lover's handsome face, and her heart skipped a beat. Her breath caught as excitement built inside of her. Was her wish about to come true? Was Ross going to ask her to marry him? Where had that thought come from? She couldn't help it. This night had been magical. She felt like a princess riding with her prince to the Ball. She couldn't think of a better way for this night to end than for her finger to be adorned with an engagement ring given to her by Ross.
"What is it you want to add?" she asked, her voice soft and wistful.
She moved closer to him on the leather seat and waited anxiously to hear what he had to say.
As if the driver of the Hansom cab sensed what was about to happen, he slowed his horse down to a comfortable trot as they continued through Central Park. The almost full moon shining down on them through the trees made the scene that much more romantic.
"I love you, Rachel," Ross began, taking her warm soft hands in his. "When you came back into my life, I knew it was because we were meant to be together. We have been through so much, and I believe we are better people because of our struggles. These past few months have been paradise. We're in the same place, Rachel. We want the same things. I know our lives will never be problem free and I know things will not always be as perfect as they seem right now, but sweetheart, you...you are the only one I want to be with. I'm willing to deal with whatever life sends my way, as long as you are by my side. You have made my life complete, and together, I know we can have the life we've talked about these last few months. I want to build a home with you, Rachel. I want us to have kids. I want us to share everything, the good and the bad. I want to wake up next to you every morning and go to sleep next to you every night. I want to rejoice with you when you're happy and I want to cry with you when you're sad."
Ross reluctantly released her hands to pull the black velvet ring case from his breast pocket. Opening it, he showed Rachel the sparkling diamond solitaire, and with tears glistening in his eyes, he spoke the words closest to his heart.
"Rachel, sweetheart, I..."
He collected himself as Rachel covered her mouth with shaky hands. This was really happening. Ross was asking her to marry him. They were about to become an engaged couple. The ring seemed to be winking at her. Her heart pounded furiously as she tried to hold her tears of happiness in check.
"Rachel," he began again, "Sweetheart, I want you to marry me. Will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
"Ross!" Rachel exclaimed, the tears running freely down her cheeks now that he had actually spoken the words. "How did you know this was exactly what I had wished for?! Yes! Yes! Oh yes, I will marry you! I love you so much. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. Honey, I want everything you just said. You have made me the happiest woman on earth. Yes, I will marry you!"
Ross was so excited and so relieved she'd said yes, he had trouble sliding the ring onto her trembling finger. But it fit perfectly. Just as she'd known it would.
"It's soooo beautiful!" she cried. "I love you!"
Her tears of joy stopped long enough for her to clearly admire her engagement ring and then as the tears of happiness began to flow once more, she threw her arms around Ross' neck and kissed him with a fire that promised more, much more, once they were alone.
"I love you Rachel Karen Green," Ross said, pressing her to him with no plans to ever let her go. "We are going to have the best life."
"Yes, we are," she whispered against his ear. "Because I'm going to be sharing it with you."
*~*
"Is everything ready?" Chandler asked Monica, as he and Joey walked into her apartment.
"I think so."
Phoebe had arrived earlier to help with the decorations. Red and pink heart-shaped balloons filled the kitchen and the living room. A huge colorful "Congratulations" banner hung above the refrigerator. The kitchen table was covered with a white linen tablecloth. Phoebe was adding red confetti hearts and cupids and pink rose petals. Monica had decided to use her Lennox dishes and crystal glasses.
"The place looks great," Joey said.
"It really does," Chandler agreed. "You two did a wonderful job."
"Thank you," Monica said and smiled. "And thanks for bringing me the champagne earlier. The two bottles are chilling in the refrigerator, along with the cake."
"What kind did you make?" Joey asked, his eyes lighting up at the mention of dessert.
Monica laughed. "It's a white sheet cake with lemon filling and white frosting."
"Sounds excellent."
Joey heartily approved of Monica's choice of dessert.
"Now, we just have to wait for the happy couple," Phoebe said.
"Can you believe it?" Monica asked. "Rachel and Ross are going to get married. My best friend is going to walk through that door sporting an engagement ring on her finger that my brother gave her. It hasn't sunk it yet. At least not for me."
"I can't wait to hear all the details of the proposal," Phoebe said. "And of course I can't wait to see what kind of taste Ross has in engagement rings."
"I'm sure it's going to be very classy," Chandler said.
The buzzing of the intercom interrupted their conversation.
"That's them!" Monica said, her excitement mounting. "Ross said he would buzz to let us know they're on their way up. Let's gather around the kitchen table and yell 'Congratulations' when they come in."
Monica dimmed the lights in the room and then stood between Chandler and Phoebe as they all waited to greet the happy couple. A moment later, the door opened and before they had fully stepped inside, the gang shouted "Congratulations Rachel and Ross!"
"You guys!" Rachel said, breaking away from Ross long enough to hug her best friend.
The waterworks started again and she excused herself to run to the bathroom.
"Just when I thought she had it together," Ross said.
He positively beamed as they all gathered around him and gave him a group hug.
Rachel returned a few moments later, her mascara and make-up repaired as best it could be, and she stopped near the entrance to the kitchen.
"Doesn't anyone want to see...my ring?"
Rachel flashed her left hand as her exuberance spilled over. She laughed and smiled and hugged everyone as they all took turns offering her congratulations and admiring her ring.
"Not bad," Phoebe said to Ross, who chuckled and pulled Phoebe close to him.
"We want to hear every last detail," Monica said, "but first, let's have a toast. You can tell us everything while we eat cake."
Chandler and Joey filled the crystal flutes with champagne while Monica put a few last-minute touches on the cake and set it in the middle of the table.
"You guys are really the best," Rachel said. "Monica, did you make this cake?"
"Yes, I did. I hope you like it. It's a white cake with lemon filling."
"Sounds good," Ross said.
"That's what I said," Joey agreed. "So, who makes the first toast?"
"I think Monica should have that honor," Chandler said.
They all held up their glasses as Monica looked around her and then focused on Ross and Rachel as tears gathered in her eyes.
"My brother and my best friend. I always knew you two would make the best couple once you had a chance to be together. I couldn't be happier for you. I love both of you so much. I can't wait to be a part of this wedding. I know it's going to be perfect. Congratulations to two of the greatest people."
"Thanks, Mon," Ross and Rachel said at the same time.
Chandler gave the next toast.
"You two were meant to be together, no doubt about it. May you have a lifetime of happiness."
"That's so sweet," Rachel said. "Thank you."
"You expected something sarcastic, didn't you?" Chandler said.
"Well, at least something funny," Phoebe said. "But you go next, Joey. I want to go last."
"Okay. Well, even though I haven't known you that long, I'm very happy for you, and I'm glad I get to be a part of this great time in your lives. Oh, and Ross, let me just say three words: bachelor party, baby!"
"Nice," Rachel said, but she laughed, as did Ross.
"And now, Phoebe," Ross said.
"Okay. Mine will be short and sweet. Congratulations to the lobsters. May they have a long, happy and healthy life as they claw their way together."
"We love you guys," Rachel said.
"Now, let's have some of that cake!" Joey said.
Together, Rachel and Ross cut the first piece, and then Monica began serving it. After everyone had found a place to sit in the living room, Rachel and Ross recited every last detail of their evening in Manhattan.
"I wanted to tell strangers on the street that Ross had proposed," Rachel said and laughed.
"That story is so beautiful," Phoebe said.
"Ross, you did good," Chandler added.
"Will you excuse me for a moment?" Monica said, her voice filled with emotion. "I need some air."
She refilled her champagne glass and headed for the balcony.
"Is she all right?" Rachel asked. "Maybe I should go out there."
"She's been emotional all day," Phoebe said. "I think it's best if we leave her alone."
Monica sipped her champagne as she looked out at the Manhattan skyline. Ross had made Rachel's dreams come true. She knew they were going to have a wonderful life together. They'd have a house and kids and everything Monica had dreamed of since she was a little girl. She loved hearing about the proposal, and yet, it made it her sad. Would she ever have someone who would make her dreams come true?
*~*
"It's getting late," Ross said. "Rachel and I are spending the night at the Plaza Hotel."
"I'm ready," Rachel announced.
She had changed into something more casual and had packed an overnight bag. Monica stood near the sink, rinsing the dishes and drinking champagne from her flute. Rachel walked to her and put her arm around her friend's shoulders.
"Are you okay, Mon?"
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me. Have a wonderful night. We'll talk tomorrow."
"Sure. I'll be back some time in the afternoon."
"Enjoy your night."
They hugged, and then Ross hugged and thanked his sister for a great celebration.
"You're the best," he said.
"I know!" Monica said and giggled.
"But maybe you shouldn't have any more champagne," he cautioned.
"What? I can't drink in my home? I'm fine. Go."
After Ross and Rachel had left, Phoebe helped Monica clean up and then said she was heading for home.
"Hey, Pheebs," Joey said, "if you want, I'll walk you home."
"That would be nice," Phoebe said.
When Joey turned his back, Phoebe gave the thumbs up sign to Monica who giggled again.
"I think Ross is right," Phoebe said. "No more champagne for you, Ms. Geller."
"Leave me alone. I'm celebrating!"
"I'll make sure she's okay," Chandler said.
"What are you gonna do?" Monica asked, beginning to slur her words. "Put me to bed?"
"Don't worry, guys. I've got it under control."
Phoebe and Joey left; Chandler guided Monica to the couch.
"You just rest," he said. "I'll finish cleaning up."
"You won't do it right," she said and laughed as if it were the funniest thing she'd ever said.
"It'll be fine. You can rearrange everything tomorrow. But tonight, you just lie there and relax."
She remained on the couch but sat up and watched Chandler as he dried the dishes and put them where he thought they should go.
"You're so good to me," she said and sighed dramatically. "Why don't you love me, Chandler? If you did, then we would be the ones getting married, and we would have the perfect wedding! I would make a great wife. I would!"
At Monica's words, Chandler almost dropped the crystal glass he was drying. He had to juggle it to keep it from slipping out of his hands. What was Monica talking about? She had to be drunk.
"Clearly, you have had too much to drink."
"Stop saying that," she complained. "There's still half a bottle left! How could I have had too much to drink?"
But the room did seem to be spinning slightly. Monica decided to take Chandler's advice and lie down on the couch. She closed her eyes and within five minutes, was sound asleep.
Chandler finished cleaning up and then walked to the couch. He smiled when he saw that Monica was sleeping.
"See, sweetheart," he said, as he covered her slender form with a blanket, "you did drink too much. But it's okay. You're home, and tomorrow, you'll probably feel sick, but then, you'll feel better. Sweet dreams, Mon."
He kissed her lightly on her cheek, left a light on for her in the living room and slipped quietly from her place to his own apartment where he wondered whether Joey would make it back before morning.
*~*
A little while later, Joey grinned as he made his way back to his apartment. Walking Phoebe home had been a great idea. She invited him inside where things began to heat up. But Phoebe stopped him before they went too far. She told him she really liked him but that she needed more time. He could wait because once she'd had the Joey love, she'd never be the same again.
Still smiling to himself, Joey took the stairs two at a time. He was about to open his door when he heard muffled crying coming from Apartment 20. He pressed his ear to the door. The crying was getting louder.
"Monica?" he said, opening the door and letting himself in.
He found her sitting at the kitchen table, an empty champagne bottle next to her.
"Monica, what's wrong?"
"Stay with me Joey, please. I don't want to be alone tonight. Stay with me just until I fall asleep. Okay?"
"All right. Sure. Are you going to bed now?"
"I don't want to go into my bedroom. I want to stay out here. I'll just lie on the couch. I'll be fine. I just don't want to be alone."
"Okay. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable. I'm right here."
"Come sit with me until I fall asleep. Please?"
She reached for Joey's hand and led him to the couch. The blanket Chandler had thrown over her earlier was on the table. She retrieved it and sat curled up on the sofa. She motioned for Joey to join her.
"What's going on?"
He did what she asked. She moved closer to him and placed her head on his shoulder.
"I had a bad dream earlier."
"It's okay. Joey's here. You just close your eyes and go back to sleep. I'm right here."
"Thank you."
"No problem."
Monica found a comfortable position and let herself relax. Joey held her close. He told himself he would climb into his bed as soon as he knew Monica was all right.
But as the sun dawned on a new day, Joey woke up on the couch and realized, much to his dismay, that he had fallen asleep and had spent the entire night with Monica sleeping in his arms.
Rachel tried on six different outfits before finally deciding to wear her full-length wine-colored strapless satin dress, with a slit up the side, and matching color pumps.
"It's not every night you dine at 'Tavern On The Green'," she told her reflection in the mirror.
She went with a little darker shade of make-up and then styled her silky shoulder-length honey-colored hair so it framed her petite face perfectly.
"Rachel," Ross called out, as he entered the apartment, "Honey, are you ready?"
Rachel checked her appearance one more time as she placed a matching satin wrap around her tanned shoulders. Satisfied she looked her best, she reached for her burgundy clutch purse and walked out of her room, striking a pose as her eyes locked on Ross' appreciative gaze.
"Wow!" he said. "You look fantastic!"
Rachel happily modeled for him while he gaped and practically salivated at the beautiful woman before him. His woman.
"I'm the luckiest man alive."
"Honey, that's so sweet!"
He pulled Rachel into his arms and their lips met in a hungry, wanton kiss.
"You look absolutely stunning," he said, when they had both recovered from their kiss.
"Thank you. You're looking mighty handsome yourself, Mr. Geller."
And he did. He looked sharp dressed in a navy blue suit, white shirt and a powder blue tie.
"I'm sensing you want this to be a very special night," Rachel said.
Rachel ran her tapered fingers along Ross' cheek and then they shared another long, lingering kiss before Ross escorted her to the door.
He patted the inside pocket of his suit jacket to make certain he had the ring and then took Rachel's hand in his as they left the building to hail a taxi.
If you agree to be my wife, he thought, as they rode towards the restaurant, then this will indeed be the most special night of my life.
*~*
"It's such a beautiful night," Rachel said, her voice reflecting her good mood, "and we got the best table with the most gorgeous view of the Park and the skyline. How did you manage all this?"
"Oh," Ross said, chuckling and nodding nervously, "I have my ways. I can be very persuasive when I want to be."
"Why, Mr. Geller," Rachel teased, her eyes twinkling, "I never knew that."
He reached across the table to squeeze her hand. The candlelight only added to the loving atmosphere.
"I love you so much," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I wanted tonight to be perfect, and so far it is."
"I love you, too," Rachel said, all teasing gone from her voice. "Thank you for making this night just right."
*~*
"Ross, this night is so beautiful! Look at all those stars glittering against the midnight sky. The moon is almost full. The air is warm and not too breezy. I love summer nights in New York City. Let's walk around the upper west side before we take the carriage ride. Please."
"Okay," Ross readily agreed, unable to deny his lady anything, especially when she looked as hot and beautiful as she did that night.
While holding hands and strolling at a leisurely pace along the Park's west side, Rachel couldn't remember a time when she'd felt more contented and relaxed. She had everything she'd ever wanted. Her career in fashion was going well, she had great friends, her family hadn't caused her any recent problems, she was vital and healthy, and most of all, she had the man she loved at her side. Finally, after everything they'd been through, she and Ross had found a way to make their relationship work. Solid was the word to describe them, and she couldn't be happier.
She glanced down at their joined hands, and her eyes fell to her ring finger. Well, she thought pensively, there was one thing that would make her even happier than she already was. But she wouldn't dwell on that tonight. When the time was right and he was ready, Ross would ask her to marry him. It was going to happen. She was sure of it.
"Wow, we made it to the fountain," she said.
She hadn't realized how long she had been lost in her own thoughts.
"Are your feet tired yet?"
"No, not really. Let me just do one thing, and then we can get into the carriage."
Rachel walked a few feet away from Ross, pulled a penny from her purse, closed her eyes and made a wish before pitching the coin into the water.
"Now, I'm ready."
*~*
The ride to Columbus Circle and then through the lush green of Central Park was breathtaking. As Ross mentally rehearsed, one last time, what he was going to say to Rachel, he couldn't help but be drawn into her excitement. It was as though she were seeing the sights of Manhattan for the very first time.
"You're having a wonderful time, aren't you?" he asked.
"Yes! You know, we don't do this enough. We should definitely spend more time here."
"We can add it to our list of things to do."
Rachel looked up at Ross and smiled as she ran her hand along his jacket-covered arm.
"What else should we add to that list?"
"It's funny you should ask that, Rach. I have something very important that I would dearly love to add to that list, but I need you to make it happen."
Rachel saw the serious look on her lover's handsome face, and her heart skipped a beat. Her breath caught as excitement built inside of her. Was her wish about to come true? Was Ross going to ask her to marry him? Where had that thought come from? She couldn't help it. This night had been magical. She felt like a princess riding with her prince to the Ball. She couldn't think of a better way for this night to end than for her finger to be adorned with an engagement ring given to her by Ross.
"What is it you want to add?" she asked, her voice soft and wistful.
She moved closer to him on the leather seat and waited anxiously to hear what he had to say.
As if the driver of the Hansom cab sensed what was about to happen, he slowed his horse down to a comfortable trot as they continued through Central Park. The almost full moon shining down on them through the trees made the scene that much more romantic.
"I love you, Rachel," Ross began, taking her warm soft hands in his. "When you came back into my life, I knew it was because we were meant to be together. We have been through so much, and I believe we are better people because of our struggles. These past few months have been paradise. We're in the same place, Rachel. We want the same things. I know our lives will never be problem free and I know things will not always be as perfect as they seem right now, but sweetheart, you...you are the only one I want to be with. I'm willing to deal with whatever life sends my way, as long as you are by my side. You have made my life complete, and together, I know we can have the life we've talked about these last few months. I want to build a home with you, Rachel. I want us to have kids. I want us to share everything, the good and the bad. I want to wake up next to you every morning and go to sleep next to you every night. I want to rejoice with you when you're happy and I want to cry with you when you're sad."
Ross reluctantly released her hands to pull the black velvet ring case from his breast pocket. Opening it, he showed Rachel the sparkling diamond solitaire, and with tears glistening in his eyes, he spoke the words closest to his heart.
"Rachel, sweetheart, I..."
He collected himself as Rachel covered her mouth with shaky hands. This was really happening. Ross was asking her to marry him. They were about to become an engaged couple. The ring seemed to be winking at her. Her heart pounded furiously as she tried to hold her tears of happiness in check.
"Rachel," he began again, "Sweetheart, I want you to marry me. Will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
"Ross!" Rachel exclaimed, the tears running freely down her cheeks now that he had actually spoken the words. "How did you know this was exactly what I had wished for?! Yes! Yes! Oh yes, I will marry you! I love you so much. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. Honey, I want everything you just said. You have made me the happiest woman on earth. Yes, I will marry you!"
Ross was so excited and so relieved she'd said yes, he had trouble sliding the ring onto her trembling finger. But it fit perfectly. Just as she'd known it would.
"It's soooo beautiful!" she cried. "I love you!"
Her tears of joy stopped long enough for her to clearly admire her engagement ring and then as the tears of happiness began to flow once more, she threw her arms around Ross' neck and kissed him with a fire that promised more, much more, once they were alone.
"I love you Rachel Karen Green," Ross said, pressing her to him with no plans to ever let her go. "We are going to have the best life."
"Yes, we are," she whispered against his ear. "Because I'm going to be sharing it with you."
*~*
"Is everything ready?" Chandler asked Monica, as he and Joey walked into her apartment.
"I think so."
Phoebe had arrived earlier to help with the decorations. Red and pink heart-shaped balloons filled the kitchen and the living room. A huge colorful "Congratulations" banner hung above the refrigerator. The kitchen table was covered with a white linen tablecloth. Phoebe was adding red confetti hearts and cupids and pink rose petals. Monica had decided to use her Lennox dishes and crystal glasses.
"The place looks great," Joey said.
"It really does," Chandler agreed. "You two did a wonderful job."
"Thank you," Monica said and smiled. "And thanks for bringing me the champagne earlier. The two bottles are chilling in the refrigerator, along with the cake."
"What kind did you make?" Joey asked, his eyes lighting up at the mention of dessert.
Monica laughed. "It's a white sheet cake with lemon filling and white frosting."
"Sounds excellent."
Joey heartily approved of Monica's choice of dessert.
"Now, we just have to wait for the happy couple," Phoebe said.
"Can you believe it?" Monica asked. "Rachel and Ross are going to get married. My best friend is going to walk through that door sporting an engagement ring on her finger that my brother gave her. It hasn't sunk it yet. At least not for me."
"I can't wait to hear all the details of the proposal," Phoebe said. "And of course I can't wait to see what kind of taste Ross has in engagement rings."
"I'm sure it's going to be very classy," Chandler said.
The buzzing of the intercom interrupted their conversation.
"That's them!" Monica said, her excitement mounting. "Ross said he would buzz to let us know they're on their way up. Let's gather around the kitchen table and yell 'Congratulations' when they come in."
Monica dimmed the lights in the room and then stood between Chandler and Phoebe as they all waited to greet the happy couple. A moment later, the door opened and before they had fully stepped inside, the gang shouted "Congratulations Rachel and Ross!"
"You guys!" Rachel said, breaking away from Ross long enough to hug her best friend.
The waterworks started again and she excused herself to run to the bathroom.
"Just when I thought she had it together," Ross said.
He positively beamed as they all gathered around him and gave him a group hug.
Rachel returned a few moments later, her mascara and make-up repaired as best it could be, and she stopped near the entrance to the kitchen.
"Doesn't anyone want to see...my ring?"
Rachel flashed her left hand as her exuberance spilled over. She laughed and smiled and hugged everyone as they all took turns offering her congratulations and admiring her ring.
"Not bad," Phoebe said to Ross, who chuckled and pulled Phoebe close to him.
"We want to hear every last detail," Monica said, "but first, let's have a toast. You can tell us everything while we eat cake."
Chandler and Joey filled the crystal flutes with champagne while Monica put a few last-minute touches on the cake and set it in the middle of the table.
"You guys are really the best," Rachel said. "Monica, did you make this cake?"
"Yes, I did. I hope you like it. It's a white cake with lemon filling."
"Sounds good," Ross said.
"That's what I said," Joey agreed. "So, who makes the first toast?"
"I think Monica should have that honor," Chandler said.
They all held up their glasses as Monica looked around her and then focused on Ross and Rachel as tears gathered in her eyes.
"My brother and my best friend. I always knew you two would make the best couple once you had a chance to be together. I couldn't be happier for you. I love both of you so much. I can't wait to be a part of this wedding. I know it's going to be perfect. Congratulations to two of the greatest people."
"Thanks, Mon," Ross and Rachel said at the same time.
Chandler gave the next toast.
"You two were meant to be together, no doubt about it. May you have a lifetime of happiness."
"That's so sweet," Rachel said. "Thank you."
"You expected something sarcastic, didn't you?" Chandler said.
"Well, at least something funny," Phoebe said. "But you go next, Joey. I want to go last."
"Okay. Well, even though I haven't known you that long, I'm very happy for you, and I'm glad I get to be a part of this great time in your lives. Oh, and Ross, let me just say three words: bachelor party, baby!"
"Nice," Rachel said, but she laughed, as did Ross.
"And now, Phoebe," Ross said.
"Okay. Mine will be short and sweet. Congratulations to the lobsters. May they have a long, happy and healthy life as they claw their way together."
"We love you guys," Rachel said.
"Now, let's have some of that cake!" Joey said.
Together, Rachel and Ross cut the first piece, and then Monica began serving it. After everyone had found a place to sit in the living room, Rachel and Ross recited every last detail of their evening in Manhattan.
"I wanted to tell strangers on the street that Ross had proposed," Rachel said and laughed.
"That story is so beautiful," Phoebe said.
"Ross, you did good," Chandler added.
"Will you excuse me for a moment?" Monica said, her voice filled with emotion. "I need some air."
She refilled her champagne glass and headed for the balcony.
"Is she all right?" Rachel asked. "Maybe I should go out there."
"She's been emotional all day," Phoebe said. "I think it's best if we leave her alone."
Monica sipped her champagne as she looked out at the Manhattan skyline. Ross had made Rachel's dreams come true. She knew they were going to have a wonderful life together. They'd have a house and kids and everything Monica had dreamed of since she was a little girl. She loved hearing about the proposal, and yet, it made it her sad. Would she ever have someone who would make her dreams come true?
*~*
"It's getting late," Ross said. "Rachel and I are spending the night at the Plaza Hotel."
"I'm ready," Rachel announced.
She had changed into something more casual and had packed an overnight bag. Monica stood near the sink, rinsing the dishes and drinking champagne from her flute. Rachel walked to her and put her arm around her friend's shoulders.
"Are you okay, Mon?"
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me. Have a wonderful night. We'll talk tomorrow."
"Sure. I'll be back some time in the afternoon."
"Enjoy your night."
They hugged, and then Ross hugged and thanked his sister for a great celebration.
"You're the best," he said.
"I know!" Monica said and giggled.
"But maybe you shouldn't have any more champagne," he cautioned.
"What? I can't drink in my home? I'm fine. Go."
After Ross and Rachel had left, Phoebe helped Monica clean up and then said she was heading for home.
"Hey, Pheebs," Joey said, "if you want, I'll walk you home."
"That would be nice," Phoebe said.
When Joey turned his back, Phoebe gave the thumbs up sign to Monica who giggled again.
"I think Ross is right," Phoebe said. "No more champagne for you, Ms. Geller."
"Leave me alone. I'm celebrating!"
"I'll make sure she's okay," Chandler said.
"What are you gonna do?" Monica asked, beginning to slur her words. "Put me to bed?"
"Don't worry, guys. I've got it under control."
Phoebe and Joey left; Chandler guided Monica to the couch.
"You just rest," he said. "I'll finish cleaning up."
"You won't do it right," she said and laughed as if it were the funniest thing she'd ever said.
"It'll be fine. You can rearrange everything tomorrow. But tonight, you just lie there and relax."
She remained on the couch but sat up and watched Chandler as he dried the dishes and put them where he thought they should go.
"You're so good to me," she said and sighed dramatically. "Why don't you love me, Chandler? If you did, then we would be the ones getting married, and we would have the perfect wedding! I would make a great wife. I would!"
At Monica's words, Chandler almost dropped the crystal glass he was drying. He had to juggle it to keep it from slipping out of his hands. What was Monica talking about? She had to be drunk.
"Clearly, you have had too much to drink."
"Stop saying that," she complained. "There's still half a bottle left! How could I have had too much to drink?"
But the room did seem to be spinning slightly. Monica decided to take Chandler's advice and lie down on the couch. She closed her eyes and within five minutes, was sound asleep.
Chandler finished cleaning up and then walked to the couch. He smiled when he saw that Monica was sleeping.
"See, sweetheart," he said, as he covered her slender form with a blanket, "you did drink too much. But it's okay. You're home, and tomorrow, you'll probably feel sick, but then, you'll feel better. Sweet dreams, Mon."
He kissed her lightly on her cheek, left a light on for her in the living room and slipped quietly from her place to his own apartment where he wondered whether Joey would make it back before morning.
*~*
A little while later, Joey grinned as he made his way back to his apartment. Walking Phoebe home had been a great idea. She invited him inside where things began to heat up. But Phoebe stopped him before they went too far. She told him she really liked him but that she needed more time. He could wait because once she'd had the Joey love, she'd never be the same again.
Still smiling to himself, Joey took the stairs two at a time. He was about to open his door when he heard muffled crying coming from Apartment 20. He pressed his ear to the door. The crying was getting louder.
"Monica?" he said, opening the door and letting himself in.
He found her sitting at the kitchen table, an empty champagne bottle next to her.
"Monica, what's wrong?"
"Stay with me Joey, please. I don't want to be alone tonight. Stay with me just until I fall asleep. Okay?"
"All right. Sure. Are you going to bed now?"
"I don't want to go into my bedroom. I want to stay out here. I'll just lie on the couch. I'll be fine. I just don't want to be alone."
"Okay. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable. I'm right here."
"Come sit with me until I fall asleep. Please?"
She reached for Joey's hand and led him to the couch. The blanket Chandler had thrown over her earlier was on the table. She retrieved it and sat curled up on the sofa. She motioned for Joey to join her.
"What's going on?"
He did what she asked. She moved closer to him and placed her head on his shoulder.
"I had a bad dream earlier."
"It's okay. Joey's here. You just close your eyes and go back to sleep. I'm right here."
"Thank you."
"No problem."
Monica found a comfortable position and let herself relax. Joey held her close. He told himself he would climb into his bed as soon as he knew Monica was all right.
But as the sun dawned on a new day, Joey woke up on the couch and realized, much to his dismay, that he had fallen asleep and had spent the entire night with Monica sleeping in his arms.