Epilogue
Monica and Chandler shared their first dance as a married couple to the song "Our Love Is Here To Stay". Halfway through, the DJ asked the members of the wedding party to join the happy couple on the dance floor.
"Shall we?" Ross asked Rachel.
Rachel smiled and, holding hands, they glided onto the hardwood floor, along with Phoebe and Joey, who had been honored to perform the ceremony thanks to the State of New York and the Internet.
"I'm so happy for them," Rachel said, nodding in the bride and groom's direction.
"Me, too," Ross said. "Rach, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about."
"What?" she asked, looking up into his dark eyes.
"You've been a great friend to my sister and to Chandler. I had no right to yell at you that day in Central Perk. I should've realized that something was going on and that you were trying to help and protect my sister and Chandler, too, in your own way. I was too quick to judge. Can you forgive me?"
"Yes," Rachel said, her blue eyes lighting up. "I forgive you. I'm just glad everything worked out."
"Do you...do you ever think about us? And second chances?"
"Do you?"
Ross tilted his head. "After hearing Chandler and Monica's story, I have to admit the idea has crossed my mind. Look how much they managed to overcome. Look how blissful they are today."
"I know," Rachel agreed. "I've been thinking about us, too."
"We were happy once. I think we can be again."
Rachel leaned her head against Ross's chest. "I think we can be, too."
**
"This worked out so much better than I ever imagined," Monica said to Chandler, as they swayed on the dance floor.
"I agree. Thank you for using a few of my suggestions."
"You're welcome. Thank you for listening to me about inviting your parents. Don't they look like they're having a good time?"
"Yeah, they do. Everyone looks happy, including Ross and Rachel."
"Ross confided in me that he was going to ask Rachel for another chance. Apparently, we've inspired him."
"That's great. I hope it works out for them. Maybe we'll be dancing at their wedding one of these days."
"Joey and Phoebe look like they've found other dance partners."
"Diane works in my office. Hey, so does Zach."
"Let's hope no one spills any secrets about you," Monica said and winked.
**
As if it were meant to be, Rachel caught Monica's bouquet and Ross caught the garter. They looked at each other and laughed.
**
Three months after they returned from their beautiful extended honeymoon in Paris, Chandler entered the apartment after work and found candles of all shapes and sizes burning brightly. Something that smelled delicious was heating in the oven. He called out to Monica who emerged from their bedroom wearing a black satin peignoir.
"What's going on?" Chandler asked. "We're not celebrating an anniversary."
"We're celebrating wonderful news," Monica said.
Beaming, she strolled towards the kitchen table and offered Chandler a seat. When he'd sat down, she removed two chilled champagne glasses from the freezer and fresh strawberries from the refrigerator.
"This is for you," she said, handing him a glass filled with champagne. "And this is for me."
"Sparkling cider?" he asked, beginning to realize his wife's news. "Monica, are you...?"
"Pregnant," she finished, after making herself comfortable on her husband's lap.
"Yes."
She smiled, nodded, fed him a strawberry and then kissed him.
"Sweetheart, that's wonderful!" Chandler said. "When are you due? How far along are you? Are you okay? Is the baby okay? Tell me everything!"
Monica laughed and hugged him.
"I will, I promise. But right now, let's just enjoy the moment."
"I'll be able to as soon as I know that everything's okay and that it's all right that you're pregnant."
"It's fine. The doctor said I'm healthy, and that if my handsome husband takes excellent care of me, I should have a normal pregnancy."
"You know I will, Monica," Chandler said, relishing the idea of pampering his wife and their baby.
"I know," she said, caressing his cheek. "That's why I told my doctor the baby and I are in wonderful, capable hands."
Monica rested against Chandler, loving the feel of being close to him. He linked his fingers with hers and then he brought their hands to Monica's still flat tummy.
"It won't be long, sweetheart," she told him and then smiled, "before you'll be able to feel the baby kick."
"I want to experience all of it," he told her, his tone serious. "I don't want to miss out on anything."
"You are going to be the best father."
"I hope I will be because I have no doubt our baby will have the best mother."
"I love you."
"I love you, too, Monica. I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love someone. I know our child is only going to add to that love."
**
A week away from her due date, Monica supervised Rachel and Phoebe as they cooked Thanksgiving dinner. Monica and Chandler insisted everyone attend, including Monica's parents and Chandler's mother.
In between making the dessert, a trifle without the beef this time, Rachel couldn't help but to admire the diamond solitaire Ross had given her. The proposal, two months earlier at the Planetarium, had taken her somewhat by surprise, but she had readily accepted and had never been happier. A summer wedding was on the horizon.
Monica had just announced that dinner was ready when her water broke. Monica and Chandler had rehearsed so many times, at Monica's insistence, that they remained calm while the others when into hyper-panic mode.
Chandler never left Monica's side. He wiped her brow and soothed her in between the hard and painful contractions. He fed her ice chips and rubbed her shoulders and back when she would allow him to touch her.
"You're doing great, Mon," he encouraged her.
"So are you," she said.
She managed to give him a weak smile. He kissed her forehead right before another contraction hit. She squeezed his hand and followed his coaching.
"You're just about there," the doctor announced.
With Chandler holding her hand, two orderlies wheeled Monica into the delivery room where a nurse waited.
"Stay with me, Chandler," Monica said. "No matter what happens, don't leave me."
"I won't, sweetheart. I'm going to be right here. And you are going to be fine."
"I can't believe we've kept part of my pregnancy a secret from everyone," she said.
Chandler smiled. "I know. Are you ready, my darling wife? Are you ready to bring our twins into the world?"
"Yes," Monica said, her eyes filling with tears. "I've never been more ready for anything in my life."
**
"You guys," Rachel said, hugging the proud parents of Vanessa Catherine and Vincent Chandler Bing after Judy, Jack and Nora had visited, "I can't believe you didn't tell us."
"We wanted it to be a surprise," Chandler said.
"It certainly was," Ross said. "We should've known. You two have a knack for keeping secrets. But congratulations! My niece and nephew are adorable."
"Thanks. We kept waiting for someone to comment on Monica's size, and when no one did, we decided not to say anything."
"That was kinda mean," Joey said and then laughed. "No offense, Mon, but do you really think any of us would've commented on how fat you were getting?"
Monica laughed. "I guess not."
"You guys are sooo lucky," Phoebe said wistfully. "I can't wait until I give birth and can actually keep the baby or babies."
"You will, Pheebs," Chandler said, snaking his arm around her waist and kissing her cheek. "Zach thinks you're wonderful. He talks about you all the time."
A light shade of red tinted Phoebe's cheeks. "We are having a good time. Maybe he'll get the hint at Rachel and Ross' wedding."
"As long as I don't have to propose to anyone," Joey said, "it's all good."
"You gonna be available to baby-sit?" Monica teased.
"Umm...sure," Joey said, scratching his head. "But let's wait until they're a lot older, okay, Mon? And maybe only one at a time?"
"And maybe Monica and I won't really go out so if you need anything, we'll be right across the hall."
"Yeah, baby, that'll work!"
"Come on, you guys," Ross said. "I can tell Mon is getting tired."
**
"You should go home and get some rest, too," Monica said to Chandler, once they were alone. "We need to take advantage of this down time."
"I need to finish the babies' room, too. I have to set up Vincent's things."
"Vanessa is older by five minutes, twenty-three seconds. Think she'll ever let her brother forget that?"
"No," Chandler said and laughed. "But it's okay. It'll be good for Vincent to be reminded that his sister is older than him."
"I hope they get along."
"How could they not? They're going to have the best parents. Ever."
As if on cue, the nurse brought in Vanessa and Vincent. She handed Vanessa to Chandler and Vincent to Monica.
"Bonding time."
Chandler sat down on the edge of Monica's bed and held Vanessa so Monica could see her tiny, still slightly red face while Chandler was able to view his dark-haired son.
"I have a question for you, Daddy," Monica said.
"What's that, Mommy?"
"Did this do anything to change your opinion of Thanksgiving?"
Chandler chuckled; Vanessa stirred within the safety of his arms. "Oh yeah. I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Because of you, sweetheart."
"Not just me," Monica said and looked heavenward. "I think Angel Emma had something to do with this, too."
Chandler smiled. "I agree."
"Gonna write a story?"
"Yes, I am."
"What are you going to title it?"
"I'm going to call it 'The One Where Daddy Has Four Beautiful Reasons to Give Thanks'."
Monica smiled and pulled him gently towards her for a kiss.
"Sounds like a winner to me."
THE END!! :)
Thanks so very much for reading and reviewing all the way through! :)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Monica and Chandler shared their first dance as a married couple to the song "Our Love Is Here To Stay". Halfway through, the DJ asked the members of the wedding party to join the happy couple on the dance floor.
"Shall we?" Ross asked Rachel.
Rachel smiled and, holding hands, they glided onto the hardwood floor, along with Phoebe and Joey, who had been honored to perform the ceremony thanks to the State of New York and the Internet.
"I'm so happy for them," Rachel said, nodding in the bride and groom's direction.
"Me, too," Ross said. "Rach, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about."
"What?" she asked, looking up into his dark eyes.
"You've been a great friend to my sister and to Chandler. I had no right to yell at you that day in Central Perk. I should've realized that something was going on and that you were trying to help and protect my sister and Chandler, too, in your own way. I was too quick to judge. Can you forgive me?"
"Yes," Rachel said, her blue eyes lighting up. "I forgive you. I'm just glad everything worked out."
"Do you...do you ever think about us? And second chances?"
"Do you?"
Ross tilted his head. "After hearing Chandler and Monica's story, I have to admit the idea has crossed my mind. Look how much they managed to overcome. Look how blissful they are today."
"I know," Rachel agreed. "I've been thinking about us, too."
"We were happy once. I think we can be again."
Rachel leaned her head against Ross's chest. "I think we can be, too."
**
"This worked out so much better than I ever imagined," Monica said to Chandler, as they swayed on the dance floor.
"I agree. Thank you for using a few of my suggestions."
"You're welcome. Thank you for listening to me about inviting your parents. Don't they look like they're having a good time?"
"Yeah, they do. Everyone looks happy, including Ross and Rachel."
"Ross confided in me that he was going to ask Rachel for another chance. Apparently, we've inspired him."
"That's great. I hope it works out for them. Maybe we'll be dancing at their wedding one of these days."
"Joey and Phoebe look like they've found other dance partners."
"Diane works in my office. Hey, so does Zach."
"Let's hope no one spills any secrets about you," Monica said and winked.
**
As if it were meant to be, Rachel caught Monica's bouquet and Ross caught the garter. They looked at each other and laughed.
**
Three months after they returned from their beautiful extended honeymoon in Paris, Chandler entered the apartment after work and found candles of all shapes and sizes burning brightly. Something that smelled delicious was heating in the oven. He called out to Monica who emerged from their bedroom wearing a black satin peignoir.
"What's going on?" Chandler asked. "We're not celebrating an anniversary."
"We're celebrating wonderful news," Monica said.
Beaming, she strolled towards the kitchen table and offered Chandler a seat. When he'd sat down, she removed two chilled champagne glasses from the freezer and fresh strawberries from the refrigerator.
"This is for you," she said, handing him a glass filled with champagne. "And this is for me."
"Sparkling cider?" he asked, beginning to realize his wife's news. "Monica, are you...?"
"Pregnant," she finished, after making herself comfortable on her husband's lap.
"Yes."
She smiled, nodded, fed him a strawberry and then kissed him.
"Sweetheart, that's wonderful!" Chandler said. "When are you due? How far along are you? Are you okay? Is the baby okay? Tell me everything!"
Monica laughed and hugged him.
"I will, I promise. But right now, let's just enjoy the moment."
"I'll be able to as soon as I know that everything's okay and that it's all right that you're pregnant."
"It's fine. The doctor said I'm healthy, and that if my handsome husband takes excellent care of me, I should have a normal pregnancy."
"You know I will, Monica," Chandler said, relishing the idea of pampering his wife and their baby.
"I know," she said, caressing his cheek. "That's why I told my doctor the baby and I are in wonderful, capable hands."
Monica rested against Chandler, loving the feel of being close to him. He linked his fingers with hers and then he brought their hands to Monica's still flat tummy.
"It won't be long, sweetheart," she told him and then smiled, "before you'll be able to feel the baby kick."
"I want to experience all of it," he told her, his tone serious. "I don't want to miss out on anything."
"You are going to be the best father."
"I hope I will be because I have no doubt our baby will have the best mother."
"I love you."
"I love you, too, Monica. I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love someone. I know our child is only going to add to that love."
**
A week away from her due date, Monica supervised Rachel and Phoebe as they cooked Thanksgiving dinner. Monica and Chandler insisted everyone attend, including Monica's parents and Chandler's mother.
In between making the dessert, a trifle without the beef this time, Rachel couldn't help but to admire the diamond solitaire Ross had given her. The proposal, two months earlier at the Planetarium, had taken her somewhat by surprise, but she had readily accepted and had never been happier. A summer wedding was on the horizon.
Monica had just announced that dinner was ready when her water broke. Monica and Chandler had rehearsed so many times, at Monica's insistence, that they remained calm while the others when into hyper-panic mode.
Chandler never left Monica's side. He wiped her brow and soothed her in between the hard and painful contractions. He fed her ice chips and rubbed her shoulders and back when she would allow him to touch her.
"You're doing great, Mon," he encouraged her.
"So are you," she said.
She managed to give him a weak smile. He kissed her forehead right before another contraction hit. She squeezed his hand and followed his coaching.
"You're just about there," the doctor announced.
With Chandler holding her hand, two orderlies wheeled Monica into the delivery room where a nurse waited.
"Stay with me, Chandler," Monica said. "No matter what happens, don't leave me."
"I won't, sweetheart. I'm going to be right here. And you are going to be fine."
"I can't believe we've kept part of my pregnancy a secret from everyone," she said.
Chandler smiled. "I know. Are you ready, my darling wife? Are you ready to bring our twins into the world?"
"Yes," Monica said, her eyes filling with tears. "I've never been more ready for anything in my life."
**
"You guys," Rachel said, hugging the proud parents of Vanessa Catherine and Vincent Chandler Bing after Judy, Jack and Nora had visited, "I can't believe you didn't tell us."
"We wanted it to be a surprise," Chandler said.
"It certainly was," Ross said. "We should've known. You two have a knack for keeping secrets. But congratulations! My niece and nephew are adorable."
"Thanks. We kept waiting for someone to comment on Monica's size, and when no one did, we decided not to say anything."
"That was kinda mean," Joey said and then laughed. "No offense, Mon, but do you really think any of us would've commented on how fat you were getting?"
Monica laughed. "I guess not."
"You guys are sooo lucky," Phoebe said wistfully. "I can't wait until I give birth and can actually keep the baby or babies."
"You will, Pheebs," Chandler said, snaking his arm around her waist and kissing her cheek. "Zach thinks you're wonderful. He talks about you all the time."
A light shade of red tinted Phoebe's cheeks. "We are having a good time. Maybe he'll get the hint at Rachel and Ross' wedding."
"As long as I don't have to propose to anyone," Joey said, "it's all good."
"You gonna be available to baby-sit?" Monica teased.
"Umm...sure," Joey said, scratching his head. "But let's wait until they're a lot older, okay, Mon? And maybe only one at a time?"
"And maybe Monica and I won't really go out so if you need anything, we'll be right across the hall."
"Yeah, baby, that'll work!"
"Come on, you guys," Ross said. "I can tell Mon is getting tired."
**
"You should go home and get some rest, too," Monica said to Chandler, once they were alone. "We need to take advantage of this down time."
"I need to finish the babies' room, too. I have to set up Vincent's things."
"Vanessa is older by five minutes, twenty-three seconds. Think she'll ever let her brother forget that?"
"No," Chandler said and laughed. "But it's okay. It'll be good for Vincent to be reminded that his sister is older than him."
"I hope they get along."
"How could they not? They're going to have the best parents. Ever."
As if on cue, the nurse brought in Vanessa and Vincent. She handed Vanessa to Chandler and Vincent to Monica.
"Bonding time."
Chandler sat down on the edge of Monica's bed and held Vanessa so Monica could see her tiny, still slightly red face while Chandler was able to view his dark-haired son.
"I have a question for you, Daddy," Monica said.
"What's that, Mommy?"
"Did this do anything to change your opinion of Thanksgiving?"
Chandler chuckled; Vanessa stirred within the safety of his arms. "Oh yeah. I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Because of you, sweetheart."
"Not just me," Monica said and looked heavenward. "I think Angel Emma had something to do with this, too."
Chandler smiled. "I agree."
"Gonna write a story?"
"Yes, I am."
"What are you going to title it?"
"I'm going to call it 'The One Where Daddy Has Four Beautiful Reasons to Give Thanks'."
Monica smiled and pulled him gently towards her for a kiss.
"Sounds like a winner to me."
THE END!! :)
Thanks so very much for reading and reviewing all the way through! :)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!