Chapter 8 - 2 weeks later

Things were running smoothly in the Geller Household. Ross wasn't living at home yet but he spent every waking moment with Rachel and the kids, usually leaving late in the evening and returning again in the morning. They were taking it one day at a time, and slowly becoming more like a family again...

(Evening)

Ross, Rachel, Emma and Joshua were all squashed on the couch together, watching Shrek on DVD. The movie was just about finished but Emma and Joshua were already sound asleep, Emma was lying across Ross and Joshua was curled up in Rachel's arms.

"Look at this" said Ross, gesturing at Emma "We go and buy her a DVD she wants so badly and she can't even stay awake to watch it"

Rachel laughed "Well she did have a big day today"

"Still" said Ross, hauling himself off the couch, Emma in his arms "I'm going to put her in bed, Do you want me to grab Josh too?"

"I'll get him," said Rachel, standing up and following Ross into Emma and Joshua's bedroom.

Rachel lay Josh down in his racecar bed, and quickly changed him into his Pj's.

She kissed him and he mumbled something, turning over and shoving his thumb in his mouth.

Rachel was standing, looking at him for awhile when she noticed Ross' presence next to her

"I better be going" he said quietly "Any later then this and it will be hell trying to catch a cab"

"Right" said Rachel.

They walked out into the living room, Ross trying to locate his keys and coat among the mess, finally finding them.

He walked over to Rachel and kissed her lips "I'll see you in the morning?"

"I guess," said Rachel "Unless you don't want to go"

"What?" asked Ross "Is that an invitation to spend the night?"

"You can figure it out," said Rachel, bending over to take the DVD out and switch it off.

Ross pulled her up by the arm so she was facing me "Do you want me to stay?"

"Do you want to stay?" said Rachel

"Ummm, YEAH" said Ross "If you're ok with it"

"I'm ok with it," said Rachel, smiling and wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Really?" asked Ross

"Really" said Rachel "Are you trying to change my mind or something? You got a date tonight?"

"No way" said Ross "I just wanted to make sure"

Rachel kissed him "There's one condition though, you have to help me clean up this pigsty"

"No problems" said Ross

They spend the next 10 minutes, on their hands and knees, picking up toys and games from under the couch, under the TV and every other space in the living room, throwing them all in a big chest.

Rachel started clearing up the plates, pizza box and ice-cream bowls from the coffee table and headed into the kitchen to do the washing up.

Ross followed her, grabbing the bottle of detergent out of her hands as she prepared to fill the sink "I'll do it"

"You hate washing up," said Rachel

"So do you," said Ross "So I'm going to suffer through it just so you don't have too"

"Aren't you just the best then" said Rachel "Thankyou"

"It's fine," said Ross, filling the sink and scrubbing at the dishes.

Rachel standing and watching him with a grin on her face

"What are you grinning about?" asked Ross, flicking water at her.

"Nothing" she said, holding up the tea towel so the water didn't get her face "It's just that you always used to try and get out of the washing up. Making me do it"

"Well some things have changed then haven't they?" said Ross

"I guess they have" said Rachel "I'm going to have a quick shower, you lock up ok?"

"Yep" said Ross He finished the washing up, and went into the bedroom.

He could hear Rachel messing about in the bathroom so he sat on the bed and waited for her to come out which she did 10 minutes later, clad in a short, satin nightie.

"WOW" said Ross softly to himself as she walked past him and into the walk- in closet

"What's that?" said Rachel

"Nothing" replied Ross

Rachel came back out into the bedroom and started to pull back the doona and pillows "You're gonna have to move Ross"

"Sorry" said Ross, jumping off the bed.

Rachel got under the covers and looked at Ross who was just standing there

"Are you coming to bed?" she asked "Or are you going to sleep standing up?"

"No, I'm coming," said Ross

He pulled off his clothes down to his boxers and climbed into bed, getting comfortable.

"God, I'd forgotten how much better it was sleeping in a comfortable bed" he said, "The bed I've been sleeping in lately is so lumpy and uncomfortable"

"Really?" she said, "Well you've got lucky tonight then haven't you?"

"Very lucky" he said, shuffling over and kissing her nose.

Rachel cuddled up to him, resting her head on his chest "I've been feeling so small in this bed at night lately, like by myself. It feels good having someone to cuddle up to again"

"It feels good cuddling you," said Ross, stroking her arm "Your skin's so nice and smooth"

"That's because I just slathered on body butter" said Rachel with a laugh "But thanks for the compliment"

"Anytime" said Ross

Rachel shifted her body up and kissed his lips gently "Are you tired?"

"Not really" said Ross

"Good" said Rachel, as she slid her body over his, kissing him passionately.

"Wait on" said Ross "Is this why you asked me to stay over, so you could use me for sex?"

"Yes," said Rachel

"Well, what's a guy to do?" replied Ross with a laugh, rolling her over so he was on top and returning the passion.

(Next morning)

Ross woke up and could feel a heavy head on his chest; he looked down and saw Rachel, still sound asleep. He smiled as he remembered last night.

Rachel stirred in his arms and opened her eyes

"Hey you" he said

"Hey" she replied, pushing her body against his as she stretched

"How did you sleep?" asked Ross

"Like a log" replied Rachel "You tired me out"

"Really?" said Ross, raising his eyebrows "How good am I?"

"Very good" said Rachel "What time is it?"

"Uh, 7:45am" said Ross, looking at his watch

"I gotta get up" she said "I'm going into work today"

"That I didn't know," said Ross "I think I might just go back to sleep for awhile"

"You need to get up too" said Rachel "You've got a big day ahead of you"

"I have?" said Ross "Doing what?"

"Moving your stuff back in here" said Rachel "No use having it at some hotel when you're going to be here every night"

"What?" said Ross, sitting up "Are you serious?"

"Yeah" said Rachel "I want you back at home, where you belong"

"That is so great," said Ross, kissing her "Thankyou so much"

"I couldn't watch you spend all day with us, then go back to an empty hotel room anymore" said Rachel "I'm still not 100% over what you did, I don't know if I ever will be but I think we can start over. I'm willing to have you back here, with me and the kids, for us to be a family again. I think that I have forgiven you but I still need to build the trust up again"

"I understand completely. Rach, I'm so happy," said Ross "You've just made my day"

"I'm glad," said Rachel "But what I need to do right now is jump in the shower"

"OK" said Ross "I'll get Emma and Joshua up"

"Thanks" said Rachel, climbing out of bed and walking into the bathroom

Ross watched her walk into the bathroom, with a huge smile on his face. He almost couldn't contain himself, and he wanted to scream with happiness. He knew that they were moving along, but her allowing him to come home meant that she was feeling comfortable with him again, which was important.

He had been planning something, ever since Rachel said that she wasn't going to divorce him, it was something they used to talk about doing but he wasn't sure where it fitted in with them now but the more he thought about it, he realised that it wouldn't be something she'd say no to.

He got out of bed and went into Emma and Joshua's room, both were still sleeping.

"Hey" he said quietly, shaking Emma's arm "Sleeping Beauty"

Emma opened her eyes slowly "Daddy?"

"Yeah, time to get up Princess," said Ross

"What are you doing here so early?" said Emma "I haven't even had my shower yet"

"Daddy stayed here last night" said Ross "And he's going to be here every morning from now on"

"Really?" asked Emma "Did you stay with Mommy last night?"

"I did," said Ross "Now are you getting up?"

"Yes" said Emma; rubbing her eyes as she climbed out of bed "I'm glad you're going to be living here again Daddy"

"Me too" said Ross "Go and brush your teeth while I get your brother up"

"OK" said Emma, running out the bedroom.

Ross got Joshua up and had them both settled at the table with some breakfast by the time Rachel came out of the bathroom.

"You look nice," said Ross, when he saw her. "Fabulous n fact"

She had on a ¾ black skirt, a white and black striped top and heels

"Well thankyou" she said, "How are my beautiful children this morning?" "Good" said Emma, munching on her toast

"How about you?" Rachel asked Joshua, kissing the top of his head

"Ok" he replied "Daddy made smiley toast"

"He did?" said Rachel, looking at Joshua's toast, which had a drawing of a smiley face on it, done with Honey. "That looks nice, Can Mommy have a bite?"

"No!!" said Joshua, protecting his plate

"Would you like some smiley toast?" asked Ross

"No, thanks anyway" said Rachel "Can you dress the kids for me while I finish getting ready, I want to drop into Monica's this morning"

"No problems" said Ross "Go finish getting ready"

"Ok" said Rachel, kissing him "Thankyou"

(Monica and Chandler's Apartment)

Ross and Rachel walked in, Emma and Josh trailing behind.

Monica and Chandler were sitting eating breakfast; Monica feeding Taylah while Jamie was watching TV

"Jamie" said Emma loudly, running over to him "Hi"

"Hey" said Chandler "Hows things?"

"Great" said Rachel, grabbing Ross' hand "Really good"

"Ohhh" said Monica "Do you guys have some news or something?"

"No, not really" said Rachel "Unless you count Ross moving back in as news?"

"Are you?" asked Monica

"Yeah" said Ross

"That's great," said Chandler "I'm glad you two sorted it out, finally"

"Me too" said Monica "I'd get up and hug you both but I have one hungry baby, sucking on my boob so..."

"It's cool," said Ross, not feeling a real need to see his sister breast feeding up close

"When did this happen?" asked Chandler

"Uh, this morning" said Rachel, smiling at Ross "In bed"

"Well, sounds like you've celebrated already then" said Monica with a laugh "Seriously though, it's fantastic news"

"I know," said Rachel "I've got to go to work, you'll be fine with Em and Josh today?"

"Sure will," said Ross "Have a great day"

"I'm sure I will," said Rachel, kissing him "I love you"

"I love you too" said Ross

"Emma, Josh. Come give me a kiss," said Rachel "You'll be good for Daddy today?"

"Uh huh" said Emma "Bye Mommy"

"Bye Mon, Chandler" said Rachel as she walked out the door

"Cya" said Chandler

Ross watched her walk out then turned to face Monica and Chandler, with a beaming smile on his face

"So.." said Monica "It's all good"

"It's all good," said Ross

"Are you happy?" asked Chandler

"Happy? Are you kidding me.I'm ecstatic" said Ross

Phoebe and Joey entered then, followed by Dayton and Jesse who were arguing about something

"Oh my god" said Phoebe loudly "Dayton, Give your brother what he wants before I have to kill both of you"

"How's it going Pheeb's?" asked Ross, noticing the thunderous look on her face

"Don't ask," she said, glaring at Joey "Between him and Dayton and Jesse."

"Troubles?" Chandler asked Joey

"You might say that," said Joey "I get the blame for everything that happens" "Don't start Joey" warned Phoebe "I could kill you too you know"

Joey shrank back in horror "This isn't the lady I married, She's turned into devil woman"

Phoebe glared at him before turning to Ross "Just saw Rachel in the hall, She's looking pretty happy. Is everything going good?"

"It's great," said Ross "She asked me to move back in with her and the kids"

"That's great," said Phoebe excitedly "I'm so happy for you guys"

"I actually wanted to ask everyone's opinion on something" said Ross "It's pretty important, and I need your help as well"

"You haven't done it again have you?" asked Joey "God Ross"

"No!!" said Ross "I'm going to ask Rachel to marry me"

"Marry you?" asked Joey, looking confused "Who did you marry when I was best man 5 years ago if it wasn't Rachel?"

"Well not marry me as such," said Ross "Renew her vows"

"Really?" asked Monica "You want to do that?"

"Yeah, but that's not all" said Ross

"And there's more?" said Chandler in a game show host voice

"I want to surprise her with a candlelit ceremony in Hawaii, on the beach" said Ross, a smile breaking across his face "She's always wanted to go to Hawaii, we used to talk about it all the time and if we renew our vows, it will cement in her mind how 100% faithful I am going to be to her, and how much I love her"

"That is so romantic," said Monica "Wow"

"What a great idea" said Phoebe

"Do you think she will want to renew her vows again though?" asked Ross "It's because I haven't exactly stuck to the vows I said last time, So this time I want to do it right and I am going to stick to them"

"I think she definitely will" said Chandler "With a romantic surprise like that, I'd marry you"

"The thing is I want to do it in 3 weeks" said Ross

"Why 3 weeks?" asked Joey

"Because in 3 weeks is our 6 year anniversary" said Ross 'I want it to be special"

"Wait a minute," said Joey "We're invited aren't we?"

"Of course" said Ross "All of you, plus Mom and Dad, Sandra and Leonard. That's it"

"So we're going to Hawaii?" said Phoebe "Oh my god, I'm so excited"

"Sshhh" said Ross "I haven't said anything about it to Rachel yet, like about the trip and I don't want Emma spilling the beans"

"Sorry" said Phoebe, covering her mouth "This is going to be so much fun"

"Hey, we can go to that Harbour in Hawaii," said Joey, clicking his fingers as he racked his brain "What's it called?"

"Pearl Harbour" suggested Ross

"Yeah" said Joey "Pay our respects"

Everyone looked at Joey in surprise

"What!! I did do a History class at school," said Joey defensively "I do know these things"

"I know you do," said Phoebe lovingly, putting her arm around his waist

"So you will all come, and help me plan it?" asked Ross

"Definitely" said Monica "We wouldn't miss it"

"Great" said Ross "So the dates will be September 21st to September 28th. September 25th is our Anniversary so that will be when I'll surprise her with a romantic, ceremony"

"Sounds fantastic," said Chandler "She's really going to love it"

"Now no one mention the ceremony, She's going to know about the trip of course, But she will think it's just the all of us having a vacation" said Ross "Mom, Dad, Sandra and Leonard can fly up on like the 24th or something"

Everyone was nodding

"Sounds like you've got it planned" said Phoebe

"Yeah, How long have you been planning this?" asked Monica

"About 2 weeks or so" said Ross

"You're a fast planner aren't you?" said Chandler "Another great thing we all love about Ross"

"I'm calling the airlines today" said Ross "I figure I'll surprise her with the tickets too"

"Can you book ours then too?" asked Monica "We'll need 3, or is it 4. Does a 3 month old need a ticket?"

"I'm not buying Taylah a ticket," said Chandler "Look at my teeny, weeny Baby girl. She's like the size of a Basketball. She's not going to take up a seat"

"Ok then" said Monica "3 tickets it is"

"And we'll need 2" said Joey

"2..What are we leaving Jesse and Dayton home alone are we?' said Phoebe "To fight off robbers like in that Home Alone movie"

"Yeah, that's what we're gonna do" said Joey sarcastically "I meant 4"

"Ok so I need to book..." began Ross, counting on his fingers "11 tickets, is that right?"

"Let's see, Ross, Rachel, Emma, Joshua, Monica, Chandler, Jamie, Phoebe, Joey, Jesse and Dayton," said Chandler "Yep, I think that adds up to 11"

"Great" said Ross "I'll do it today but we also need to arrange accommodation"

"Think about that tomorrow," said Monica "All this thinking's giving me a headache"

"All right" said Ross "I've got to go. Pick up my stuff from the Hotel room"

"Ok" said Monica

"Em, Josh, Come on" Ross called out in the direction of Jamie's room

"I don't wanna go Daddy" came Emma's whiny reply "Me and Josh wanna stay and play with Jamie, Dayton and Jesse"

"Too bad Sweetie" began Ross

"You can leave them here while you do that" interrupted Monica

"Are you sure" asked Ross

"Yeah" said Chandler "2 more won't make much of a difference"

"Thanks guys" said Ross "I'll only be an hour or so"

"No worries" said Monica

Ross headed out the door, his smile growing wider by the second as he thought more about his plan

"He's so happy," said Phoebe

"Yeah, he is" said Monica

"I knew they'd work it out," said Joey "Best Man's instinct"

"Best man 5 years ago" said Chandler "Get over it"

"Just because you weren't" shot back Joey

"I was at the other 2" replied Chandler

"Pheeb's, you wanna go out?" asked Monica "Leave them to fight like little girls?"

"Sure" said Phoebe "Should we take the kids?"

"Nah" said Monica "They can mediate"

"Great" said Phoebe

They grabbed their purses and headed out the door, leaving Chandler and Joey firing witty comments back and forth.

TBC

AN: Sorry this chapter wasn't very good. I got stuck for ideas today : - ) Better Chapter next time hopefully...