The Caribbean sun came up on the island. The sky was painted with the shades of red, orange , and yellow. In the hotel on this particular day, rooms were buzzing with activity.
"Happy Birthday to You. Happy Birthday to You. Happy Birthday Jack and Erica , Happy Birthday to you." sang Monica as she held her little angel. Erica 's hands were waving and she was smiling. Chandler had her brother in his arms as he laughed. "I can't believe these little guys are one. " Chandler took Jack's hand and said "Jack today you are one." Jack held up one finger. "Our babies are smart." he smiled.
Monica gave them each a cupcake and they proceeded to smear it all over their face
"No No , Mommy says no, " said Monica with a disgusted look on her face. Monica came from the bathroom with a wet towel. "You guys have to stay clean today. Your aunt and uncle are getting married."
"Monica they're babies." said Chandler. "They don't know how to keep clean yet."
"They're my babies and they will learn." screamed Monica as the phone rang. "Get that phone." she yelled at Chandler as she wiped Jack's face.
"Hello, Monica's house of torture." Chandler said as he picked up the phone.
"It's me. Rachel went to get her hair done." Ross said. "Where's Mon?"
"Monica it's the happy groom." Chandler said handing the phone to her.
Ross had his notebook in his hand. "Okay , she is gone until three and then we are supposed to go diving. The ceremony is at six and I have no idea how to do this."
Monica opened her notebook up as well. "You have to get her to the sight by four. The dress and bouquet will be in a special room. Phoebe and I will say that we came down for your anniversary, but not give it away. We'll say that you arranged a romantic dinner for the two of you and the dress was part of your present ."
"Okay I have got that. Then I go and get dressed and then will come to the special room and pick her up."
"Right then , we will go to the hill and wait for you guys .Joey will be at the front and we will have the kids ready as well." Monica had been planning this like a military operation. "It is all going to work out." she said as she wiped Erica's cake face.
Rachel came back from the salon and started to change into her bikini. Ross stood there watching her .
"What are you doing? Don't you have to dress for your girlfriend the mermaid?" Rachel asked.
"I am not feeling that good and I don't think diving in the ocean is a very good idea. Besides, we have a special date tonight. Remember?
Ross said looking at his watch.
"You don't feel good. Should we get a doctor?" Rachel said as she put her hand to his forehead. "I knew you shouldn't have had that crab last night. "
To stall for time, Ross laid down on the bed. He started to moan and hold his stomach. Rachel ran to the phone and dialed the hotel doctor.
Her look was that of concern. When the doctor arrived, she led him to the bed.
"He does have an aversion to shellfish and is deathly allergic to lobster." Rachel explained as the doctor listened. The doctor felt Ross' stomach and he moaned .
"Definitely a case of food poisoning." he concurred. "Nothing that a little shot won't cure." The doctor pulled a hypodermic out of his bag and proceeded to fill it with medicine.
"I'm fine. "said Ross panicking. "I am not sick." he said getting off the bed.
"Better safe than sorry." smiled Rachel. "We'll go diving another day."
"That isn't what is worrying me. I am not sick. Nothing is wrong." Ross said as he got off the bed again and Rachel pushed him back down.
"This is our night and I don't want anything to spoil it. Is my big strong paleontologist scared of a little needle?' cooed Rachel.
"Hell yeah." Ross screamed as the doctor injected him . "Owwwwww!"
"Should be good as new. " the doctor said as he gathered his bag. "Bye folks enjoy your vacation."
Rachel wrapped her hand around where the injection went in. "Oh my poor baby." she cooed . She started to kiss him when he saw his watch. "Oh shit." he uttered.
Ross grabbed Rachel and began to walk out the door. They quickly walked to the elevator.
"Where are we going in such a hurry?" she wondered.
"For a walk." Ross said as they got in the elevator. At that moment , there was a stampede of people coming off that floor. Waiting for the next elevator was Chandler with the twins, a pregnant Phoebe, Sandra with Emma, assorted parents, Amy , Jill, and the gang from LA."
"Monica!" Rachel said surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"Happy Planeaversary!" she said. "So why don't you tell me what is going on? I have the perfect outfit for you to wear tonight." Monica said as she led her into the special room. "Go go Go!" she yelled at her brother.
Rachel walked into the room and saw on the chair the white lacy dress that Monica found. It shimmered in the tropical sunlight.
She picked it up and held it around her.
"Monica, it's beautiful. It almost looks like a wedding dress." Rachel sighed.
"And this flower goes in your hair like this." Monica said as Phoebe came in.
"Pheebs, it was you. I thought it was Ursula." Rachel said. Finally the pieces were starting to come together. Something was definitely going on.
"You guys, can you tell me what is happening." Monica looked at Phoebe and knew they could hide it no longer.
"You are getting married this evening." Monica said. "Everyone is here from New York and LA." she sat down relieved it was out, but worried that her brother would kill her.
"Our anniversary. One year ago today was when I got off the plane , and that sweet man did this." Rachel said with tears in her voice..
"Happy Wedding Day!' cried Phoebe. "Oh and what a beautiful aura." she said hugging Rachel.
"He can't know that I know. But I have to get something for him." Rachel said. She whispered something into Monica's ear and she laughed and then smiled. Monica whispered something to Phoebe who waddled for the front desk.
About an hour later, Ross arrived. Smiling, he handed her a bouquet of lilies. "The happiest day of my life was one year ago tonight." he said as he kissed her. "And now I have another surprise for you. He said as he took her hand.
They slowly walked to a garden by the ocean . The garden had a series of brick steps that led to another garden. The smell of jasmine was in the air and the path along the steps was lined with flaming torches. At the end of the path, stood Leonard Green.
"Daddy , what are you doing here?" said Rachel surprised.
"This is the surprise Rachel, we're getting married this evening on this cliff in Barbados at sunset. Happy Anniversary." Ross said as he kissed her on the cheek.
Rachel smiled and tears came from her eyes. She looked around and saw the familiar faces of those who loved her. Alex came up to her holding a flower.
"I know we haven't known each other long. But Joey told me your very special love story and I think it is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. Much happiness Ross and Rachel." she said hugging the couple.
Monica ran over. "Well , were you surprised? " Rachel nodded and hugged her. "Thanks a lot sis." she winked at her. At that point everyone ran over and hugged them. Finally it was time for the ceremony to start.
Joey stood by the palm frond chapel in the front. Chandler was next to him. Smiling they saw Ross stand by them. Three friends were now to celebrate the most important day of Rachel's life.
Ben walked first , holding a tiny Emma's hand as she threw lily petals onto the grass. Judy pushed a baby carriage with a little bridal gown on Erica and a little tux on Jack. Erica had a tiny crown on her head. Ben took his place next to his father , as Phoebe walked down the makeshift aisle. Each step was very hard for her in her last months of pregnancy. She was wearing a purple and white tropical dress.
Monica walked down next , carrying a bouquet of tropical orchids and pinning one behind her raven hair. Her dress was dark purple and draped the ground with the brown sandals she wore. Chandler looked at her and smiled as she took her place next to him.
A note was played and then the small gathering turned around when they heard the words…..
Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful…..
Leonard walked his oldest down the carpet of grass . He had a solemn look on his face , but he knew this young man would take care of both his grandaughter and Rachel. He handed her over to Ross, and Joey cleared his throat.
"My dear friends , today we have gathered in this beautiful place to watch our two friends get married. We have seen them happy, we've seen them sad, we've seen them love each other and hate each other, but no matter what they return to each other's arms. That is why today I ask if anyone can show just cause of why these two shouldn't be married, speak now . " he paused for a minute. "Thought so."
"Do you Ross take Rachel to be your lawfully wedded wife and love her till death do us part?' said Joey.
"I do." said Ross.
"And do you Rachel take Ross to be your lawfully wedded husband and love her till death do you part?"
"I do ." wept Rachel looking at him.
"Monica the ring, Chandler the ring." Joey said as the two handed the rings over to Ross and Rachel.
"I'll have you know I went through hell for that ring." Ross said as he placed it on her finger.
"So did I ." said Chandler.
"Okay by the power invested in me by the island of Barbados and the internet guys , I now pronounce you man and wife." Joey smiled. "You have done this before, kiss her."
Ross leaned over and gave his bride the most passionate kiss she had ever had. More passionate then the first one or the one in the airport. For now , finally she was his.
"Now I have a surprise for you." Rachel said as she led him by the hand and down the hill. "I knew, so I thought this would make up for it."
Ross looked over and saw a Harley Davidson motorcycle and it had a side car on it. On the back was a sign ….Just Married …..FINALLY……
Rachel got in the sidecar as Ross got on the bike. "Hang on baby, it 's gonna be a wild ride." he said as he started the motorcycle. Together they rode off to celebrate with their friends and then to be alone for a few days.
Rachel finally got her wish … and her doctor… and Ross finally got his lobster.