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Chapter 2: Say Yes
Rachel could not remove her eyes from the phenomenal five-carat diamond ring. The ring along with the unexpected proposal had put Rachel's mind in an obtuse state. Her psyche was not yet in the full state of comprehending this special moment that she had so waited for, with the only man she had truly loved, had at last arrived. She attempted to open her mouth to speak; however, no words came out.
Ross observing her confused state put his arm around her in comfort, "Rachel, are you ok?"
His statement shocked her back into reality. She began mumbling some words slowly, "Uh, yeah…I guess I'm ok, just somewhat stunned.
As Rachel's mind cleared and she began to prepare an answer emotions began to overwhelm her causing her to tear up. She boldly sat up straight and took a deep breath. She lovingly gazed into Ross' deep dark eyes, "Ross, it's been over ten-years and like I told you before, you have so been worth the wait. How can there be any other answer but YES!"
Ross perked up and while breathing a sigh of relief leaned over and kissed his fiancée for the first time. As the newly engaged couple commenced a new chapter the driver guided his horses to turn guiding the sleigh in a new direction.
Early the next morning Ross and Rachel began their last day at the lodge with an early morning hike through one of the marked winter trails. After bundling up they stepped outside slipping on the required snowshoes. The crisp morning air, along with the beauty of the freshly fallen snow clinging to the tree limbs provided a picturesque view. The sound of winter birds such as red-breasted nuthatcher and chickadee could be heard in the far distance. Periodically they would stop and gaze at a breathtaking vista. They were experiencing nature at it's finest.
Rachel turned to Ross, "What a perfect morning for a hike, the scenery plus the nature sounds is breathless. You know what? Since the lodge hosts outside winter weddings, why don't we have our wedding here?"
Ross shocked by her proposal turned looking at her in disbelief, "You mean outside?"
"Sure. If the weather is too severe they will move the ceremony into their main lobby."
Ross still not fully accepting the idea remarked, "Ok let me ask you this. What type of wedding dress are you planning to wear in the below freezing temperature?"
"You forgot, I am in the fashion business, trust me there are dresses "specifically" designed for outside winter weddings."
Ross aware that this conversation would take up quite a bit of time found a nearby bench and sat down before replying, "That's all find and good, however; winter will be through in a few more months."
"Well...and I realize this sounds a bit rushed, but how about having our wedding this coming Valentines Day?" Rachel proposed scrunching up her face in expectation of a negative reply.
Ross threw up his hands, "Ok. Since you have evidently been thinking this through, just throw me the whole idea."
"I thought it could be a small wedding, perhaps 25-30 guests with the wedding party coming up a few days early. The wedding ceremony will be performed outside meaning the only decorations needed would be for the reception." Rachel walked over putting her arm on his shoulder, "Ross, I want to remember and experience this vacation, beautiful proposal and wedding together as one. How about it?"
Ross knowing she was authentic in her feelings replied, "Ok Rach, let's do it!"
Greenwich Village
"Ross, Phoebe and Monica will be here within the hour. Since we will be busy discussing wedding plans, could you please watch Emma?" Rachel said while going into the kitchen to complete preparations for the luncheon.
"I'm one step ahead of you. We're going to the park", Ross replied while bringing Emma into the kitchen all bundled up.
"Mommy, will you read me a story when I get back", the three-year old asked, her blue eyes clearly a match of her Mother's.
"Sure. You can pick any book you like", Rachel replied while adoringly running her fingers through her soft hair.
"Bye sweetie, have fun", Ross leaned over, kissing his fiancée goodbye.
Rachel placed a fondue pot with combined melted cheeses on the fireplace hearth. A wooden bowl filled with cubed bread along with a fresh vegetable tray sat to either side of the pot. On the serving table next to the hearth sat a cold bottle of Zenfandel with three Waterford Crystal wine glasses along with the required other table items. As Rachel left for the kitchen, Monica and Phoebe arrived.
"Wow this is a nice place. You gave me your new address I just wasn't aware it was this fancy", Phoebe remarked while gazing around the contemporary styled room.
"Ross and I would often take Emma to Washington Park across the street and would stand looking at these townhouses somewhat enviously. We so wanted to move to this area but knew we could not afford it until this past fall when Ross' parents sold their beach house giving the profit from the sale to Ross and Monica as part of their inheritance. When this townhouse became available Ross put in a bid and we got it. He then put down a huge payment, thus driving the mortgage payment down."
"Chandler and I invested our part of the inheritance into Mutual Funds to be used eventually for the twin's college tuition" Monica informed them while hanging their coats in the entry closet. Rachel noted that Monica looked somewhat pale.
After Rachel took Phoebe on a tour of the townhouse they all shared the prepared fondue luncheon in front of the fireplace.
"So Rachel, tell us all about the wedding?" Phoebe questioned while taking a sip of her wine.
"Ross and I decided to get married in the Catskills and it will be outside. My first wedding involved keeping up with the Jones'. This time I want it to be a simple inspirational experience. Since it is scheduled on Valentine's Day my colors will be rich pink and off-white. My gown will be made of velvet with a velvet cape. That is leading into my next question. Are you both brave enough to be my bridesmaids?"
Oh what a neat idea, "I got married out side with the both of you as my attendants, so how can I say no", Phoebe excitedly replied.
"Mon? MON?"
"Huh? Did you say something?" Monica's stomach was feeling queasy. That queasiness had been happening a lot this past week. Maybe it was stress or perhaps there was a bug going around.
Rachel repeated her question, "I just asked if you would be one of my bridesmaids?"
"Oh, sure", she perked up. Monica had also been really tired lately. Perhaps the change of atmosphere would cure some of her health woes.
"Monica are you ok?"
"I just haven't felt like myself lately" as she said the last word, the room began spinning before she lost all conciseness.
"MONICA, MONICA", Phoebe and Rachel were standing over her screaming out her name.
"What happened?" Monica mumbled while slowly coming out of her somewhat inebriated state.
"You passed out, we've called Chandler, he's on the way to take you to the doctor", a somewhat shaky Rachel informed her.
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"So, Monica just passed out?" a concerned Ross inquired of Rachel.
"Yeah, we were talking about the wedding and all of the sudden she just passed out. It gave Phoebe and myself a good scare." Rachel replied while curling up next to him for comfort.
Just as Ross was ready to reply the phone began ringing.
"Hello."
"Hi Ross, this is Chandler. Just wanted to let you know, we just returned from the doctor and we found out what was wrong."
"You sound shook up, are you alright man?" Ross inquired.
"This was a bit of a surprise for the both of us. Monica's pregnant."
Final Chapter in a few days.