Sorry this took so long to update...Too much going on. Thank you all for reading and reviewing and sticking with this story. Hopefully you will enjoy. And as usual I own nothing.

The pair made their way up to the doctor's office. Chandler had an appointment to discuss yet more test results. Normally he would be nervous, but he just couldn't put himself through that again.

Joey waited outside while Chandler talked with the doctor. Joey was nervous for Chandler. There had been so much bad news that it was about time his luck changed. He paced back and forth waiting for Chandler to come out of the little office.

Finally, the door to the office opened slowly, and Chandler emerged.

A huge grin broke out on his face. It was infectious. Joey returned the smile. "Oh, man. Really?"

"Yeah, man. Really." Chandler's first instinct was to jump up and down, but at the moment he couldn't. Instead, he watched as Joey bounced around the office for the both of them. He bounced right into Chandler's arms. They both were knocked off balance.

"Dude, I'm so happy for you."

Chandler was beaming. "I can't wait to tell Mon."

"Do you want to call her?"

"No, man. I want to tell her in person. I wanna see her face." Chandler couldn't wait to see her face light up with happiness. He had been the cause of so much pain and sorrow, it would be great to bring the joy back into their lives.

The ride home was filled with anticipation. Chandler went up the stairs as fast as his legs would take him. "Mon! Mon, where are you?"

Monica came out of the bedroom. "I'm here. What's wrong?"

"Sit down with me." Chandler realized his words had scared her. Her eyes had widened and her brow was furrowed. "Nononono. It's nothing like that."

Wary, she joined him on the couch. The waiting was killing her. She wished he would just come out with it. Monica steeled herself for more bad news.

"Mon, sweetie. You know I saw Dr. Marshall today." Monica inhaled a shaky breath as she closed her eyes. If she had her eyes open she would have noticed his smile. "It's finally happened, baby. I'm in remission."

Monica opened her eyes. "Oh my God. Honey, that's great!" Tears were streaming down her face.

"Why are you crying," Chandler asked, tenderly cupping her face in his hand.

"I'm so happy." All the emotions of the past seven months were leaking out. She could no longer contain them. The relief poured out of her in waves.

Chandler took her in his arms. "We did it, baby. We did it. It's finally over," he whispered into her hair.

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Chandler had just had his three month checkup and there was still no sign of the cancer so they had twice as much reason to celebrate this Christmas. For the first time in ages, Chandler ate a full meal - and kept it down. He even had put on a few pounds.

As Chandler helped Monica clear the table, the other four sat around the living room. "This was a great Christmas," Joey sighed happily.

"Yeah, it really was," Ross agreed.

"I love all my presents guys," Rachel thanked them.

"When are you getting up tomorrow to take them back," Ross quipped.

"Not too early," Rachel countered. Truthfully, she was quite happy with most of her gifts. Her favorite was the music box Chandler had given her. It was so pretty and played a beautiful melody she hadn't put a name to yet.

The mood was mellow and light, but Phoebe seemed to be off in her own little world. "Hey, Pheebs. Whatcha thinking," Rachel asked leaning against Ross and twisting a strand of hair around her finger.

"Huh? Oh, nothing. It's just so great to be together like this again. Things seem almost...back to normal." She turned to look at Monica and Chandler.

"I think they finally are Pheebs," Ross offered.

"Just look at them. Chandler looks much better lately," Rachel observed.

"God bless us everyone," Joey added dreamily.

The other three friends started to get on his case for making such a bad comparison, but Joey was saved by the knock on the door. Monica dried her hands on a dishtowel and answered it. "Mrs. Bing."

"Hello Monica, dear. Merry Christmas!" Nora entered into the apartment juggling her bags and greeting everyone. "Where is -"

"Mom." Chandler was surprised to see his mother. It had been almost a year since he'd even talked to her.

"Chandler, darling. Let me have a look at you." Monica joined the rest of the group to give Chandler what privacy she could. She knew that they needed some time to catch up.

"I just can't believe you're here."

"Oh, I missed you. I tried to get here before, but I got snowed in. Can you believe it? Why I went to the Alps I'll never know. Anyway, Merry Christmas baby."

"Merry Christmas. Do you want some coffee or something?"

"I would love some."

Chandler walked into the kitchen. When he realized there were no more clean cups on the counter he reached up to get one off the top shelf. The stretch caused his shirt to ride up exposing the scar on his side. "Chandler, honey...what happened?"

"What?"

Nora walked over and brushed a hand on his side. "That scar...where did it come from?"

"I thought when Monica talked to you she told you."

"I just knew you were having a surgery. What's going on, baby?"

"Maybe you should sit down." Chandler led her over to the kitchen table. "I've had a coupla surgeries, Mom."

"Are you okay, darling?"

"I am now." Chandler laid a hand over Nora's. He hesitated. "I'm in remission."

She was at a loss for words. How could she not know what was going on? Why didn't he tell her? "When," was all she could squeak out.

"About ten months ago. I've been in remission for three." Chandler spoke softly.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Nora was becoming incensed that her only child chose not to include her.

Chandler gave her a knowing look. "You are kinda hard to track down."

Nora relented, something she was unaccustomed to doing. "Well, I'm here now."

Chandler nodded and gave her a sad smile before beginning. It took two cups of coffee before he finished rehashing all the events of the past ten months. Nora struggled to hold back tears through much of their conversation. "I'm sorry I wasn't here for you. At least I kept up my perfect record."

"Mom..." Chandler was exasperated. That was all she had to say?

"Are you really alright now?"

"Yeah Mom, I really am."

"Do you need me to stay...help with anything?"

"No," he looked at the group talking amongst themselves in the living room. "We've been doing just fine."

"If you want me to stay, just say the word. Otherwise...I'm due in California for a book signing tomorrow."

And there it was. Nora Bing was off again like a ship in the night. "I'll think we'll manage."

"Oh, I do love you" Nora gave him a hug which he reluctantly returned.

"I know," he said simply.

After a few more pleasantries were exchanged, she was gone. Monica slid an arm around his waist. "How did it go, sweetie?"

All he said was, "Like I expected."

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"Whatcha going, sweetie?" Monica came up behind the couch. Chandler was on his laptop.

His pushed his glasses up on his nose. "Just doing a little research."

"Oh. I thought you might be working."

"Nope. Ever since I went back to work, they've been going easy on the take-home projects."

Monica came around the side of the couch and sat down. She leaned over Chandler's lap to get a look at the computer. "What are you researching?"

"Adoption," he replied as she was squinting at the screen.

"What!" Monica almost lost her balance and fell off the couch.

"Yeah. What do you think?"

"I, um - wow." Monica was shocked, pleasantly so. "You know I want kids, but do you think we're ready with everything that's gone on in the past year?"

"I'm definitely ready. I got a clean bill of health yesterday. Are you ready?"

"I am if you are. But..." Monica tried to gather her thoughts. She needed to be sensitive in what she said. "We've been really lucky that there's been no recurrence. But will the adoption agency even consider us right now?"

Chandler let out a small laugh. "That's what I'm researching. It seems to be that with the open adoptions, it is largely up to the parents that are putting their children up for adoption. So..."

Monica beamed. "Let's do it."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, what do we have to lose?" She hooked her arm through his.

"I love you." Chandler gave her a quick peck on the lips.

"I love you too," she returned the kiss. "Oh my God! We're actually doing this!"

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It took Monica and Chandler several months to go through the application process. It was a long and arduous wait just to find out if the couple even could be considered as adoptive parents. Finally, after a few reference letters and a meeting with the lady at the adoption agency, they were approved. Now all they had to do was wait for that phone call.

Waiting was something Monica and Chandler had a lot of practice at - waiting for the doctor, waiting for results, waiting for approval from the adoption agency. Their world revolved around waiting.

In the meantime, Chandler's checkups continued to be good and in fact, things were pretty much back to normal in that regard. That was the primary reason Monica agreed to host Thanksgiving dinner.

Nothing turned out as planned. Chandler was obsessed with his cranberry sauce. None of their friends were on time, and dinner was rapidly growing cold. Monica put the chain on and locked them out - until Joey's head got stuck.

From there, things went from bad to worse. Once the door was finally opened, Joey went flying in the apartment. Turkey and all the trimmings splashed all over the floor. Monica started to yell, but opted to pick up the ringing phone instead. It was the best decision she ever made.

When she finally registered the mess in the apartment, she said, "I don't care." The phone call had come. They were going to meet the birth mother. The six of them formed a tight group hug. They were going to be parents!

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Chandler and Monica's flight had arrived almost an hour late. They had to go straight from the airport to the adoption agency. The couple was waiting in a tiny room for the birth mother to arrive. It gave them a chance to compose themselves after the long flight.

It seemed like ages before the door opened to reveal a blond young woman, but in reality it was only ten minutes. "Hi," she greeted shyly.

Monica and Chandler introduced themselves. All three people sat down and went through some awkward small talk. Finally Erica came out with the real reason they were all here. "I read your file. I liked what I saw."

"Thank you so much for seeing us. You don't know how much this means to us," Monica told her.

"Well, you guys are pretty impressive. A chef and an ad executive. And you seem like such nice people."

There was tense, polite laughter from the couple. Monica and Chandler faced each other. They both knew that there was one question that needed to be asked before the interview went any further.

Chandler started. "You read the whole file, right?" When Erica nodded, Chandler continued. "So do you have any questions or concerns..."

Erica seemed perplexed, and then it dawned on her what he meant. "Oh, yes. I did see that. But you're okay now right? I mean there is a physical that says so."

Chandler leaned forward. "Yes, that's true. And I hope to continue to be fine. In the doctors's opinions I will be. But we," he indicated himself and Monica. "need to be sure that you are comfortable with that...situation."

"Well, I'll admit that at first it did concern me. But the more I thought about it, the better I felt choosing you guys. You two have obviously gone through a lot and you still stuck together. That says something about the both of you. It would mean a lot to me to know that the baby would grow up in a loving home...with two parents."

"We're so glad to hear you say that," Monica breathed a sigh of relief.

"We were worried," Chandler added.

"Well, if something did, God forbid happen to you, would Monica have the support to raise this child alone?"

"Oh God, yes. My parents are still close by, and my brother is one of my best friends. And our friends...they're amazing." Monica tried not to get ahead of herself. She was starting to feel like this could actually happen, but she didn't want to have false hope.

Erica paused a moment and then broke into a smile. "I think I've made my decision."

Chandler fidgeted with his clothing. "You don't need more time?"

"Nope. I think I've heard all I need to." Monica and Chandler steeled themselves for the news. Both were unconsciously holding their breath. "Congratulations!"

Monica began crying. She hugged Chandler and then rose and hugged Erica. "Thank you so much!"

Chandler was even tearing up a bit. Their dream was finally coming true. They were going to be parents in just a few short months. It made everything they had weathered this past year worth every minute. Chandler pulled Monica close once again. "I feel like I'm dreaming. This is too good to be true," he whispered into her hair. "I love you so much."

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Chandler panicked when the doctor announced that there was a second baby. He was excited yet insecure about fatherhood, and two babies only doubled those doubts. But all the anxiety melted away the first time he held his daughter. He looked down at her sweet little face. She yawned and that tiny movement warmed his heart. He was overwhelmed with love for this tiny creature.

His wife stood next to him holding his newborn son. He felt so unbelievably lucky to be standing here with his family. He felt blessed to be standing here at all. Chandler couldn't wait to take their children home and start their new life together.

When they got back to the apartment late the next evening, Chandler let Monica walk ahead of him. He wanted the fun of surprising their friends with not one, but two babies. As usual it took Joey just a little bit longer to figure it out, but it was worth the look on their faces when he walked in with child number two.

The group decided to hit the coffee shop, but before they did Joey pulled Chandler into his apartment. "Dude, there's something I've been wanting to tell you, but with everything else going on..."

"What is it Joe?"

"Well, see - the thing is." Joey didn't quite know how to break the news to Chandler. He didn't want to hurt his friend's feelings, but he had become stuck in a rut as of late. Ross had gone after Rachel. Phoebe had gotten married. And Monica and Chandler were now parents. He felt like the odd man out. Joey had decided it was time for a change. And he voiced all this to Chandler.

"So what are you trying to say, man?" The roles were reversed. Now Chandler was the confused one.

"I've been doing a lot of thinking lately -"

"Don't hurt yourself," Chandler joked.

Joey chuckled. "Yeah, but I came to a decision. I'm moving to California." There. He had finally come out with it. He searched Chandler's face for a reaction. When there was none, he continued. "You guys are all doing stuff. I need to do this forme."

"That's great, Joe," Chandler forced out.

That wasn't the reaction Joey was expecting. He was a little hurt. He expected an argument or...something.

"That's it? That's all you have to say?"

"I don't know what you want me to say." Chandler was torn. He wanted his best friend to be happy, but the thought of not having him right across the hall left him heavyhearted. He decided on a simple, straightforward, "I'm gonna miss you."

Joey smiled. "Yeah, I'm gonna miss you too." He had to do it for himself, but it would be the hardest, scariest thing he ever did in his life.

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The announcement came over the loudspeaker that Joey's flight was now boarding. Joey looked around at all his friends. He was at a loss for words.

"Oh, Joey. We're really going to miss yooou," Rachel hugged him tightly.

"Yeah, me too." Joey accepted hugs from Monica, Phoebe and Ross. He looked past Ross to Chandler who had a strange expression on his face. "Chandler..."

"Joey..." Joey released Ross and took a step towards his best friend. "Man, I suck at goodbyes."

Joey nodded in agreement. "You're gonna come out and see me right? And I'll come back to visit."

"Yeah, totally." Chandler hit him lightly on the shoulder.

Another announcement for Joey's flight came over the loudspeaker. "That's me. I better go."

There was a moment of hesitation before the two moved towards each. They hugged fiercely. "I am so gonna miss you, man."

"Me too. Thanks for everything," Chandler whispered.

"No, man. Thank you. I couldn't even have come this far if it wasn't for you. I, uh...I'll call you when I get settled."

"Yeah, definitely."

They finally released each other from the hug. "Bye, Chan."

Chandler gave a small smile. He could only raise a hand at him because speaking was becoming too difficult. He was barely holding himself together. Chandler watched Joey hand the lady his ticket, and then he disappeared down the walkway.

Monica came up beside him. "Are you okay, sweetie?"

Chandler rubbed a hand over his face. He didn't answer - he couldn't. He waved her off and walked off by himself.

Monica knew better than to be offended at Chandler's brush off. He had just watched his best friend board a flight that would take him across the country and out of his life. Monica also knew they were more than friends - they were brothers. He had just lost a part of himself.

Ross started to go after him, but Monica stopped him with a touch of her hand. "Don't. Let him be. He's gonna need some time." She followed his path with her eyes as he disappeared down the hall of the terminal. Her heart broke for him as he sat down on a nearby bench and hung his head down. Monica knew by his subtle movements that he was crying

Phoebe followed her gaze. "Oh my God, he's really taking this hard, isn't he? Will he be alright?"

Monica took her eyes off Chandler to turn to Phoebe. "Yeah, I think so. But I think it's going to take a very long time."

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Chandler immersed himself in fatherhood to alleviate the depression of Joey's move. For Monica's part, she loved it. He was getting up the majority of the time with the twins at night. But the constant lack of sleep was starting to wear on him. His eyes were drawn and tired, and he seemed to be losing a little weight.

When she heard the twins crying again tonight, she gently pushed Chandler back down in bed. "Honey, why don't you rest? I'll get them this time."

Chandler started to protest, but he relented. He was tired, but he just thought that was how all new parents feel.

Monica continued to explain. "We're all going out for Phoebe's birthday later and you want to be able to enjoy it."

Chandler settled back into bed as Monica left the bedroom to attend to the twins. When he was left alone without anything to do his mind just started turning. And thinking hurt. He still missed Joey very much. Yeah, they talked on the phone, but it wasn't the same.

He tried to focus on his wife and children and his three wonderful friends that were here. That helped somewhat and allowed him to drift back off to sleep.

When he woke up, the sun was high overhead. He rolled over and squinted at the clock. It was 12:30pm! He rushed out of bed to find Monica and the twins playing quietly in the living room. "Why didn't you wake me?"

Monica shrugged. "Like I said last night, you need some sleep."

Chandler laughed softly. "I don't even remember that conversation."

"See what I mean," Monica gently admonished.

"Yeah." Chandler clapped his hands together. "I guess we oughta get them fed and bathed so we can be ready to go by dinner."

"Yeah, I guess we're still not into the routine yet. It takes a little while," Monica agreed.

"Why don't you feed Erica and I will give Jack a bath," Chandler suggested. "Let's go Jacky boy. You are ripe, my friend." He scooped Jack up and walked into the bathroom without waiting for a response.

Monica set Erica in the playpen and went to the kitchen to fix a bottle. She heard the water running and shut off very soon thereafter. "Mon," Chandler called.

"Yeah?"

"Come here a sec, willya."

Monica came to the bathroom door, bottle in hand. "What do you need honey?"

He handed her the bottle of soap. "Could you open this please? The cap's stuck and my hands are all slippery."

Monica inwardly smiled. She knew she was super strong, but Chandler rarely asked for her help. Somehow he felt it emasculated him. Her smile faded as she easily twisted the top off. "There you go."

"Thanks babe." Chandler returned to Jack's bath. Monica went back to feeding Erica, but inside alarm bells were going off.

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"Let's go! Let's go," Phoebe exclaimed excitedly. She hopped through the apartment.

"We're waiting on -" Monica was interrupted by a knock on the door. She opened it to reveal Jack and Judy. "Speak of the devil."

"Where's my namesake," Jack went straight for little Jack, and Judy accepted Erica.

"We'll be back at eight. That's their bed time..."

Chandler was pushing Monica out the door as she was speaking. "Mon, you've told them a hundred times. Calm down."

"And don't forget their seven o'clock bottle."

Chandler finally succeeded in getting her into the hallway. He turned to wave to Jack and Judy, then closed the door behind him. "Mon, they'll be fine."

"Yeah, Mom and Dad are great with kids," Ross offered.

Knowing how Monica still felt her parents still favored Ross over her Chandler said," Not helping, man."

"Come on," Phoebe urged. "This night is supposed to be fun. And you guys have to make up for last year." The other four wore a guilty look remembering the fiasco that was Phoebe's last birthday.

And for the most part, they made up for it. Dinner was fantastic, and the company was even better. Only Monica's constant clock-watching threatened to put a damper on the evening, but Chandler's steady stream of jokes more than made up for it.

By the time they rolled out of the restaurant everyone's mood was light. It was such a beautiful night that the group decided to walk back to the apartment. Monica noticed Chandler lagging behind and fell back to walk beside him. "You okay, sweetie?"

"Yeah, totally," he forced a smile. "Just kinda wish Joey was here." But in fact, he felt kind of strange. Not bad, just strange. He couldn't describe it, but just chalked it up to needing more sleep.

Monica accepted his explanation and went up to trade baby stories with Rachel. Ross held the door to the apartment building open for the girls which allowed him to get a good look at Chandler. His friendwas very pale and seemed far off.

Ross left his post at the door to walk with Chandler the rest of the way into the building. "Dude, are you okay?"

"I uh, need to sit down I think." Ross began to lead Chandler over to the steps as the girls went on up ahead. But they never made it to the steps.

Chandler collapsed onto the foyer floor. His body jerked rhythmically as his eyes rolled back in his head. "Jesus!" Ross whipped out his cell phone and dialed 911 as he knelt by his friend. He tried to keep his head from hitting the hard tile floor as he rapidly spit out the information to the dispatch operator. "Monica," he yelled. "Monica, get down here now!"

TBC

Let me start off by saying I am not familiar with the adoption process so if I missed any facts, I apologize. I know I am moving at a swifter pace and a lot happened in this part, but I don't want to focus on the adoption and drag out this story...it's already long. Thanks again for sticking with me...