~o0o Epilogue - 8-9 months later o0o~

"Seriously?" Chandler asked, his eyebrows touching his hairline. "I mean...seriously?"

"Yup, there were 3 of them and 1 of me," he told him more than a little smug.

"That's just-" Chandler shook his head, unable to even fathom his ex-roommate's antics.

Chandler had moved out a couple of months back to move in with Monica, both of them wanting to live together not just because of being in love and all that jazz, but also because they wanted to raise their child together. Against all the odds their little nugget had survived and each scan had reassured the nervous parents-to-be that the baby was indeed a fighter. The doctors still warned them there was a higher chance of something going wrong but they were determined to support each other, hold on and keep the hope alive.

"I know, right?" Joey smiled proudly from where he sat in the single barcalounger, a dirty chuckle escaping his lips. "It was awesome."

"I bet," Chandler shook his head in disbelief, loving that even though him and Rachel had swapped apartments, he could still hang here with Joey and have some 'guy time'. And something he'd noticed recently was that he was no longer jealous of Joey's adventures, not at all. He could have as many girls doing to him whatever he wanted...the bottom line was Chandler had Monica and that all he cared about.

Monica and their upcoming baby.

His upcoming family.

"How did you even manage to-?"

His line of questioning was cut short as Ross suddenly burst into apartment 19, out of breath, gasping and grasping onto the fridge for support as he doubled over.

"Cramp," he wheezed.

Chandler shared a look with Joey before standing up, cautiously approaching their friend.

"Ross?" Chandler prompted, starting to get concerned at the panicked expression on the other man's face, "What's the matter?"

"Monica," he panted and Chandler froze, his stomach tightening painfully.

"Monica what?" he asked as fear flooded through him as he started to think of all the terrible scenarios that could possibly finish the sentence. "Ross?" he demanded not letting him catch his breath. "What is it?"

"Water…everywhere…gunk.." he pulled a disgusted face. "So gross…."

"Her waters broke?" he interpreted.

"Yeah, that," Ross nodded, straightening and looking a little sheepish.

Chandler was momentarily relieved that she hadn't had some kind of accident but then the realization of what had actually happened slowly dawned on him.

Her waters had broke.

Their baby was coming.

He was going to get to meet their miracle baby.

He turned, staring wide eyed at Joey and then back to Ross before he was able to form any words.

"Oh. My. God."

"It's happening," Joey cheered excitedly. "You're gonna be a dad."

"I'm gonna be a dad," he echoed, feelings of excitement and fear crashing through him in equal measures.

This was it.

He stood there stunned.

"You're gonna be a single dad if you don't hurry up and join her," Ross prompted him.

Right. Crap.

With that he snapped into action, running to the apartment door, his arms flailing as he threw it open, only to hurriedly turn and run back to them, "Wait is she ok? Where is she? Has any phoned the hospital? Have they got cabs ready? Has she-?"

"Chandler," Ross interrupted, his breathing almost back under control. "She's fine, she's downstairs at the coffee house, the girls are with her and organizing cabs and Gunther's condemning the couch. Everything's under control. Just get ready."

"Ok, ok that's good," he agreed before turning sharply and running back through the door, across the hallway and into his and Monica's apartment.

He ran passed the couch, jumping over the footstool and headed directly to the nursery, which used to be Rachel's room. For once he didn't stop to gaze at the waiting wooden cot or the freshly painted light yellow walls like he did most nights with Monica in his embrace before they went to bed. Instead he only had eyes for the neatly-packed hospital bag that sat on the new shiny rocking chair which proudly stood in the corner of the room.

Grabbing the bag and haphazardly throwing it over his shoulders he ran from the room, praying that the next time he was back here he'd be bringing back a healthy baby and a healthy Monica. It had to go ok, there was no other option. Not letting his thoughts linger on any negativity he instead forced himself to take a deep breath and to be calm, confident even.

It would be what Monica and his child needed and that's all that mattered right now.

When he emerged he was pleased to see both Joey and Ross anxiously waiting in the hallway and with a clap on the shoulder and encouraging smiles they together made it down the stairs.

"Hey!" Phoebe greeted them as she held the door open for a stumbling and struggling Rachel who was trying to support a stumbling and staggering Monica.

Chandler was there in an instant.

"Can I?" Chandler asked, indicating taking her place at Monica's side and Rachel was quick to agree, taking the bag from him as a trade off.

His arm gently curved around her back as he encouraged her to lay hers across his shoulders and she smiled at him gratefully. Slowly, carefully he helped to maneuver her closer to the waiting cabs.

"You ok?" he whispered and she nodded although her face showed signs of pain. "You're doing great, Mon, just perfect, ok."

"Thanks," she murmured. "Did you get the bag?"

"Yep, everything's under control. The only thing you have to focus on is you and the baby. We're gonna be parents."

The smile that was directed at him was wide and beautiful and he returned it fully, letting his love be communicated without words.

Carefully he helped Monica into the cab, before he jumped in, Phoebe following, claiming as she had been through labor 3 times she was the ideal person to accompany them. Chandler just shrugged, he didn't care. All he cared about was getting to the hospital.

As they made the familiar journey he halfheartedly listened to Phoebe, although he was mainly focusing on Monica and trying to ignore the doubts that were edging into his mind. Trying to stop his thoughts turning dark and going back 8 months ago when he had almost lost them both. Trying to stop himself reliving the overwhelming emotion of utter helplessness he'd felt during that nightmare.

No.

He had to remember that he hadn't lost them and he wasn't going to lose them now.

He had to stay strong, calm and focused.

He had to keep the hope in his heart that they would be ok, more than ok.

As Monica groaned, he grabbed her hand, letting her crush his. He winced but wasn't stupid enough to complain, knowing she was going through a helluva lot worse.

"You're doing great, honey," he praised, "really good."

"It hurts," she admitted, her face pained.

"I know," he sighed in sympathy, wishing he could do more, "but it's gonna be so so worth it, Mon. We're going to meet our little baby and I'm going to be with you the whole time. I'm not going anywhere."

She nodded gratefully, squeezing his hand a lot gentler and he smiled back.

The rest of the ride was a blur as was the hustle and bustle of arriving at the hospital and getting her into a wheelchair. Before he knew it she was in the hospital bed hooked to various monitors and nurses were talking centimeters and dilatation and commenting that she was moving along very quickly,

Suddenly she was ready to push.

Chandler found the whole birthing experience surreal and so unlike anything else he'd ever experienced. It was so horrible to see Monica in so much pain when he couldn't help other than to offer encouraging words and hold the gas and air mouthpiece. But at the same time he couldn't wait. There was an equal measure of fear, anticipation and excitement about what would happen in this room.

As Monica pushed, he gave her his hand to squeeze again, his other wiping the hair off her forehead.

"Come on you can do this, Mon," he praised, "You can do this."

As with anything Monica was determined to see the challenge of child birth through like any challenge set her. Phoebe had earlier mentioned within Monica's earshot that she had managed it 3 times and it wasn't that hard. Chandler had hid his grin, knowing she was doing it just to ignite that competitiveness spirit in his girlfriend and was now very grateful to their devious blond friend as it seemed to have worked.

"God, Chandler," she panted, closing her eyes as the doctors told her to wait for the next contraction to do the final push.

"You're doing so well," he promised. "You're doing amazing. You're almost there. One more push and we're going to meet our special little baby. One more push, Mon, you can do it, I know you can."

She nodded, her face screwing up in pain, which Chandler knew meant it was time. Again he squeezed her hand, offering soft words of encouragement as the nurses and doctor's instructions got louder and more urgent, telling her to push hard, to really go for it. The noises that came from Monica were stabbing his heart but then suddenly there was another sound healing his heart; crying. Crying from a tiny pair of lungs filling the air.

She'd done it.

"Congratulations, you have a baby girl," the doctor declared with a smile.

Tears sprung instantly to his eyes as his chest swelled with pride and happiness as he desperately pressed a kiss to Monica's sweaty forehead.

"You did it, you did it," he murmured, "I'm so proud of you, honey, so proud. You were brilliant."

Her watery eyes beamed back at him until moments later their little bundle was wrapped in a yellow blanket and placed on her chest.

"Oh my god," Monica whispered, her hands naturally curving around her to support their little girl.

"She's beautiful," Chandler murmured in awe, staring down at her in amazement. He remembered Ross trying to describe what he'd felt when Ben was born and now it made perfect sense. He already knew he'd do anything for this little person that he loved so much it actually hurt. "God, I...she looks like you, Monica."

He reached forward, a single finger delicately stroking her tiny cheek as lightly as he dared. Her skin was so soft and warm. He could stay like this and stare at her forever, she was incredible.

"Congratulations," the doctor told them as he approached.

"Is she ok?" Chandler asked, his throat tightening. "Healthy?"

"So far so good," the doctor reassured them. "I'll give you a while longer with her and then we'll run some more in depth tests."

Chandler nodded, sharing a look with Monica. Before all this started he couldn't believe the number of different tests that could be run. The baby moved slightly and both their attentions went straight back to her. She was just perfect and he hoped that the tests agreed.

"I can't believe we made her," he murmured still choked with so many emotions.

"I know," Monica nodded, still staring down at her.

"Little Emma," Chandler smiled. When Monica didn't say anything he shot her a quick look, "What?"

"I'm not sure if Emma suits her," she admitted chewing her lips.

"Really?" Chandler asked surprised, it had been Monica's chosen name since high school and he'd happily gone along with it.

"It's just not quite...right," she tried to explain. "She doesn't look like an Emma."

"Ok," he shrugged easily, happy to support her, "If not Emma then..."

"I don't know," she admitted, "I've always wanted Emma but..."

"Shh, it's ok," he soothed, "We'll find her a name and it'll be perfect for her. There's no rush, in the meantime we can go back to calling her nugget."

She chuckled and nodded gratefully at him, resting her head back against his shoulder, "Thanks Chandler."

"Thank you for delivering this little person," he retorted, still unable to believe that this little person was finally here. "You were unbelievable, Monica."

"I couldn't have done it without you," she promised him. "I can't believe we finally have our baby."

They stared at their little miracle for what felt like only minutes before an apologetic nurse approached.

"I'm sorry but we really need to run those tests now to make sure everything is ok."

Chandler nodded helping as Monica carefully handed the precious bundle over to her.

"Does she have a name yet?" The nurse asked as she expertly took her from them.

They shared a knowing look before he answered, "No, not yet."

The nurse nodded before leaving and Monica smiled tiredly at him.

"What happened to nugget?" she teased and he grinned back.

"I didn't think we'd want it to appear on the hospital tag," he chuckled, watching affectionately as she yawned again. "I can't believe you just did that, Mon, you actually gave birth. Just then."

"I know, believe me," she smiled contently before yawning again.

"Rest," Chandler told her gently, leaning over to press a lingering kiss to her forehead. "Rest now while you can. I'll go update the others."

"Ok, thanks," she agreed easily, her eyes already closing.

Smiling tenderly he watched her sleep for just a moment, letting the feelings of love and amazement fill him. With a warm heart he practically skipped into the waiting room, amused that the conversation stopped immediately as all eyes turned to him in anticipation as they all stood up simultaneously.

"We have our baby," he announced, unable to stop the wide smile plastered on his face as they all cheered. "It's a little girl."

"Oh Chandler!"

He got pulled into a group hug from his friends and even Monica's parents joined in, although they hovered at the back.

"Our first granddaughter," Judy declared proudly and Jack pulled her close.

"How's Monica doing?" Ross asked.

"Good, she's just resting."

"I'm not surprised, she's not been sleeping great lately," Phoebe commented to which he nodded.

Whilst Monica had loved most aspects of her pregnancy and tried to enjoy it, these last few weeks had been tough on her.

"I can't believe you guys are parents," Joey grinned excitedly, "and I'm an uncle!"

"Joey you're already an uncle to all your sisters' children," Rachel pointed out to which he dismissed with a wave of a hand.

"Not the same," he muttered.

"Have you got a name for her?" Jack asked.

"We're working on it," he smiled, "but for now it's between nugget and baby girl."

"Oooh go with nugget," Phoebe exclaimed excitedly. "Baby girl sounds a bit like a hooker name."

"Right," he nodded as he snorted.

"How are you holding up?" Ross asked and Chandler smiled, unable to believe how different it all was from last time. Last time when they were all waiting for news on Monica and were praying for a miracle. Well, now they had that miracle.

"Really good," he flashed him a grin. "Monica was just amazing and my daughter..." he paused the word sounding alien and yet right at the same time coming from his lips. "My daughter is perfect. She's beautiful and...just so...you'll be able to see her once they've finished doing their tests."

He stayed with them a while longer, soaking up their excited vibes before he headed back to Monica's room, silently taking a seat beside her as he let the reality slowly sink in. He had a daughter. They had a daughter, together.

He could scarcely comprehend it.

However, it wasn't long before the nurse appeared with his sleeping girl; she was real and very much alive. She gently placed her into his arms, before whispering the test results in his ear. He grinned happily, thanking her quietly as he stared down at his tiny baby, trying to memorize her perfect little face and button nose. She was damn cute even if he said so himself.

The unnamed baby made a little sound and he sushed her gently, "Shh little nugget, you're ok. Daddy's here with you."

He gently rocked her, smiling down at her until he eventually felt another pair of eyes on him. Raising his gaze he looked up to the bed, smiling as he met his gorgeous girlfriend's eyes.

"Hey, sleepyhead," he greeted as he carefully stood up, still rocking their little girl.

"Hey," she smiled back, sitting up and shuffling over a little before he laid the baby in her arms. "God, she's really perfect isn't she?"

"Yep, she's definitely got your looks," he complemented as he scooted his butt up onto the bed beside her.

His arm went over her shoulders, gently kissing the top of her head, nuzzling her hair before looking down at their new girl.

"Have they got the test results?" she asked, "Is she ok?"

"Yeah, she's spot on" he informed her, a lump in his throat. "No issues or complications. Everything's fine and as it should be. She even got 9 out of 10 on her APGAR," he told her proudly.

"What did she fail on?"

"Grimace," he shrugged unperturbed.

"Grimace?" she frowned.

"Yeah, she was supposed to grimace when they touched her with something cold; as if that's gonna keep her from medical school right?"

"Right," she smiled, one of her hands coming up to gently stroke the child's face. "I'm so glad she's ok."

"Me too," he swallowed, so glad that the best case scenario had played out. "See, I told you her Geller genes would get her through this."

"I'm sure the Bing genes played a big part in making sure she didn't take the tests too seriously," she joked and he chuckled kissing her again.

He loved the idea that this little girl was part of both his and Monica's DNA. The two of them were so balanced with one another in real life, that he couldn't wait to see whose characteristics and mannerisms she took on.

"Mon," he said quietly, staring down at their baby's tiny little face. "I know I should probably wait for a less emotional time and when all the drugs are fully out of your system but I can't wait. Marry me?"

He felt her jerk in his arms as she looked up at him.

"What?" she asked, her lips curving into a disbelieving smile.

"Marry me," he repeated, meeting her shocked blue eyes. "I love you more than I've ever loved anyone and I love her too, so much that it's crazy. I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else, you're my best friend, my rock and now you're the mother of my baby. I want you to become my wife more than anything. I want the three of us to be a proper little family, together."

Tears came to her eyes and he waited for her to say something, anything as his gut tightened in anticipation.

"Yes!" she cried as tears came to his own eyes. "Yes, I can't believe...this is officially the best day ever."

He chuckled deeply, as his free hand reached into his pants pocket to pull out the diamond ring he'd been carrying around for the last few months.

"You can say that again," he agreed, tears blurring his vision as he slipped it onto her shaking hand. "Look nugget, your mommy and daddy are engaged."

Monica laughed, tears still running down her cheeks as she alternated between looking at her ring, her future husband and her baby.

"You know, we still need to name her before nugget sticks."

"Any ideas?" he asked as he reached over to stroke the nameless baby's little hand that had escaped from the blanket, playing with her incredibly small fingers.

"No," she sighed. "Maybe we should buy a baby name book or something?"

"Maybe, although I kinda had one suggestion," he shrugged looking a little uncomfortable.

She looked up at him encouragingly, "Yeh?"

"Yeah," he wet his lips, "Hope."

"Hope?" she tested the name.

"I just thought it was quite symbolic given everything she went through to get here and how much hope she's given us," he shrugged a little embarrassed, "but I guess it's silly and-"

"No," she shook her head, cutting off his doubts, "I like it. I think it's really suits her. Hope."

They looked down at Hope, watching as she shuffled slightly, seeming content.

"Hope it is then," he grinned, tightening his embrace around his girls.

He couldn't believe what a day it had been. It had been such a long and scary journey, one he'd never imagined he'd go on but every step they'd taken along the road had been well worth it to get to today. In just 24 hours he had gained a beautiful daughter and a beautiful fiancee.

Chandler knew there would be more challenges to face as this new chapter in their lives began but he was confident and optimistic and couldn't wait to start the rest of their lives with Hope.

The End

A/N- I hope you enjoyed it and was worth the earlier angst! Thank you again so much for your amazing responses to this story. It really helped my motivation throughout – you guys truly rock.

As a side note studio 60 fans may notice I stole the grimace bit! I love that episode.

Let me know what you thought and hopefully I'll be posting something again soon. I still have oneshots, longer fics and a joint one I'm working on :o)