Chapter 9: A Carriage Ride in Central Park

As the dog's in the camp continued to bark, Ross and Rachel found two seats together in the mini-van. Ross searched around for Phoebe, "Rachel, have you seen Phoebe?"

"Well, a few minutes ago I invited her join us on the trip back to the ship and she declined. She commented that she needed to be alone right now. I asked her if something was bothering her. She shrugged her shoulders, turned and basically just left me standing there."

The five friends spent their final night together in the piano bar competing with other passengers in "Name That Tune." As they shared Pina Coladas and Cosmopolitans together, the couples plus one, decided to conglomerate together as a team. The piano player pounded out five song teasers. After arguing on the answers along with Phoebe's consistent "I know, I know," they agreed and elected Monica to write down their twenty guesses. Unfortunately it was a futile try…an Australian team far outguessed everyone in the bar, and walked off with the prize. Tomorrow, since everyone would be leaving the ship and flying home everyone decided to explore their favorite part of the ship and then go back to their cabin to finish packing. Monica and Chandler headed off to the Broadway Show while Ross and Rachel elected to walk the boat deck. Phoebe turned and wished everyone well as she waved goodbye. The shock Phoebe had experienced at the dog camp, earlier in the day had worn off…she fully realized Ross and Rachel were meant to be. Phoebe turned and sadly watched, as the four friends she had become close to these past few days, began going their own way. She wiped away the tears as she headed down the stairwell to her small lonely cabin.

Ross and Rachel leaned on the rail of the boat deck listening as the ocean water splashed against the side of the boat. "Look at all those bright stars. Look…at the big dipper up there", Ross pointed out the third most popular constellation of stars formally known as Ursa Major (Big Bear). "In this quiet open atmosphere stars appeared bigger and closer to the earth", Ross said while gently placing his arm around her waist pulling her over to him.

"I agree. With the hustle and bustle of the city you're so busy, you don't take the time to appreciate nature. Alaska provides that gift." Rachel replied while rubbing her arms to warm up. Ross spotted a wool blanket setting on a vacated deck chair. He gently wrapped it around her shoulders. Rachel grabbed Ross' hand…for the next hour they walked around the open deck, observing the bright stars while listening to sounds of nature in the background, such as the gentle waterfall making its way down the mountaintop.

Valentines Day 1995

Rachel pulled her favorite dress from the closet and laid it on the bed. Ross was picking her up in forty-five minutes. He had made reservations at Tavern on the Green for a special Valentine's dinner.

Rachel stretched out on the bed and took a breath. Reflecting back, these past months with Ross had been wonderful. He had brought forward a quality in her that no man had previously…giving. Ross to her was the perfect man. He was kind, supportive and most importantly a nice gentle guy that cared about her. Every step of their relationship they had blended together so perfectly it almost scared her. She thought back to last fall and her big move from Massapequa to the Village. Then, visions of being a single career woman dominated her drive. What a difference a few months can make.

"Ok, thanks, we'll be there in thirty minutes" Ross replied confirming their reservations to the maitre d. Ross put on his coat, put his billfold in his pocket. He took a deep breath as he left his apartment…if all went as planned a big night was ahead.

"Wow, this is one fine restaurant", Rachel replied, as the Headwaiter guided them to their table in the crystal-chandeliered Crystal Room. Tavern Of the Green, since 1976, has been a fine-dining hotspot. The restaurant epitomizes extremes of Manhattan eateries: grand, glitzy, with exquisitely prepared meals. With an enormous seating capacity of 1,500 in its six fantastic dining rooms (including the elaborately Victorian Crystal Pavilion, the crystal-chandeliered Crystal Room and the rustic-baroque Chestnut Room), Tavern has hosted everything from the Yankees' World Series Bash to Hollywood parties to big Broadway premieres.

After the waiter seated them at their table, Ross ordered a bottle of Dom Perion. Ross looked across the table at Rachel. How lucky he had been to formally meet her again in Seattle. To his great surprise, she had not been the teenager he had been familiar with in the past; instead she had morphed into this confident loving woman. As Rachel took a sip of her wine he noted how the off-the-shoulder red dress revealed her clear soft skin. A soft diamond necklace around her neck drew attention to her sparkling blue eyes. Ross leaned over and whispered, "Rachel, you have never looked so stunning."

Rachel replied in a complimentary manner, "Thanks Ross." Rachel noted Ross looked very put together in his Italian custom made suit. He must have spent major bucks for that quality of material. Rachel raised her glass up teasingly reiterating him, "You look better than every my love." In agreement, they clicked their glasses together.

Their meal included glazed roast duck with sugar snap peas and was preceded by creamed spinach. The meal was topped with New York City's classic cheesecake.

Ross rubbing his stomach revealed, "That was quite a meal." That roast duck was the best I've tasted in a long time." Rachel for some reason noticed that Ross appeared somewhat nervous. He was making more small talk than usual plus his voice every once in a while quivered.

As the waiter cleared away the dishes from the table and placed them on the cart, Ross requested the check. With the expense of the meal and the ambiance of the restaurant, Rachel was shocked he chose to leave so early…he usually enjoyed hanging around to visit. What was up…expensive clothes, restaurant, wine that cost over a hundred dollars a bottle…Ross wasn't a complete prude, however; this was extremely unusual for him to spend this much money for a night out.

After signing the bill, Ross put a tip on the table and than stood up, "Well, shall we leave…"his voice tone squeaking. Rachel somewhat confused stood and followed him out of the elegant dining room.

While Rachel was handing her coat ticket to the coatroom attendant she turned and observed Ross whispering something in their Waiter's ear. He nodded in agreement before heading over to the coatroom.

Curious, Rachel questioned, "Is the waiter calling our taxi?"

Ross stammered around a bit before answering, "Uh…yeah."

"Ross, what is going on with you?"

"Oh...I'm just not familiar on how to act in this type of high class restaurant."

"Oh, I see."

A few minutes later the waiter headed out the door. He returned, motioning them outside. Ross took Rachel's hand in his. As they stepped outside of the restaurant Rachel was surprised to find a Hansen cab horse drawn carriage parked at the entrance.

"Your carriage my lady", Ross bowed.

Rachel walked to the cab in shock.

"May I help you up Miss?" The driver held out his hand.

Coming back into reality, Rachel stepped up into the carriage. White Lilies were lying on the seat. Ross followed her up and was so nervous he almost missed his seat. Rachel giggled as he felt his way to properly set down.

As the cab pulled away from the curb to make the six mile journey, it's wheels churned through the newly white fallen snow. Since the night air was crisp, Ross placed a woolen blanket over their laps. The reflection on the snow from the street lamps, reflected an aura of diamonds.

As the driver turned the carriage onto a more open area of the park, nighttime stars gave into full view. Ross looked up immediately spotting the big dipper. Rachel feeling romantic leaned her head on his shoulder. Ross gently put his hand on her face, drawing her close to him, "Rachel, these bright stars reminds me of the first time I realized I wanted you to be my wife."

Final Chapter in a few days