Well, here is it, the final chapter. Hope you enjoy.
Rachel sat there stunned by Ross' revelation. His words were the ones she had so dreamed of hearing for months now, however; Rachel was aware that marriage was more than just a romantic ride through Central Park. To fully sort out through her answer she turned her head away to think…the only sound she heard was the clip clop of the horse's hoofs as they continued their journey through Central Park. Marriage centered on trust. Did they have that? Yes. Would they be there for one another if crises arose? Yes. Rachel knew that Ross wanted children. Did she want them also? Yes. Would she be willing to give up some of her freedom? Yes. Rachel satisfied that she had. She didn't have to answer he already knew.
Ross ordered the driver to stop the carriage. As he got down on one knee he pulled a small box from his pocket and handed it to Rachel. She opened the jewelry box. A beautiful antiqued three-carat diamond sparkled back. Ross grabbed Rachel's hand…"Rachel will you be my wife?"
"Yes Ross, I would be honored to be your wife." As Ross slipped the engagement ring on her finger she turned and softly spoke, "Well, you can't get out of it now." Rachel gently reached up and planted a soft kiss on her new fiancé.
Autumn 1995
Rachel gleefully ran down her Greenwich Village apartment stoop. To finalize wedding plans, she was meeting her Mother, Judy and Monica Geller at The Boathouse in Central Park for lunch. She slid into her convertible just as a soft autumn breeze washed down the street. Rachel cranked back the top. Not many warm days would be left.
"Follow me ladies", the maitre'd commented grabbing menu's, while guiding the four women to The Boat House's seasonal outdoor terrace. After placing their lunch orders, Rachel had to admit she was taken in with the classy setting. Wicker chairs complimented snappy white tablecloths, while vase's of fresh tea roses centered each table. After enjoying a lunch of salads and refined fish platters, they set back and relaxed while sipping on flavored coffees. "This is so relaxing…just look at the rowboats in the distance. I'm having a hard time realizing this is a busy city." The eclectic atmosphere so matched Sandra Green's high lifestyle. "Rachel, for the life of me I cannot understand why you decided on your wedding at The Lighthouse on Chelsea Piers. It's a lighthouse for goodness sakes. Look around, this atmosphere is more congenial to your style." Judy Geller quietly listening to Sandra's disapproval quietly chuckled to herself. She would always be a socialite. Keeping up with the Jones had always been her lifetime drive.
Rachel, angered by her Mother's disapproval spoke back in an emphatic tone, "Listen Mom, Ross and I agreed on that location for our marriage ceremony and that is where it will be. Besides, The Lighthouse on Chelsea Piers is the third most popular spot in New York City for weddings."
Sandra not pleased with her daughter's lack of respect for her opinion stood up, "Well....excuse me for recognizing class when I see it!" Rachel rolled her eyes as her mother, avoiding embarrassment, headed for the bathroom, nose in the air all the way.
To break the tension, Judy Geller inquired about the rehearsal dinner, "So Rachel, could you give me a rough count on guests for the Rehearsal Dinner?"
Focusing on that thought removed Rachel's Mother's snooty behavior, "Oh, I suppose approximately twenty at the most."
Judy smiled and put her hand on Rachel's, "Great, Jack and I will make the reservations."
Monica quiet until now joined into the conversation, "I tried on my bridesmaid dress and it fit perfectly.
Rachel forgetting about other attendant's dresses replied, "Oh, that reminds me…I need to call Phoebe. Since she is in charge of the guest register, she will need her dress fit out also."
After the guests enjoyed a cocktail hour in The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers lounge, they next moved onto the terrace for the rehearsal dinner. With it's wrap around window, gleaming period lamps, plus pressed tin wainscoting, the waterfront venue was indeed a recollection of old New York. As the guests entered onto the terrace they were taken in by the picturesque view of the Hudson river. In the distance stood the great lady, "The Statue of Liberty".
Within ten minutes, the wedding couple made their entrance. Jack and Judy Geller greeted the couple, "So son, this is your last day as a bachelor, how do you feel?"
Ross answered in a quick emphatic manner, "Ready and waiting." Rachel pleased at his answer, smiled.
Judy, whom had been nervously fluttering about, reported how the party had progressed so far, "Rachel, Mike Hannigan, the piano player we hired, just arrived a few minutes ago and we gave him your selections; Dinner will begin at 8:00 pm, so now I guess we need to get everyone seated."
To arouse the guest's attention, Jack shouted, while ringing the large ship bell, "Guests, attention…it's time to find your seats…Dinner will be served shortly."
Guests had the option to choose from a plethora of appetizers, including salads and dumplings, muscles and oysters or wasabi caviar. The entrée choices were ginger and sesame-glazed salmon with soba noodles and soy honey sauce, or a rack of lamb with sweet corn risotto and grilled ratatouille. After the main course, desert was served. Most of the guests chose crème brulee while a few others ordered the restaurant's famous valrhona chocolate cake, which was served warm, filled with malted milk ball gelato and topped with mild chocolate sauces.
After dinner, Chandler, the best man, stood and offered a toast to the wedding couple. "I've known Ross since college and I can remember him talking about his crush on his neighbor Rachel Green. I guess if you wish enough for something, it may come true...and Rachel, you are getting one terrific guy. And now I would like to make a toast; To Ross and Rachel…may your years together be happy and prosperous."
Phoebe could not take her eyes off the piano player, "Rachel; who is that gorgeous piano player?" Is he available?"
"Well, I don't know, Jack and Judy hired him…if you are interested, why don't you go over and get acquainted."
"OK", Phoebe didn't have to told twice. Never bashful she made her way across the room to the piano. She leaned over speaking in a somewhat flirty manner , "May I make a request?"
Mike looked up from this piano and was shocked to find a blond beauty looking down at him, "Sure, what would you like to hear?"
Phoebe being intuitive immediately knew he was her soulmate. He appeared very honest, no BS. Phoebe thought then leaned over and whispered again in a very flirty tone, "Getting to Know You?"
Mike reciprocated her move and flirted back, "Listen Phoebe…since this is an automated piano, why don't I program some songs in while we have the next dance?"
Chandler grabbed Monica's hand, guiding her out on the terrace. The full moon reflected off the Hudson River provided a romantic atmosphere. Chandler standing directly behind Monica gently slid his arms around her waist as he leaned over and planted a soft kiss on her neck. Chandler realized this was the time to reveal his feelings. He leaned over and gently whispered in her ear, "You know I'm in-love with you?"
Monica surprised by the sudden revelation, stiffened. Even though her feelings matched his, she unlike him was unprepared to state it. Chandler in the past year had not only been her boyfriend, he had been a friend. That was not the type of relationship she was used to.
Chandler confused by her silence stood back, "Monica, are you alright?"
Monica turned around. She could no longer control her feelings. She ran over to him and with tears running down her face she spoke the words she had wanted to speak for a long time, "Chandler, I love you too."
An Autumn Wedding
Ross and Rachel's wedding day had arrived. Around 5:30 pm, Monica and Rachel entered The Lighthouse at Chelsea Pier's bridal suite, suitcases and dresses in tow. For her wedding colors, Rachel's had chosen an autumn color scheme.
Sandra Green zipping up the back of her daughter's wedding dress found it hard to hold back the tears, "Oh sweetie, you look absolutely gorgeous." Rachel's unique gown, a French taffeta was adorned with clear-cut crystals and blush beads. The ruched style of pick-up skirt was embellished with diamond-shaped pearl accents. For jewelry, Rachel had chosen a Rhinestone Victorian chocker. Her hair was styled in an upsweep, held together with a floral rhinestone headband. Her floral bouquet was an exotic-looking mixture of Gloriosa lilies. Imported from Holland, the delicate flower reflects, dark red petals edged in a thin, wavy yellow margin.
"She's absolutely stunning", Monica commented to Sandra. Rachel's glow matched her wedding attire.
"Isn't she, and Monica I love the color of your dress."
"Thanks." Monica's bridesmaid dress was a lovely yellow sheath gown. The fitted bodice was accented with small, red, embroidered floral appliqués'. Her flared skirt was a layered organza trimmed with a red ribbon.
Chandler finished straighening his tie turned and faced Ross, "Well Ross, this is it. How do you feel?"
Ross somewhat nervous took in a deep breath, "Now that this day is actually here, I'm a little bit nervous. I can still recall seeing Rachel in the Seattle hotel a year ago. It's amazing how many changes can occur over a year's time."
"Tell me", Chandler replied with a soft grin.
Two of Ross' old college mates began seating the guests at 7:00 pm. The floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Hudson River provided a perfect backdrop for the ceremony. An eight-foot half-circular grapevine combined with a mixture of Gerber daisies, chrysanthemums, fall leaves, berries and miniature pinecones had been placed in front of the window. Guest chairs had been decorated with garlands of leaves. Autumn leaves, instead of the traditional flower pedals had been strewn down the bride's path.
A moody Leonard Green buttoned his tuxedo. He was not pleased with his daughter's choice, his first choice had been Barry. He was more her type. "So Daddy, are you ready to walk me down the aisle?" He grunted as he held out his arm.
As Monica and Chandler walked down the aisle, Mike Hanigan sang The Power of Love by Jennifer Rush:
The whispers in the morning of lovers sleeping tight
Are rolling by like thunder now
As I look in your eyes.
I hold on to your body and feel each move you make.
Your voice is warm and tender
A love that I could not forsake.
'Cause I am your lady and you are my man.
Whenever you reach for me I'll do all that I can.
Lost is how I'm feeling lying in your arms
When the world outside's too much to take -
That all ends when I'm with you.
Even though there may be times
It seems I'm far away
But never wonder where I am 'cause I am always by your side.
'Cause I am your lady and you are my man.
Whenever you reach for me I'll do all that I can.
We're heading for something
Somewhere I've never been
Sometimes I am frightened
But I'm ready to learn 'bout the power of love!
The sound of your heart beating
Made it clear suddenly.
The feeling that I can't go on is light-years away.
'Cause I am your lady and you are my man . . ..
We're heading for something
Somewhere I've never been
Sometimes I am frightened
But I'm ready to learn 'bout the power of love!
Ooh
The power of love
The power of love.
Sometimes I am frightened
But I'm ready to learn 'bout the power of love!
Rachel took a deep breath. This was it. She slid hand through her Father's arm. Leonard overcome by the moment, reached over and kissed his eldest daughter, "Good luck sweetie."
"Oh, Thanks Daddy", Rachel touched by her Father's approval, shed a few tears. "OK, let's go."
Rachel's Mother stood signaling the guests to stand. As the piano player played the traditional Wedding March, Rachel entered into the hall with her Father. She had a few jitters of doubt until she saw Ross waiting for her at the altar. He was so handsome in his chocolate brown suit. In her opinion, he was the epitome of perfection and love. Ross stood at the altar watching as Rachel made her majestic entrance. She was radiant. His dream of marriage and a family were at last coming into focus.
As her Father handed his daughter over to Ross, the inter-denominational minister turned and began the ceremony, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
"Her Mother and I." Rachel left the comfort of her Father to begin her life as Ross' wife.
"Friends, we have been invited here today to share with Ross Geller and Rachel Green a most important moment in their lives. In the time they have been together their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured. Now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife. Real love is something beyond the warmth and glow, the excitement and romance of being deeply in love. It is caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about your own. But real love is not total absorption in each other; it is looking outward in the same direction --together. Love makes burdens lighter, because you divide them. It makes joys more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger so you can reach out and become involved with life in ways you dared not risk alone."
"And now, Rachel, will you recite your wedding vows to Ross"
"Ross, you have filled my world with meaning. You have made me so happy and more fulfilled as a person. Thank you for taking me as I am; loving me, and welcoming me into your heart. I promise to always love you, respect you as an individual, and to be faithful to you forever. Today I choose you to be my partner, and commit myself to you for the rest of my life."
I choose you, my beloved Rachel to be my wife. To live with you and laugh with you; to stand by your side, and sleep in your arms; to be joy to your heart, and food for your soul; to bring out the best in you always, and, for you, to be the most that I can. I promise to laugh with you in good times, to struggle with you in bad; to solace you when you are downhearted; to wipe your tears with my hands; to comfort you with my body; to mirror you with my soul; to share with you all my riches and honors; to play with you as much as I can until we grow old; and, still loving each other sweetly and gladly, our lives shall come to an end."
"And now for the exchange of the rings. Ross!"
"I, Ross give this ring as a symbol of my love that is complete and endless. This ring is a symbol from me, and all that have witnessed my commitment to you. From this day forward you shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter and my arms will be your home. With this ring I thee wed." Ross slid the ring onto Rachel's finger.
"And now, Rachel."
Ross, I give this ring as a symbol of my love that is complete and endless. This ring is a symbol for me, and all that have witnessed my commitment to you. From this day forward you shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter and my arms will be your home. And with this ring I thee wed. Rachel slid the ring onto Ross' finger.
"By the exchanging of vows and the giving and receiving of rings you have proclaimed and affirmed your intentions to enter into a sacred union. In recognition of the above and as a minister of the gospel and in accordance with the laws and statutes of the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ross, you may kiss your wife."
As the QE-2 passed by the lighthouse Ross kissed his wife Rachel, for the first time.
"It gives me great pleasure to present to you for the first time, Mr. And Mrs. Ross Geller.
As Mike sang, "We've Only Just Begun" by the Carpenters, Rachel and Ross began their life as one by walking down the aisle through the Autumn Leaves.
The End
I would like to express my thanks to all of the readers for your wonderful reviews.
This story has been dedicated to one special reader, RachGreenGeller, Mel. Her consistent encouragment and interest in my stories have provided me the confidence I have needed to continue on with my writing.