AN: I thought an epilogue would be a nice way to finish this story. Tie up loose ends and such.
I want to say a very big thank you to everyone who reviewed, favourited, read and/or set alerts for this story. And thank you to my boyfriend for his motivation. ;)
I'm so sad to see this story come to an end. I will truly miss it.
I do have plans for another story. Although, with exams coming up and millions of assignments due I don't think I'll find time to post it/write it for a few weeks. But keep an eye out for it. ;)
Please leave me your final thoughts on this story in a review. :)
Rachel opened her eyes to the bright sunlight that filled the bedroom. She smiled as she sat up. Today was her wedding day. Her relaxed sigh filled the peaceful air; she was overjoyed about the day to come.
She looked at her side table gazing at the framed picture that sat there.
The picture was of Rachel, Ross and Ben. It was taken a few weeks after she and Ross had gotten engaged. The two sat on Monica's sofa, Ross had his arm around Rachel's waist, Ben sat on their laps.
It was as if Ben knew all along that Rachel would one day be his step-mother when he insisted on calling her mommy. Rachel loved that little boy with all of her heart.
That picture reminded her of the one she used to have on her nightstand at her old house; the one of her and Barry on their wedding day. The main difference was that the smile she wore in her picture with Ross had never left her face.
Ross and Rachel had discovered living together was very exciting. They had grown to be two very stubborn and resilient people. When they disagreed the whole world knew. But the amazing thing about them was that there wasn't a problem they couldn't solve. After quite a few arguments they had learned to forgive.
Rachel and Ross' married life was surely going to be what she had always imagined. Their relationship was already full of love, passion, and excitement. Every day with Ross was different, and Rachel couldn't have asked for anything more. Ross gave her everything she had never had with Barry.
Rachel climbed out of her bed. She was alone in her room. Monica and Phoebe were sleeping on the pull-out couch in the living room. Ross and Rachel were apart for the night and morning; they were sticking with the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding. Ross was at Chandler and Monica's apartment.
Monica and Chandler had been going out for a while now. They lived together in apartment 20, across the street from Ross and Rachel.
Rachel, out of habit, got out of bed and checked her email, hoping none of her co-workers had emailed her about anything important.
Rachel had gotten her dream job. She was now an executive for Ralph Lauren. She had gotten the job after making her way in the fashion world for a couple of years. Ross had been with her every step of the way. Encouraging her to get up, dust herself off and try again when things didn't go her way.
On the other hand, Ross had gotten a job as a professor at New York University. His dreams had come true; he got to talk about dinosaurs for a living. He felt like the happiest man in the world. He had a son, an amazing job and, to top it all off, the woman of his dreams as his fiancée.
Rachel was surprised to find an email from Ross. They had made it a habit to email each other on a regular basis, since it was an act that was close to their heart. Rachel read the email.
Rachel,
Never in a million years could I have imagined life would be this great. Only a few years ago I was in a marriage that was slipping away from me. That day that you encouraged me to end my marriage is a day that will always mean a lot to me.
Then, I saw you in the elevator. You were so beautiful and yet something about your eyes showed your sadness. It was so incredible that we met after many years of not seeing each other. I was glad to have you by my side in such a frightening situation.
That moment when you told me you left Barry was the proudest I've ever been of someone. You followed your instinct, you took a risk.
When I answered the phone, that one evening, I almost stopped breathing when I heard your voice. I couldn't help but feel the need to help you.
After that you shocked me with your kindness towards Ben, not because I didn't believe you could take care of him but because he looked like he belonged in your arms.
The day we found out we were emailing each other all along is a moment I can't find words to describe. It was the one time in my life I actually felt like something was going right. I now truly believe that everything happens for a reason.
And here we are today. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you by my side. I can't wait for the moment I get to see you walk down that aisle. And I especially can't wait for the moment you become my wife and a mother to Ben.
I love you with all my heart and soul. I will see you soon.
Yours Truly.
Rachel had tears streaming down her cheeks. She was so lucky to have found a man like Ross to share he life with. He was the best thing that had ever happened to her.
A knock on her door made her quickly wipe away her tears.
"Rach, are you awake?" Monica asked as she opened the door and peeked inside.
"Yes," Rachel responded as she closed her email.
"We have to start getting ready. Phoebe's already awake so let's go," Monica said. Rachel smiled at her friend's take-charge attitude. It was hard to believe that the two had ever drifted apart, since they were so close now. In fact all six of them had become very close.
That was another reason Rachel was glad to have escaped her old life. She had found a group of people that really cared about her.
…..
Rachel had butterflies in her stomach as the tall, wooden double doors opened. The beautiful room in front of her was enough to bring tears to her eyes.
The church was unbelievable with its high peaked ceiling and floor to ceiling windows. The room was decorated with lilies and white roses on every pew and on either side of the alter. Her friends all stood at the end of the aisle. Chandler and Joey stood on one side and Monica and Phoebe stood on the other.
Ross was in the middle. He was beaming as Rachel began to walk to the wedding march, which filled the room with its soft melody. He couldn't believe how stunning she looked. Her dress hugged her body in all the right places, her vale perfectly flowing behind her. Her hair was in an intricate bun with a few strands framing her face.
Rachel held on to her bouquet of lilies in one hand and linked arms with her father with the other. Her father was never fond of Ross when they lived in the same neighborhood long ago. But, after their talk years ago, he was definitely learning to accept him, especially since he made Rachel so happy.
The two reached the alter; Rachel couldn't get over how handsome Ross looked in his suit and tie. She couldn't believe that this day had finally come; her wedding. And, who knew the one she'd be marrying would end up being Ross Geller, the brother of her best friend?
Rachel turned to her father, who gave her a kiss on the cheek. Leonard placed Rachel's hand in Ross'.
"Take care of her Ross," Leonard whispered, looking directly at Ross. Ross smiled at his soon-to-be father in-law.
"I promise I will, sir," Ross answered. Leonard smiled back and then took his seat in one of the front pews.
Ross was glad he and Rachel's father had worked things out. He was an intense man, but Ross knew he meant well and was just protective of his daughter.
Rachel stood in front of Ross, tears already in her eyes. Tears were in Ross' eyes as well as he looked at the wonderful woman who would soon be his wife.
"You look beautiful," Ross whispered. Rachel smiled and took his hands in hers. They held hands as the minister began to speak.
"Welcome, everyone. We are here today to unite Rachel Green and Ross Geller in holy matrimony. On this day three years ago, this couple met over a text message. Now they have chosen you, those most special and important to them, to help celebrate the beginning of their life together. As this marriage begins, we create with it a new bond and new family."
Rachel glanced at Ben out of the corner of her eye. He sat with Ross' parents, Carol and Susan. He sat on the pew, his little feet dangling in front of him, in a tiny little suit that matched the groomsmen. When Ben noticed Rachel look at him he waved and smiled a sweet grin. Rachel blew him a kiss back.
Rachel then noticed Jack and Judy smiling up at her. Judy was on the verge of tears, already. Rachel remembered the day she and Ross visited them for the first time as a couple. They walked into the Geller's house holding hands and smiling giddily. Then Ross told them that they were dating.
Judy hugged them hard enough to leave them breathless. They were so glad that their son was happy again, and with a girl as delightful as Rachel.
Back in reality, Rachel held Ross' hands in hers as the minister continued to speak.
"Ross and Rachel have written their own vows. Rachel, you first," The minister spoke. Rachel swallowed nervously, but she was soon calmed by Ross' eyes. She pretended she was just speaking in front of him.
"Love doesn't always come easy, I know that from experience. But every obstacle in my path, every challenge, has helped me grow and find you. In a time where we needed love most, fate and destiny brought us together. We both found someone to lean on.
I promise to love you every second, of every minute, of every day for the rest of our lives. I will always be here for you, to support you in hard times and share the good times. I love you with all my heart and I can't wait to spend my life with you," Rachel spoke quietly, her voice shaking with tears.
"And now Ross," The minister queued as Ross was caught up in Rachel's emotion. He took a breath and then spoke.
"From the moment I first laid my eyes on you, I knew you were the only one for me. Your beauty, heart, and mind made me fall for you back in the ninth grade. When we grew apart I accepted the fact that I had lost you. But, when I met you once again, years later, I was right back in that place.
Everything happens for a reason. And the reason that you and I were brought together is that we complete each other. We fill in each other's rough edges with our love for one another. Thank you for always being there for me. I promise to continue to be there for you. I love you. This is the moment our future begins," Ross said. Rachel's tears spilled over and rolled down her cheeks.
"Rachel, do you take Ross to be your husband, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?" The minister asked, turning to Rachel.
"I do," Rachel answered.
"Ross, do you take Rachel to be your wife, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?" The minister asked Ross.
"I do," Ross said looking directly at Rachel.
"Now the rings," The minister said. Chandler, the best man, handed Ross his ring. Monica, the maid of honour gave Rachel hers. "These rings have no beginning and no ending. They are a symbol that the love between you will never end. Place these rings upon each other's fingers as a sign of the vows you have made today," The minister said.
Ross put Rachel's ring on her finger and then Rachel put Ross' on his.
"By the power vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ross, you may now kiss your bride," The minister stated.
Ross smiled at Rachel for a moment. With tears sparkling in their eyes they leaned in. Ross wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling Rachel against him. Rachel wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. The moment their lips touched everyone else in the room faded away. It was just them and their future that lay ahead. When they parted they quickly kissed once more before just smiling at each other.
"Family and friends, I present to you for the first time, Doctor and Mrs. Ross Geller," The minister introduced. Ross couldn't believe he had actually just heard those words. His fantasy of having Rachel forever was now a reality.
Ross and Rachel faced the church, holding hands. Everyone clapped as they began to exit.
…..
The reception after the wedding ceremony was beautiful. The tables were set with white tablecloths and silver cutlery. The centrepieces and other flower arrangements were overflowing with more lilies and white roses. The room romantically glowed with elegant wall sconces and a few large chandeliers above the dance floor.
After a wonderful dinner, that Monica had helped plan, it was time to dance the night away. Ross and Rachel mingled with their friends and family dancing, laughing and having a great time. The newlyweds never left each other's side. They hand their hands on each other the whole night.
Ross and Rachel were talking to Monica, Phoebe, Chandler and Joey when Rachel's mother walked up to her.
"Rachel, can I talk to you for a moment?" Sandra asked.
"Um okay," Rachel said unsurely. "I'll be right back," She said to Ross before kissing him on the cheek.
Sandra led Rachel away from the dance floor and out the hall's doors. They soon walked into the lobby which had light marble floors and a high ceiling. Sandra then stopped abruptly and turned to face her daughter.
"Rachel, there's a visitor outside that wants to talk to you," Sandra explained. Rachel looked at her strangely.
"Okay… Who is it?" Rachel asked, confused.
"Rachel, sweetie I have to get back to the party. Please just walk around the side of the building," Sandra explained hurriedly. Rachel didn't have time to respond, before her mom kissed her forehead and walked away.
Rachel had a nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach as she walked out the glass front doors of the venue. It was dark outside, but the parking lot was lit by a few street lamps. The only sounds came from the speeding cars on a nearby road and Rachel's heals clicking against the pavement.
She followed the brick wall until she rounded the corner of the building. Rachel gasped in shock when she saw who stood there.
"Hi, Rachel," Barry greeted. Rachel hadn't seen him since they had divorced each other three years ago. He hadn't changed at all. Rachel stood frozen with surprize, she definitely hadn't expected her visitor to be her ex-husband.
"Barry. How did you know about my wedding?" Rachel asked, crossing her arms across her chest as she shivered in the cool evening air.
"Your parent's wouldn't stop talking about it at the country club. They told my parents, my parents told me and so I decided to come," Barry explained as he walked a few steps closer to Rachel.
"Why did you come here Barry?" Rachel asked, wanting desperately to get back to her new husband.
"I need your help," Barry said slowly.
"Okay. What's going on?" Rachel asked getting a little impatient.
"First, I wanted to tell you that I ended up marrying Mindy," Barry stated. Rachel felt a little pained when his words actually registered in her mind. He had cheated on her with Mindy and then married her? Rachel was slightly angered by this. Not because she was jealous or anything, but because it was Mindy and Barry.
"And?" Rachel asked, trying to get him to his point.
"I'm not happy with Mindy. After all these years I finally realize what a terrible life this is to live. All I do is work. And when I come home I don't feel loved. I just need your help and then I'll be out of here," Barry explained. Rachel saw the pained look in his eyes, but it didn't stop there. His whole body was stiff with sadness and helplessness.
"Barry, you finally understand how I felt in our marriage. I felt worthless and unloved and lonely. Do you want my advice?" Rachel asked.
"Yes, that's why I'm here. You're the only one who knows how I'm feeling," Barry responded.
"My advice is to leave Mindy and that lifestyle. It's the only way you'll be happy. This might be painful for you to hear but, when I left you it was the best decision I ever made. I felt so free of those chains that were holding me back from being me. Then I found friends that truly loved me and I was amazed at how good it felt to be appreciated," Rachel explained, putting a hand on her chest over her heart.
"It's just not the same for me. I can't just leave. And how will I ever find someone who appreciates me?" Barry asked.
"You can do it. You just have to get out of that lifestyle and open your eyes to the real world," Rachel said.
"Thank you, Rach," Barry said sincerely. "I've never honestly apologised for the way I used to treat you. I didn't know how you felt until now. I'm sorry I didn't love you like you deserve to be loved," Barry said.
"Thank you Barry," Rachel replied. "Good luck."
"You too. Enjoy your marriage," Barry said. "Goodbye." He said before turning and walking towards the parking lot.
"Wait Barry," Rachel called after him. When Barry turned around a few feet from her she spoke again. "Do you want to come and join the party? You might find someone you like in there," Rachel said, she didn't know why she said it.
"No, I'll get going. I need to get started on my new life. Thank you anyways," Barry responded.
"Alright, goodbye," Rachel replied. Barry gave her a small wave and then disappeared around the corner. Rachel felt like she was on cloud nine, she was so happy to have closure.
…..
When she returned, Rachel told Ross what had happened. Ross had been a little angry that she had left their wedding to go see Barry, but he soon calmed down when Rachel reassured him that she loved him.
When a slow song was played, Ross and Rachel decided it was a good time for their first dance as husband and wife.
Ross' hands were on Rachel's waist and Rachel's hands were around the back of Ross' neck. They swayed slowly to the soft melody. Rachel leaned her head against Ross' chest, enjoying the sound of his heart. She felt so protected in Ross' arms.
She looked up at Ross, with her head still against him. Ross smiled at her then he tenderly kissed her forehead. Rachel caught his eyes before he pulled too far away. Then she stretched to give him a lingering kiss on the lips.
When they stopped, they kept their foreheads against one another's and just continued to look into each other's eyes.
Soon a flash went off and the two turned to see that Monica had taken a picture of them, before smiling and walking away. Rachel immediately decided that that picture would go in a frame on her bedside table.
When the couple returned to dancing it wasn't long before they were interrupted again. This time it was Ben. The little, blonde boy ran and hugged them around the knees. Ross and Rachel looked down at him.
"How are you Ben? Are you having fun?" Ross asked.
"Can I dance with you and Mommy?" Ben asked, ignoring Ross' question.
"Of course," Ross replied. The he bent over and picked Ben up. Ross held him between himself and Rachel as they began dancing once more.
After all their years of frustration and unhappiness the two were finally in an amazing marriage. Even if they'd only been married for a few hours, it was already incredible; they already knew it would work.
They were a family now, and they couldn't be happier. Who knew fate could bring people together in such strange ways. They were ready to face their future together, a future full of love and happiness.