So this is the last chapter, but it will be followed up with an epilogue so it's almost over. Thanks for all the feedback guys :)
"Why does this hurt so much," Rachel groaned as she adjusted herself in the hospital bed. She looked out the window and saw yellow taxis speeding down the street. She felt pain strike her lower abdomen and let out a loud groan to keep herself from crying. It had been like this for the last three hours. Thankfully she had Monica, but Ross and Chandler had yet to arrive since they were stuck in traffic. For the most part she had stayed calm, but the longer she waited for him the more she felt like she would lose her sanity. When the door swung open she was delighted to see Monica and her doctor. Monica passed her a bottle water and she turned her attention to the doctor.
"Is she okay?"
"Your little girl is perfectly healthy Rachel. Everything is going great." At that moment Rachel felt a stronger contraction strike her and she let out a gasp of pain and bit her lips to keep from yelling. She smiled a little when she felt Monica squeeze her hand for reassurance.
"Just breathe Rachel. You're doing amazing," she coached. She opened her eyes again and was saddened to see no Ross.
"Rachel I'll be right back. Just push the button if need me or one of the nurses." Her doctor gave her a smile and left the room.
"Monica where is he," she asked as more tears began to fall.
"Rach the last time I talked with him he said they were on their way, but there was an accident and they're caught in traffic." Rachel closed her eyes at this and tried her best not to cry. The contractions were getting more painful by the minute and Ross wasn't even there.
"I told him he wouldn't miss a thing. Monica could you go call him again?"
"But Ross told me not to leave you by yourself."
"Monica please," she begged. She tried her best puppy dog face and Monica sprinted out the room. When she felt another contraction she turned in her bed and groaned. She moved a hand over her stomach and massaged it gently.
"Baby girl why are you hurting mommy?" The door swung open again she tried her best to sit up, but gave up when she saw Monica.
"I'm sorry Rach, but I couldn't reach him. He wasn't answering his phone or anything." She nodded and laid her head down, disappointed and distraught.
"It's okay. Thanks for trying Mon," she whispered as a tear fell. Monica gave her a small smile and smoothed out her hair.
"I know my brother is doing everything to get here. He loves you and her more than anything. He told me he would kill me if I didn't take care of you," she laughed and Rachel gave her a smile. Before either of them could say anything the door opened and to Rachel's amazement her mother and father strolled in.
"Daddy," she whispered. The second he heard her voice he broke out into one of his rare smiles that he reserved especially for her. He engulfed her in a hug and kissed her forehead while Rachel continued to stare at him in amazement.
"You look like you've seen a ghost sweetpea."
"I can't believe you're here. I thought you said you didn't approve."
"Well I couldn't miss my granddaughter's birth now could I," he said. He gave her a smile as he placed a bouquet of lilies next to her bed and to his shock she reached over and hugged him again while her mother and Monica watched.
"Thank you for being here," she whispered as he moved a strand of hair from her face.
"Your my little girl. I wouldn't miss this for the world." He smiled as Rachel pulled away and turned to her mother.
"So where are Jill and Amy," Rachel asked when she noticed that her two sisters were no where to be found.
"Vacationing in St. Barts."
"What a shocker," Rachel said sarcastically. She wasn't really upset by her sisters disappearance since Monica had always felt more like a sister than just a close friend. Rachel's mother moved a hand to her stomach and gave her a warm smile.
"Last time I saw you I couldn't even tell you were pregnant and now you're as big as a house. How many centimeters are you sweetheart?"
"4."
"Oh well that's not too far along dear." Her mother smiled and started to fluff her pillows while Rachel watched her father nervously. He had his back to her as he looked out the window.
"Daddy."
"Yes sweetpea."
"Ross has been my best friend since I was five and I love him." She paused as she waited for her father's response and was relieved when he nodded. "I want you to try and get along with him. I know it's going to be hard, but could you do it for her," she said softly as she moved a hand to her stomach.
"I'll try." Rachel shook her head and gestured for him to come closer.
"Please try daddy. I don't want us to fight anymore. I want her to see her grandpa and her daddy getting along."
"I promise I'll try sweetpea. Actually your mother and I spoke with his parents a few weeks ago and we thought it would be best if we got along for the sake of the baby. Speaking of which, where is Geller?" At this Rachel paled and her eyes began to water. Monica immediately rushed to her and tried to soothe her, but she only became more upset by the minute. Her father frowned and turned to her mother.
"What did I say?" She shrugged her shoulders while Dr. Green continued to scratch his head in confusion.
"Ross is caught in traffic Dr. Green," Monica explained
"Oh." After a few uncomfortable minutes of watching Rachel cry he excused himself to the bathroom, leaving Monica and her mother to fuss over her.
"Mom it hurts," she cried as she squeezed her hand tightly.
"I know sweetheart. I know," she whispered. She wiped Rachel's forehead with a towel while Monica handed her water.
"Rach I'm going to run down to the cafeteria. Do you want me to grab you something?" She gave Monica a small smile and shook her head as she watched her leave the room.
"Your father is so excited about being a grandpa," her mother mused as she took a seat in the closest chair. "I remember he was so happy when he held you for the first time. I think the only time I've seen him cry is when you and your sisters were born."
"Daddy cried," Rachel asked in shock. She herself had never seen her father become emotional. Not even at funerals did he shed a tear. Her mother nodded as they sat in silence, with an occasional grunt of pain from Rachel. After fifteen minutes of waiting the door opened to reveal a beaming Monica and Rachel narrowed her eyes at her when she saw her expression.
"Rach guess who's here," she squealed with excitement. Her father entered and Chandler followed right behind. At this Rachel's face lit with excitement and she could not contain it when she laid her eyes on him for the first time in weeks.
Ross stepped into the room. She was taken back by the tan he had acquired and the fact that his hair had grown out. He looked like he hadn't shaved in a while, but he looked even sexier to her. A moment of silence filled the room as the two took in each other's appearances before he ran to her. He engulfed her in a hug and whispered loving words in her ear while she clutched on to him for dear life.
"I missed you so much honey." She smiled at this as he cradled her face in his hands.
"I missed you too." They kissed each other passionately, catching up on all the lost time. The women smiled at the reunited couple while Chandler and Dr. Green stood watched uncomfortably. When they finally broke apart Rachel hit his arm.
"Where were you?"
"Rach I'm so sorry. There was an accident and traffic was worse than usual. We got to the hospital about ten minutes ago, but we couldn't find the room. Thankfully your dad brought us here," he finished as he gave Dr. Green a grateful look.
"Thank you daddy."
"Anything for my little girl." The door opened again and Rachel's doctor entered, though she was a little astounded at how many people were now present. Everyone left, but Ross as they waited to see how far along she was.
"You're 6 centimeters so it's getting really close," she said as she gave the parents to be a smile. At this announcement Rachel laid her head down in frustration and pouted. Ross chuckled to himself as he massaged her shoulders.
"It's going to be fine Rach. She's almost here," he said, trying to comfort her.
"I know," she whispered as they waited patiently.
A few more hours had passed and Rachel was now having more stronger and frequent contractions than before, but she was now taking her anger out on Ross.
"This is all your fault," she growled angrily as she sent another glare in his direction. At this he stood frozen, speechless and a little frightened by her tone. He timidly moved a hand to her shoulder, but she smacked it away.
"Come on Rachel I…"
"Don't touch me and don't you dare try to kiss me! When this baby comes out I am going to kill you Ross! We are never having sex again!" Her crying had ceased about six minutes ago and she had been yelling at him the last two. He was a little scared that she would keep to her word about no more sex, but he was a little amused since he didn't know she had such a way with words. Without warning she grabbed his hand and for a second Ross thought her anger had subsided, but when he felt her squeeze his hand a little too tight he whimpered in pain.
"Rach could you ease up your grip," he gasped.
"What the hell are you smirking about Geller! You think this is funny! Ross I swear I…" She stopped and released his hand when she felt another contraction and let out a scream that made everyone in the room flinch.
"It's okay baby. Everything is going to be fine," he whispered as he kissed her forehead. She was too exhausted to yell at him anymore so she just nodded along with him. The doctor appeared in the room and they turned to her with anxious looks.
"You're ready for delivery Rachel. It's almost over." At this they both smiled at the thought of seeing their baby for the first time.
This was it. They were about to become parents.
"Rachel you have to push if you want to see her," her doctor urged.
"I can't anymore," she cried. Her face was now extremely red and she was breathing heavily.
"You're doing great honey. I'm so proud of you Rach," Ross said as he kissed her cheek.
She laid her head down in exhaustion. She felt like she had been pushing for days and she still had no baby. Ross was being extremely supportive and had been coaching her through the whole thing, but even with all this support Rachel felt like she didn't have any more energy left in her to push.
"Ross I can't… I'm so sorry," she said in tears. Ross moved a stray piece of hair that had fallen out of place and gave her a soft kiss.
"I know you can do it Rach. I know you want to see her."
"I can't Ross. It hurts too much."
"Come on baby I know you're strong. She's almost here. I know you want to see who she looks like," he added and she couldn't help but smile at that. With his words of encouragement Rachel pushed again, but this time she was more successful and was even closer to holding their baby in her arms.
"Rachel you're doing perfect. I can see her head already," her doctor announced. At this Rachel looked up to see Ross jumping up and down in shock and excitement.
"Oh god Rachel how are you doing this?"
"You're not helping Ross," she said through gritted teeth as she pushed again.
"Okay that's it Rachel! You're doing beautiful, just a few seconds more! She's almost here!" With that she gave one last push before she finally fell back onto the bed, completely out of energy. She closed her eyes for a second, hoping to block everything out, but she smiled as soon as she heard the loud cry of a newborn baby.
"I love you so much Rach," Ross whispered as he held on to her. Her vision was a little blurry, but she could make out the little bundle in the doctor's arms.
"Oh no Mr. Geller don't be alarmed. We're just cleaning her up," the doctor assured him when she saw Ross's crestfallen expression. While the nurses cleaned her up Ross kneeled at Rachel's bedside and began kissing her once again.
"Rach I… we have a baby," he said in amazement. Rachel smiled, her eyes still closed, and reached for his hand.
"How is she," she whispered softly.
"Healthy. Perfectly healthy." After a few more minutes of waiting they watched as one of the nurses made her way towards them. In her arms was a small bundle wrapped in a pink blanket. She gave them both a warm smile as she handed Rachel the baby.
"Congratulations you two." All the doctors and nurses left as they gave the new family some quality time. Ross hesitantly moved the blanket so they could see her face and both let out a loud gasp.
"Wow," he whispered in disbelief. Ross had gotten his wish because she looked exactly like her mother. She had the same pouty lips and the same nose that scrunched up when she laughed. Ross ran a hand over her head, which already had a few golden strands of hair. Rachel began to cry when she touched their daughter's cheek for the first time.
"She's finally here." She smiled as the infant in her arms began to wiggle around. She stroked her arm and continued to stare at her daughter and she felt overwhelmed. She was a mom to this beautiful baby.
"She's so small Ross," she whispered as she continued to gaze at the child in her arms, unable to register the fact that she had carried her inside her body for 9 months, that they had created this little person.
"She's beautiful Rachel." She glanced at Ross, who was also overcome with tears. He wiped one away as he studied the baby with much concentration while Rachel wiped another tear away.
"Oh sweetie why are you crying?" Ross shook his head at her and let out a soft chuckle.
"I wanted her to look just like my Rachel. Everything is all you," he said with a smile.
"You're going to spoil her aren't you," she teased.
"I can't help it. She looks her mother," he said sweetly and Rachel turned pink.
"Well if our little princess opens her eyes then maybe we can see who she really looks like. Come on sweetie open your eyes," Rachel cooed and miraculously the baby began to blink for the first time.
"Oh my god! Ross look," she squealed when she saw his big puppy dog hazel eyes on their little girl. At Rachel's scream the baby's eyes began to water with oncoming tears and her face turned red.
"Aww Rach you scared her."
"No baby mommy's not crazy. She's just happy you have daddy's eyes," she cooed to the small bundle in her arms. "Look at those eyes Ross. Oh I'm in so much trouble," she teased.
Ross watched lovingly as she cuddled their little girl to her chest and smothered her with kisses. She hadn't been alive for too long, but he could not picture his life without her or Rachel.
"Can… can I see her," he asked nervously. Rachel smiled at this and gave him a nod.
"Of course sweetie. You're her daddy," she said proudly, causing Ross to beam. She carefully handed him the small bundle, but Ross was still a little scared that he would drop her.
"Am I holding her right?"
"You're doing fine sweetie," she assured him. He took a seat in a chair right next to the bed. She settled into his arms nicely and he watched as she held on to his finger.
"She has a strong grip Rach." He stroked the few strands of hair and kissed her nose. He knew he would probably end up buying everything for her.
"She's beautiful isn't she?" Ross glanced at Rachel, who was smiling at the pair.
"She looks like you," Ross responded.
"But she has your eyes. That was the one thing I was hoping for," she smiled. Ross grinned as he turned his attention back to his daughter. He still could not get over how much she looked like her mother. He still felt like everything was a surreal dream.
"Oh baby girl you don't know how long we waited to see your beautiful face," he cooed to her. He stared at her with tears in his eyes as she squinted her eyes at him.
"Ross she doesn't understand you," Rachel teased. He smirked as he shook his head and pointed to Rachel.
"You see mommy? I know she's pretty just like you. We love her so much because she loves us too. She's perfect," Ross whispered to Emma while he maintained eye contact with a tearful Rachel. Their precious family moment was interrupted by the arrival of a nurse who held a clip board in her hand.
"So do we have a name for this little one yet," the nurse asked.
"Emma," he said as he stroked her arm.
"Her middle name?
"Monica," Rachel said as she caught Ross's eye and they both smiled.
"And a last name?"
"Umm Green," Ross started, but Rachel cut him off.
"Geller. Her last name is Geller," she said quickly. Ross looked shell shocked at this and he looked to her. The nurse wrote down the information and left the couple to themselves once again. Ross carefully handed Emma back to her and pulled Rachel in for a passionate kiss. They stayed attached while the baby just watched her parents. When they finally broke apart their faces were flushed and they could not hide their giddy smiles.
"I can't believe you want her to have my last name. Rach that means the world to me." She smiled at his words and moved a hand to his cheek.
"Ross you're her father and we're a family now. You really thought she wasn't going to be a Geller?"
"Well I didn't know… I mean we're not married… not yet anyways," he added quietly and Rachel beamed at him. They had only been together for a few months and while she had thought about marriage in her head they had never discussed it openly.
"You want to marry me," she whispered softly. He nodded as he kneeled at her bedside.
"You know I do Rach, but I didn't want to pressure you into something that you might not want right now," he explained and she shook her head at him.
"Whenever you ask or wherever you ask just know that the answer will be yes. I'll bet our little Emma would love to be the flower girl," she cooed as she kissed Emma's nose.
"This is awesome Rachel. She's a Geller," he yelled in excitement.
"Well Emma Geller did sound better to me anyways," she teased. They shared another kiss before they were interrupted again, this time by their family. Monica and her mother squealed when they saw the bundle in her arms, but it was her father who made his way to them.
"Okay let's see her." Rachel gladly passed Emma to her father and for the first time in Ross's memory he sees Dr. Green smile.
"Absolutely gorgeous," he stated. He glanced at Ross and then back to Emma with a grin. "I see she has your eyes Geller." Rachel remained silent as she watched her father stare at Emma with curiosity. When she let out a soft wail she was immediately soothed by her grandfather. They were all shocked when he burst into another smile as he continued to play with Emma.
"Oh no I remember this. Exact same thing when you and your sisters were born. Your father is going to spoil her rotten Rachel," her mother warned. Dr. Green ignored this as he continued to play with his granddaughter.
After much persuasion from his ex wife, Dr. Green finally passed her along. And just like Dr. Green, Rachel's mother began to fuss over the baby.
"Rachel dear you really should consider breastfeeding her. It's much better," her mother nagged
"I'll think about it mom." She closed her eyes for a few moments and tried to block out everything. Although she was very excited about Emma she had never felt so exhausted in her life. When she felt a hand on her shoulder she opened her eyes to see Monica.
"So how was it, giving birth and everything?"
"The hardest thing I ever had to do, but it was so worth it," she finished. "She's perfect Mon."
"I know," Monica agreed. She held her breath when she was finally given Emma and immediately Rachel could see her and Chandler's eyes light up. While they played with their new niece Rachel watched the interaction between her father and Ross. They exchanged a few words and Rachel watched on with a smile until she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Hey Rach what's her name," Chandler asked. At this question Ross and Rachel caught eachother's eye as they watched Monica cuddle Emma.
"Emma Monica Geller," she announced and almost immediately after this announcement Monica began to jump up and down.
"Oh my god! You named her after me! Thanks so much you guys," she cried as she pulled both of them in for a tight hug. Monica began to kiss Emma all over while everyone else watched on in admiration.
"Oh just wait Emma. I'm going to buy you everything," she cooed to her niece.
"Hey Mon where's mom and dad?" Ross had just noticed that they were missing part of the family.
"Oh I forgot to tell you. They went on a vacation for their anniversary, but I called them and they should be back in a few hours. Mom was so excited." She gave him a smile as she passed Emma to Chandler. After a few more minutes everyone congratulated them before they all exited the room to give the new family some quality time. Rachel watched as Ross sung to a sleepy Emma and her heart melted at the sight. She was tired and felt like she would fall asleep at any moment, but she could not take her eyes off the pair.
"What is she doing?"
"Pulling my finger." He kissed Emma's nose and a hint of a smile appeared on her face. He quickly turned to Rachel, who was still trying to fight sleep.
"She smiled didn't she," Rachel asked in such a quiet voice that Ross could barely hear her.
"Yeah, but I think it was just gas," he chuckled as he put the sleeping baby in her bassinet. Ross kneeled at her bedside and put an arm around her as they watched Emma sleep. Her cheeks were a rosy color and her chest rose and fell as she slept.
"She reminds me of you so much." At this Ross gave her a skeptical look.
"How?"
"When she's sleeping she curls up just like you, she jumps when she hears loud sounds, and when she yawns you two make the same adorable expression," Rachel finished and Ross was surprised at how much she noticed in such a short span of time.
"Well she looks just like you. I think I finally understand why your father was so overprotective. I might end up the same way," he chuckled and Rachel grinned as her eyes began to droop.
"I love you Ross."
"I love you too." When she moved a hand to his cheek she leaned her forehead against his.
"I can't believe I have a baby with you," she giggled and Ross smirked.
"Me either. She's so perfect because she looks just like you. I can't wait for the next one." At this Rachel's eyes flew open when she heard this and she poked him in the chest.
"The next one!" Ross shushed her so she wouldn't wake Emma, but Rachel was still red faced after his little joke.
"Baby I was joking. Let's focus on her before we have any more little Gellers running around." Rachel shook her head at him.
"Let's give it a few years before another one."
"Okay," he agreed. "So how does it feel to be a parent Ms. Green?"
"Exhausting," she laughed as she pulled him in for another kiss. "But I wouldn't trade you or her for anything."