A nine year old Rachel sat on top of a slide at a playground near her house. She had been waiting for over an hour when she saw the outline of someone walking towards her. She beamed at the tall and lanky dark haired boy she had become so familiar with over the past few years.
"Finally," she said as she slid down from the top. "What took you so long?"
"Me and Monica got in trouble," Ross murmured. At this revelation Rachel pursed her lips and moved her hands to her waist.
"What did you do?" He moved his hands into his pockets and coughed uncomfortably under Rachel's glare.
"We were wrestling and we kinda broke the tv," he explained. Rachel shook her head at him in disappointment and took his hand as they made their way over to a bench.
"You and Monica are way too competitive with each other. I mean that football game you guys played at Thanksgiving was out of control."
"Because she cheated! I totally won that game," he yelled. At his sudden outburst Rachel gave him a look and he fell silent. They walked hand in hand before they finally reached a bench. She sat down first and Ross took his seat next to her. When she felt his hand in her hair and it took her a while to realize what he was doing.
"Sorry, but the wind messed up your hair," he explained. He turned pink when he saw her gaze on him and turned away. Rachel smiled at this. She had known him since she was five years old and he seemed to blush at everything. She had to admit that she thought it was absolutely adorable, but she would never tell him that to his face.
"When are you going to stop being so shy," she teased as she pinched his cheeks. She was glad when she saw him crack a smile.
"Mom said I'll grow out of it, but Monica thinks I'm a geek."
"You are not a geek. You just know a lot about dinosaurs," she concluded.
"Yeah I guess so." When Rachel gave him a smile he suddenly remembered the conversation with his parents that had occurred earlier that day. He turned red at just the thought of it and looked away, which did not go unnoticed by Rachel because she moved a hand to his shoulder.
"What's wrong?" Ross shook his head in embarrassment, but she continued to egg him on. "Come on you have to tell me. That's what best friends are for." She begged him to tell until he finally gave in.
"Okay fine. Well umm my mom and dad sat me down today and we talked," he said awkwardly and his cheeks turned pink.
"About what?" At this question his face became even more flushed while Rachel listened with intense curiosity.
"My mom told me that I'm going to be going through a lot of changes soon. She told me I'm going to start liking girls and that I'm not going to look like a little boy anymore."
"They gave you the talk didn't they," Rachel asked in a horrified voice and he nodded.
"It was horrible."
"My parents did the same thing with me and my sisters. It was so embarrassing." Rachel shuddered at just the memory of the conversation.
"My mom said I'll have to shave when I'm older."
"So does that mean you're getting a beard," she asked excitedly.
"Yup," he said proudly.
"Wow." She sat back, impressed. "That means you're going to look like a man. You're going to get a girlfriend," she teased and Ross blushed at this.
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am…"
"But you have to promise that we stay best friends okay," Rachel said and Ross nodded in agreement
"Rachel we'll always be best friends."
"You have to promise me Ross," she demanded.
"I promise."
"And since we're best friends if neither one of us is married by… thirty then we get married and have kids and stuff."
"Why thirty?"
"It's my favorite number. Do we have a deal?" She stuck out her hand and after ten seconds he cautiously shook it.
"Yeah," Ross nodded. He was still skeptical to the idea, but he knew if he didn't agree to it then she would nag him until he did.
"Pinky swear," Rachel suggested as she held out her finger and Ross laughed.
"Pinky swear," he said as he lifted his finger and sealed the deal. "But I gotta tell you Rachel I really don't think that's ever going to happen. I mean us getting married. That's crazy," he laughed.
"You'll never know. Things might change," she said quietly. A silence fell between them as they watched a leaf fall from a nearby tree. Rachel jumped in her seat when she felt a poke in her back.
"Do you want to go on the swings?"
"Ross you know I hate swings. They're evil!" He chuckled at how terrified she had become which earned him a smack on the shoulder.
"Rachel the swings are fun and safe. You're not going to die."
"No! I hate the swings! I already told you about the incident!" She folded her arms and pouted while Ross shook his head in disbelief.
"Come on Rachel. Please," he begged. He gave her the puppy dog look and as much as she tried to resist it was impossible. That look got him anything he wanted.
"Fine, but I'm blaming you if anything goes wrong." He nodded as they made their way over to the swing set.
"I'll push you if you want."
"Thanks, but remember not too high," she reminded and Ross chuckled to himself as he pushed her slightly. After a while she became more comfortable and started to forget about her fear of the swings and starting laughing along with Ross.
"So I was wondering… if we do get married does that mean you'll be Mrs. Geller because if so that would be so cool?" At this question Rachel giggled and shrugged her shoulders. Ross continued to push and watched as her hair swung from side to side.
"I don't know. You'll have to keep your promise to me," she called as she swung higher into the air.
"Do you really think that we will though? We would be husband and wife like our parents."
"Things change Ross," she repeated.
How things had changed. Ross smiled at the memory of him and Rachel, but focused his attention back on the beautiful woman that was making her way down the aisle.
Ross felt his hands become steady when he laid his eyes on the woman who was about to become his wife. She was wearing a stunning strapless gown that clung to her curves. Her makeup was flawless and her hair flowed down her back in elegant curls. He felt himself stop breathing until he felt a clap on his back.
"Don't you go passing out. You haven't even said I do yet," Chandler hissed in his ear. He nodded, but continued to stare as her father walked her down the aisle.
Dr. Green kissed his daughter's cheek as he handed her off. She beamed at Ross as she took her place in front of him.
"You look beautiful," he whispered. At this a collective sigh issued from the crowd as Rachel's eyes filled with tears. Dr. Green sat next to ex wife and for once they were not bickering, but instead they held eachother's hands as they watched their daughter say her vows. Mr and Mrs. Geller sat in the front row and they each held a baby in their arms. Monica and Chandler's adopted twins, Jack and Erica sleep soundly as their grandparents watched the ceremony.
But the only other person that the groom and wife had their eye on was their daughter. Sitting next to her grandparents was a now three year old Emma. With long honey blonde hair and puppy dog eyes, she was the apple of her parents eyes. When Ross saw his little girl wave he blew her a kiss and she giggled to herself. She was a complete daddy's girl and had been since the day she was born and while she was almost an exact clone of her mother, she took after her father. She had inherited his loving, sweet nature and his love for science. Her first word had been dino, much to Rachel's displeasure.
Standing at the altar as the best man was Chandler, and the maid of honor, Monica. They exchanged knowing glances as they watched the two people they had been rooting for say their vows to each other. The minister's words flowed right through Ross's ears as he continued to gawk at Rachel. They both read their vows to each other and after they finished there was not a dry eye in the room.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife." At this Ross was awaken from his daze and saw Rachel move towards him. He cupped her face in his hands and brought his lips to hers as they kissed for the first time as Mr and Mrs. Geller. When they broke apart their ears were greeted to the sound of applause, but before they could even make their way down the aisle Emma had already hopped up from her seat and was making her way to her parents.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Ross smiled as he lifted her up. She placed a kiss on her mother and father's cheeks. With Emma in his arm and Rachel holding his hand the Gellers made their way down the aisle as a new family. About an hour later the newlyweds were dancing to a slow song. They only had eyes for each other and it was clear to everyone present. Rachel giggled as she watched Chandler dance with Monica and Ross gave her a curious look.
"What's so funny?"
"It's nothing it's just… Chandler. I remember Monica used to complain that he never cries or express his feelings and he was practically sobbing when we were at the altar. Did you see him?"
"I was too busy staring at you," he gushed and Rachel blushed. At that Rachel leaned into kiss him again. She moved her hands into his hair as they held each other and they finally broke apart when they realized they were in the middle of the dance floor. They resumed their original position, but broke apart when the heard the laughter of a three year old. They turned around just in time to see Emma dancing with both of her grandpas and her parents watched on proudly.
"Maybe on our honeymoon we can work on giving her a brother or sister," Ross whispered. At this Rachel smirked and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Are you sure we're ready for another one? Emma is quite a handful."
"But she's our little angel," Ross added as he watched Emma run through the crowd with Chandler chasing behind her. They chuckled at how active she had become in the last year.
"I swear she has you wrapped around her finger Geller."
"Because she looks like you Rach. Come on it wouldn't be so bad having another one. We can work on the new baby on our honeymoon," he suggested.
"Well I would like that very much Mr. Geller, but I was planning on having you busy the whole honeymoon anyways," she added cheekily. Ross beamed at her and pulled her in for another kiss.
"I can't wait. Our baby making honeymoon."
"I hope we get a boy. I always wanted a little guy that looked just like you. My little Ross," she added and Ross beamed with pride.
"I wouldn't mind having another girl. I love that I have a daughter who looks like my Rachel," he said proudly.
"You keep saying stuff like that then I'll just have to take you back home so we can start on that baby right now," she joked, but Ross thought she was serious and immediately started tugging on her arm.
"Are you serious Rach? I was just joking, but if you want to go right now then we can just get a room at the Plaza or…" Rachel cut him off by her laughter.
"Sweetie I was joking. You really want another one don't you," she asked softly and he nodded. "As soon as we get to the hotel in Barbados we can start. And no leaving the room," she said sternly.
"It's a deal." Before they could kiss on it Rachel felt a tug on her dress and they both looked down to see their little Emma beaming up at them.
"There's my baby girl," Ross whispered as kneeled down to her level. He kissed her forehead and she burst into giggles. She held her arms out, silently asking if she could dance with them.
"You want to dance with me and daddy honey," Rachel cooed as she also kneeled down to Emma's level.
"Yes mommy." They smiled as Ross lifted her up and held her protectively, but managed to resume the same position with his wife.
"Doesn't mommy look beautiful Emma," Ross asked and Emma set her eyes on Rachel and nodded.
"Very pretty daddy," she answered and Rachel beamed. He passed Emma to Rachel and she lied her head on her mother's chest. She played with Rachel's hair as her parents continued to sway to the music until they heard a loud squeal.
"I can't believe we're sisters in law," Monica squeal as she pulled Rachel in for a hug. Emma started giggling as she was caught in between her aunt and her mother.
"There's my little Emma wemma. Where have you been," Monica cooed. She pointed in her uncle's direction and looked between her mother and aunt. Rachel put Emma down and they watched her run off into the crowd.
"I'm so happy for you guys. See you should've just listened to me in the beginning. I knew you two would end up together. It was only a matter of time."
"I know, but still… it's Ross. I didn't expect to get married to my best friend. Or have a baby with him," she added as she gestured to Emma, who had made her way to over to wedding cake.
"But you three make such a cute family," Monica gushed and at this Rachel turned pink. She had been keeping a secret from everyone the entire day and she was terrible at lying to people. Plus she hated keeping secrets from Ross.
"Well technically the four of us will make a cute family," she corrected. As soon as the words left her mouth Monica's lips curled into a smile.
"No way," she said covering her mouth. Rachel nodded and moved a hand over her stomach.
"I found out this morning when we were getting ready. Remember I kept getting sick last week during the dress fittings and we thought it was the flu?" At this Monica nodded as her thoughts flew back to last week. "Well I took a pregnancy test this morning and it was positive," she revealed. She had been shocked, but she had been suspecting that she was pregnant for a while.
"Oh my god," Monica gasped as she pulled Rachel in for another hug. "I'm going to be an aunt again."
"But please don't tell Ross. He doesn't know yet and he wants us to start trying for a baby on the honeymoon and I want to surprise him when we get back."
"That's so sweet. Emma is going to be a big sister and Jack and Erica are going to have another cousin to play with,"' she cried. They hugged each other again before they heard voices belonging to their husbands.
"You two are crying again. Women are so emotional," Chandler teased. He and Ross snickered and they women both narrowed their eyes at their husbands.
"Well Rachel has a right to be because she's…" she stopped in mid sentence when she saw Rachel's terrified expression and realized what she was about to reveal. She glanced at Ross, who was waiting for her to finish her statement.
"Because what Monica?"
"Because she's umm… a newlywed duh," she said rolling her eyes and Ross and Chandler nodded at this.
"And don't act like you weren't crying either Chandler. I saw you," Rachel teased. At this everyone turned to Chandler with amused smirks and he became flustered sweaty.
"I was not crying. It was my allergies," he defended.
"Yeah right." Their conversation was interrupted when Emma appeared before them. Chocolate cake was smeared across her face and her dress. She gave them a dazzling smile, but Rachel and Monica panicked at the sight of her and her now ruined dress.
"Oh Emma no. You got cake all over your dress," Rachel groaned. Emma's smile fell when she noticed the disappointed looks and she pursed her lips to keep herself from crying.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly. The look on her face was identical to Ross's when he looked guilty and Rachel smiled at how similar they were.
"Oh sweetie don't cry. It's okay." She stroked Emma's hair and kissed her head.
"Don't worry Rach I'm sure it will come out," Monica assured her as she inspected the stain.
"Come here baby," Ross called to her. Emma made her way to her father. He grabbed a napkin and began cleaning her face while Rachel in a daze. Ross had been extremely dedicated to Emma since day one and always had patience with her even when she was difficult at times. Just seeing him taking of her made her more excited about the arrival of their newest family member.
"Speaking of kids where are the twins?"
"Mom and dad are watching them for a while, but I assure you as soon as they wake up we're going straight to them," Monica insisted. Monica kept to her word because not long afterwards the twins had woken up from their nap and were now being entertained by their parents while Rachel had made her way to the table to where her sisters were sitting.
"Hey Rach how are you feeling," Amy asked.
"Happy and nervous I guess."
"Why are you nervous?"
"I'm not I just… I want to be a good wife to Ross and I don't want to mess it up. I don't want him to wake up one morning and be regret this."
"I know just how you feel Rachel," Amy said, her voice dripping with sympathy and Rachel looked at her in disbelief.
"How would you know? You've never been married."
"Oh my gosh I can't believe you. I was married," she said angrily and Rachel rolled her eyes.
"For two weeks Amy and that was because you eloped in Vegas with some random guy."
"He was not random! I had known him for two days before we got married," she said quietly. Rachel rolled her eyes again and turned away from her.
"Anyways I just don't want to disappoint him. Ross is such a great friend and father. I love him so much," she said as she watched him dance with Emma.
"Rachel everything will be fine. I'll get you a drink," Jill said as she stood up and alarms went off in Rachel's head as her thoughts flew to the baby
"No thanks."
"Why not? I promise it will calm you down. It always works for me until the hangover of course," Jill sighed sadly.
"I'm just… I wasn't feeling too well this morning." Her sisters shrugged at this and for once Rachel was glad that they had the attention span of a squirrel.
"But really Rachel we're happy for you. I mean who would've thought you and Ross Geller would end up married?"
"Well we were best friends since I was five in case you forgot."
"Oh yeah. Then again he looked so different," Jill mused and Rachel shook her head. "He had those braces and glasses and don't even get me started on that horrible Afro…" She stopped when she saw the nasty glare Rachel was giving her.
"Are you really going to insult my husband on my wedding day?"
"I didn't mean it like that. I'm just saying he looks different. He's so hot and muscular now. And those eyes of his are just…
"And let me remind you once again that he is my husband and also the father of your niece."
"Oh yeah I forgot. Where is little Emily?" At this Rachel cringed. Even though it had been years ago she had always been hostile to the name Emily.
"Emma. Her name is Emma."
"Yeah Emma. I feel like I haven't seen her since she was five," Amy said as she started to look around.
"She's three."
"Since when?" At this Rachel threw her hands in the air. She loved her family, but her sisters were infuriating at times. She bid them goodbye as nicely as she could and made her way over to Ross and his parents.
Mr and Mrs. Geller smiled as Rachel moved closer to them. Ross greeted her with a kiss and put an arm around her.
"Oh this is so lovely. I'm not the only Mrs. Geller anymore," she said excitedly. Rachel turned pink at this as Ross pulled her closer.
"So any words of advice," Ross asked.
"Never forget an anniversary or birthday son. She'll never let you live it down," his father said clapping him on the back.
"And it will be difficult at times, but you two should always remember the promises you made to each other. And I'm not just referring to your wedding vows." Ross and Rachel nodded at this as they held each other's hands.
They listened attentively to his parents, both hoping that no matter what they would always be together. After a few more words of wisdom the new Mr. and Mrs Geller had made their way over to the photographer where they had began fussing over Emma, who was loving all the attention she was getting.
The photographer held up three fingers to get them ready.
"Okay on one two three." They all smiled as they camera flashed. Rachel immediately went to scan the picture and her eyes welled up with oncoming tears as she studied the picture.
The image: A beautiful woman with long blonde hair standing next to handsome young man with killer hazel eyes. In his arms he held a mini version of his new wife and looks like he's in heaven. The little girl in his arms smiles into the camera with a beaming smile while her parents gaze at each other lovingly.
"It's perfect." Rachel wiped the tear that had escaped her eye and turned to him. She smiled, still marveling at the fact that she was married to him. "I'm glad you kept your promise."
"I am too. You were worth the wait."