Ross and Rachel walked out of the apartment . His arm was around her waist as they headed for the cab. Both of them were ready for a very special evening. Ross had a certain thing on his mind, he had made sure that everything would be right. One of his co workers from the museum, Lazer Floyd was helping him. He was going to make this an evening that Rachel would never forget.

"Why are we heading to the museum?" Rachel asked curiously. Ross really didn't know how to answer her. "Just something I have to take care of, sweety." Ross patted her hand and she could feel how clammy they were. He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his sweaty forehead. Rachel began to get concerned. "Are you alright? " she asked with concern.

"Yes, I am fine." He said putting the handkerchief back in his pocket. He was so nervous , but he knew what he had to do. The cab came to a stop in front of the Museum of Natural History. Ross got out first and Rachel stayed in the cab.

"What's wrong?' he asked. Rachel crossed her arms and pouted. "I can't even believe you. I risk my job by taking tonight off and you can't even do the same." Rachel ranted.

"I have to do this." Ross reassured her. "It's only going to take a few minutes and then we will go to the Plaza." Ross reassured her. "It's kind of funny , isn't this how our first read date started? " Rachel did remember that night well. It was the first time that they ever made love and the next morning they were surprised when a group of school kids visiting the museum found them naked

Ross had to make sure that the night was ready to begin. He had to find a way to get rid of Rachel for a few minutes. "Tell you what honey, why don't you go fix your hair and make up while I do this." Rachel got out of the cab and headed for the doors of the museum. "I know you won't have to do much, but I know this museum bores you. So I will meet you at the door." Rachel finally relented and gave him a kiss on the cheek. This allowed him to make the final arrangements. He climbed the winding staircase to the booth . Out of breath, he stopped . A grizzly haired guy with a beard and wire rimmed glasses sat in the sound booth. "Ready?' Ross asked . The technician grinned and said "All set dude." In his inevitable way, Ross gave him a thumbs up . "Now remember , I told you when to do the thing." He said . It was painfully obvious this guy was very much in love. The old guy was glad to do him a favor. "And did they make the delivery?' Ross asked as he looked around. "Earlier today." The guy answered. "Well that is everything." Ross turned around and started to go down the steps. "I just wanted to say thanks for everything." The man grinned. "Glad to do it dude." Ross smiled and then went down the stairs. Rachel was patiently standing outside the bathroom. "Can we go now?' she whined. "I have one more thing to take care of." Ross said as Rachel groaned and they headed for the planetarium doors. "I have to fix something in here." Ross said as he opened the door. The place was totally dark except for the glow of a few candles. They illuminated vases of lilies that were sitting in the aisles.

Set up on a small table was a picnic basket and a couple of wine glasses. Ross took Rachel's hand as he led her into the planetarium. Rachel was so touched with the flowers.

"You remembered." She sweetly said.

"Of course. How could I forget my girlfriends favorite flower?' he went over to the table and handed her a single red rose. "A perfect flower for a perfect lady." He said as he leaned over with a kiss on her cheek. Rachel then looked up at the sky above. The ceiling of the planetarium was filled with millions of twinkling stars. It looked just like a nighttime sky. Suddenly the place was filled with the golden voice of Fred Astaire singing "The Way You Look Tonight." Rachel swooned.

"May I have this dance?" Ross said as he extended his hand. Rachel took it as he twirled her into him in time to the music. Rachel put her dainty arms around his neck and laid her head on his chest. Ross put his head down to enhale the sweet smell of her hair. It was all Rachel.

"This is just perfect." She cooed as they danced. "I cant believe you did this all for me."

"The best is yet to come. " Ross led her over to the small table that had been set up with the picnic basket . He picked up the glasses from the blanket . "To us. " he said as he handed the full wine glasses to Rachel. They took a sip and then shared another kiss. Ross looked up and saw the sight in the nighttime sky he was looking for. "Hey honey, look over there." Ross said as he pointed at the sky. Rachel looked up and her mouth dropped open. A small group of the stars twinkled four words that stole her heart.

WILL YOU MARRY ME

Rachel looked down and saw her boyfriend on one knee. Her hands immediately went to her mouth as she gasped. "Oh my God." She whispered. Ross took her hand and then looked into her eyes. His voice was filled with emotion and his words with tears.

"Are you asking me what I think you are?' Rachel said with emotion.

Ross ' voice began to quiver. "Rachel, I have known you forever. I have loved you forever. Fate brought you back into my life the day that you ran into that coffee shop. I am so proud of how far you have come since that day. You are a strong and independent woman. This has been the best year of my life. I want to grow old with you, I want to have children with you , and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Ross pulled the ring from his jacket and opened the box. Rachel took the box from his hand and stared at it.

"You can exchange it if you want." He whispered. Rachel shook her head . No. I love it."

"Well?" Ross asked anxious for an answer. Rachel just got up and wrapped her arms around him and then sighed one word. "Yes." Ross took the ring from the box and slipped it on her finger. The reflection of the flame made the diamond sparkle as it shown in the candlelight. That word led to the most memorable kiss they had ever had. It was no longer unclear, everything had changed forever.

And the young man who loved dinosaurs and a cheerleader finally had everything he ever wanted .