A/N I can't believe I'm at the end of this fic!
Thank you to everybody who has stuck with this story! This isn't quite the end, as I'm planning on a little epilogue at the very least, and I may even keep it open to add to in the future, as I've grown pretty fond of this little family; but I'm looking forward to starting something new.
Anyway, it took me ages to get into writing a wedding but once I started I couldn't stop, so I'm sorry if this is a little long. This is the first wedding I have attempted so I hope it's OK and that you enjoy it.
"Chandler Bing! What the hell is this?"
Phoebe's wrathful exclamation very nearly caused Chandler to concuss himself, his head jerking up with a start, and colliding painfully with the unforgiving corner of the underside of the foosball table.
He and Joey had been lying flat on their stomachs on Joey's kitchen floor. They were whizzing an assortment of toy vehicles past a giggling Jack, who was delightedly grabbing at the various cars and dumper trucks, frantically trying to intercept them as they hurtled past his wiggling bare toes.
"Jesus, Phoebe!" Chandler exclaimed, clutching his skull in agony as he looked up at the glaring woman with astonishment.
"Joey? Could you please cover Jack's ears for this please?" she requested haughtily, completely ignoring Chandler's injury, "I don't really want him to have to hear me expose his parents for the pair of pathological liars that they are!"
Chandler struggled to his feet with a grumble and stared back at his furious friend in utter confusion, before suddenly noticing the glossy brochure she was clutching in her hand.
"Golden Oaks elopements?" Phoebe demanded, her eyes fiery with accusation, as she waved the pamphlet in front of his impudent face.
"Where's Monica?" he asked with a sigh.
"Oh, I'll get to Monica! Don't you worry about that!" Phoebe raged her assurance, "But she was on the phone, so I'll deal with you first."
She took a breath before launching into the main body of her rant.
"I can't believe you two! First you sneak around behind everybody's backs in London; then you slip off for some secret seedy fun in Atlantic City; and now you think you can just run away and get married without even telling us?"
Chandler rolled his eyes as Phoebe strode, nose in the air, towards Joey, who had already gathered Jack protectively in his arms; the three of them huddling together to form a stern-eyed unit of condemnation.
Monica raised her eyebrows in confusion as she walked into the apartment and surveyed the scene.
"What's going on?" she asked, moving towards Joey in order to retrieve her son, who had begun to reach out his chubby arms towards her as soon as she had entered the room.
Joey was so blindsided by Phoebe's revelation that he very nearly refused to hand the baby over, but ultimately thought better of it, and reluctantly released Jack into his mother's waiting arms.
"We know all about your elopement, Monica" Phoebe told her savagely, "So you can stop lying through your teeth."
"Look Phoebe," Chandler interrupted, his face flushed with annoyance, "We did take a look at Golden Oaks, and for your information, it was beautiful: Exactly what we wanted actually. But because we felt bad about leaving you guys behind we decided against it. Even though it was perfect. So it's not going to happen, OK? You don't have to worry about it."
But Monica turned to face him; excitement rendering her immune to the daggers being thrown in her direction by their two friends; and her blue eyes twinkled with anticipation as she took his hand tenderly in her own.
"Actually it is going to happen. If you still want it to?" she asked, a coy smile playing on her lips.
"What?" Chandler asked, roaming her face with soft eyes.
"What?" demanded Phoebe and Joey in a heated chorus; Phoebe's eyes fierce as she planted her hands on her hips; and Joey's arms folded belligerently across his broad chest.
"I spoke to Nicola," Monica explained to Chandler with a grin "I told her how much we had fallen in love with the venue, but explained that we were struggling with the idea of leaving our family and friends behind..."
She turned towards Phoebe and Joey with narrowed eyes, gesturing towards them with a sardonic nod of the head as she added "Although maybe not so much these two... "
Her lips curved and her eyes softened as she looked back into her fiancé's expectant face and continued, "She eventually agreed that they would make an exception for us, and we're allowed to bring up to 10 people along for the afternoon! So we're on for next month! If you still want to?"
"You're getting married next month?" The news was enough to flip an immediate mood switch in Phoebe and Joey, and the two exchanged joyous looks and hopped animatedly on the spot.
Chandler grabbed Monica immediately around the waist, answering her question by crashing his lips avidly into hers, and running a placating hand over Jack's blonde locks when he squealed in jealous complaint at his parents' wanton display of affection.
Monica beamed widely as she got ready to serve her second slice of good news.
"And... Nicola also said that we could use the second log cabin to have a couple of people stay over on site if we like; so I thought we could maybe ask my parents, or your mom, or Rachel and Phoebe, to stay and look after Jack for the night?"
"Rachel and Phoebe." Chandler declared decisively, instantly certain that the two women would prove far less intrusive marital night neighbors than any of their parents were likely to be.
The idea of having baby Jack, with his occasionally unpredictable sleep patterns, third-wheeling on their wedding night had been the only slight bone of contention when it had come to planning their elopement, so Chandler's eyes were positively dancing at the prospect of having his new bride all to himself for the entire evening.
"I can't believe this!" he told her, an adoring smile plastered across his face, "The coordinator was so adamant that we couldn't have guests! I can't believe you convinced her! You're amazing, do you know that? That infamous Geller charm strikes again!"
Monica returned a toothy grin, her eyes glistening to see her fiancé so overjoyed, before she admitted "I actually think it was the Bing charm that worked its magic on this occasion. Nicola was obviously pretty taken with Jack, but then when I told her how sad you were about it, she just couldn't bear to disappoint you. I swear that woman has a crush on you.. " she told him with a shake of her head.
"Huh!" Chandler exchanged a smug smile with Joey before turning back towards Monica's amused pout.
"Well, that's something you're going to have to get used to, babe; marrying a hot piece of ass like this..." he mused with a jovial smirk "And in all fairness, she probably thought she was in with a pretty good shot: You were so grumpy with me when we went to look around the place.."
Monica arched a wry eyebrow "She was in with a pretty good shot. I would have paid her to take you off my hands that day..."
She poked his ribs in mock-castigation before looping an arm around his neck to draw him towards her elated lips.
"But anyway...It's actually happening! We're getting married!"
A month to plan a wedding felt overwhelmingly ambitious, even to a woman as efficient and self-motivated as Monica, but as it turned out there was really very little for her to worry about.
Nicola; serenely helpful and entirely unflappable; had provided a carefully curated list of hand-picked local suppliers for them to choose from; from photographers, to caterers, to florists; none of whom balked at finding space for such an uncomplicated and intimate midweek wedding, despite the short notice.
In fact, as the wedding had drawn ever nearer with very little fluster or fanfare, Monica almost felt panicked by how seamlessly everything had fallen into place, feeling certain that it had all been a little too straightforward for comfort; sure that she must have forgotten to co-ordinate some vital element of the day.
But fundamentally this was a wedding with people at its front and center; and just as a decorative frame should never overpower the beauty of the work of art held within, Monica eventually relaxed into the idea that the beauty of declaring their love and affirming their bond in front of their dearest inner circle required little embellishment.
Even when their special day actually arrived she managed to maintain an uncharacteristically laid-back sense of composure, and spent a tranquil morning ensconced in the larger of the two log cabins at Golden Oaks along with Rachel, Phoebe and Jack, enjoying freshly-brewed coffee, buttery french pastries and effervescent mimosas, as the women carefully applied their makeup and took turns entertaining the habitually cheerful baby.
Phoebe had turned out to be something of a dark horse when it came to hairdressing, and as well creating elegantly tousled chignon buns for herself and Rachel, she had also designed a beautiful, effortlessly chic half-up, half-down style in Monica's waved raven locks, subtly enhanced with a few fresh flowers plucked from the bridal bouquet.
Monica admired her friend's handiwork appreciatively in the mirror, not knowing why she had been surprised by Phoebe's talents: The blonde often sported impressive and eye-catching hairstyles in her own enviably luscious flaxen tresses.
Judy was hovering behind her daughter as Phoebe worked her magic, but Monica could see in the mirror that her mother's eyes were trained somewhat disapprovingly on Nora.
Looking as polished and glamorous as ever, in a fitted champagne-colored dress, Nora was perched demurely on an armchair in the corner of the room, completely absorbed in baby Jack who sat contentedly in her lap, enthusiastically ploughing his way through a tub of carefully chopped soft fruits.
Monica could not help but smile to see that Chandler's mother was so utterly enamored with the little boy, that she seemed completely unconcerned that his juice-covered fingers were so perilously close to her pale designer gown.
"Jack! Do you think you should slow down? We don't want you to get sick during the ceremony!" Judy's cooed admonishment was ostensibly directed at her grandson, but it was patently obvious to whom she was really speaking.
Nora's icy blue eyes flashed briefly towards Judy as she planted a proprietary kiss on Jack's forehead and fired her counter-response in honeyed tones, "Oh, you're a growing boy aren't you, sweetie? You need your food! We don't want you getting all hungry and antsy when Mommy and Daddy are saying their vows, do we?"
Monica's eyes moved between the two women with a hint of anxiety, making a mental note to ask Rachel and Phoebe to keep a close eye on the tense grandmotherly rivalry that had been escalating all morning, as each woman had scrambled to lavish attention on their cherished baby grandson.
Ross had already been charged with keeping Nora and ex-husband and sparring partner, Charles, separated from one another, which was why she had been briskly guided away from the second log cabin, where Chandler was getting ready, and had spent most of the morning with Monica instead.
Meanwhile, Rachel was running an admiring eye over the simple, gracefully flowing, ivory crepe gown that hung from the door of an intricately carved antique wardrobe.
"I think we need to start getting you into your dress in the next ten minutes, Mon" she told the bride-to-be sagely "There are quite a lot of buttons to do up. But make sure you go to the bathroom first."
Monica nodded her agreement as she gave her hair and make-up a last cursory check over, but before she contemplated donning her gown, she made her way towards Jack.
"I'm going to need one last hug from my sticky little boy before I put that dress on" she told him with an adoring smile as she gathered him up from Nora's lap.
"Oh, I love you so much, little man," she breathed an emotional sigh, pressing her eyelids closed as she stroked his golden hair and smothered his fruit-scented face with kisses, enjoying the soft, nonsensical endearments he babbled in return.
"And later today, you and I are going to have the same last name!" she whispered into his ear, rocking him gently as she hugged him close to her heart.
She glanced at the clock on the wall before looking towards Rachel and Phoebe "I should probably send Jack over to Chandler now shouldn't I? So that he can get him dressed?"
Before either bridesmaid had time to so much as nod, Judy had swept across the room to her daughter's side, her arms outstretched, ready to relieve her of the child.
"I'll take him over to Chandler," she asserted abruptly, as Nora regarded her through ever-so-slightly narrowed eyes, "I need to find your father and make sure he has taken his antiflatulent pills anyway."
Monica wrinkled her nose and planted another kiss on the baby's cheek before allowing her mother to carry him away.
Tears welled in her eyes as Jack's exit prompted an unexpected and overwhelming surge of emotion, the gravity of the day suddenly taking her by brute force.
The slight wobble of her chin was spotted quickly by Nora, who rose from her chair and ran a comforting hand along her soon-to-be daughter-in-law's arm.
"Hey. Don't you ruin that beautiful make-up." she scolded with a gentle smile.
"I just can't believe it's less than an hour away!" Monica whispered; anticipation sparkling in her eyes.
"Are you nervous?" Nora asked softly.
Butterflies danced with rapturous abandon in Monica's stomach but still she was able to shake her head with confidence.
"No. I just can't wait to see him" she smiled truthfully.
As Chandler made his way out to the lake the air was ambient and mellow, and the fall breeze a mere whisper; barely sufficient to rustle the leaves of the ancient trees that lined their walk.
The virescent canopy beneath which he and Monica had sought shade from the bright late summer sun when they had spent the day here just a few short weeks ago, was fading fast; the leaves beginning to blush pink, and peach, and gold, but still clinging resolutely to their boughs; bringing vibrant autumnal color to the softly clouded day.
He was flanked by both his mother and his father for the first time in as long as he could remember, and their conversation had been remarkably calm and surprisingly peaceable as the ex-spouses managed to put their considerable grievances aside for a few hours, and focus instead upon their shared joy for their only son.
"Oh no! Chandler!" Joey suddenly exclaimed from behind them, in tones so panicked it caused all three heads to whip around in dread, unable to believe that something disastrous might have befallen this most perfect of days.
"Jack ruined my flower thing!" he told them, his brows knitted together and his brown eyes wide with distress.
Chandler looked down at his son, who was balanced comfortably in the crook of Joey's arm and saw that the inquisitive baby had indeed ripped Joey's corsage from his buttonhole and was busily dissecting the flower heads with his curious little fingers.
"Are you making confetti, buddy?" Chandler asked the industrious little boy with a fond chuckle, before consoling his best man "Don't worry Joe, it's good for him to practice his fine motor skills. And you still look great, with or without your "flower thing""
He cast a sympathetic glance further back towards his other best man, who was lagging behind somewhat, having stopped to crouch and examine a passing beetle with Ben.
Chandler guessed that poor Ross had probably had the least relaxing morning out of the entire wedding party, chasing around after his exuberant son, making endless frantic attempts to keep the child from scrambling up trees or wading into the lake as he sought to pursue and investigate the local wildlife.
The lakeside veranda had been laid out with weathered oak farmhouse style chairs, adorned with clusters of scarlet dahlias, cafe-au-lait roses, and fragrant eucalyptus, tied at the stems with pale gold colored ribbon.
The seating formed a short but beautiful aisle; which had been lined with strategically-placed groupings of vintage lanterns containing jasmine scented candles; leading to the knotted age-old oak that had first attracted Chandler to the venue, beneath which the celebrant was now standing ready to welcome the groom with a warm smile.
She took the opportunity to run him through the outline of the ceremony; detailing where he and Monica would stand and ensuring that the couple's vows and rings were close at hand; before finally informing him that just as soon as she was given the nod from Nicola they would be ready to begin.
Ross placed a supportive hand on Chandler's shoulder as he leaned forward to check "Are you OK? Nervous?"
Chandler considered the question with wistful eyes before telling him honestly, "I'm actually not. Not even one bit. I'm just... excited."
As the entrance music began to play, Monica's heart skipped in her chest. She felt the arms of both of her parents squeeze her a little tighter, as Rachel and Phoebe took turns to press affectionate good luck kisses against her cheeks before filing along the leafy path towards the waiting wedding party, resplendent in their subtly autumnal-hued gowns.
In-keeping with the relaxed and understated theme of the day, Monica had decided that she would like to buy each of her best friends a dress that they would be able to wear again, and so the two bridesmaids complimented rather than matched: Rachel in fitted pale sage-green satin, and Phoebe in an altogether floatier, fawn-colored chiffon number.
"Are you ready, Sweetie?" Jack Geller's voice was somewhat choked as his dark eyes shone down into his daughter's smiling face, and Monica nodded back at him her trembling fingers clutching at her softly unstructured bouquet of fall blooms.
"Remember to breathe, Sweetheart" Judy urged, her voice just as loaded with emotion as her husband's, as the trio followed Rachel and Phoebe along the path.
Monica's eyes locked with those of her fiance right away, her lips forming a radiant beam, feeling a prickle of euphoric tears as she watched Chandler's shoulders relax at the mere sight of her; that beautiful smile of his, the one that she so adored, melting lovingly across his face.
She was glad at this point that she had the stabilizing arms of her parents looped through her own, if only to stop her from running down the candle-lined aisle and hurling herself into his arms.
As they neared the oak tree, she turned briefly to smile at their gathered friends and family; mouthing a quick "Hi!" to Ben who was waving at her with frenetic excitement.
But it was catching the bright blue gaze of her son that finally caused one of the tears that had been threatening to escape her eyes to roll down her cheek.
Little Jack looked impossibly adorable in a tiny suit that perfectly matched Chandler's, and his immediately broadening smile was an exact replica of his father's too. The little boy let out a loud coo of excitement at the sight of his precious mother, provoking a collective murmur of sentiment that spilled through the entire wedding party.
Monica paused, kissing the cheeks of both of her parents as they released her from their arms, and passing her flowers to Rachel, before taking a moment to tenderly cup her baby's adoring face in her hands, nuzzling his sweet button of a nose with her own, and then finally making her way to Chandler.
She knew that kisses and embraces were supposed to wait, but she simply did not care, and she wrapped her arms eagerly around his neck and drew him into a tender and pacifying hug.
Finally in the arms of her love, she was able to exhale the lungful of air she had not realized she had been holding onto; impervious as she apparently was to her mother's advice; and she gazed into his doting eyes, brushing his lips gently with her own before stepping back and taking him by the hands.
"You look so beautiful" Chandler whispered with a gentle squeeze of her fingertips.
"You don't look so bad yourself", she grinned back, as the charismatic celebrant began to speak; introducing herself and warmly welcoming the assembled guests.
"Monica and Chandler have gathered their dearest family and their most treasured friends to help them to celebrate their love, and support the commitment they are about to make to each other today, here at this most beautiful of venues."
"Marriage is often viewed as the union of two people, but it also solidifies families; and Monica and Chandler would like to take this moment to recognize the significant role that their precious son Jack plays in the marriage we now celebrate."
"It seems fitting then, that in such a family-orientated wedding, we open today's ceremony with a song written especially for this joyful occasion by one of their dearest friends, Phoebe; which she describes as an exploration of the beginnings of Chandler and Monica's relationship and of their transition from friends to lovers. So Phoebe, if you're ready, I'll hand over to you.."
The woman stood to one side with an encouraging smile as Chandler and Monica exchanged loaded glances of trepidation.
Phoebe's inimitable songwriting style tended to be unrestrained in its candor, and she had kept the content of this specially penned number closely under wraps.
"Thank you for that beautiful introduction" Phoebe said serenely, as she hoisted her guitar strap over her shoulder "It is an absolute honor to be able to share this piece on such a special day; and this will be the first time I've performed the song in front of an audience, so I hope you all enjoy it. It's called "London Lovin' ""
Monica and Chandler shared another look, part-stricken, part-amused as they braced themselves for what their musical friend had in store.
Jaws dropped and eyebrows raised as Phoebe strummed her way zealously through a somewhat explicit interpretation of Monica and Chandler's passionate and productive first encounter in London.
Monica's eyes moved fleetingly towards Rachel, knowing before she even looked at her that the blonde would be struggling to stifle an entertained smirk; as Phoebe continued her unabashed musical account of the couple's first night together.
Even the celebrant looked a little shell-shocked by the time Phoebe's final chord began to fade, and after some swift praise for their friend's lyrical efforts she moved quickly on with the legal ceremony, eventually encouraging Chandler and Monica to share the vows they had written for each other.
This was the only part of the day that had caused Chandler any consternation, and he quietly cleared his throat and inhaled deeply before turning to face his bride.
"Monica, everybody here knows that you and I didn't take the most conventional of routes to get to where we are today.
Obviously, we knew one another and cared for one another for a very long time before you finally plucked up the courage to approach me in London, after what I can only assume was almost ten long years of desperate yearning on your part... "
A ripple of laughter cascaded through the gathered guests as a smile of wry amusement broke across Monica's face and she shook her head in mock warning, gazing back into her fiancé's mischievous cerulean eyes.
He brought her hands to his face and kissed her knuckles with tender affection as his face grew earnest and thoughtful.
"Seriously though Monica, when you have a friendship as long-lasting, as deep, and as special as ours, you treasure it, and you protect it at all costs; and I think, in the beginning, we both felt a little scared when we opened a new door in London, and felt things changing between us...
And I suppose it was that fear that made us try; stupidly and hopelessly; to kick that door closed again when we arrived home in New York.
So I guess at this point I should really say thank you to our beautiful, precious Jack, for sticking his tiny little foot in that door, wedging it open and helping to bring us to our senses."
Every face turned fondly towards the little boy, who was chewing happily at Joey's lapel, his sapphire blue eyes wide and oblivious.
"But even if he hadn't," Chandler continued, "There was no way I could ever have truly closed the door on you Monica, and I promise that I never will.
I think that the reason we got a little lost and confused in the beginning was because we assumed that we had to choose between love and friendship; but really, there was never any choice for us to make.
You'll always be my best friend; that will never change. And now you're also the mother of my child; the love of my life ; my everything. And those things will never change either.
I'm sure that a few people here today might have found it hard to picture me as a husband or a father; I know I spent a lot of time certain that those things would never happen for me; but with you at my side it's just the most natural thing in the world.
I might have to pinch myself every single day that a woman so devastatingly spectacular wants to spend her life with me, but even though it all feels like some kind of miracle at times, it also feels simple and uncomplicated.
Because I love you Monica; and no matter what happens, I will always love you, and that's just the way it is."
He brought her fingertips to his lips once more, his eyes reaching into hers with an intensity that left her breathless, and in no doubt that he meant every word.
When they had mapped out the order of the ceremony with their celebrant, Monica had been surprised when Chandler had offered to read his vows first; assuming it was an act of chivalry.
But, now, as she attempted to swallow back the knot of emotion inspired by his unfeigned words, and struggled to control the tearful quiver in her voice, she thought ruefully that she should have fought harder to precede him.
But as she relaxed into the softness of their shared gaze she spoke from her heart.
"Chandler, for the longest time I never thought I would find my one special someone; my prince; my soulmate. But then a year and a half ago at another wedding I turned to a friend for comfort and instead I found everything I had been looking for my whole life.
We didn't choose the easiest path to get where we are today, but over time you've taught me that the path itself doesn't really matter.
What matters is that you've made me happier than I ever thought it was possible to be; and that all I want to do is spend my life making you feel the same.
So many times, I've looked at you, and I've thought to myself that I love you so much, I could not possibly love you any more.
But then every day, you do something, or you say something, or you smile at me, and I fall in love with you a little bit more. And my promise to you is that will never change: No matter how impossible it seems, I will always love you more tomorrow.
I want to thank you, Chandler: Thank you for not giving up on me when things were hard; thank you for accepting me and showing me infinite patience; thank you for giving me our beautiful baby boy, and for being the kindest and most loving partner and father in the world; and thank you for making my life a thousand times better than I ever dared to dream it could be.
I love you, Chandler. So much. And I can't wait to spend forever with you."
Chandler lifted his hand to her face, using his thumb to gently sweep a rogue tear from her cheek; his own eyes shining; equally moved.
Neither of them noticed the obvious emotion on the faces of their friends and family; as they had spoken their vows both Monica and Chandler had developed tunnel-vision; seeing and hearing only each other; they might as well have been the only two people in the world.
However, Monica had barely been able to finish speaking before Ben skipped energetically to her side, tugging at her dress, excited to finally be able to perform his long-awaited ring-bearing duties.
In fact, the role of ring-bearer had been spread somewhat thinly, with Ben and Ross taking charge of the band Monica was to give to Chandler; and Joey tasked with helping Jack to hand Monica's ring to his father; practically having to prize the baby's tiny fingers from the jewellery box he had been baffled to have been given to hold, but was suddenly reluctant to release.
After finally being announced as husband and wife, the celebrant's invitation to share their first married kiss could not come soon enough for Chandler and Monica.
They drew each other close with fervor, pouring every ounce of emotion into the depth of their tightly enveloping embrace, and sealing every promise they had made with the tenderest of kisses.
Their ears might have been deaf to the congratulatory cheers of their family and friends, but for baby Jack the jubilation was suddenly all too much, and it was his whimper of disquietude that eventually prompted the couple to draw apart.
The child's grizzles were immediately soothed when he was scooped up by his mother, and Chandler wrapped his arms lovingly around them both as Monica buried her face against Jack's soft head, deeply inhaling the miraculous little human embodiment of their love.
The three of them standing there; intertwined and blissful; at the serene water's edge as the celebrant brought their ceremony to a close was a moment of pure and sublime perfection; one of those defining moments, that both Monica and Chandler knew would remain forever imprinted upon their hearts, and treasured for all eternity.
Judy had been laboriously gathering and drying petals from around their neighborhood ever since Monica and Chandler had announced their engagement, and the couple exited hand-in-hand to a flurry of fragrant confetti, grinning at each other and highly amused by their son's obvious bewilderment at being pelted with flowers as he perched comfortably on Monica's hip.
The settled baby was returned to Joey's care as the newlyweds stumbled giddily away from their guests to enjoy a few moments of privacy, wide smiles of euphoria still pasted across their faces.
As they reached the door to their picturesque log cabin, Chandler grabbed Monica's hand, and dragged her amorously towards him, sweeping her into his arms to carry her over the oaken threshold; a whoop of encouragement from Joey, who had clearly observed the scene from a distance; coinciding with a delighted squeal of surprise from Monica.
She wrapped her arms around her new husband's neck and brought her lips lovingly to his before querying "Aren't we supposed to do the threshold thing when we get home?"
"No idea," Chandler huffed as he struggled to maneuver them both into the room whilst simultaneously pushing the door closed behind them with his back, "We'll do both."
"No back injuries, Mister" she warned as she grinned seductively against his lips, "I want you at the top of your game for later."
As the pair sank back into the cool crisp cotton of the generously proportioned bed it took a moment before either could find any words at all, their minds whirring as they attempted to digest the profound liminal moment the two of them had just shared.
Eventually, Chandler ran a tender finger across Monica's cheek and asked her "Was it how you imagined it would be?"
"It was perfect." she told him huskily as she gazed back into his eyes "I love you so much".
"I love you too, Mrs Bing" he replied with a gentle smile, weaving his fingers intimately through hers.
"Was it how you imagined?" Monica returned his question.
"Everything I ever wanted, and then some" he confirmed dreamily, before a wry smile tugged at his lips "Although... I don't think anybody could ever have imagined that Phoebe would sing that song..."
Monica dissolved into a throaty giggle as she recalled their friend's bold approach to wedding day lyricism.
"Oh my God! I think my favorite line had to be: "The fire of love was lit; And then the condom split". Did you see the look on my mom's face?"
"I'll never unsee it! " Chandler sniggered, as he enjoyed the memory of Judy Geller's slack-jawed horror when she had listened to Phoebe belting out that particular verse of "London Lovin' "
Monica rolled closer and buried her face into the warmth of his neck until her chuckles had subsided.
"Your vows were beautiful" she told him sincerely, "And only one attempt at getting a laugh! I was impressed! "
"Yours were beautiful too" he told her, his voice becoming low and amorous as he swept his hand down the length of her spine and across the curve of her hip, skimming sensual kisses along her jawbone.
"And this dress? God, Monica...you're just.. breathtaking. I can't believe I scored myself such a smokin' hot missus... "
She felt his desirous fingers roaming the small of her back as he investigated the complicated fastenings of her gown; and halted him with a breathy giggle.
"Hey! Hold your horses, Bing. There's no way this dress is coming off until later!" she told him firmly.
"Don't be so selfish!" he landed a gentle tickle of rebuke against her ribs, "I know for a fact that we budgeted for bridal underwear and I haven't even seen it yet! I let you see my new socks!"
"Have you seen how many buttons there are on this dress? Rachel had to use a crochet hook to get me into the damn thing! It's staying on until everybody's gone home!" Monica was steadfast in her commitment to remaining fully clothed at such an early stage of the day.
"Ugh! Fun sponge" Chandler reprimanded her with a frustrated groan.
"We should probably head back out there soon anyway" she mooted sensibly, "Poor Joey's had Jack for ages."
"Either your mom or mine will have kidnapped Jack by now, so I think it's fine for us to stay here for another five minutes," Chandler pointed out peppering kisses across her collarbone, before offering with innocent-eyed nonchalance "Look, I don't mind just feeling you up over the top of your dress if you don't want to take it off yet?..."
Monica considered his proposition with an impish grin before threading her fingers through his hair and dragging his lips back towards hers.
"Yeah, alright!"
The afternoon passed in a joyful blur of champagne, good food and laughter. The weather was sufficiently mild to allow for their rustic banquet style table to be laid outdoors, making the most of the stunning lakeside backdrop; and the group enjoyed a simple but sumptuous Italian style feast, with overflowing platters of antipasti, freshly baked ciabatta, traditionally cured meats and the silkiest mozzarella di bufala Monica had ever tasted.
There were also some crisp authentic stone-baked pizzas that the couple had requested in order to appease Ben, but Chandler did not think he had seen Joey without a slice of it in his hand all afternoon.
Chandler was chatting with Rachel on the lakeside veranda when Ben dashed past with his fraught father in hot pursuit. Ross made a frantic grab for the little boy's arm as he tried to get closer to a colorfully plumed duck that was skating across the glassy water.
"I'm so glad that you decided to get married right by a lake, Chandler" Ross eyed his friend sarcastically, "It's been so relaxing with a four year old. Perhaps for your anniversary we could all go base jumping? Or spend the afternoon playing with knives and matches?"
Rachel and Chandler shared an amused eye-roll.
"Why don't you ask your mom to entertain Ben for a while?" Chandler suggested, "It might take some of the heat off Jack?"
The grandparental friction had reached frightening new levels as the afternoon had progressed, with Chandler's father joining Nora and Judy's unspoken but very real competition to monopolize the baby.
Chandler's eyes moved fondly towards his little boy: Overstimulating as the day had been, Jack had barely napped, and his little face was becoming evermore fractious and exhausted. His blonde head had collapsed against his grandfather's shoulder and his small fists were rubbing desperately at his tired blue eyes as he fought the drag of sleep.
Chandler was inwardly resolving to remove his son from the party to allow him the rest he so clearly needed when Monica approached, placing a gentle hand on both his and Rachel's elbows as she told them, "Jack's fading fast, I really think I'm going to have to put him down to sleep soon."
Chandler slipped his arm around her waist and nodded his agreement.
"No problem at all," Rachel smiled, planting a kiss on Monica's cheek "Just give me a shout when you've settled him down and Aunt Rachel and Aunt Phoebe will retire to their cabin for babysitting duties. I'm so excited to spend the night here! It's so beautiful! This has just been the most incredible wedding, you guys!"
Ross heaved his son into his arms and told them "We should really head off now too, I think Ben's pretty tired."
"I am not!" Ben protested with a vehement wriggle.
"It's been such an amazing day, you guys" Ross continued softly, ignoring the silent continuing wrestle with his son "I am just so happy for you both."
Ross took Ben to round up Joey ready for their drive back to the city, and their imminent departure encouraged both sets of parents to hug and kiss their congratulations and well wishes, and begin to contemplate their respective journeys home; smiles were glued to every face; the celebration of love having ignited joy in each and every soul.
The sky had faded through lilac to indigo, and the soft blanket of cloud that had kept this most special of days so temperate and still, had begun to disperse just enough to allow an occasional glimpse of the infinite twinkle of stars and the pale sliver of the waxing moon.
The cheerful dulcet birdsong that had provided the soundtrack to their reception had been replaced by a gentle hum of the season's last remaining insects and the occasional shuffles and haunting calls of enigmatic nocturnal beasts.
Monica gazed out over the inky hush of the lake, a flute of champagne in one hand, the other drawing her satin robe tightly across her chest.
She was already missing the weight of the elegant gown that had hung so gracefully from her frame, quietly mourning how tragic it was that life offered such a scarcity of opportunities to wear such beautiful things.
The removal of said garment had not been quite the romantic undressing that Chandler had envisaged: The multitude of tiny buttons and loops had; just as Monica warned; caused him significant problems, and he had spent a good twenty minutes cursing in frustration at his lack of dexterity; with Monica barking impatient words of unhelpful and unrequested advice over her shoulder as he fumbled away.
He had, however, been duly impressed by the eventual reveal of the highly anticipated bridal underwear.
The two of them had fallen exhausted and euphoric into the down-filled comfort of their bed, and had come together unhurriedly; their bodies gliding, langorous, slow and tender, as they spilled every drop of the day's intense emotion into a sublimely heightened sensual connection.
Each of them was entirely enveloped in the other; as they explored their deep and well-established bond with a renewed and focused curiosity, and a mind-blowing intimacy, that managed to make everything feel somehow brand new.
The dreamy smile that had not left Monica's lips all afternoon had been firmly cemented by the ecstasy of that consummation, but now as she contemplated the dark tranquility of the lake, she found her eyes drifting anxiously in the direction of the second log cabin, the glow of which was barely visible, almost entirely obscured from her view by trees.
"Do you think Jack is OK?" she called out to Chandler as she heard him emerge from the bathroom, a fluffy towel tied around his waist and another slung over his shoulders.
"Yeah, he'll be fine!" Chandler replied confidently, topping up his flute of champagne and heading out onto the veranda to join his new wife.
"And the good thing is, even if he's not, he's probably just about far enough away that we won't be able to hear him. So it's not really our problem"
Monica met his mischievous grin and nonchalant shrug with a stern glare.
"He'll be fine" Chandler reaffirmed, balancing his glass on the wooden railing and removing Monica's from her hand to do the same. "The kid was so exhausted, he'll be out for the count tonight."
He wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her back from her maternal anxiety with a soft kiss that he could not wait to deepen.
She let out a gasp of surprise, realizing that he had deftly slipped her robe from her shoulders as he began to drag hot kisses across her decolletage.
"Hey!" she protested, feeling her skin pucker at this unexpected exposure to the cool of the night air, and she hiked the garment back up primly.
Chandler smirked at her unnecessary demureness and began to tease, "Who do you think is going to see us? Oh... actually... I do see a pretty shocked looking owl up there in that tree...and that deer peeking over from behind that bush looks appalled!"
"You're an idiot" she told him, shutting him up with a fond kiss. "And what kind of sick pervert wants to do it in front of owls and deers anyway?"
She pulled away and looked out over the lake her eyes suddenly pensive.
"Do you feel a little bit sad?" she asked hesitantly, "That it's all over?"
He regarded her softly as he combed his fingers through the midnight waves of her hair.
"Well, I wish we could do it all over again... " he conceded, "But honestly? I feel excited. This isn't the end of anything Mon, we're right at the beginning: Our marriage just started."
A wide smile crept across her face and a pleasant sparkle of electricity traveled down her spine.
"We have so many exciting things coming up" he assured her with a wistful grin, "Maybe that new house we talked about, with a lawn for Jack to play ball on... Maybe a little brother or sister to chase him around.."
"Really?" she beamed, eyes dancing.
"Yeah!" he exclaimed with certainty, "Have you seen how cute that kid is? We should definitely make more of those - we're excellent at it!"
"Yeah. We're the best" she agreed, hugging him tightly, her voice suddenly quiet "You're right. And I can't wait, Chandler. I can't wait to live every moment of it with you. I love you so much."
"I love you too" he told her gently, placing a languid kiss against her lips with a tenderness that caused both of their hearts to throb with almost painful intensity, as they acknowledged the absolute perfection of this very moment, and eagerly contemplated the unknowable enchantments their next chapter might hold.
They smiled at each other through the velvet darkness, eyes overflowing with love, and flickering with need.
Monica felt Chandler's fingers tugging at her robe again as he said gruffly, "Now come on, let's shock that owl.."
But the desirous flames in his eyes had allowed her to anticipate his move, and before he knew it she had lunged for his towel.
"Get inside!" she ordered with a spicy laugh, as she used the towel to whip at his legs, "You're obviously cold!"
"Hey! There's no need to be so insulting!" he responded, his face full of outrage, using his other towel to protect his own modesty as his eyes dropped to examine his near-naked form.
"I was talking about your goosebumps!" she giggled, herding him towards the amber warmth of the door "Come on! Get in!"
"Probably for the best" he smirked between kisses as he shepherded her urgently towards the bed "What I've got planned for you, Mrs Bing? It's not for the faint-hearted. Rachel and Phoebe would probably have thought there was a fox howling out there in the trees if we'd stayed out there.. "
"Sounds to me like you've set yourself a challenge there..." she growled back with a delighted grin, "Come on then Bing, Show me what you've got".