The One With...

Monica: December 5

I couldn't stop smiling; I was the happiest I've ever been. Two beautiful children, one on the way, and the perfect husband right along side of me; I dont think the puzzle fit any better.

I grinned at him, and he returned it with a gaze from the corner of his eye. We shared that moment only for a few seconds before pulling into my parents' driveway.

They had babysat the twins for us while we were at the appointment, and were over eager to do so.

We entered the house arm in arm, and were promptly engulfed in the heat of my former residence.

As we entered the living room, Jack and Erica quickly saw us and waddled over to greet us; they beamed at our smiling faces. We picked them up and smooched their chubby cheeks. I sat Jack on my hip and Chandler bounced Erica lightly; we turned our attention to my parents.

"How did it go?" My dad asked.

I beamed at him and pulled out the sonogram picture from my purse; I handed it to my mother and she lightly rubbed her fingertip over it.

"Im sure it's beautiful," she smiled.

Dad leaned his head toward the picture and was awestruck; I smiled at them and then at Chandler.

"So, Chandler," Mom started, "how do you feel about all of this?"

I sighed quietly; she still couldn't get over the belief that he was incompetent as a patriarch, and as a husband in general. We've been married for four years, and our children are over a year old, yet she still feels that he's going to crack under the pressure. He's not the same man that he was a year and a half ago, but shes adamant. Luckily, Chandler had a great defense.

"To be honest with you, Judy," Chandler began, "the news was very surprising. Jack, im sure you can agree with me on this: new baby, new responsibilities, new future; it's a little overwhelming hearing the words, 'I'm pregnant.' But now that the momentary surprise of that phrase has subsided, I have a huge outlook on the coming future. The fact that Monica and I were told we couldn't conceive and now shes carrying our child is pretty shocking. But not in a way that makes me nervous or anxious about whats to come. I couldn't be happier that this has happened, and we're already doing the baby thing with two; whats one more? I don't think Monica and I have ever come across anything that we couldn't handle. We've struggled, sure, but who hasn't? I've grown up a lot in the past year and a half, and while this journey won't be easy, its 100% worth it and I couldn't be more thrilled to embark on it with her."

I could see in my mother's eyes that she was not expecting such an answer; she had finally changed her mind about him.

I smiled into Chandler's eyes; he rubbed my back with his free hand.

Erica started crying; he stood up, bouncing her softly in his arms, shushing her quietly. He took the bottle from the table and placed it in her mouth. Erica calmed, and her eyes started to close while she was drinking. Chandler sat back down with her, gently guiding the bottle.

"Well Chandler, I must say I'm quite surprised," Mom started, "I had no idea how mature you have become. I think it's great how confident and determined you feel about handling this. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about with you two, but of course, we are here to help if need be."

"Thanks Mom, that means a lot," I grinned.

I looked down at Jack; he had fallen asleep. I brushed his face lightly with my finger.

"We should probably be on our way," I sighed lightly, "thanks for babysitting."

"No problem at all," Dad smiled as he helped pack the diaper bag. I flung it over my shoulder and gently laid Jack in the carrier. His neck was bunched and he looked as chubby as ever. I smiled as I picked up the carrier, and followed Chandler out the door. Once everything and everyone was settled, I gently pressed my lips on his. He laced his fingers in mine, and we left the house.