Sandra Green had moved into Manhattan after divorcing her husband eight years before. This had become very convenient for Rachel since Emma had been born. While Ross and Rachel loved having Emma around, it had been nice to have someone that could watch her if both of them had something going on. They always had to check with each other when making social plans outside of the group. If one was busy, it had never been a problem for the other to watch Emma. But if both had something going on socially or for work, Sandra never had a problem watching Emma. Now that Ross and Rachel were back together, Emma would get to spend time with her parents at the same time. Yet, they both knew that having romantic nights would be possible thanks to the babysitter that lived uptown.
It was a warm day in New York so Ross and Rachel decided to walk several blocks before catching a cab to take them to Sandra's apartment. It had been so many years since the two of them had walked hand in hand along the streets of this amazing city, and they wanted to savor this moment.
Within moments familiar memories were reoccurring. Rachel saw several pairs of shoes in store windows that she just had to see. Ross remembered all the times he just wanted to make dinner reservations or a movie but had been late because Rachel wanted to go shopping. However, today he just smiled at her and was thankful that she was back in his life.
"Rach, what's wrong with the shoes on your feet?" He playfully tugged at her hand as he asked the question.
"But those are just sooo cute," she said pointing at a pair of heels sitting in a window.
"How about we go buy me some new shoes? I can be fancy too you know."
"You are quite the fancy professor," Rachel said as she winked at Ross.
"I am. I'm the most stylish guy in the whole paleontology department at NYU. Those other guys are such geeks!"
"Well if you're not a geek then I guess we can throw out all of Emma's dinosaur stuff. We wouldn't want her to end up like those crazy people in your department." Rachel spoke in a very sarcastic tone. She knew this would drive Ross crazy.
"Well, maybe I'm a little bit of a geek," Ross said as he took Rachel's hand and kissed it.
Ross pulled Rachel to the side so they could get out of the busy street.
"Wha……," she started as he put his hand on her cheek.
He didn't say anything. He just stood there. He wanted to look at her and remember this moment forever. His smile was enough of an indicator for Rachel to know what he wanted. They just gazed at each other, forgetting all of the hard times they had been through over the years. The feelings that were rushing through their bodies could not be described with words. Yet, it was really simple when it came down to it. They were completely and utterly in love with each other.
"Hey, you know what I was thinking?" Rachel finally asked after they came out of their dazes. She put both arms around his neck and pulled him close to her.
"Alley?" Ross said jokingly.
"Hah, no. What if we get Emma today and just spend the next few days hanging out? Maybe you can get someone to cover your classes."
"Hmm," Ross said as he rubbed his hands up and down her back. "I might be able to make that happen."
"But then maybe next weekend we can go somewhere. Just the two of us. You know, somewhere really romantic."
"Where did you have in mind?" Ross asked as he brushed Rachel's hair from her face.
"I don't know. Maybe upstate or Vermont. We could get a cabin or something and just stay in bed all weekend."
"But there's a prehistoric Mesozoic Triassic exhibit in town next weekend. I just don't know if I can," Ross said sarcastically.
Rachel pinched his butt.
"On the other hand," he continued.
He gave her a light kiss on the lips.
"I think there's no place in the world I'd rather go."
"Mmmm, I can't wait," she responded, giving his butt another pinch.
They made their way back onto the street knowing that they shouldn't avoid going to pick up their daughter any longer.
When they arrived at Sandra's apartment Rachel became so excited to see her daughter. She still couldn't believe that she considered taking Emma away from Ross. Rachel loved observing Ross with her. He just had this way with Emma that she adored. He was an amazing father and Rachel couldn't wait to finally be part of a family with him.
"Hi, Mom!" Rachel exclaimed as Sandra opened the door. "How was she?"
Ross stood behind Rachel and gave a silent wave to Sandra as she met Rachel for a hug.
"Aw, she was great like always. But I know she missed you."
Ross and Rachel stepped into the entryway.
"She's actually still taking a nap. Do you two want to come in and fill me in on our new arrangements?"
Ross couldn't tell from her tone if she was happy for them.
"Mom, what do we need to fill you in on?" Rachel asked as Sandra led them into her living room. Ross and Rachel took a seat on the couch and clutched each other's hands. Sandra sat across from them.
"I just want to make sure you're making the right decision. You two have been on and off more than all of the light switches in this house. It would not be good for Emma to see you guys fighting all the time."
"Mom, why would you even…" Rachel started.
"Because you've quit your job and given up a great opportunity and now you have no way to support yourself. I'm not sure that you're thinking rationally."
"Sandra," Ross said cutting in but then paused. "I love your daughter. I've never quit loving her through all these years." He turned his head toward Rachel to give her the reassurance her mother wanted. Rachel smiled at him.
"Rachel and Emma can move in with me. That's the way I want it. And if Rach wants to stay at home with Emma, I have no problem supporting the two of them. If she wants to work, I will be supportive of that too. I just don't think you realize how much I love her. Because I love her more than life itself."
Rachel listened to these amazing words come out of his mouth. She couldn't help but think that she was the luckiest woman in the world.
"Well Ross, I'm sorry if I came off negative towards you. I guess seeing the two of you here together is all I need," Sandra said.
"This is going to be good, Mom. You know she won't have to go back and forth between us anymore. We're finally a family."
Emma's cries could now be heard coming from the other room.
"Sounds like she's up," Rachel said as she stood up from the couch.
Ross stood up behind her and they made their way into the guest bedroom where Emma had been sleeping. Rachel ran to the crib and grabbed her so she could stop her crying.
"Hi, baby girl," Rachel said as she stroked Emma's hair.
Ross stood in the doorway, watching the two girls he loved the most in this world.
"Dada," Emma softly said as she pointed at her father.
"Uh, I guess she wants her Daddy," Rachel said as she handed Emma off to Ross.
"Oh, she just knows that I want to give you both a big hug." Ross pulled Rachel close to him. Her arms wrapped around his torso and her head rested next to Emma's. This was possibly the greatest moment of their lives.
"Look at you Emma. You look so cute today," Ross said while Rachel just smiled and watched him interact with her. She still had her arms around him. "You are just as beautiful as your mom."
"Aww, look at you guys," Sandra said as she came into the bedroom.
"We're so lucky," Rachel whispered as she looked deep into Ross' eyes.
He smiled and nodded. They went out into the living room and spent a few more minutes with Sandra before gathering Emma's stuff. They made their way back onto the New York streets with Ross pushing Emma in a stroller. Rachel walked next to them keeping her hand on Ross'. She didn't want to have to go more than a second without feeling his skin. This time they felt that they were the only two people in the city except for their miracle that lay asleep in front of them.