A/N: I have been thinking about this alternate story on Chandler's proposal at the restaurant before the big tree showed up. Hope you enjoy it. And of course I don't own FRIENDS. ;)

Now or never

As Chandler and Monica left the apartment on their way to Monica's favorite restaurant, Chandler was insanely nervous. But his nervousness faded when he looked at Monica. He was never been this sure in his entire life that Monica is the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with.

He was now looking forward to see the look on her face when she sees the ring. When she answers yes the moment he ask her to marry him, oh God let her marry me.

They made it to the restaurant without Monica suspecting anything, despite the odd behavior of their friends. Chandler was happy to have Ross, Joey, Rachel, and Phoebe know about his plans so he could share his excitement with them, but how he wished they didn't stare at her like they're going to cry knowing what's going to happen.

When they got to their table, Monica excused herself to go to the restroom. Chandler checked for the ring in his pocket for at least the fifth time since they had left. He smiled to himself, this is it, this will be the day that will change my life forever.

"What are you doing?" Monica asked, looking at the odd position of his hand on his chest when she came back.

Chandler thought quickly. "One nation," he began, adjusting his hand to the proper position for the Pledge of Allegiance, "under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Chandler laughed nervously. "I remembered it! Oh look, the champagne is here!"

As the waiter poured their champagne, he fidgeted a little, preparing himself for what he was going do next. It's time.

"Are you okay?" Monica asked, putting a hand on his arm.

"Yes, yes," Chandler replied, attempting to act as normal as possible. "I'm good. Are you good? Are you good? Is everything—? Are you per— are you per— per— perfect?" Chandler stuttered knowing that he was obviously not acting normal.

"Yeah, I'm okay," Monica smiled at him. "I'm actually, I'm a little cold though. Could I have your jacket?"

"Oh, yeah," said Chandler, beginning to remove his jacket until he saw the lump in the left inside pocket. The ring. He looks at her again, crap, it's really chilly here and she's really cold. This is now or never.

He handed his jacket to her. "Thanks honey, now we can drink the champagne," she's still adjusting his jacket when she raised her eyebrows at him. "Huh, what's this thing in your pocket?" she asked teasingly.

"You can take a look at it," he nervously grinned at her. He cannot contain his smile.

Monica held out the small box, and look at him. She had figured it out. "Chandler…" she trailed off as if looking for permission to open it. He just gazed at her adoringly.

When she opened the box and saw the ring adorned with sapphires, she immediately felt tears welling in her eyes. "Oh my god…" she said looking at him.

Chandler held her hand, "Monica before I met you I had really little life and I couldn't imagine growing old with anyone, until I found you. I mean, don't tell Joey this but you are my best friend", she laughed at this knowing he's probably nervous. "You are one of my favorite people in the entire world, but these past two years with you have just been...amazing. Hands down the best years of my life." He held up his hands with his palms open as if to tell her he is in earnest. "I've known for a while now that, for me, there really isn't a life without you. I have never loved anyone as much as I love you and you know it. Sometimes I wish we hadn't had to wait until London to figure this out so we could have had even more time together, but at the same time, I love how everything worked out for us in the end. Either way, we can't change the past, but I do know what I want for the future. What I want to say is that you make me happier than I ever thought I could be and if you let me I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way, if you'll have me." Chandler moved out of his chair and knelt down on one knee, "Monica Elizabeth Geller, will you marry me?"

The words were barely out of his mouth before Monica answered. "Yes!"

Chandler inhaled quickly before moving back into his chair so he could kiss his fiancee.

The pair separated for a moment so Chandler could remove the ring from the box and place it on her finger. The people from the restaurant applauded on what they witnessed, which Chandler and Monica acknowledged with smiles, glancing around them.

As Chandler held Monica, he noticed that she had started crying. He wiped her cheeks lightly with his thumb.

"I love you so much, Chandler," she said looking at him with a smile.

Chandler grinned back at her. "I love you, too."

She started giggling, "So this is why you've been so weird all night? And everyone at the apartment kept staring at me before we left?"

Chandler nodded, "Yeah, that'd be it. Our friends aren't the best at keeping secrets. I'm just glad my surprise wasn't ruined. Phoebe knew I was planning to do this for weeks now after Heldi called."

"Heldi? Who's Heldi," Monica asked with a confused look on her face.

"The lady from Morgand Chase Museum. I've actually checked the place and it was beautiful. You don't mind me placing a deposit there, do you? I mean it will be a year from now but I just want to make sure…"

Monica just stared at him in awe, "You've done that?"

Chandler replied, "To secure the place. And I'm glad you said yes because if said no…."

Monica shook her head, "Why do you have to be so perfect?" she said gazing at him.

Chandler chuckled, "You Mon of all people know that I'm far from perfect."

"But you're perfect for me." Monica answered him with tears on her eyes again. He held her hand and kissed her knuckles with an expression of happiness on his face.

The newly engaged couple enjoyed their evening as if they are the only people that exist in that moment.

End.

A/N: I have to end it there. I don't want the big tree showing up after Chandler's moment.

I may write have some Mondler ideas and write it when I'm not busy. Please R&R guys. And you have instagram, follow me mondlerconfessions for Mondler goodness. :)