Author's Note: HERE IT IS- the final chapter! I'm sorry it's taken so long, but I wanted to make sure that it was just right! It was a great deal of fun to write, and now I'm wondering what I'm going to write next!

The song lyrics are: 'You Raise Me Up' by Westlife, and 'Amazed' by Lonestar

Thank you to all my loyal readers- your comments have been great, and I'm glad you've all liked it so much… thank you to: Clarisse Renaldi, Poppinswannabe, JUJUChick16, risingdancer, LochinbluSpirit, LadyLuxembourg, Kristi-Julie, addlogcon, and fantasyinmymind, as well as everyone else who reads it!

The Princess Diaries doesn't belong to me!

Joe was woken the following morning by someone banging on the door and shouting in:

"Time to get up- breakfast in the kitchen in ten minutes!"

He grinned as he squinted at his watch- it was just after nine- obviously the boys wanted the day to get underway. He rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling, still grinning- it was still unbelievable thinking about everything that had happened in the past twelve months…

This time last year, he had been a wreck (although hiding it well), wondering what his next move was going be when Clarisse had surprised both him and the country by marrying him in a ceremony originally intended for her granddaughter… but it had been one of the happiest days in his life…

When Clarisse had therefore mentioned her idea to him, she had been bright red, clearly embarrassed and shy (two traits he found endearing in her, particularly when she was normally so reserved), but she needn't have worried- he had loved the idea.

"I take it you're willing to get married again?" she teased softly as, after kissing her long and sweetly, he scooped her up and walked towards the bedroom.

"Of course- anything you want to do, so do I," he said gently before kissing her again…

A little while later, she murmured: "I guess we're engaged then," as she snuggled up to him.

"Engaged and married at the same time- we do like to be different!" he chuckled.

"I like it…" she whispered before they drifted off to sleep…

When he strolled into the kitchen a little while later, he was surprised to discover most of the men sitting around and sipping coffee while Scott was helping the chefs prepare breakfast, whistling a tune that sounded familiar, but Joe couldn't place at the moment. He accepted a cup of coffee from Scott and sat down between Nick and Sebastian before spying James and Charlie at the other end of the table, looking under the weather, and he couldn't help but laugh.

"How are you two feeling?" he teased, and James smiled weakly.

"Yes… I'm just glad that you were sensible last night- I very much doubt I would have been able to handle an angry Clarisse this morning!"

"I don't think you would have either," Joe chortled. "Still, I am glad that I will be able to see my wife walking up the aisle this afternoon."

"Wouldn't she still be your fiancée?" Nick asked, and Joe looked pensive- while they had considered themselves 'engaged', he hadn't thought of it in that way, but it was a sweet thought- Clarisse as his fiancée…

"That means you would be her fiancé," Scott muttered under his breath, and Joe laughed.

"Yes Nick, she would be still my fiancée, I just hadn't thought of it in that way… So, Scott, what are the plans for the rest of the morning?"

"Hanging out here- no one, except the maids, are allowed upstairs," Scott said cheerfully, still whistling the tune as he distributed breakfast around the table.

Joe concentrated hard on the tune he was whistling, and suddenly burst out laughing when he recognised the tune.

"You cheeky… it's 'Get Me to the Church on Time' from My Fair Lady, isn't it?"

"I was wondering when you would finally get it," Scott grinned as he sat down opposite Joe. "Although, technically, we've only got to get you to the throne room, but I couldn't resist!"

"Just you wait…" Joe growled with a grin, before looked up to see, standing in the doorway, looking like his father except for his mother's blue eyes, and wearing black…

"Pierre… You made it!"

0000

Upstairs meanwhile, Clarisse opened her eyes and realised that, beyond her closed bedroom doors, the rest of the suite was very quiet… it seemed that the other ladies were still asleep, she surmised to herself with a grin. That suited her perfectly as she wanted to have a quiet walk around the garden before the day became chaotic.

She wasn't particularly nervous about the day- she had been terrified on her first wedding day, and hadn't expected the second, but now… she was excited, and she couldn't wait to see Joseph- 24 hours apart was simply lunacy!

After getting dressed, she strolled out to the living room to discover Maurice, let in by a member of staff, sitting patiently on his bed, waiting to greet his mistress. She hadn't taken him on his early morning walks for months, but she and Joseph usually took him out at least once a day, and the dog had always loved Joseph, much to Clarisse's delight.

"Let's go for a walk, Maurice," she said cheerfully as he followed her towards the door.

The hallways were still very quiet, but she knew that everyone would soon be up and about, getting ready for the wedding. Even though she saw no signs of life, Clarisse only relaxed when she was in the garden, getting further and further away from the cameras…

She did love her early morning walks (although they had been few and far between since her marriage, Clarisse relishing the chance to sleep in with Joseph) - the grounds were still bereft of people, and the natural world was coming to life…

After a little while wandering around, she was about to head back when she noticed one of the palace golf cars was parked down near the stables… who on earth would be out on a cart at this time, she wondered to herself, staring at it for a moment, before deciding to investigate.

As she approached the stables, she realised she could hear voices- a man and a woman- and that they were just around the corner form where she was standing. As she stood there, she quickly realised, to her embarrassment, that they were doing more thank talking… probably Scott and Charlotte, she thought with a smile, starting to turn away, but she froze when she heard the woman say:

"Boy Joe, you sure can kiss."

Joseph? Clarisse's eyes widened in shock- what would he be doing down here… but, more importantly, who would he be kissing?

"Thanks," he heard the man reply, and the world spun around for a moment- it was Joseph!

"But shouldn't you be getting back to the palace to get ready? After all, you are getting remarried today!" the woman purred.

"They can wait…"

"What about your wife? Surely she'll notice you missing!"

"She'll be fine for a little while longer… what she doesn't know won't hurt her… no come here and kiss me!"

Clarisse's eyes filled with tears at his callous tone, and it took several attempts before she could physically walk away… all she knew was that she was absolutely heartbroken, and had no idea what she was going to do…

Just then……

"Grandma? Grandma!" came Mia's voice from a great distance, accompanied by knocking on the door, and Clarisse sat bolt upright in bed, drenched in sweat and tears running down her face… what was going on? Surely… what she had just heard… had it all been just a dream? It had seemed so real, and she still felt devastated… had she really only dreamed it?

"Grandma, are you alright?" Mia knocked on the door again, and Clarisse managed to pull herself together enough to reply, in her normal voice:

"I'm fine- I'll be right out!"

Clarisse lay back on her pillows, surprised to feel herself shaking badly with fright and nerves- it had only been a dream, she told herself, or had it? Maybe she was being told something- what if he didn't want to marry her? What if he had just been playing along to keep her happy? What if, after a year of marriage, he had had enough but didn't want to tell her?

Her thoughts were becoming wilder and less coherent as she continued to brood, still trembling like mad, and she knew there was one thing she could do- call him and find out… She grabbed the phone from the bedside table and walked into the dressing room, closing the door behind her, and then dialling….

00

Downstairs in the kitchen, there was an awkward silence- most of the men remembered the ugly scenes Pierre had caused prior to his departure, and both James and Charlie could definitely remember the way he had treated Clarisse. However, as Joseph made introductions, they all silently decided to be civil for the sake of the royal couple, but it would be a long time before they would forget…

Joe, sensing the tension, was about to take him outside for a chat before he heard his phone. Hurrying out into the hallway, he glanced at the number- what was Clarisse ringing for?

"Hello," he said calmly, but there was only silence on the other end. "Clarisse, I thought you didn't do pranks…" before he realised he could hear her quietly sobbing. "Honey… is there something wrong?" he asked, concerned, and Clarisse took several shaky breaths, trying to calm down.

"Do you… do you still want… to go through with the wedding today?" she managed to choke out, and he frowned slightly.

"What do you mean? Of course I do- why, don't you?"

"I just thought… you might have changed your mind…"

"I haven't… but have you?" Joe asked slowly now worried- what was wrong with Clarisse? She had sounded so happy the previous evening- what had happened to make her so upset?

"No, I haven't," before she dissolved into tears again.

"Clarisse… Clarisse, darling, please tell me what's wrong."

"You're going to think I'm silly…"

"No I won't- just talk to me."

"I had a dream that… that you were in the garden with another woman, and you didn't want to marry me" she wailed, well aware she sounded irrational and hating it. Joseph could tell she felt foolish, but he also detected a note of hysteria, as well as nerves, in her voice.

"It was only a dream, my love- I've been in the kitchen all morning… and of course I still want today to happen."

He paused for a moment, thinking hard, before an idea struck him. "Do you want me to come upstairs now?"

"I thought we were supposed to wait…"

"I don't care- you sound very upset, and I'm sure everyone will understand."

"Yes… please come up," she said in a small voice.

After calling and explaining that he wanted to see Clarisse to a very understanding Mia (who had confided 'I think she's nervous- she hasn't been out of her room yet!"), he poked his head into the kitchen (the tension dissipating thanks to Nick, Scott and Sebastian) and attracted Scott's attention.

"I need to go upstairs to see Clarisse- I know we're not supposed to, but she sounds very upset…"

"Don't worry- we actually didn't think you would last for 24 hours… I personally had you two down for four hours maximum!"
"Thanks for your vote of confidence!" Joe chuckled before heading towards the stairs.

Mia was just leaving the suite when he arrived.

"I forgot the champagne!" she joked, but then sobered up. "I hope she's alright."

"She will be- I think, despite thinking she wouldn't get too nervous, she might be a little overwhelmed at the moment… But you and Scott are never doing this to us again!" he growled affectionately at her, and she laughed.

He was a little apprehensive as he opened the bedroom door, but his heart went out to Clarisse when he saw her huddled on the bed, clutching a pillow and looking out the window.

"What's all this about the bride being miserable on her wedding day?" Joe teased gently as he stretched out on the bed next to her, and she turned to look at him with a weak smile. "Surely you can't be that unhappy about marrying me again!"

"Oh Joseph, I'm sorry…" she whimpered as she turned over to face him, and he wrapped his arms around her as she began to cry softly.

She cried for a little while, mostly out of relief that Joseph was there with her, and he rubbed her back soothingly, murmuring words of comfort.

"I'm sorry," she said again when she stopped weeping and pulled away to look at him. "I don't understand this- I was fine yesterday."

"We'll worry about that in a moment- I want to hear about this dream."

She falteringly told him about it, and Joe suddenly understood- he could recall her telling him about a time she had overheard Rupert flirting with a woman… the dream sounded very much like what had happened…

He also realised that she was worried that he, like Rupert, would cheat- she had never mentioned her fears, but he wasn't at all surprised that something had emerged… it was no wonder her already high emotions had threatened to overwhelm her.

"I know it's silly- in the year we've been married, and the years we've been together, you've never given me cause to suspect you doing that… but it just felt so real…" she shuddered as she rested her cheek on his shoulder.

"And the feelings you had felt real because you've had them before," he added as he stroked her hair. "This nightmare sounds very much like the time you overheard Rupert…"

Clarisse looked surprised- she had chosen to forget all of Rupert's infidelities (mostly to keep her sanity), but she could still recall the time she had almost caught him…

"Of course… I had forgotten… yet, I still don't understand why I've gone to pieces over a dream!"

"I suspect that your emotions are high as anything at the moment, and with three weddings worth of nerves to let out, it's not wonder you got slightly hysterical this morning!"

"But I'm usually so calm and steady…"

"I know, which is why I find it so endearing to see you become a wreck like this," he teased, and she laughed, feeling better.

"Now that we've sorted out that dream, I'm going to prove that you are the only one I want to marry."

He tipped her chin up so that she was looking at him, and gave her a soft and tender kiss on the lips. "Does that convince you?"

"Yes," she said with a timid smile as she leant back on his chest, his steady heartbeat settling her down.

"You know, we don't have to do this today- we can postpone it, or… we can grab James, Mia and Scott and have the ceremony in the garden," he said softly.

"That would be lovely, but I don't want to let everyone else down… I know that it's our day, but they've been so wonderful with the wedding preparations, and I don't want to leave them out… I just needed some reassurance…"

"Which you got," he said, lifting one of her hands to his lips.

"I could use a nap," she yawned and stretched before cuddling up to him again. "But I've already caused problems this morning…"

"You haven't- the guys don't know where I've gone!"

"Still, I might have a nap this afternoon."

"Oh will you, my love?" he laughed. "But you don't know what's going on this afternoon!"

"I just hope there are no more surprise- there aren't, are there?"

"Well," Joe squirmed slightly- he had forgotten about Pierre until now, and he wasn't sure how Clarisse would react. "There is one or two… Pierre's here."

"Pierre… HERE?" she sat up and looked at him, more astonished than anything. "Why is he here?"

"I know you wanted to wait, but I thought that he should be here to see how happy you are… you're not angry are you?" he asked anxiously as Clarisse continued to stare at him.

"No, I'm not," she finally said. "It is a surprise," she said honestly, not quite sure how she felt. "I have forgiven him, but not quite forgotten… however, today is not the day to relive any of that."

"Good girl," he said encouragingly- although he wanted them to reconcile, he could more than understand why she was less than enthusiastic about seeing him again. "I was going to get him to walk you up the aisle…"

"That's a sweet idea, but not that you and I are no longer banned from seeing each other, I think I would prefer you…" and he laughed as she leaned over and kissed him.

"I can do that with you," he joked.

There was a long, comfortable silence as Clarisse relaxed completely- she had been a little hysterical earlier, but it had only been a nightmare… Joseph was here with here, telling her he would never leave her… Joe, on the other hand, was relieved that he had come upstairs- Clarisse when she was upset was something he didn't like to see.

After a while, there was a knock on the door, and Mia peered nervously around the door.

"I hat to interrupt, but the bride is going to have to begin getting ready soon… The groom can stay if she would like…"

"No, he can't, "Clarisse suddenly leapt of the bed, now invigorated by the event ahead. "He needs to wait until I meet him downstairs."

"I have been told," Joseph chuckled as he headed towards the door. "I suppose I can disappear," he threw a joking look over at his wife, who hurried over to kiss him. "I'll see you in a few hours… right?" he said the last word softly, and she smiled back at him.

"Of course- at the bottom of the main stairs… and thank you…"

When Joseph disappeared, Clarisse turned to Mia, suddenly apologetic.

"I'm sorry…"

"No Grandma, we really shouldn't have tried to keep you two apart," Mia said calmly as Clarisse followed her into the living room, where the others were waiting. "By the way, Annie's doing your hair and makeup."

"That is, if you trust me," Annie smiled nervously, and Clarisse pressed her hand warmly as she passed.

"I trust you completely, Annie," she said calmly, accepting a cup of tea from someone and sitting down. She was fine again, but getting a little nervous- they were getting married…

000

The remains of the morning passed quickly- no one questioned where to or why Joe had disappeared for nearly two hours, "secret groom's business" Scott said cheekily suggested, but when everyone laughed, he winked at Joe, and he knew he wouldn't betray him. Even James and Charlie came back to life as noon approached and passed, and Joe knew, as he went to have a shower, that it would be chaotic until after the ceremony, but he didn't care- knowing that Clarisse was alright was all that matter.

For Clarisse, meanwhile, things were less chaotic, and while she was still nervous, she was feeling better, so much so that she managed to relax during the champagne lunch, although she was rather pensive… She had never really understood how intense her feelings were for Joseph (in fact, it was rather frightening), but she also knew how much she adored him, and vice versa… the one man in her life (excluding Phillipe) who had never let her down…

After lunch, the others disappeared to get dressed, leaving Clarisse alone to her thoughts and to get dressed. She now felt foolish about the dream, but she was glad to see Joseph, even for a little while… She stared at her dress for several moment- she couldn't believe how beautiful it was- and she wouldn't wait for Joseph to see it- it was all for him…

She was just fastening her string of pearls around her neck when she heard a knock on the door.

"No Joseph, you can't come in!" she laughed as she padded through the suite to answer the door. She was ready to give him another smart comment when she opened the door, but her smile froze when she saw Pierre standing there, looking out of place and embarrassed.

"Pierre!"

"Hello…" he began awkwardly.

"Come in," Clarisse said quietly, standing back and watching her tall son step into the room. He looked at her for a moment, and wasn't surprised to see a flash of anger flit through her eyes before she smiled.

"I hope you don't mind that I came up."

"Of course not," Clarisse smiled, and he could tell that she was on his guard with him. "When did you arrive?" she asked politely, sinking into a nearby chair as he continued to stand.

"Early this morning- unfortunately, I have to fly back this evening, but Joseph thought…"

"Yes, he told me… it is lovely to see you," she replied with a forced smile. "How is your parish?"

"Fine- I'm fairly bush with weddings and such… did you get my letter?"

"Yes, Joseph showed it to me."

"I hope you know that I meant every word- I am sorry…"

"Pierre," she began in a gentler tone as she stood and walked towards him. "Today is not the day to discuss that but," she continued as she reached up and patted his cheek. "I am glad that you're here…" before she hugged him warmly.

There would always be a distance between them, not only because of the things that had been said, but also of their very different personalties… but she hadn't been lying- she was glad that he was here.

"But I need to say that you look absolutely beautiful, Mother," Pierre said when they broke apart.

"Thank you," she smiled graciously as she finally fastened her pearls. She was about to speak again when the door burst open and Mia barged in, clad in a tight blue strapless dress and holding two bouquets.

"Grandma, it's time to go!"

"I know," Clarisse said calmly, disappearing into the bedroom to retrieve the shoes. "By the way, have you…"

"Pierre and I… sure, we meant a little while ago. Anyway, back to you- you look STUNNING!"

Clarisse laughed at her enthusiastic response, but when she had emerged, Pierre had gone.

"He had to go- everyone is downstairs, gathering in the throne room."

Clarisse looked at her granddaughter through narrowed eyes:

"Did I approve of your dress?"

"I didn't show it to you, so now… but it doesn't matter because you're going to be the centre of attention anyway. Here's your bouquet."

It was a small arrangement of white lilies, roses and carnations, with some baby's breath, and Clarisse smiled appreciatively at it for a moment before Mia spoke again.

"So, are you ready to remarry the main man in your life?"

"Yes," Clarisse said simply with a smile- this was how a bride was supposed to feel- unbelievably happy, excited but a little nervous…

0

When they reached the top of the stairs, Clarisse peered over the banister and saw him, dressed in his tuxedo, pacing nervously and her heart began racing faster. She smiled happily before stepping onto the top step, and he looked up instantly, seeing her standing there, smiling radiantly… she literally took his breath away…

His eyes never left hers as she slowly made her way down to him, her hand on the railing- just the sight of him made her weak at the knees, and she doubted her legs would have been able to hold her up!

After what seemed like forever, she finally made it to the bottom of the stairs, and she smiled at his look of amazement- he was almost in tears at how beautiful she looked.

"You look… you look…" he repeated before she rested her fingertips on his lips.

"You look very handsome," before leaning over and whispering into his ear. "And very sexy," and he had to laugh.

"I just can't say how… beautiful you look," he said bashfully before lifting her hand to his lips. They beamed at each other for a moment, nothing else seeming to matter, before Mia coughed discreetly, reminding them of what they were about to do. Clarisse smiled as she slipped her arm through his, and he grinned over at her.

"Ready?" he murmured softly, and she smiled, her emotions beginning to well again.

"Ready," she affirmed and squeezed his hand as they walked towards the throne room. "Here we go," she said quietly as the guards opened the doors, and he chuckled to himself when they saw everyone standing there, watching them.

"Does this seem familiar to you… like when you had that investiture ceremony for me?" he teased, and she laughed softly, but she was very glad that they were walking up the aisle together… she was now a lot more nervous. He was just about to step forward when she stopped him.

"Wait…" before her song began playing…

"When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;

When troubles come and my heart burdened be;

Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,

Until you come and sit awhile with me.

0

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... To more than I can be."

"Are you guys going to start? Some of use might have other weddings to attend!" Charlie called from where he was sitting before going "Ow!" as Marion elbowed him in the ribs.

Joe smiled over at Clarisse, loving the song, and she nodded slightly before, together, they stepped forward, Mia behind them, as the rest of the song continued to play.

"You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... To more than I can be."

The song ended just as they reached a beaming James standing in front of the throne.

"About time," they heard Charlie murmur loudly behind them, and they chuckled quietly before looking towards the patient Archbishop.

"We are gathered here today for a wedding between a couple that have already been through one ceremony, but now have the chance to celebrate, again, a love that began a long time ago, but is still going strong- if not stronger- today."

The ceremony seemed to pass in blur for Clarisse (and Joe, if he was really honest) - she was again shaking slightly, and her cheeks felt hot- but she wasn't surprised, glancing over, to see that Joseph was as cool as a cucumber. But she was looking forward to seeing his reaction when he saw her surprise…

When Scott stepped forward with the rings, Joseph did a double take when he saw two rings instead of one. He glanced quickly over at Clarisse, who was only smiling, before he picked up his ring… he couldn't say anything, but he had had 'Joseph and Clarisse' engraved inside the ring.

"With this ring, I thee wed… again," Joe said calmly but loudly, shooting a sly glance at the Archbishop as he slipped the ring on her still trembling hand. She smiled lovingly down at her ring, back on her finger after two days, before realising that it was her turn. He had been surprised by the ring, but little did he know that she had had 'Clarisse and Joseph' engraved on the inside of the plain gold band.

"With this ring, I thee wed," she said so softly that only Joseph and James heard her, before slipping the band onto his hand, her hand still shaking.

She was still looking down when Joe pressed her hands warmly between his for a moment, attracting her attention, and they exchanged such a warm, loving look that Mia, who saw the look, almost burst into tears- they were so very much in love with each other!

"Before I declare you husband and wife again" as he gave Joseph an amused look. "I would just like to say that the love we see before us is truly amazing- this couple have not only managed to stay together through some very tough times, but it is clear that they just as much in love today as they were a year ago, and I know you would all agree!"

Clarisse blushed slightly, Joseph's hands still holding hers- although she was happy to have everyone there, it was a little embarrassing to realise that everyone could read them like a book… yet she couldn't help but smile happily at Joseph.

"And now, it is my very great pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife… you may kiss the bride."

There was a slight pause as Joseph caressed her still highly coloured cheek before he leant over and kissed her. When they broke apart, he whispered into her ear:
"Let's make a deal- we never let anyone make us spend a night apart again!"

"Deal," she chuckled in reply. "At least there aren't so many pairs of eyes staring at us," she said quietly before they turned to smile at the cheering, clapping and whistling (Charlie) crowd who converged on them with shouts of: "Congratulations!"- for a little group, they were making an awful lot of noise. As everyone approached, Joseph had no choice but to let go of his wife's hand…

After Clarisse received congratulations from Mia, after James and Charlie, the next person to stand in front of her was James, beaming happily.

"Thank you, James," Clarisse said with a happy smile. "We appreciate you being here today."

"It was a pleasure to do this again for both of you, Clarisse, and it is wonderful to see you so happy."

"You don't think it was silly to renew our vows only a year after our first wedding?"

"Definitely not- love should be celebrated, and this was a lovely way to commemorate your marriage… personally, I think you should do it every year!"

"I don't think so," Clarisse laughed. "There wouldn't be any work done around here if that was the case… but I am lucky to have him."

"I'm the lucky one," came Joseph's voice from behind as he stepped up to stand next to her, and she slipped her arm through his. "I'm lucky to have you," he smiled affectionately over at her.

"We'll just agree that you're both lucky to have each other, which you are, and I am very happy for the two of you… Ah, Pierre, you must be here to congratulate Joseph and your mother!" James added as Pierre hovered nearby.

"Yes… I was just wondering if I could have a few moments alone with Mother?"

"Of course- I think I'm going to offer James and Charlie some champagne," Joe mused with an impish grin and Clarisse laughed as he squeezed her hand encouragingly and disappeared into the crowd.

"Can we go outside, or somewhere quiet?"

"Not outside- I don't think Joseph will let me out of his sight- but let's get away from the crowd."

Clarisse looked at him thoughtfully as they moved away from the rest of the guests- he still looked very much like his father, but he seemed calmer, less angry and more at peace than the last time they had met, but he was still distant, unlike his younger brother…

"So Pierre," she began when they reached a corner. "It is lovely to see you again- it's a pity that you have to fly back tonight."
"Yes, I have a funeral tomorrow, but I very much doubt I'd be welcome around here anyway."

"Nonsense- Joseph invited you, and Mia seems to have taken a shine to you…"

"What about you?" he looked at her a little timidly, and she sighed- she hadn't wanted to get it into that today, but maybe…

"I AM happy to see you, and for you to be here, but Pierre, did you honestly expect me to greet you with open arms when I haven't heard from you in six years, and you verbally abuse Joseph and me when your father was dying?"

She hadn't meant to sound so sharp, but she felt better afterwards, and Pierre looked relieved.

"I know, and I'm sorry… I don't know why I was so crazy- I think I was jealous that you and Phillipe were so close… I was distant, and I wish I had been more respectful to you rather than worshipping my father…"

"Pierre, I don't want your memories of your father to be tarnished by what you heard- he was your father, and I did care about him… As for Phillipe, yes we were close, but you're my son too and I love you very much," her voice cracked slightly as she reached up and caressed his cheek. "Don't every forget that."

He smiled as he looked over at Joseph, chatting happily with James and Charlie.

"I can see that Joseph makes you happy."

"He does- very, very, very happy," Clarisse beamed as she looped her arm through Pierre's. "I don't know how I could have made it through without him."

"That night… I was jealous- it was obvious to me then that you belonged to him, had chosen him and trusted him 100, and it made me angry- unfair, I know… You never said it, but your actions made it clear that he was non-negotiable."

"Yes, as far as I was concerned, Joseph was non-negotiable- the only man, apart from you boys- that I completely trusted," Clarisse said as she looked from Joseph to Pierre.

"He was, and is, my best friend- but we NEVER had an affair," she said clearly, wanting him to know the truth.

"I know that, and I'm sorry I said otherwise… Mama," he sounded like a little boy, and she felt her heart melt and her eyes grow misty.

"Darling, it might take me a little while to forget that night, but I want you to promise me that it won't be another six years before you get in touch again," she said seriously, but her eyes were sparkling, and Pierre smiled… Phillipe's smile, she thought with a pang.

"I promise- and that's the other thing I wanted to mention… it's about you."

"What about me?"

"Don't be offended, but you're so much more relaxed than you used to be- you're less reserved, you've opened up, and when you smile…it now reaches your eyes."

"I suppose being happily married and living with an outgoing granddaughter has helped!"

"Yes, but even before I left, I noticed you were beginning to open up- and it's wonderful to see."

"Thank you, darling," she smiled warmly at him, relieved that there was much less tension between them. "So… what do you think of your niece?"

"Mia?" Pierre glanced around to see Mia, along with Lily, Kip Kelly and Nicholas, teasing Scott. "She's very much like Phillipe, isn't she?"

"Yes she is," Clarisse smiled fondly over at her. "She's been a wonderful Queen…"

Just then, she felt an arm weave around her waist, startling her, before she realised that it was her husband.

"I hate to interrupt, but Pierre do you mind if I borrow the bride for some photographs?"

"Not at all," Pierre said with a warm smile, and Joe was relieved- the talk had obviously gone well. He had been watching them discreetly, and while Clarisse had initially been on her guard, he could see, through her body language, that she warmed up as the conversation proceeded. He was also pleased to see that the tension between them had almost disappeared.

"How did it go?" he asked when they were a discreet distance away.

"It went well, but I'll tell you about it later… so Andrew, where would you like to go?"

00

Half an hour later, they came back to the throne room to find their guests chatting over drinks, and waiters going around with plates of food.

"When is the reception?" Clarisse asked as Joseph accepted two glasses from a passing waiter.

"This is it," Joseph waved his hand around the room. "Actually, I insisted on it- this is our day, and fond as I am of everyone present, I only want to be with you."

"As a former Queen, I must say that that sounds rude… but as your wife, it's what I want too. So," she continued with a sly smile. "Are you enjoying being back together?"

"What do you think?" he teased, before leaning over and kissing her, not caring that it was in public- he was just happy to be with her… "What about you?"

"I love it…" and they smiled at each other for a long moment before they were interrupted.

"How are the newlyweds enjoying being back together?" Mia asked, and they turned to smile at her.

"We're delighted- but it really wasn't very fair to keep us apart like that," Joseph gently chided, but Mia didn't look bothered.

"It's tradition- but we did have a bet going to see how long you two would last before cracking and sneaking off to find each other."

"Mia!" Clarisse was a little shocked- she has suspected as much, but it was still a surprise to realise that they had been doing it.

"Don't worry, it was all in fun- Scott didn't think you'd last more than four hours… but I guess you proved us wrong. And, as far as everyone else is concerned, you two didn't see each other until you met downstairs… your secret is safe."

Clarisse and Joe exchanged a slightly guilty look- although Mia and Scott knew about that morning, they didn't know about their secret phone calls…

"It just goes to show you that we aren't as weak as you all seem to think we are!"

"We don't think you're weak," Mia began, but her broad smile belied her true thoughts.

"Just that we wouldn't survive without each other," Joe finished with a grin, and Mia laughed as she moved on. "Cheeky girl."

Clarisse chuckled, but then sobered when she saw BJ and Lynn chatting with Annie and Julie- she was saddened that the other two hadn't come- they really must be holding the ring against her, she thought sadly.

"I'm sorry the other two didn't come, darling," she said quietly and he squeezed her hand in return.

"It doesn't matter to me- they know I meant what I said- you are the one that matters… but Julie and Annie are here, so that's fine!"

"Yes, Annie did my makeup and hair."

Joe looked at her intensely for a moment, and she almost blushed at how closely he was looking at her.

"She did a wonderful job, but she didn't have much to do as you're naturally beautiful," and she blushed hotly as he pulled her in for a warm hug. Clarisse quickly became aware of several people- James and Charlie included- chanting: "Speech! Speech!"

"I think you're wanted," she breathed into his ear before pulling away, and he laughed.

"Only if you join me," he said cheekily before leading her through the crowd to stand in front of the throne, facing everyone.

"I don't think I made a speech at our first wedding," Joe began with a smile. "But this wedding was what we wanted… well, I would have married Clarisse in the jungle if she had so desired…"

Everyone laughed, and Clarisse was beaming- she would have married him anywhere, anytime- before he continued with his speech.

"Like I said, this was what we wanted, and it's been a very happy occasion for my wife and I… except for the fact you kept us apart for 24 hours!" At this, he shot a look at Mia and Shades, but they all laughed again.

"But we both greatly appreciate the time and effort that everyone put in for this wedding. Our first wedding was a surprise to everyone, especially me- who would have imagined the Queen of Genovia proposing in front of a church full of people… but this has been just as enjoyable…"

He trailed off as he turned to look at Clarisse, and she blushed as everyone else also turned to look at her.

"But… words cannot express how beautiful my wife looks today- doesn't she look gorgeous? Clarisse my love, you look stunning, and I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone but you. I've never regretted a moment of being with you- ever, "and he looked at her significantly.

"The only problem now is what we're going to do for our second wedding anniversary," he chuckled, turning back to the guests. "But, anyway, thank you all for coming and for helping out…"

"To the bride and groom!" Charlie called, raising his glass in their direction, and everyone else followed suit as Clarisse clutched Joseph's hand tighter.

Joe turned when he saw Scott, who was acting DJ, signalling him- he was going to play his song, and he turned back to Clarisse with a loving smile.

"Would you care to dance with me, Mrs Bonnell?"

"I thought you'd never ask, Mr Bonnell," she beamed at him as he led her through to where they were supposed to dance.

"I want you to listen closely to these lyrics," he whispered into her ear as he pulled her close, and she looked at him for a moment, eyes full of curiosity, before smiling and resting her head on his shoulder, ears alert…

"Every time our eyes meet,

The feeling inside me

is almost more than I can take.

Baby when you touch me,

I can feel how much you love me,

And it just blows me away.

I've never been this close to anyone or anything,

I can hear your thoughts,

I can see your dreams…

0

I don't know what you do what you do,

I'm so in love with you,

It just keeps getting better.

I wanna spend the rest of my life

With you by my side,

Forever and ever.

Every little thing that you do,

Baby, I'm amazed by you…

0

The smell of your skin,

The taste of your lips

The way you whisper in the dark.

Your hair all around me

Baby you surround me

You touch every place in my heart

Oh, it feels like the first time, every time

I wanna spend the whole night in your arms…"

As Mia watched them, Clarisse's head on his shoulder and Joe bent down slightly to rest his face on her shoulder, she realised that they were so wrapped up in each other that they wouldn't notice if they disappeared… they deserved some privacy… She discreetly waved everyone out of the room and, after the last person tiptoed out, she closed the door softly behind her.

"Let's leave them alone for a while… let's go to the movies," she suggested, and there was a murmur of approval… as long as Joseph and Clarisse were happy….

"Every little thing that you do

I'm so in love with you,

It just keeps getting better.

I wanna spend the rest of my life

With you by my side,

Forever and ever.

Every little thing that you do,

Oh, every little thing that you do

Baby, I'm amazed by you…"

There was a silence when the song ended and before the next started, and Joseph looked around, realising that everyone had disappeared and they were alone.

"Clarisse?" he asked softly, looking down- her face was now buried in his shoulder. "Sweetheart?"

She slowly raised her head, and he was touched to see her eyes were full of tears, and several tears were sliding down her cheeks.

"That was a beautiful song, darling… was it for me?"

"Who else would it be for?" he joked before leaning over and kissing her again. When they broke apart, Clarisse realised that the room was oddly quiet, and she looked around to see that everyone had left.

"Where is everyone? I didn't hear them leave!"

"Neither did I- but would we have noticed?"

"No," Clarisse laughed and then sighed happily. "What should we do now?"

"Anything we want- but I can tell you something," Joseph said, winding an arm around her waist as they walked towards the door. "I'm not letting you out of my sight for quite a while!"

"I suspected as much," she giggled as he guided her in the direction of the stairs but, to his surprise, Clarisse veered off down the hallway.

"Where are you going?"

"You'll see," Clarisse said mysteriously, and he soon realised that they were going to his former room… Despite Clarisse's best intentions, they hadn't had many opportunities to use Joseph's room as a 'secret getaway', although the bed had been replaced.

"I thought the room was being redecorated," he said when they stood in front of the door, and she smiled smugly.

"That's what Scott led you to believe," she began, opening the door before he scooped her up and carried her over the threshold, Clarisse giggling like a schoolgirl.

Inside, it hadn't changed very much, although there was a table set for two, and in the bedroom, there was a mysterious box like package on Clarisse's side of the bed. Clarisse picked it up, perplexed, and saw that there was an envelope addressed to her….

"Clarisse- this is just a small gift for your wedding night and we all hope you like it! Love, the girls!"

"What does it say?" Joseph asked as Clarisse chuckled at the note, but then looked at the package as she handed the note to him, and he laughed a few seconds later.

"Very mysterious… so, are you going to open it?"

"I don't know," Clarisse looked at the package in askance, suspecting Mia was up to her old tricks, and Joseph only continued to chuckle.

"We both know you want to… maybe it's something from your party the other day!"

"Alright…but I'm going to open it in the bathroom!"

"Oh," he sounded disappointed as she disappeared into the bathroom, before chuckling as he sat down on the new bed- it was definitely much better than his old mattress. "Maybe you should order new mattresses for all the boys!" he called, and she laughed in reply.

There was a silence before he called out again:

"Are you ever coming out?" and, in response, the door slowly opened and she stepped out shyly, wearing a lavender coloured silk and lace nightgown, which moulded her figure and slim legs perfectly, with a slightly scooped neck…

Joe's mouth dropped- it was hard to believe she had had two sons, and was now a grandmother… she was still so stunning and sexy…

"What do you think?" she asked shyly. "I know it's a little lower in the front than I usually wear, but…"

"I think it's marvellous," he said as he strode over to her and kissing her lovingly, before playfully knocking off one of the spaghetti straps off her shoulder.

"I want to wear it again," she teased in reply as he slowly led her towards the bed.

"I want you to wear it again too," he replied in a low voice before the wedding, the guests and, eventually the nightgown, were completely forgotten…. It was all about them…

000

It was several hours later when they finally emerged from the bedroom, talking about heading back upstairs, when they heard a group of people whispering loudly outside the door.

"Do you think they're in there?"

"Should we knock and find out?"

"NO! It's their wedding day, and they do deserve to have some privacy…and don't try to use a mobile phone either!"

"So, what should we do now?"

"Leave them alone- I suspect that they will emerge when they're ready!" before the voices disappeared down the hallway, and both Joe and Clarisse laughed out loud.

"I think Charlie and James were among that cohort!"

"Yes, they would be!" Clarisse laughed, and then sighed happily as she put the matching dressing gown over the top of her night gown. "So…."

"So… are you convinced that you're the one I wanted to marry?" Joe teased as he sat down on the edge of the table, and pulled her close, arms around her waist. She smiled as she rested her hands lightly on his shoulders.

"Yes… I'm awfully embarrassed about what happened this morning, but I suppose I was just nervous and scared… I know you would never do what Rupert did, and I'm sorry I might have doubted you…"

"You didn't doubt me, I completely understood… I love you too much to ever do anything to hurt you…"

"And I love you too… I even loved how you brought Pierre over for the wedding… he and I will never really be close, but all that matters is that he's back in my life- and that he's accepted you in my life," before she told him what had been said between them.

"I always knew Pierre was observant- and he's right, you were beginning to open up when he left… and I'm glad that you two will be getting along again…"

He paused for a moment before leaning forward and nuzzling her neck happily. "My wife…"

"I was your wife this morning, remember?"

"Actually, no you weren't- Nick reminded me that you were my fiancée…."

"Fiancée," she repeated with a soft smile. "So you would have been my fiancé, then... my husband..."

"Yes, and believe me, I've never been that before!"

"I guess that means we've finally done everything we were to do- dating, meeting the family, engaged and now married… and we're still newlyweds after a year of marriage!"

"Newlyweds," Joseph pretended to complain, but Clarisse knew he secretly enjoyed the title. "Oh well, just as long as it's with you… I guess we'd better head upstairs then…"

"What for?" Clarisse looked at him quizzically. "I'm actually quite happy down here for a day or so… the bar fridge is stocked with food (and we're near the kitchen if we run out), we have the TV and DVD player here, and the bed is lovely… why should we go back upstairs?"

"Maybe to get some more clothes," he teased, and she looked impishly at him before walking behind the couch and holding up two suitcases.

"We've got enough here for a few days… and we can always sneak up if we want more… unless you want to go upstairs…"

"No, I'm happy here… I suppose you could call this place the honeymoon suite!"

"Honeymoon suite… yes…and I'm happy to just stay here for a few days… just as long as it's only you and me…"

"Believe me, my love, it will only be you and me," he said as he encircled her in his arms and again and kissed her. "I love you, newly married Clarisse."

"I love you too, newly married Joseph! Here's to being newlyweds for some time to come!"