She was back; back where it first started a year ago. She slid her hands down the couch, reliving the memories that she and he had made there. As she looked out the window she could see was ocean for miles to her left, right, and in front of her. She opened the door to the balcony and stepped out feeling the warm breeze running through her hair, and the smell of salt from the water below. She sighed and felt more relaxed than she did in ages. She looked at her watch, 7:30 it said.

"He'll be here soon. I need to get ready."

She stepped back into the room, closed and locked the balcony sliding door, and proceeded to get everything ready before he arrived. With the roast in the oven and everything else ready she started to set the table. 2 dinner settings, a chilled bottle of wine, candles, and a small bouquet of roses in the middle of the table. She had just finished lighting the candles when he came in.

"Hello my love."

"Clarisse my darling."

He swept her into his arms and kissed her passionately. She returned the kiss with one just as deep as his own. This is the moment she was waiting for all day since she left genovia, Rupert, and the boys. Their kissing went from slow and gentle to fast and hungry, until the oven timer went off scaring them both.

"Oh!"

"Oh! (Sighs) dinner's done."

"(Chuckles) good I'm starved."

"Joseph… there's something I need to tell you."

"Yes my dear later. Right now I just want to bask in these few moments we have together."

Joseph poured the wine while she proportioned the food for their plates. Their dinner was lovely as always. Joseph complementing her on her culinary skills, cracking a few measly jokes that he knew would make her laugh, and finally while putting up the dishes which he always did, they shared a few funny stories about what happened at the palace while drinking the rest of their wine.

When asked for a second glass she graciously refused. Joe not used to having her refuse a second glass started wondering what she needed to talk to him about.

"Are you sure you don't want another glass?"

"Oh no I'm fine."

"Is there something the matter?"

"No… I'm absolutely fine."

He walked over to her chair and grabbed her hands in his.

"Does this have anything to do with what you have to tell me?"

She released his hands, and walked into the living room stopping in front of the couch. He walked up behind her and ran his hands over her shoulders.

"What is…?"

He was cut off by her putting a finger to his lips.

"Let's not talk about it right now; all I want is for you to love me."

"Yes my love."

He leaned down and kissed her again sweetly; she wrapped her arms around his neck, while he wrapped his around her waist pulling her closer to him so he could deepen the kiss. They stopped kissing only for a second so they could retreat to the bedroom to consummate their love.