Well as much as I hate to admit it, this is the last part to this story. It has been awesome writing this story and still can't believe it's come to an end now :'(
Thank you everyone for reading, reviewing, adding it to your faves and for even following it, it really does mean a lot.
I also want to say that I don't really have much time at the moment to reply to your reviews personally, I am busy busy busy in real life, but I promise once things die down again and I have more time then I will start that back up again, in the meantime just know that all your reviews mean the world to me, so a massive thanks.
Thank you Everyone, please do enjoy this chapter and some of you (you know who you are) may want to get a tissue handy just in case ;)
Thank you :)
xXx
2 Day's later.
Joe's suite.
Joseph stood in the suite he had spent the night in at his soon to be Mother in Law's home. The wedding service is due to take place in just 2 hours time, he was surprised that he wasn't nervous, he was actually quite calm. He had actually prepared himself after talking to his two good friends, who were already married, and had warned him that when the big day arrives then he would be very nervous. Though as he stood doing his tie while looking in the mirror, there was no nerves, no getting scared... just a wonderful loving feeling as he smiled, knowing that the most beautiful woman in the whole of his world and the Mother of his unborn child would soon be his bride and he couldn't be happier.
Moving he stood by the window, staring out at the wedding planners arranging everything out in the garden, though it was November and normally cold, today felt warm.. the sun was out, the birds were singing and he couldn't wait to stand out there and take his vows. Hearing a knock come to his door he turned his head.
"Come in." He called out and looked back out at the gardens just a second more before turning too see his parent's coming in.
"Hello Son." His Father smiled as he walked over, patting his back.
"Have you just arrived?" He asked looking at him then at his Mother, Mary as she stood in front of him.
"Yes, just a few moments ago." Mary said smiling at him "Look at this tie, you are just like your Father when it comes to these things." She said grabbing hold of it and started redoing it, making both Joe and his Father laugh.
"Are you nervous yet?" His Father, John asked.
"No actually I'm not." Joe said looking down at his Mother as she finished the tie "Thank you." He smiled and kissed her cheek.
"You're welcome." She smiled giving him a hug "Now that I have seen you, I am going down to see the Bride to be and your Sister." She smiled.
"Oh so you don't want to spend time with me today then?" He asked, teasing her as she smirked over at him.
"I will of course, but I want to see my soon to be Daughter in Law." She smiled and looked at John "Your Father is staying so you won't be completely alone." She smiled.
"Thank you." Joseph said and watched her walk out before looking at his Father as he sat down.
"So you're not nervous you say?" John asked and watched him walk around, sitting in the arm chair.
"Nope, in fact I am quite happy." He smiled resting his elbows on his knees and clasped his hands together.
"That's great, you take after me in that then." John smiled "The day I married your Mother I wasn't nervous at all, everyone was surprised." He smiled and nodded as he remembered the day like it were yesterday "Your Mother on the other hand was a nervous wreck." He said looking at Joe "She got so scared she even called the wedding off at one point." He said watching as Joe's face fell.
"Oh great, now I'm nervous." Joseph exclaimed and shook his head "Thanks a lot Dad." He said looking over at his Father.
"Well of course, it doesn't mean to say that Clarisse will be the same Son." John said trying to reassure him but knew he had done it now.
Clarisse's suite.
Clarisse sat with her Mother, Beatrice, both getting their hair done. She couldn't believe that today was the day that she was going to be marrying the man who saved her, who actually loved her and her Sons and she couldn't wait. She'd had a lovely night with her Mother, best friend Ashley and and Joe's Sister, Beth. They had remained at the house whilst her Father and Beth's husband, Stephen, took Joe out for a few drinks.
However this morning she woke up feeling rather sick, she wasn't sure if it was nerves or if it was because she was pregnant, though admittedly she had told everyone that it was nerves because her and Joe both agreed that they would tell everyone after the wedding service.
As she sat going over everything in her mind she closed her eyes, going off into her own world when a knock came to the door.
"Who is it?" Beatrice called out.
"It's just me, Mary." She called back "Can I come in?" She asked.
"I will get it." Beth said smiling and stood up, walking over to the door "Hello Mother." She smiled while opening it.
"Hello sweetheart." Mary smiled stepping in and kissed her cheek before looking over at Clarisse "Is she asleep?" She asked looking at Beth then at Beatrice as she stood up and looked at Clarisse.
"No, just resting my eyes." Clarisse answered, her eyes remaining closed.
"Ahh okay." Mary smiled walking over and stood beside her, watching as she opened her eyes and looked up at her "Hello darling." She said leaning over and kissed her cheek "Your hair looks nice."
"Thank you." Clarisse smiled and looked back down, closing her eyes again.
"I've just seen Joseph," Mary smiled while moving and sat down next to Beth and Ashley "He isn't nervous at all, much like his Father actually." Mary said sitting back.
"Oh I remember, Daddy wasn't nervous at all." Beth smiled at her then at Clarisse as she turned around to them in her seat.
"Now darling, are you nervous?" Mary asked looking over at Clarisse.
"A little." Clarisse nodded and took the drink her Mother passed her.
"She's been poorly this morning," Beatrice said looking over at Mary then back at Clarisse "So I think you are more nervous than you are admitting."
"Guess you are just like me then?" Mary asked taking the glass Beatrice handed her "Thank you." She smiled.
"No problem." Beatrice smiled, passing a glass to Beth and Ashley.
"I think every woman feels nervous at this point on their Wedding day." Clarisse answered, taking a deep breath and sipped her juice.
"True." Mary said with a slight nod.
"Didn't you even call your wedding off to Daddy at some point that morning?" Beth asked looking at her Mother.
"Did you?" Clarisse asked and watched Mary as she nodded.
"I did actually," Mary nodded looking towards her "I went through with it, I think half hour later than planned and I don't regret it one bit." She said smiling "It's just the nerves, trying to get the better off us and if you let them they will take hold of you and control you." She said looking at Clarisse "But I am sure you know that already." She smiled and took a sip of her champagne as Clarisse nodded.
xXx
After a while Clarisse slipped into her dress with the help of her Mother, then they all headed downstairs, leaving Clarisse upstairs with Pierre and Philippe to have some Mother and Son time before the ceremony. However a short time later they both came down and joined everyone, including Joe in the kitchen.
"What are you doing down here so soon?" Clarisse's Father, Vladimir asked as everyone looked up at them.
"Mom got a bit emotional, wanted to be on her own." Pierre said "I think she's getting scared now." He said sitting down as Joe stood up in a panic.
"Joe, sit down." Beatrice said standing up and moved closer to him "I will go and check to make sure she's okay." She said as he stepped forward "Joseph, Sit Down!" She said pointing to his chair with one hand and put her other up on his chest, pushing him back a little "It will be fine." She said walking out.
"I was fine until you told me what Mom did on your wedding day." Joe said looking at his Father "Why did you have to tell me that, now Clarisse is going to do the same." He exclaimed and started pacing the room as everyone watched him.
Upstairs.
Walking into Clarisse's suite moments later, closing the door behind her she headed over to the bedroom.
"Clarisse, it's Mom... can I come in." She said gently knocking on the door, stepping back seconds later as the door suddenly opened. Looking at Clarisse as she slowly walked into the room with a tear stained face.
"I can't do it Mom, I can't marry him." She said starting to cry again.
"Oh sweetheart." Beatrice whispered while stepping closer and wrapped her arms around her as she cried on her chest "It will be okay, you're just nervous sweetheart." She soothed rubbing Clarisse's back as her shoulders shook from crying.
"I do love him, don't get me wrong." Clarisse whispered moments later as she lifted her head, looking at her Mother "But I can't do this..." She said looking down as Beatrice took both her hands.
"Come here and sit down with me." Beatrice whispered, leading her over to the couch "It will be okay." She said putting her hands on the top of Clarisse's arms, gently making her sit on the sofa "What are you afraid off?" She asked, taking one of Clarisse's hands and held it in both her own as she sat down beside her.
"The whole thing..." Clarisse replied, trying to calm down.
"Here." She said grabbing a tissue and handed it to her "I know you are probably scared because of the business with Rupert, but sweetheart you don't have to be... Joseph isn't like that, he would never ever hurt you." She said watching as Clarisse cried some more "I thought you would of known that, after all he has protected you for the last, what 19 years?" She asked and watched Clarisse as she nodded.
"Yes... I know he loves me and wouldn't do anything to hurt me or my Sons, he see's them as his own, but..." She stopped as she wiped her tears away.
"But what darling?" Beatrice whispered as Clarisse looked up "Listen to me." She said moving and sat on the coffee table opposite, reaching forward and framed Clarisse's face in both her hands "You love him right?" She asked as she nodded.
"I do with all my heart." She cried, looking at her Mother as more tears fell over her cheeks.
"And we all know he loves you and would do anything for you and your Sons, right?" She asked and watched as Clarisse nodded "And after what that evil evil man done to you darling, you deserve to be happy, he is here to give you that happy ending, this is your chance to start again." She said slowly removing her hands from her face, putting them on the tops of her arms as she wondered whether to say what she knew, taking a deep breath she continued "This is your chance to be happy again, to be a proper family with him, your Sons and your unborn baby." She whispered and watched as Clarisse's head shot up.
"How did you..." Clarisse started and watched Beatrice move beside her again, wrapping her arm around Clarisse's shoulders.
"It's Mother's special powers darling, I knew you were pregnant with both your Sons..." She whispered putting her hand up, brushing a bit of Clarisse's hair back behind her ear "You make that man downstairs so very happy, and he does you... You're carrying his baby, you both wanted this wedding or you would of waited much longer to set a date and it wouldn't be 6 month's after getting engaged if you didn't fully love each other." She said and watched Clarisse as she looked up at her, then started crying again "Oh darling..." Beatrice soothed, wrapping her arms around her as Clarisse rested her head on her chest "It's okay."
Downstairs.
"What's taking them so long?" Joe said in a panic as everyone looked at him.
"Well you know what women are like Son, they can talk for hours and hours, given the chance." John answered, making Vladimir and Stephen laugh at the remark.
"That was a good one." Vladimir smirked.
"I'm not laughing." Joe said folding his arms and rested back against the side.
"Will you please relax?" John said while standing up "They are just talking, everything will be okay you will see." He said putting his hands up onto the tops of Joe's arms as he just stared at him "I know you are worried, but really you don't have too." He finished.
"I have to see her." Joe answered and rushed out the kitchen.
"Joseph..." John exclaimed, following him with Vladimir and Mary.
"You can't see the bride before the wedding, it's bad luck." Mary exclaimed as everyone else followed them up the stairs.
Reaching the door, Joseph knocked on it frantically, making both Clarisse and Beatrice jump and look towards the door.
"Who is it." Beatrice answered while standing up and turned towards the door.
"It's me, I need to see Clarisse." He answered.
"You can't, it's bad luck." Beatrice exclaimed rushing towards the door as Clarisse slowly stood up and watched her lock the door.
"Did she just lock the door?" Joe asked while turning to his and Clarisse's Father "So the door was unlocked and I could of just walked in." He said and looked back at the door.
"You can't see her Joseph, it's bad luck." She said stepping back and folded her arms.
"Please, I just need to..." He stopped as everyone else stepped back "I just need to talk with her." He said.
In the room, Clarisse looked down at her hands for a moment, neither answering him.
"Please... I beg you." He begged, his voice shaky.
"I'm here." Clarisse called out as Beatrice turned to her and watched as she gathered the skirt of her dress a little and walked towards the door "But you need to talk to me through the door." She said letting the skirt down.
"Okay, well that's something." He said "I need to ask you something." He started, ignoring everyone who stood behind him.
"Okay..." Clarisse said looking at the door "What do you need to ask me?" She said, knowing by now he was probably stood with his hand up to the door. After a moment of silence "Joseph?" Clarisse said as she stepped closer to the door.
"I'm still here..." He said, trying hard not to cry.
"Okay..." Clarisse answered and slowly turned, leaning back against the door and looked at her Mother "What do you need to ask me?" She asked again as she slowly put her hands up onto her stomach as Beatrice watched.
"Do you remember that night in the kitchen, many many moons ago?" He asked.
"Night in the kitchen?" She asked "There's been many nights in the kitchen Joseph, you need to give me more details." She said looking down.
"Okay..." He said taking a deep breath "The one you sat in the dark at the Palace, it was the night after you, Pierre and Philippe beat me at basketball." He said turning his head just slightly as both the boys chuckled.
"Yes, what about it?" She said looking up at her Mother as she slowly stepped closer to her.
"Do you remember what you said to me that night? Do you remember?" He asked, resting his forehead against the door.
Thinking too herself and even though she knew he couldn't see her, she shook her head "I don't remember." She said feeling bad as she looked down at her hands "What did I say?" She asked, knowing obviously that he remembered.
"You said..." He started and took a deep breath "After I had told you that you deserve so much better, that you were strong and to stop thinking you weren't..." He said taking another deep breath as Clarisse looked up at her Mother "You said that you used to be strong, then asked me if I knew something, when I said no you carried on and said that, and I quote... 'The brightest lights cause the darkest shadows. And that's where I'll be found... Hiding in the shadows." He said softly, looking at his hand pinned against the door "Do you remember?" He asked as everyone behind him looked at each other before looking back at him.
Slowly turning her head to the side as she closed her eyes "I remember." She answered as a couple tears escaped her eyes "I do remember." She whispered and turned looking at the door, pressing her hand to it as Beatrice's emotions got the better of her.
"This is me Clarisse, I love you I will never hurt you or your boys." He said starting to cry "You don't have to hide in the shadows anymore, this is our future, one that will be happy no matter what, I promise you." He said softly.
Inside the room Clarisse rested her forehead against the door as she too began crying again, replaying over everything in her mind at what he just said.
"Clarisse?" Joseph whispered moments later...
"Yes." She answered, lifting her head.
"I love you... but if you don't want to get married today, then I will understand, I will be crushed of course but I will understand." He said softly and closed his eyes.
Stepping back from the door Clarisse stared at it blankly, before wiping her face "I love you too... and of course I want to marry you today." She said as Beatrice put her hands up together in front of her face, praying she was being honest "I don't want to marry you tomorrow, next week, next month or even next year... I want to marry you today." She said "I just needed to find myself again and you helped me again, I love you so so much..." She said stepping closer to the door "I will be down in a bit, I just need to do my makeup again, so please go and get ready."
"Are you sure?" He asked.
"I am very sure." She answered back "Our future starts today."
"Yes, yes it does." He said finding himself smile, trying to picture her in her dress.
"Go, go and get ready." She called as she gathered up the skirt of her dress again and walked over to the bedroom as Beatrice grabbed a tissue and watched her close the door behind herself.
After redoing her makeup she and Beatrice headed downstairs to find her Father waiting. Gasping when he saw her in her dress, his heart fit to burst as she stepped in front of him.
"You look beautiful." He said putting his hands on the tops of her arms and kissed both of her cheeks.
"Thank you, Daddy." She said smiling and turned to her best friend, Ashley as she handed her the flowers "Thank you." She smiled.
"Mom?" Pierre said and watched her turn to them "We just wanted to wish you good luck." He smiled and kissed her cheek, followed by Philippe "You look amazing by the way." He smiled and walked out into the garden, followed by Philippe.
After a few moments Beatrice went and took her place with the others, leaving Clarisse with her Father.
"Just so you know..." Vladimir said as Clarisse looked at him "I have had words with Joseph and I told him that if he ever hurts my little girl, I will kill him." He said as Clarisse tilted her head.
"Daddy..." Clarisse answered and watched him laugh.
"Don't worry he saw the funny side." He smiled and turned, holding out his arm for her "He promised me he would never ever hurt you..." He said smiling at her "He has my trust." He said nodding.
"Thank you." Clarisse smiled, linking arms with him as they started making their way outside and to the waiting party.
Standing with his back to them, wanting so much to turn around and see her walking towards him but was rooted to the spot. When she finally did reach him, he turned his head, feeling his heart burst when he saw her in the dress she wore.
Leaning in closer to her with his trademark smile "I tried to picture you in your dress before..." He said and watched her look at him "But this, well it's not even close to what I imagined, you are positively breathtaking." He whispered in her ear and raised his head, smiling at her as she smiled in return.
"Thank you." She whispered back with her trademark smile as he nodded.
"Shall we begin?" The Reverend asked and watched everyone nod.
As the ceremony began, the few guests that were in attendance stood watching as they both said their own vows, by the end however there wasn't a dry eye there. Listening to the Reverend pronounce them man and wife everyone applauded and watched as they both stepped closer to each other, both smiling as Joe put his hands on her sides, pressing his lips to hers as she closed her eyes and put her arms up around his shoulders, still holding the flowers in one hand as she snaked her other to the back of his neck.
"I love you Mrs Elizondo." He whispered in her ear moments later, kissing her cheek before pulling his head back to look in her eyes, seeing them filled with tears.
"I love you so so much." She whispered, locking her arms around his neck as he wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her off her feet and buried his face in the crook of her neck as everyone applauded once again.
xXx
Later as their song started playing, Joseph led Clarisse onto the dance floor. Turning to face her as she stepped closer, wrapping one arm around her waist, holding her close as he held onto her other hand, smiling as she put her arm up around his shoulders, smiling lovingly at him.
"Today has been amazing." She smiled as they swayed slowly together.
"Yes it has been, and it can only get better." He smirked as she tilted her head slightly, her eyes locking with his "I have arranged a couple nights away in Paris." He smiled "A mini honeymoon..." He started, sensing she was going to say something he quickly spoke "We leave tomorrow, after the most amazing night in a hotel, that's hidden away in the country." He said smiling.
"We said we weren't going to have a honeymoon." She said looking at him as he brought her hand up to his mouth, kissing her palm, which made her smile.
"I know we said we weren't, but honestly I couldn't help it." He whispered, resting the side of his head against hers as he held her hand against his chest "I know a lot of stuff is going to make our life crazy over the next several months, I just wanted a few days where I could spend it with you and only you, and what better way to do it as our honeymoon." He whispered, knowing she had closed her eyes.
"You're right, I love the idea of it just being 'us' even if its only for a few days." She said smiling and opened her eyes while pulling her head back slightly "Oh I need to tell you something." She started.
"Whats that?" He asked, letting her hand go and smiled as she snaked her arm around his other shoulder.
"I want you to know I didn't say anything, like we agreed." She said looking into his eyes as he wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her even closer "But my Mom, she knows about the baby." She whispered.
"I figured she would know, she knew before you when you were pregnant with the boys if I remember correctly." He said smiling as she smiled, moving one of her hands to the back of his head.
"You Mr Elizondo have a very good memory, first with what I told you many many moons ago and now with this." She said smiling at him.
"It pays to have a good memory for the line of work I did." He said grinning at her.
"That is true." She said smiling and nodded, while moving her arms, locking them around his neck as they carried on dancing slowly to the song "We will tell the others when we go back to the table." She whispered in his ear.
"Okay baby." He whispered back, kissing her neck softly.
When the song finished Clarisse led Joe back over to the table, sitting down with a smile as he sat down beside her. Watching her as she sipped her drink and put it back down while looking at him.
"Shall I tell them, or are you going to?" He asked, taking her hand and locked his fingers with hers.
"I will tell them." She said with a small nod as he raised their hands up, kissing the back of her hand. Looking over at her Mom as she just smirked back at her, looking around at everyone "Can I please have your attention? I, well we.." She said motioning between herself and Joe with her other hand "Need to tell you something very important." She said as everyone looked at her, smiling at Joseph.
"Oh my god." Pierre exclaimed as they all looked at him "Are you pregnant?" He asked, making everyone gasp and look back at Clarisse and Joseph.
"Are you?" Vladimir asked, getting all excited.
"I am." Clarisse said nodding, feeling Joe let go off her hand and wrap his arm around her shoulders, kissing the side of her head.
"This is wonderful news." Mary exclaimed while jumping up and hugged her and Joe.
"So not only do I in one day gain a Sister, something, by the way I have always wanted." Beth said smirking at Joe as he smiled back "But I gain 2 nephews and either another nephew or a little niece?" She said smiling as Clarisse and Joseph nodded "This is an awesome day." She said jumping up and hugged Clarisse.
"Thank you." Clarisse smiled.
After everyone settled down from the news they started enjoying the party, however an hour later Joseph headed over to Clarisse as she stood talking with her parents, catching the tail end of the conversation.
"It's alright darling, we understand." Beatrice said pulling her into a hug and rubbed her back "I am very proud of you for what you are doing." She whispered.
"So am I." Vladimir said, smiling as Beatrice let her go so he could hug her.
"Hello Joe... everything alright? Or have you come too steal her away from us now?" Beatrice asked as he kissed her cheek.
"I'm afraid so, it's time to leave." He said looking at her then at Clarisse as she stepped back from her Father.
"Okay, I'm ready." She said looking at him as he took her hand.
"Are you sure that you are okay to look after the boys?" Joe asked, wrapping his arm around Clarisse's waist, taking her hand with his as both Beatrice and Vladimir nodded at him "Okay great, you have my parent's number if you need to call on them for anything," He said smiling at them then at Clarisse "They are on hand if you ever need them." He said smiling back at Beatrice and Vladimir.
"Well that's great to know." Beatrice smiled "Now go and enjoy your honeymoon." She smiled.
"Oh we will, don't you worry." Joe said smiling at them then at Clarisse as she turned her head away from them, blushing at the thought.
Christmas Eve.
It had been a number of weeks since Joe and Clarisse had married. They had a lovely 'mini' honeymoon and upon their return the craziness began. Knowing that for the rest of their life's it will be filled with a lot more craziness, but at present he was grateful as for the past few days until early January it had died down, getting to spend a lovely quiet Christmas together as a proper family.
Leaning against the door frame Joe watched as Clarisse arranged a vase of flowers on the table by the window in the private living room. He couldn't help but smile, this Christmas will be special to not only himself, but to Clarisse and the boys too. It will be their first as husband and wife and he couldn't wait to see her face when he gave her, his gift. Skipping to thoughts off next Christmas, when they will be sharing it not only together, and with the boys but with their own baby too and he couldn't wait.
Smiling he slowly stepped forward, walking over to her as she turned her head, smiling at him.
"There you are, I wondered where you had got too." She said, raising her shoulders slightly as he wrapped his arms around her waist, placing his hands gently on her growing bump as she put her hands on his arms.
"I didn't go far, in fact I have been stood watching you for several moments." He said kissing her neck and watched her turn to face him.
"I knew you were, I could feel you watching me." She smiled as she put her hands on the tops of his arms, smiling as he put his hands on her sides.
"Do you have any idea how sexy you look with a bump?" He asked with a twinkle in his eyes, stepping closer and slowly wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Only from you telling me every time you see me." She said smiling up at him as she draped her arms over his shoulders "But I do love to hear it."
"It's true." He said nodding "I am thankful that we get to have a quiet Christmas." He smiled and kissed her several times.
"So am I." She smiled up at him as he pulled his head back as a knock came to the door "Come in." She said stepping back, smiling when she saw Michelle appear "Hello Michelle," She smiled "Is that everything now?" She asked.
"Yes, it is." She said nodding.
"Okay, well thank you so so much, enjoy your break and have a lovely Christmas." She smiled feeling Joe's hand on her back "See you in the new year?" She asked.
"You will, enjoy your Christmas too." Michelle smiled "And Happy New Year to you, Your Majesty." She smiled.
"You too, bye." Clarisse smiled and watched her walk out, closing the door behind her "Do you fancy a walk?" She asked looking at Joseph as he turned and looked at her "I don't know what it is, but I really do fancy a lovely walk in my beautiful snow covered garden." She smiled while tilting her head.
"I would love too." He smiled as she reached up, cupping his cheek "After you, My Beautiful Queen." He said extending his arm towards the door with the biggest smile on his face.
Smiling she let her hand fall and started to lead the way, taking his hand as she passed. Grabbing their coats they headed out together on a slow walk hand in hand around her gardens, as several guards stood guard watching them from afar, all happy that she had returned to the Palace.
The End.