I don't want to miss a thing

Okay, I know I'm way too romantic but Clarisse and Joe just seem to be the perfect fit. And whenever I see Julie Andrews I just have to write something sweet for her. ;-)

It was their first wedding anniversary. Clarisse stood in front of the large mirror looking at herself. She couldn't believe that it was already a year since she'd been married to Joe. Time had passed so quickly with him. And she was happy, for the first time in her life truly happy.

Mia had finally accepted Nicolas' proposal, they were to be married in about three weeks. The girl was so excited about it, asking Clarisse millions of questions about married life. But Clarisse was glad that her young granddaughter had so much trust in her and came to her when she needed advice. But then again, sometimes it was even the other way around.

Smiling Clarisse turned around. Looking at her watch she noticed that she had only five minutes left before her dinner with Joseph, Mia and Nicolas. The two couples would spend the evening together, celebrating Clarisse and Joe's wedding anniversary. And Joe had said something about a surprise.

After checking her appearance one last time Clarisse switched off the light in her suite and left for the dining room. After two steps down the hallway she heard a familiar voice calling her name.

"Clarisse!" Joseph came running after her. When he reached her he kissed her lightly on the lips and then held out his arm for her.

"Hello darling. Everything alright? Where do you come from in such a rush?" Clarisse hooked her arm through his and together they walked to the dining room.

"Well, some last minute arrangements for your little surprise tonight." Smiling Joe noted the frown on his wife's face. He just knew how curious she was; especially when she knew he had something in mind for her. So teasing her had become quite a habit between them.

"Fortunately I don't have to wait much longer." Clarisse sighed. As much as she appreciated Joe's efforts to show her his love, she was unnerved by his constant secrets about it. But she loved his surprises nonetheless.

"Have I already told you how beautiful you look tonight?" Joe took her hand and kissed it lightly.

Clarisse blushed a little.

"No, but thank you. But this old dress is hardly worth mentioning." She looked at him with a loving gaze. Actually it wasn't an old dress but nothing special either. For tonight she had chosen a light blue dress which clung to her womanly figure in all the right places. Ever since she was married to Joe she felt more like a woman than ever before – and now that she wasn't that much in public attention anymore she just loved to show it.

Joe smiled at her, his arm trailing around her waist pulling her closer.

When they arrived at the dining room Mia and Nicolas were already there, deep in conversation.

"Hello, darling." Clarisse went to her granddaughter and kissed her on the forehead. Nicolas rose from his chair. When Clarisse turned to him he took her hand and kissed it.

"Good evening, your majesty." Nicolas smiled at her.

"Oh please, I've already told you to call me Clarisse." Gracefully she sat down next to Mia, facing Joe.

During dinner they kept some light conversation, mostly on the upcoming wedding of Mia and Nicolas.

When the servants had cleared the table of the dishes Joe dimmed the light. The room was now bathed in candle light. Clarisse looked at her husband expectantly. He smiled at her but gave the remaining servants a nod to serve them champagne.

Joe looked at his wife and raised his glass.

"Clarisse, my love. You've made this last year of my life absolutely perfect. I wouldn't want to miss a single minute of this year. And when I thought about a present for our anniversary I couldn't think of anything that could show you my feelings better than a song."

Another nod to the servant and music started to play. Clarisse looked at Mia questioningly since she didn't recognize the song.

"'I don't want to miss a thing' by Aerosmith." Mia whispered.

Clarisse nodded and concentrated on Joe instead. He looked at her when he began to sing.

Clarisse swallowed. The song was really well chosen. With tears in her eyes she listened to her husband singing.

When Joe had finished he had produced a deep red rose from somewhere which he presented to Clarisse. Wiping the tears from her cheeks he kissed her gently on the lips.

"I love you, Clarisse. Thank you for marrying me."

Clarisse's arms found their way around his neck and she pulled him close.

"Thank you so very much, that was beautiful." she whispered to his ear.

"I love you too."

Mia and Nicolas sat cuddling each other, Mia, too, with tears streaming down her face.

"Oh Joe, that was sooo sweet. I just hope our marriage will be as happy as yours." Mia sighed.

But somehow Joe and Clarisse were oblivious to everyone around them. The servants had not yet switched off the music, and so the couple was dancing in a loving embrace. So Mia and Nicolas decided to leave them.

Clarisse sighed lightly. She was so happy at the moment. This was an absolutely perfect moment. Mia was about to be married and doing really well as queen, and she herself was very much in love with a wonderful man.

Joe had a dreamy expression on his face while he caressed Clarisse's back lazily. It felt good to hold her so close. And it was absolutely unbelievable that he was married to this wonderful woman in his arms. Earlier this day she had given him his present – a beautiful golden tie-pin with a diamond in the middle. He knew that it was difficult finding a present for him but he had just loved the tie-pin.

Slowing getting back to reality he realized that Clarisse had started kissing his neck. After a quick look around he noticed that Mia and Nicolas had already gone. That meant that they were free to do whatever they wanted.

Joe moaned lightly when he felt Clarisse's tongue on his earlobe. Carefully he brought his hand to her face and turned her around. She had a wicked smile on her lips. Joe just raised an eyebrow and started kissing her lips thoroughly.

"I think we should go to our rooms." Clarisse sighed when she broke the contact.

Joe nodded. The servants would want to clean the room. And a little more privacy wouldn't hurt either.

Taking her in his arm he led the way to their suite where he would make this an anniversary Clarisse would never forget. So soon after they arrived in their rooms the light went out, and their sighs of love and pleasure would have been the only sounds to be heard for a very long time before they settled into each others arms, contented and happy.