As usual, Joe woke up before Clarisse had. He was used to waking up early to start the day. He did not get out if bed though but simply looked at the beautiful woman he was holding in his arms. He kept wondering what Clarisse meant by Charlotte and the wedding. They had not discussed anything about getting married yet. He hoped she would explain everything once she woke up. She needed to get ready for the plane ride back to Genovia. He lay there for a few more minutes in silence just staring at his beautiful fiancé.
Clarisse stirred awake and looked up at Joe. "Good morning," and then she kissed his cheek.
"Good morning" he replied with a smile.
"When do we have to leave to pick up Mia?" she asked with a yawn.
"We have 2 hours. Everything is packed and ready to go. So all we have to do is get ready ourselves."
"All right, then I think I'll go take a shower." She was about to get up when two strong arms slipped around her waist and pulled her close again.
"I don't think so, not so fast my sweet" kissing her cheek.
"What?"
"You're not getting out of it that easily. What is this about a wedding?" He tried to sound stern but failed in the end.
"Oh right. Well while I was back in Genovia, Charlotte and I have been getting a little closer and I thought, it would be a marvelous idea for her to be my maid of honor. That's all."
"Yes, I figured that, but you forgot something."
"I don't know what you're talking about" trying to sound convincing.
"Clarisse, I know you better than that. It sounds to me like you already have when the wedding is going to be and everything like that."
"Well not exactly. Charlotte and I paid a visit to the Lord Bishop and when you and I find a date, and check with him, he will be able to marry us. In secrecy."
"Wow, you have been busy" he was still trying to take it all in. He was actually going to marry the love of his life. No one would know, but he would and that was all that mattered. It was only a few weeks ago that he dreamed of being closer to her, then he proposed and now this.
"Well my dear. Do you have a certain date that you would like to be wed?"
"I was thinking June 27th."
"Clarisse you do know that that is next week right?"
"Yes I do. But there is something about that date I really like." Joe was thinking about the date as well. For some reason it was familiar to him. Then he remembered.
"Well I think that is a perfect date. How is your schedule today?"
"Oh, Charlotte made sure I had today off."
"That's good. We can talk to the Lord Bishop once we get back and settled." He kissed her fully on the lips. It was a soft sweet kiss, but full of love. Clarisse wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. He rolled on top of her and a little moan came from her throat. Joe broke the kiss remembering they still had to get ready.
"You know as much as I would love to be in this moment forever, we really need to get ready and I need to finish speaking the security here."
"All right, you win, this time, but next time won't be so easy." She kissed him once more before getting up and heading towards the bathroom for a shower. Joe watched her walk away, a smile on his face the entire time. He got up when he heard the water running. He decided to go take a shower in the other room and then go talk to the security. He figured even after his shower and after talking with the security Clarisse would still be getting ready.
He buttoned up his shirt and put his shoes on. He headed down to the front lobby and found the men he needed to talk to.
Clarisse had just finished dressing and then put her make up and jewelry on.
Joe had finished speaking with the men and decided to see how far Clarisse was with getting ready. He got to the door, not hearing the water, so he knew she was making progress. He walked in and caught Clarisse applying her lipstick.
"Now how long do you think that is going to last on your lips?" Clarisse smiled knowing what he meant. She got up and crossed over towards her Joseph. She kissed him hard trying to leave a lipstick stain on his lips.
"Ha, it worked!" Her plan succeeded. He tried to rub it off but was having trouble.
"Clarisse, have you noticed I'm a man, and I don't like to wear make up?"
"Oh Joseph, you're so silly. Come here." She took a tissue, dabbed it in a little water and wiped his lips. "What will I do with you?" she said jokingly.
"Well I guess you'll just have to deal with me because I'm never going to leave you." He kissed her, careful not get more lipstick on him.
"Well we have just enough time for you to reapply your lips before we need to go pick up Mia."
"Okay." She kissed him once more. She meant for it to be a quick kiss but Joe had other ideas. He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. She tried to pull away knowing she should finish getting ready, but she found some energy to let go, reminding him they had to go pick up Mia, so they parted. She finished and they headed downstairs as Queen and Head of Security, nothing more. They said their goodbyes and headed for the limo. Joe opened the door for her and then closed it for her. Joe rather liked that they had this secret between them.
They got to Lilly's house and saw Mia hugging Lilly, then Michael, then her mother. Clarisse got out, with the help of Joe, and then they exchanged loving glances that only Mia noticed. Clarisse went and said her goodbyes as well. Joe finally dragged Clarisse and Mia away.
"I'm sorry, but we must go or we'll miss our flight." Joe kept saying that until finally they left.
Mia was silent during the ride to the airport. They arrived and then boarded the plane. Joe made sure everything was secure and in order, while Clarisse and Mia settled in their seats.
"You know Mia, you will be back. You're only visiting for the summer for now."
"I know, but I'm still going to miss them." Clarisse gave her granddaughter's hand a gentle squeeze letting her know everything would be fine. Mia smiled then leaned back and within a few minutes after take off, she was asleep.
"Apparently Mia and Miss Lilly didn't get much sleep last night." Joe said noticing the sound asleep Mia.
"Well if you were a fifteen year old girl spending the night at your best friend's house, I don't think you would get that much sleep either."
"Ah, you are quite right."
The rest of the plane ride went by quickly and before they knew it, the pilot's voice was heard telling them they would be landing in five minutes. Clarisse woke Mia up from her nap. The plane landed and the three of them descended the plane to find Charlotte waiting for them at the bottom.
"Welcome home Your Majesty, Joseph. And welcome to Genovia Princess."
After everyone was greeted, they all followed Charlotte to the limo to take them to the palace.
Mia was amazed by everything around her. Especially when they reached the palace.
"Oh wow! Grandma you live here?"
"Hehe, yes I do."
"It's incredible!" They got out of the limo and walked towards the door. Clarisse got to the door first.
"Charlotte, would you mind giving Mia a tour? Joseph and I need to, um, discuss a few things, and be back shortly."
"No problem Your Majesty.: Mia linked her arm through Charlotte's, excited to see more of the palace. Then Mia yelled out to her grandmother, knowing Joe would hear her, "have fun Grandma" and she shot her a sly look. Clarisse tried to hide her smile from Joe, but it did not work.
Mia and Charlotte went inside while Clarisse and Joe went back to the limo to go to the church.
"Lord Bishop, good afternoon" Clarisse greeted and then Joe, "Lord Bishop."
"Ah, good afternoon Your Highness, Sir Joseph" he replied back, motioning them to take their seats. "So, have you found a date?"
"Yes, next week, the 27th. I know it is extremely soon, but that date is very special to me." Joe reached over, took her hand in his, and squeezed it lightly. The 27th was also very special to him.
"Well you're in luck. That's a perfect date day."
They made the rest of the arrangements and then Joe stood, "thank you very much Lord Bishop." They shook hands and Clarisse rose. "Yes thank you. We must be off; a Queen's job is never done."
"You both are very welcome. I will see you next week." And with that, they left.