Clarisse's head shot up at the sound of the yell that had come from down the hall. She had been walking back to her suite. She was about ot rush into Mia's suite when she heard Nicholas laughing. She knew Mia had finally told him. She smiled to herself, not being able to contain her excitement. A great-grandchild! This was everything she could have hoped for. She forgot how angry she had been at Mia and walked down the hall, humming to herself. She reached her suite and took a seat on the couch, looking through some papers. Another headache was beginning but she knew she had to get some things done, especially since Mia would be needing her help more than ever. Joe walked into the suite a little while later and found Clarisse bent over a pile of papers.
"And why are you working? This is vacation," Joe asked as he walked up behind her, kissing her cheek.
"Oh, Joseph...I was just trying to finish up some paperwork for Mia."
"What is she telling Nicholas?" Clarisse turned around and looked at him. How did he know?
"Have you talked to Mia?" He came over and sat down next to her on the couch.
"I found her in the gardens when I was looking for you. She was quite upset."
"Yes, well...she asked for it."
"Clarisse...I've never heard you talk like that before." She shook her head and looked down.
"I'm sorry, I'm just tired. And Mia should be worrying about herself, not me."
"I know you don't like that she asks you about your health but you know it's for the best. And why does she have to worry about herself? Clarisse, you know something you're not telling me." Clarisse smiled and kissed his cheek before getting up.
"I'm sure you'll know in a matter of about five minutes." It wasn't even five minutes before the door to the suite burst open and Nicholas came running in, dragging Mia in with him.
"Have you heard? Did she tell you both too?" Nicholas asked, a smile across his entire face.
Joe stood up and walked over to he and Mia. "No...but I think your Grandmother has already figured it out. What is going on? Are you alright, Mia?"
"I'm fine, Grandpa," she said, a smile across her face as well.
"She's more than fine!" Nicholas exclaimed, twirling her into a hug. "We're going to be parents!"
Joe looked at Clarisse who had tears in her eyes and then took her hand, bringing her over to the happy couple. He hugged Mia tightly as Clarisse hugged Nicholas.
"Congratulations to both of you," Clarisse said, still not looking at Mia. Nicholas kissed her cheek.
"Thanks Grandma. We're so excited!" He shook Joe's hand as Joe stepped out of the way so that grandmother and grandaughter could hug. But neither stepped towards one another. Clarisse cleared her throat and took a small step forward.
"Congratulations Amelia. You will make a wonderful mother," Clarisse said, smiling sincerely. Mia looked up at her grandmother and couldn't help the tears that came to her eyes.
"Grandma...." Clarisse simply held open her arms and Mia hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry." Clarisse hushed her and stroked her hair.
"There's no need to apologize. We were both being stubborn. I guess it runs in the genes." Mia smiled as she looked up at Clarisse and kissed her cheek.
"I'm afraid I'll be needing some help."
"You know I will do anything I can." Mia took Nicholas' hand and stepped back.
"We will leave you two alone...we just thought we'd share the good news," she said, moving towards the door.
"Will we see you both at dinner tonight?" Nicholas asked.
"Of course. And again, our congratulations," Joe said as he put an arm around Clarisse. The two couples said goodbye as Mia and Nicholas exited to tell Charlotte the good news. Joe pulled Clarisse into a hug.
"You've know all along haven't you?" he asked. She smiled as she took his hand and led him over to the couch.
"I had a feeling. Now, do you have something to do? I'm afraid I have to finish this paperwork before tomorrow." He sighed and kissed the side of her head.
"I guess I can go check on the arrangements for the ball on Saturday night. I will be back soon. And Clarisse, please, take it easy." He kissed her hand and then walked out the door, leaving her to her work. This was becoming a long day.
At dinner that night, talk was all about the new baby and the changes that would need to be made. Clarisse that she be allowed to design the nursery. She had an idea that she knew Mia would adore and she hoped Nicholas would to.
"Of course, Grandma. Just don't make it hot pink or anything," Mia said, giggling.
"Oh Amelia! You know I would never do that!"
"Have you two called your mother yet, Mia?" Joe asked. Mia shook her head no.
"I think we're going to wait to tell them until tomorrow night. We're having dinner with them at 6. What are you two doing tomorrow?" Mia asked. Joe looked at Clarisse and she shrugged.
"We don't know," he answered. "Maybe relaxing for once." Everyone at the table smiled.
"That is what we came here to do. I think we forget that sometimes," Nicholas said, eyeing his wife. Mia smacked him on the shoulder.
"You know I am trying to take it easy!"
"You will try no longer. You just will take it easy. It is imperative for both you and the baby's health." Mia rolled her eyes and Clarisse and Joe tried not to laugh. Mia smiled sweetly at Nicholas and kissed his cheek.
"Anything you say, dear." They finished dinner and then both couples headed for their suites. They made plans to have lunch together the next day and were about to part ways when Charlotte came rushing up.
"Joe! Joe!" All four turned quickly, not used to hearing Charlotte refer to Joe in such an informal way. She now referred to him as "Sir" almost all the time. She came running up to them, out of breath. Joe took her by the shoulders to calm her down.
"What is it, Charlotte?"
"I'm sorry, sir, but Shades asked me to give this to you. He said it was urgent." Joe took the note from her and opened it quickly, Clarisse coming to his side.
"What is it, Joseph?" she asked, seeing his demeanor change to one of anger. He crumpled the note in his hand and turned to Clarisse.
"I'm afraid I must take care of something. Don't wait up for me." He kissed her cheek abruptly and said goodnight to Mia and Nicholas, then quickly moving away, Charlotte following quickly after him. Mia and Nicholas turned to Clarisse and saw the worried look on her face. Mia took her grandmother's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"I'm sure everything's fine, Grandma. Someone probably made a mistake down in the security office and Shades can't deal with it or something." Clarisse forced a smile and sighed.
"You're probably right. Well, goodnight you two." She kissed them both on the cheek and was about to leave when Mia called her back.
"Do you want me to come sit with you awhile, Grandma?" Clarisse smiled at her grandaughter and cupped her cheek.
"Thank you, darling, but I think you and Nicholas have much to discuss tonight. I will be fine." She walked away and into her suite, Mia's eyes watching her until the door closed. Nicholas put his arm around her.
"I'm sure everything will be alright, Mia." She looked up at him, a frown on her face.
"I sure hope so."
Joe slammed his fist on the desk. "How did this happen?!?!"
Shades stepped forward and put a hand on Joe's shoulder in an attempt to calm him down. "I'm sorry, sir. We've tried everything but just cannot get around it."
Joe took a seat and looked at the security men that were in the room. "I'm afraid this means that there will be extra hours for all of you. That is just how it needs to be until we can bring more guards over from Genovia."
"Sir, the men have already agreed to work as long as possible to keep Queen Mia and Queen Clarisse safe."
"Well, thank you all for that. You are dismissed. Shades, could I have a word?" Shades nodded as the rest of the men returned to their posts. He shut the door and turned back around to face Joe.
"You are the only other person on this force that I know can lead these men. You need to make sure their eyes are always open."
"Yes, sir. You can count on me, sir."
"If that man gets within twenty feet of my wife, I will personally handle him. You make sure your men do not let that happen." Shades nodded again. "Good. That is all. Thank you for informing me of this." He shook the younger man's hand and then walked out, thinking about what he would need to do. More security guards would need to be brought over from Genovia, and most of all, he would have to make sure everything was being handled correctly. Not that he didn't trust Shades, but no one could protect Clarisse better than he could. And he promised himself that after last time, he would never let anyone hurt her again. And this was one promise he intended to keep.
