My apologies to all for the long wait for this "oh so short" chapter. I'm afraid I have not had much time at all. However, I am finished for the summer on May 7th so hopefully the updates will be longer and more frequent. THANK YOU! So much for all your kind reviews. I cannot tell you how much they mean to me! Again, my apologies for the long wait! Here's the next chapter. Hopefully I will get another in soon! Enjoy!
Clarisse had tried to wait up to see where Joe had gone, but her headache had gotten the better of her. She was already asleep when Joe walked into the room. He changed and climbed into bed next to her, pulling her close. She nuzzled into his embrace and remained fast asleep. Joe kissed the side of her head, but never fell asleep. His thoughts were elsewhere.
Mia woke the next morning to find Nicholas already out of bed. She was just about to get up when he walked into the room, a tray in hand.
"Ah, good morning, my love! I am glad to see that you are awake!" He smiled as he walked over to her side of the bed to greet her with a good morning kiss.
"What is all of this?"
"Just a little breakfast in bed. I thought it would be good for you to be off your feet some today."
"Nicholas..."
"Now, I made sure that the chef knew to prepare healthy foods, along with some of your favorite, not so healthy foods," he replied, winking at her as he set down the tray.
"Thank you, but this was not necessary."
"Yes it was. Now, I've had Charlotte redo the schedule and there is an hour set aside this afternoon for you to get in a nap. Oh, and after dinner, I thought it would be nice if we went for a walk, what do you think?"
"Of course but..."
"No buts! You need to get your rest. The Doctor said that the first three months are the hardest to get through and I want to make sure you get as much rest and relaxation as possible."
"Nicholas, there are things I need to do. Especially to get ready for this party on Saturday."
"I'm sure Grandma can handle some of the arrangements. In fact, I'll go ask her about it now. Be right back."
"But..."
She never got to finish for he was out of the room in a flash. She sighed and smiled down at the tray. He was a wonderful husband, just a little overprotective at times. He learned from Grandpa, she thought to herself. She picked up her fork and dove into the food. At least there was none of that morning sickness!
Nicholas knocked on the door to Clarisse's study. Hearing her call, he walked in.
"Good morning, Grandma!" He walked over and kissed her on the cheek. She smiled and took off her glasses.
"And good morning to you. How is Mia?"
"She is perfectly fine. She's eating breakfast in bed right now."
"How lovely. And what brings you here this morning?"
"Two things. First, I was wondering if you could help out in some of the planning of this ball on Saturday. I'm afraid the Doctors do not want Mia to overexert herself."
Clarisse didn't hesistate a moment before agreeing. "I would love to. And your other question?"
"Ah yes, have you seen Joe this morning? I wanted to talk to him about some things."
He saw the sadness in Clarisse's eyes as she looked down. "I am afraid he was gone when I woke this morning. He left a note saying he would be in meetings all day."
Nicholas reached over and took her hand. "I'm sure everything's alright."
Clarisse tried to smile. "I'm sure you're right. Well, tell Mia I'll take care of everything."
Nicholas kissed her cheek again and stood. "Thank you. This means a lot. See you later, Grandma."
"Goodbye Nicholas."
After the door was closed, Clarisse's eyes turned back to the reports on her desk. The phone rang a few moments later and she answered.
"Yes?"
"Your Highness, a Doctor Hoskins is on the phone. Shall I put him through?"
"Yes, thank you Charlotte."
Charlotte transferred the call and the Doctor's voice came over the phone.
"Queen Clarisse?"
"Yes, Harold. How good of you to call."
"Your Highness, are you sitting down?"
"Yes, why?"
"Remain that way."
"Alright. Is something the matter?"
"I'm afraid things don't look as good as we had hoped."
