First - wanted to say thanks so much to RevSue, Prettycrazy and NikNik4 for your kind words and encouragement for my first submission. Here's the next installment - enjoy!

Chapter 2:

The next few months found Joe spending most of his waking moments with Clarisse – and many of his sleeping moments as she occupied many of his dreams. There was much to be done for the arrival of Prince Pierre and Clarisse wouldn't rest until everything was perfect. With each passing day, the evidence of her pregnancy grew. Of course all of Genovia was excitedly awaiting the birth of the new heir to the throne.

"Walk with me Joseph?" The Queen had sought him out after her dinner.

"Of course, your majesty."

Present day

He handed his earpiece and hat to Shades and offered his arm to her as they began their walk down the aisle. He knew Clarisse was nervous as he felt her hand shake ever so slightly as it rested on his arm.

"I know it's such short notice…but you were all dressed." She smiled and enjoyed the laughter from the people gathered at the church. She had always used humor to hide her nervousness.

Back in time

She held his arm as they walked through the gardens. He could tell she was nervous, but he wasn't sure about what. He decided that, as usual, it was best to give Clarisse time and she would talk when she was ready. Any efforts to prompt her would only result in the Queen mask slipping back on and forcing whatever was bothering Clarisse, the woman, back into the far recesses of her mind.

"I'm frightened Joseph." She stated rather matter of factly after about an hour of walking had passed.

"Of what? You know I'm here to protect you against anyone who would do you harm." He was rather hurt that she had even thought that someone could hurt her while he was on the job.

She laughed and turned toward him, "So are you planning on giving birth for me then?"

He stuttered and stammered so much that her laughter came again – so much so that she had to sit down.

He sat next to her – and finally words found him as she composed herself, "Well, Clarisse, I guess you did find one thing that I cannot do for you nor protect you from. You've got me there – I shall resign post haste!"

She shot a look at him - there was a quick flash of fear in her eyes, but then she saw that he was teasing as well. She recovered quickly and shot back at him, "How about we make a deal then? Instead of your resignation, you agree to be with me when the baby is born – if for no other reason to protect me from myself – or perhaps, if all I'm hearing about childbirth is correct, you may need to protect the doctor from me!"

Now Joseph had become accustomed to the doctors appointments and even found himself looking forward to hearing the heart beat and seeing the unborn prince on the monitor during an ultrasound, but to be present at a birth – now that was another thing indeed.

He began to protest but saw that fear in her eyes again and remembered how the conversation started with her admitting to being frightened. He took her hand to reassure her and gazed directly in to her eyes. "It would be my honor your majesty; and for the first time, he kissed her hand."

Tears escaped down her face. "Damn hormones… it takes every bit of control I have not to scream or cry almost every waking hour of the day!"

Smiling momentarily at hearing Clarisse uncustomarily cursing, he became serious again. "I just have one question – what will the King say?"

"He won't be here when Pierre is born. He left earlier today for a month's trip to conduct trade negotiations and other matters of country importance."

"More important than the birth of his first son?"

"Joseph, we've been through this. With Rupert and I, duty always comes first. It is the way it must be." There was again that sadness to her voice, but before she dwelt on it any more or he had an opportunity to respond, she doubled over and inhaled sharply.

"Clarisse, what is it?" Joseph's alarm was evident.

It was about a minute before she responded. She sat back up looking pale and whispered, "I do believe I have gone into labor. Joseph, please call the doctor and ask him to report to the palace and assist me in getting back to my room…please."

He couldn't believe how calm she was – although in retrospect, he should have expected nothing less. "Aren't we going to the hospital your majesty?"

"And have every press reporter, gossip and interested bystander witness this most private event. I think not! The doctor will come here and I will give birth in the comfort of my own home and bed. Now Joseph please –we don't have much time."

…..

For once the Queen had been wrong – not that anyone in the general vicinity of her hearing would dare point that out. The labor had lasted forover 18 hours now and although it hadn't been extremely difficult until the last few hours or so, her Majesty was beginning to tire and with that some of her control was beginning to slip.

"Push Clarisse!"

"Joseph, so help me…if you tell me one more time to push – I shall push you right out of this 3rd story window!" She almost hissed the words at him.

He had to check himself to keep from chuckling as that would not have been received well at that moment by her majesty.

After one more push encouraged strongly by Joseph, the sounds of the future of Genovia were heard throughout the palace.

"Finally" was all Clarisse could muster as she lay back against the pillows.

"Finally" Joseph said as he too now felt exhausted and completely spent after over 18 hours. Although he hadn't physically given birth to the prince, he felt he had done the next best thing…which was to endure and encourage a very impatient Clarisse.

"Finally" the doctor smiled as he took the baby and began lovingly attending to him as well as finishing up with Clarisse.

Present day:

"Lord Archbishop – I wish to take this man as my husband."

"Finally…" the archbishop sighed and Joseph smiled.

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