Author's Note: Hi…I'm getting there, I promise! This is a longish chapter, but I like it a lot, hope you do too!

Song words from Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields- 'The Way You Look Tonight'

NB: The Princess Diaries belongs to Meg Cabot and Disney

The next two days flew by, and Clarisse woke up on the morning of Mia's wedding, surprised to feel butterflies in her stomach. She wondered what it was, until she realised that Mia was getting married today….and it was ridiculous to be nervous, she told herself sternly, Mia was getting married, not her! She chuckled gently, and glanced over to see if Joseph was awake, but was surprised to see that he wasn't there- his side of the bed was empty.

"Joseph!" she called, sitting slowly up in bed, and smiling when she saw him making his way into the room, carrying a tray laden with food and two cups. "I thought it was my turn today!"

"I thought that, as grandmother of the bride, you deserved to have a lie in, and have breakfast in bed," Joe said wisely as he placed the tray in front of her.

"Thank you, darling!" Clarisse cried, a tender feeling washing over her smiling up at him before he leant down and kissed her good morning. "This was so thoughtful of you!"

"I wonder how Mia is feeling this morning?" Joe asked conversationally as he sipped his coffee, and pinched a piece of toast Clarisse had just buttered, narrowly avoiding a swipe from a knife.

"I can imagine she's nervous- I'm nervous on her behalf, and I'm not even getting married!" Clarisse said pensively, biting into the toast as Joseph watched her, moved that Clarisse was feeling nervous on her granddaughter's behalf. "What?"

"Nothing…I just think it's wonderful that you're nervous on Mia's behalf!"

"I'm just glad that I can feel like this for Mia…I'm afraid that I wasn't all that supportive last time….."

"That was understandable- I don't think I was much good as a bodyguard- I spent the last two days trying to avoid you!"

There was a long silence as they contemplated what had happened in the lead up to Mia's wedding………

Clarisse opened her eyes and looked up at the ceiling for a moment, as she had been doing every morning for many years. She was a little puzzled at why she had woken up so early- there were no meetings scheduled for today, a Saturday, and the next parliament session wouldn't be for another two weeks…so why…it suddenly hit her- Mia was getting married today! In a couple of hours, Mia would be married to Andrew Jacoby, Duke of Kennilworth, and the throne would be secure from the prying hands of Viscount Mabrey.

As she thought of Viscount Mabrey, her eyes narrowed- it was because of him that Mia was being pushing into marriage, at the early age of 21, and barely graduated from college! Of course it had been in the plans that she herself would step down at the end of the year, and Mia would become Queen, but an invisible law put paid to that. She sometimes wondered whether all the parliamentarians did was keep a tab on all laws, even laws that had barely been enforced for three hundred years.

Joseph had often made a joke about their lack of life…the thought of Joseph suddenly brought a wave of sadness rushing over her…she hadn't stopped thinking about him for the last two and a half days, not since it happened. She still couldn't get the crushed look he had given her that night out of her mind…he hadn't understood as she had hoped…He had asked her to marry him, the one thing she wanted more than anything now, and she had had to turn him down.

She had given him all the reasons …but why was she so down about it? They both knew Mia needed her more than ever, particularly once she ascended the throne, and she didn't want to let her down…Another thought hit her- not only was Mia getting married, it was clear that, in a few weeks, she would no longer be Queen of Genovia, and she had no idea what she was going to do with her life…But all she could think of was that she had lost Joseph forever…

She had heard rumours that Joseph was planning on resigning after the wedding, but she had discounted the thought. She usually didn't listen to palace gossip, having been a regular topic of discussion for many years, and she was hoping against hope that it wasn't true…

Outwardly, things hadn't changed- he was still her Head of Security, he still guarded her at some pre wedding events, and had been in the background for the rehearsal dinner, but it was clear that he was avoiding being alone with her.

She sat up in bed and looked around her neat room- she, all of a sudden, couldn't bear to stay in bed another moment with the thoughts that had been occupying her for the last few days. It had even dimmed her pleasure about Mia's wedding, although she sensed that there was something amiss with Mia…but she hadn't had time to discuss it with her.

As she looked around, trying to decide where to go, she heard the faint clicking of claws on the floor in the next room, and knew that someone had just let Maurice in. She usually liked having his company while she was having breakfast, and reading papers at her desk, and he was well trained enough not to come into her bedroom. She smiled- she would take Maurice for a walk.

It was easy to slip past all the security cameras and guards- most of them weren't on, and she kept her head lowered when she walked past the guards outside her own suite, and the guards outside Mia's suite. She was a little surprised not to hear any music blaring from the suite but she looked at her watch and realised why- it was only 7:00!

She breathed in deeply as she stood on the balcony- she had always loved going for long walks early in the morning- there was always something more private about walking alone in the garden, with no guards watching her every move. She released Maurice from his leash when they were standing on the lawn, and he ran ahead of her, barking joyfully and looking hopefully around for something to chase- preferably Fat Louie.

As Clarisse slowly followed Maurice towards the maze, she looked back up at the palace to make sure that no one had seen her leaving, and she spied a tiny black figure standing at one of the balconies, and she instantly knew who it was. She averted her gaze, well aware that he was watching her, and caught up to Maurice, who was waiting patiently for her at the edge of the maze.

"She's getting married today, Maurice," she said softly, turning her mind towards Mia's wedding.

Waking with a start, Joe rolled over in bed, and groaned when he saw the time- it was only 6:30 in the morning! He hadn't slept very much in the past few nights, but he had hoped that last night would have been different…yet here he was, 6:30am, and wide awake! He wasn't expected on duty until 8 and, even then, he would be sitting in the security room until Her Majesty was ready to leave for the church.

Her Majesty…he stared up at the ceiling, replaying, for the millionth time, what had happened between him and Clarisse two days previously. He still couldn't believe that she had chosen duty over them…he had been so angry at her at the time, but now he was only sad. True to his decision, he was tendering his official resignation to Her Majesty after the wedding, but he had already told Shades that he would be the new Head of Security.

"But why, Joe?" Shades had been puzzled at Joe's sudden shock decision, but he had also thought that he suspected what had happened.

"I think I've had enough of palace life," Joe said stiffly, wanting to tell someone what had happened but he couldn't trust himself not to break down…and, also, if he didn't say it, then it couldn't be true…

Knowing that he wouldn't get any more sleep that day, he got out of bed and padded out to his tiny kitchen to pour himself a cup of lukewarm coffee. He usually kept his room neat and tidy, but after two nights…he didn't care whether it was a mess or not. She had turned him down, and nothing was going to change that. As of next week, he would be free from the duties he had performed for the past twenty five years…but what did that matter when he didn't have the woman that he loved at his side?

He knew what she would do- once Mia was settled on the throne, she would try to stay out of the limelight as much as possible, while continuing to give Mia her support, but her life would be a lot more lonely…He sighed heavily, hating the thought of Clarisse being lonely, and put his coffee cup down with a thump. The walls were beginning to close in around in him- it was time to go for a walk.

The gardens of the palace were extensive and beautiful, and he felt some small comfort just looking out at the green garden, the warm sun glimmering over the landscape. He loved looking out on this garden- although Clarisse hadn't physically done as much work as the gardeners, she had made her wishes regarding it quite clear.

"No, I would like the roses to be over there," he remembered her clear voice stating at one meeting with some of the architects. "There is a lot of sunlight there, and I know that the roses would bloom well there."

He smiled ruefully at the memory- although it was very painful to think of Clarisse in any context, his mind kept proving that he could still think about her. He took a deep breath, and suddenly remembered the occasion of today- Mia was getting married! He was genuinely fond of the Princess, and knew (without a doubt) that she would make a fine Queen, but he was a little unsure about Andrew Jacoby.

Sure, he was a nice boy, and he would undoubtedly treat Mia well, but Joe had doubts about the marriage. He had looked into Mia's eyes the evening before, at the final rehearsal, and all he saw there was blind terror- no happiness. The parliament had railroaded her into a marriage she obviously wasn't ready for, and Joe found himself angry again at the Establishment- not only were they preventing him from marrying Clarisse, they were forcing the Princess into marriage just so she could rule Genovia. But on this beautiful day, he tried not to think about it- it wasn't his place to say anything to anyone about it…

Just looking at the scenery was making him feel better, but he suddenly heard the barking of a dog and saw, from a distance, a tiny white poodle waiting patiently for his mistress at the edge of the maze. He looked down, and his inside jolted- there, walking calmly towards Maurice, was Clarisse…he had had plenty of opportunities to avoid her for the past few days, but just seeing her there…on her own…he almost wanted to go down and talk to her…

No, he told himself sternly, she had made her decision perfectly clear two nights before, and now they would both just have to get used to the repercussions. But, as she walked through the maze, the dog gambolling playfully along at her side, he found that he couldn't tear his eyes away from her, much as he wanted to…………

"Little did either of us know that, by the day's end, we would be the ones who were married, rather than the Princess and the Duke of Kennilworth," Joe concluded happily, as Clarisse finished her tea, and set the cup back on the saucer gently.

"If I'd only known that, it would have made the previous days more bearable…" she said wistfully, before smiling.

"But why are we thinking about that on today, one of the happiest days of Mia's life?"

"Exactly!" Joe concluded as Clarisse moved the tray, and got out of bed. "Hey, where are you going?"

"My dear Joseph," Clarisse turned to him with one of her haughtiest looks, but he could see her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Today, my granddaughter is getting married, and I need to make sure that everything is going to go well!"

Two hours later, while Joseph was meeting with Shades and the other boys, Clarisse stood in front of Mia's closed suite doors. She waved off the guards who were about to announce her entrance, and slowly opened the doors herself. She could hear Mia talking to Helen in the next room, and Clarisse smiled as she walked in the direction of the conversation. How different this was to the year before!

The silence of the palace had extended into Mia's suite, making Clarisse feel even more uncomfortable as she walked into the room, the sound of her heels echoing on the floor. The sound attracted the attention of Mia, who was sitting in a chair, clad in her wedding dress and had, until a moment before, been staring at the floor with a feeling of terror. Even now, as she smiled brightly at Clarisse, Clarisse could see the terror in her eyes.

"This is it, Grandma! I'm finally getting married, and the throne of Genovia will be safe!" But the sentence sounded empty to both of them, and the feeling of apprehension that had been trailing Clarisse all day intensified as she looked at her granddaughter. She looked almost as scared and nervous as she herself had looked on her wedding day to Rupert…and the future of the Genovian throne hadn't been on her shoulders!

There had been a lot of pressure put on Mia in the past month, Clarisse had admitted to herself, and she had tried to help as much as she could…although, she hadn't been able to think too clearly for the past few days. Hopefully Mia hadn't been able to sense that…

"How are you feeling?" she asked, sitting down next to Mia, who had sat down again with a sigh. Mia smiled brightly again at Clarisse, but Clarisse could tell that she wasn't as happy as she tried to make out.

"Nervous…but aren't most brides nervous on their wedding day?" Mia asked flippantly as she smoothed her skirt down for the tenth time. Clarisse watched her sympathetically for a moment, and wished that she herself wasn't feeling so miserable, or constrained by tradition to tell her to listen to her heart…if only there was more time to talk, she despaired, as Charlotte knocked discreetly on the door. It was time for her to go.

"You'll make a beautiful bride, and a fine wife," Clarisse said gently, giving her granddaughter a hug, but it troubled her to leave her so unhappy, especially on what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life.

Joseph was waiting outside next to the car when she appeared, and her heart began racing as she approached him but, to her disappointment and guilt, he wasn't looking at her.

"Good morning Your Majesty," he said coolly, opening the door for her and, for a moment, Clarisse wanted to cry, as tears constantly threatened over the past few days. Only the thought of Mia's wedding had kept them in check but now…

There was still so much to be done, she thought to herself as the car drove off, but all the way to the church, all she could think of was the miserable look in Mia's eyes, and the unhappy and hurt look on Joseph's face.

'Enough with the memories' Clarisse told herself as she let herself into the suite, and smiled when she heard Mia's laughter ring out through the suite. It was clear that Mia was extremely happy- an incredible difference to the scene she had witnessed the year before.

"Good morning," Clarisse said cheerfully, stepping into the room and chuckling when she saw the scene. Mia was dressed in her wedding dress, and adjusting her wedding veil, Helen was nearly in tears in a nearby seat, while Lily was looking extremely disgruntled at her reflection.

"Why couldn't you have had grey dresses?' she was complaining loudly, as Mia and the other bridesmaids giggled in reply.

"I don't….Oh, good morning Grandma!" Mia, seeing her grandmother at the door, turned and beamed happily, as Clarisse struggled not to gasp loudly at her granddaughter's appearance.

The dress was different from the previous dress- it was a white strapless beaded gown, with Genovian lace trimming the hem of the dress, and embroidery on the bodice of the dress. It was simple but lovely but Mia, looking radiant, only enhanced the dress. Clarisse hadn't been prepared for how beautiful she looked.

"If you're going to cry, you're in good company- Mom's already in tears!" Mia joked happily, waving a hand to her mother, who was wiping tears away. "But you…you look absolutely gorgeous Grandma- as you usually do!"

Clarisse blushed slightly as the group turned to look at her appraisingly- she was wearing an ice blue suit, with delicate embroidery on the jacket, and it had been made with a matching blouse and shoes.

"You do look gorgeous, Your Majesty…Clarisse," Lily amended.

"It's a beautiful blue," added one of the other bridesmaids.

"Thank you ladies, but I think you might need to finish getting ready," Clarisse diplomatically changed the subject, and walked over to look more closely at Mia's wedding gown.

"This dress is stunning, darling, and you look absolutely beautiful in it!"

"Thank you, "Mia said with a smile as she moved over to the mirror to fasten the pearls Clarisse had lent her for the occasion- they had been Clarisse's grandmother's.

"Don't the bridesmaids look great?"

Clarisse looked over at the girls- they were all wearing off the shoulder, short sleeved sky blue dresses, and they all looked wonderful- especially Lily, even though she looked disgusted at the colour.

"They do look lovely," Clarisse said calmly as she sat down next to Helen with a smile. "I'm sure that Lily will like the colour as soon as this is all over," she added, teasing Mia's best friend gently. Lily sighed, and turned away from the mirror with a rueful smile.

"Just think what Kip's going to say!" Mia said, before dashing away as Lily gave chase, and Clarisse and Helen gave each other a knowing look- even though she was Queen, and almost married, Mia was still wonderfully down to earth. "Hey, watch the dress!"

Clarisse looked at her watch- it was just after half past eleven. The wedding wasn't due to star until 12:30, but she knew that Joe would be on his way to collect her. She, along with Joseph and Sebastian, would be standing at the entrance to greet guests, and she wasn't looking forward to it. Most of the people hadn't seen her since the surprise wedding, so they would all be looking for signs of marital disharmony, or if the marriage had lasted a year. Not only had it lasted a year, Clarisse thought with fierce pride as she watched the girls finish dressing, it was going to last forever…as Mia and Nicholas' would.

Just as she was thinking of Joseph, one of the doors opened and in walked Joseph, looking extremely handsome in the special tuxedo for the wedding. In his lapel, as with the groom, best man and ushers lapels, was a tiny sprig of flowers. Mia stopped running from Lily, and gave a whistle.

"Lookin' good!" she teased as he turned to look at her walking towards him, a broad smile on her face.

"Your Majesty," he said, taking her hand and kissing it, before looking her over. "You look beautiful, Mia, absolutely beautiful."

He hadn't realised that Mia, just like her grandmother, had the ability to look stunning at any occasion, even when they didn't dress up.

"She's right over there," Mia whispered in his ear, knowing that he would be thinking of her grandmother, and pointing in the direction of Helen, who was talking to someone in an ice blue suit.

She suddenly turned, and Joe realised it was Clarisse, who gave him a radiant smile, before walking over to him.

"You look very dashing in your suit," she murmured as he took her gloved hand in his and kissed it.

"And you look exquisite," he said in reply, looking at the suite that complemented her complexion and her eyes so well. "Is it new?"

"It must be, if you haven't seen it before," she murmured teasingly, her eyes sparkling happily. Neither of them was aware that they had an audience- whenever they were together, it was as if they were in a world of their own.

"It's time to go," Joe said, realising that they had an audience, and Clarisse turned to Mia.

"I'll see you at the church…you look so beautiful, darling. You are going to make a fine wife," she said in an undertone as she hugged her- and this time she meant it.

As soon as they had left the suite, Joe stopped and turned without a word, before kissing her long and happily.

"You always like to surprise me, don't you?" he murmured under his breath when they broke apart, and she looked at him with teasing eyes.

"Yes…but I take that response as you do like my outfit," she said easily, before he responded by kissing her again. "I know you do," she said with a smile as she took his arm, and they continued walking down the hall.

"I love it…and I love you," he replied as she moved closer to him.

"I love you too," she said softly in reply.

True to Clarisse's prediction, most of the guests she greeted looked curiously from one to the other, as if to confirm that they were still married, and she could tell that there were some that were disappointed that it was true.

"It's actually interesting to be examined like that," Joseph said as they waited for their signal to enter the church. Clarisse, as tradition and protocol dictated, was the last to be seated before the arrival of the bride.

"I know why- they want to see whether we're still married," Clarisse said, a little indignantly. She knew that most people supported the marriage, but there were elements that thoroughly disapproved. It pleased her to think that they had been disappointed- it was obvious they were still in love, and very happily married.

"It only matters to us if we're married or not, my love," Joseph said wisely, giving her a brief, one armed hug before one of the security guards nodded, and doors opened for them to make their entrance.

"Ready?" she asked under her breath, and he gave her hand a squeeze.

"Ready," he affirmed as they stepped forward, well aware that every eye on the place was on them.

"I feel like a celebrity," he muttered as they made the slow walk down the aisle, and Clarisse laughed, giving him a radiant smile, which told the watching congregation all they needed to know. The former Queen of Genovia and Joseph were still very happy together.

When they reached the altar, the Archbishop was beaming broadly at them as they made their way to their seats next to Helen and Patrick. Joseph waited until Clarisse was seated, and then sat down next to her, both well aware that everyone was still watching every move they made.

"I hope Mia gets here soon…I'm feeling rather conspicuous," Clarisse leaned over to tell Joseph, who only chuckled, and took his hand in hers.

Sure enough, as soon as she said the words, the doors opened and the choir began singing as the bridesmaids made their way down the aisle. Clarisse looked towards the altar- she hadn't noticed him before, but Nicholas and his friends were standing next to the Archbishop, and watching the proceedings. She turned back and gasped as Mia made her appearance in the door way, smiling broadly. Clarisse suddenly felt nervous again as they stood up- what if…but, as Joseph squeezed her gloved hand, she felt better…it wasn't going to happen….

Mia walked calmly up the aisle, and took Nicholas's arm before they both stepped towards the Archbishop. She leaned forward slightly to look at Clarisse, and the two women exchanged a look, before Mia stood up again and looked at Nicholas, love in her eyes.

Twenty minutes later, Mia and Nicholas were officially husband and wife, as they turned to smile at the applauding congregation. Clarisse had been moved beyond words at the ceremony, and she was dabbing at her eyes with a lace handkerchief as the young newlyweds made their way down the aisle.

"Hey…how come you didn't do that on our wedding day?" Joe asked as they prepared to follow the bridal party out of the church, Helen and Patrick close behind. She linked her arm with his, and smiled over at him.

"I guess I was in shock when we got married."

"So was I- imagine the Queen of Genovia proposing to me!"

"I figured that you had already done it once, so it was my turn to do it," she beamed at him as he took her hand in his.

There were already a group of people milling around the royal couple, so Clarisse and Joe opted to meet them at the reception back at the palace. As they were moving towards the door, someone tapped on Joe's arm, and they turned to see the Archbishop standing there, beaming at them.

"I can see that you're trying to make an early exit again," he teased before shaking Joe's hand, and kissing Clarisse's hand.

"Lovely wedding, wasn't it?" He stood back and they surveyed the ever growing crowd surrounding Mia and Nicholas.

"Yes…and they are going to be very happy together," Clarisse said with a smile as she watched them.

"You know, I never told you two this, but I've done a lot of weddings in my years, and none of them have touched me as much as yours did last year…It was beautiful to see how you finally openly admitted your feelings, in front of an entire church, and were not afraid to take the next step."

Joe and Clarisse looked at him, stunned- they had known that he had approved of their relationship, but not to the extent he had just admitted to.

"Have a wonderful anniversary tomorrow," he said with a smile, before turning and walking towards the crowds. Joseph and Clarisse looked after him, still in stunned silence, before looking at each other in surprise.

"Did you know that?" Clarisse finally asked when they were ensconced in the limo, and driving back to the palace.

"No…but it was…"Joseph couldn't think of a word to describe what they had just heard, but it had meant a great deal to him.

"Extraordinary," was the only word Clarisse could think of, and they spent the rest of the journey deep in thought about what the Archbishop had just told them.

The wedding reception was wonderful- although there were over 200 guests sitting down for lunch, Mia and Nicholas managed to greet each and every guest, before sitting down to eat. Clarisse and Joe were sitting near the bridal table, with Helen and Patrick, the newly married Andrew Jacoby and Lady Alyssa and Sebastian and Sheila, something for which both of them were grateful.

"It's not our day, it's yours, and you don't want your grandmother sitting at the bridal table with you," Clarisse had argued effectively when she and Mia went over the final details of the seating arrangements and, thankfully, Mia had taken her advice.

Although most people's attention was focused on the bride and groom, they still continued to look over, with interest, at Clarisse and Joseph. Joseph had heard someone murmur as he had gone to get drinks

"I can't believe they're still married- I thought it would have imploded long before this!"

He had been rather angry at the exchange, but when he had told Clarisse, she had only laughed.

"We've proved them wrong, darling!" Nothing was going to upset her today- her beloved Mia was happily married, and they were just about to celebrate their first anniversary the next day.

"I can't believe she's married now," Helen said reflectively as they watched Mia and Nicholas chatting to each other happily, not noticing the people around them.

"Yes…I wish her father had been here to see this," Clarisse said with a nostalgic sigh, before sipping her champagne again.

Just then, the DJ stepped up to the microphone to make an announcement.

"It gives me great pleasure to invite Her Majesty and Lord Nicholas Devereaux out onto the floor for their first dance," and everyone watched as Nicholas led Mia out onto the dance floor.

"They look so happy together," Sebastian Motez beamed happily, and there was a murmur of agreement from around the table. All too soon, the dance ended but, instead of heading back to their seats (or even, to Clarisse's surprise, Sebastian going to ask for a dance), Mia and Nicholas walked over to the DJ and whispered in his ear. Both of them were grinning when they turned, and Clarisse suddenly realised what Mia had asked the DJ.

"It is also a privilege to invite Her Majesty Queen Clarisse Renaldi- Bonnell, and her husband Joseph Bonnell onto the dance floor. I have been informed that, tomorrow, is their first wedding anniversary, and here is a song that, I believe has special significance to them."

"Someday,

When I'm awfully low…"

"I can't believe she did that," Clarisse said quietly, blushing hotly, as Joseph led her onto the dance floor. "You wait," she mouthed to Mia, who only laughed and gave her the thumbs up sign.

"You have to admit, it was a nice surprise," Joe amended, and Clarisse looked at him, surprised.

"Did you know about this?" Joseph looked sheepish.

"Yes, I did. I talked to Mia about this before, and she was more than happy to do it for me…you don't mind, do you?" he added, a little anxiously, and Clarisse's look softened in an instant.

"Of course I don't…it's just that it was Mia and Nicholas's day…."

"She too wanted to prove to those naysayers out there that we are still happily married," came a voice from behind them, as Nicholas and Mia walked past them, still smiling. Clarisse couldn't argue with that, so she just smiled happily at Joseph, thinking that she had never been this happy in her life.

All too soon the wedding reception ended, as Mia and Nicholas prepared to leave for the airport, and their two week cruise in the Mediterranean.

"Shades is pretty excited about it too," Joe said conversationally as they waited out in the main entrance to say goodbye. Clarisse laughed, before leaning in.

"He does realise that Charlotte isn't going with him, doesn't he?"

"Yes, and he's very disappointed…" but Joe didn't sound very sympathetic towards him as they were distracted by the appearance of Mia and Nicholas.

The newly weds said goodbye to as many people as possible, before standing in front of Clarisse and Joe- both of whom were awestruck at how happy and radiant the young people seemed to be.

"So…'you wait', Grandma? What are you going to do to me?" Clarisse started, and then pretended to look sternly at her.

"Oh…I found out Joseph's part in the charade, so you both deserve to be punished but…" a smile was playing at the edges of her mouth.

"I guess I can let you off…for now," she joked before Mia hugged her.

"Have a wonderful honeymoon," Clarisse whispered in her ear, and was momentarily teary eyed- it was only two weeks, after all, and then they would be back. Mia, sensing her mood, gave her an extra tight hug before pulling away.

"And happy anniversary for tomorrow…I'm sure you and Joseph will be very busy, so you won't notice that we're gone…"and she giggled as she moved onto Joseph.

"I could do with a nap after that," Joseph said after they waved the car off, and the guests began to disperse. Clarisse smiled, still a little preoccupied with Mia's leaving.

"I guess so."

"I know you deserve one," Joe put an arm around her as they walked back up the front steps. "I know grandmother of the bride is a hard and tiring role, and you need all your rest."

He had seen the wistful look in her eyes, and he knew that she would miss Mia more than she had realised, but, like Mia said, the two weeks would fly by.

They were headed towards upstairs when a guard came up and muttered something in Joe's ear.

"Oh… the boys are having a bit of trouble in the security room…I'll meet you upstairs," Joe said hurriedly, kissing her on the cheek, and following after the boy.

Clarisse smiled- although he had retired, he was still very interested in the goings on with the security boys. She sighed, and turned to go.

"Clarisse!" She turned to see Charlotte, looking young and pretty in a bright red dress, walking towards her.

"Hello Charlotte, I haven't seen you all day!"

"I've been busy," Charlotte looked a little coy, and then smiled. "I just wanted to see if you were alright…I know you're going to miss Mia for the next few weeks, and if you needed any company…besides Joe…you know where to find me."

"Thank you, Charlotte," Clarisse was touched at the offer. "I appreciate that…" as she trailed off, realising that this was the perfect opening for what she had wanted to say to Charlotte.

"I also want to thank you for the loyalty and dedication you have shown to me over the years…not only in the job," as Charlotte began to say something. "But being discreet…in terms of my relationship with Joseph…I never realised that you had known."

"I only discovered it accidentally," Charlotte blushed. "But I realised that you deserved more love and attention that you had been getting…and Joseph was the man who could give it to you. He loves you unconditionally."

"And I him," Clarisse said with a dreamy smile. "Did you know that I over heard you that day when two guards asked you about us? I was very touched that you defended us…I don't know how many people would do that for me…thank you."

"It was an honour and a privilege, Clarisse. And," Charlotte added as she turned away. "You'd be surprised at how many people would defend you…more than you would imagine," before disappearing with a mysterious smile.

Clarisse stood there for a moment, stunned at the second revelation, before she heard Joseph's voice from nearby.

"I thought you were going to meet me in the suite," he said in surprise as they began to climb the stairs.

"I was…but then I saw Charlotte, and realised that I had something to say to her…."Clarisse began, before relating the story to him.

"I told you- Charlotte is one in a million," Joe grinned as he followed her into the suite.

"But, you know what, Mrs Bonnell?"

"What?" she turned to him with a seductive smile.

"You're one in a billion…there will be no one else like you."

"And there will be no one else like you…."