After their rounds of lovemaking Clarisse was laying in bed sighing and staring out of the window at the wonderful and beautiful sea. She leaned up and saw that Joseph was still sleeping; so she got up, wrapped the sheet around herself, and walked out into the balcony. Joe felt her get up, and the warm breeze that swept into the room waking him gently. He slipped on his boxers, and followed her out onto the balcony. She embraced him as he kissed her temple and forehead gently and sighed again.

"Joseph I think now's the time to talk."

"Yes my dear I'm all ears."

She turned and faced him; he could see a flash of pain and embarrassment in her eyes. She crossed her arms, and shivered a little. He motioned for her to go inside in case she was cold, but shook her head at him.

"Joseph… what I am going to tell you is most secret and very important."

"Yes?"

"(Sighs) I'm pregnant."

"What?"

"I said I'm pregnant."

"But I thought you couldn't have any more children."

"The doctor said there was a good possibility I couldn't after Philippe but I guess it went right by that."

"How far along are you?"

"4 weeks."

"So then…"

"Yes my darling the child is yours. Rupert and I haven't made love in almost 2 months."

"So then how are you going to explain…?"

"I'll just tell Rupert it happened the last time. Don't worry."

"I can't believe it. I'm going to be a father."

"You're not upset with me are you?"

"Oh my no! Of course not! This is the happiest day of my life. The love of my life is having my child! What's better than that?"

"Oh! That's a relief. I thought you were going to get mad, and make me… never mind. This is a special moment."

"Yes my love it is. I would ask you to marry me but you already are; and with my new position as head of security at the palace I will always be there and watch my child grow up."

He leaned one of his hands down to her abdomen and rubbed gently. She smiled from ear to ear as did he; she was deliriously and blissfully happy. It was the happiest she had ever felt in a long time.

"Hello my little darling this is your dad. Your mother and I will be so happy when you get here my angel."

"Yes we will."