Author's Note: thank you for all the reviews… this is the second half of the last chapter, which is why I did it so quickly! The next chapter should be longer!

The Princess Diaries doesn't belong to me!

Everyone gathered downstairs half an hour later, the guest of honour wearing a beautiful christening outfit, and snuggled up in his mother's arms. There was a big group assembled together when Joe and Clarisse finally arrived- most of them were friends of Julie and Patrick, as well as Patrick's relatives, and BJ quickly did the round of introductions. Some of the women gathered around Julie, cooing at Sean, when they arrived a minute after Joe and Clarisse, before BJ clapped his hands loudly.

"Alright, alright, we won't get into that now, otherwise we'll be late for church… you'll have plenty of time to do that later…" he said loudly, before adding: "But you do have time to tell me I look good!" and Lynn rolled her eyes in exasperation.

Clarisse and Joe (dressed in his best navy blue suit) travelled with BJ, Lynn and an unusually sullen looking Annie, something which concerned Clarisse.

"What's wrong with Annie?" Clarisse whispered to Lynn as they walked into church, and Lynn shrugged as she looked back at her serious looking daughter.

"I don't know…"

Clarisse made a mental note to speak to Annie later, before she sat down in the pew between Lynn and Joseph.

The christening was to be held within the church service, and Clarisse grew more nervous as the time approached, and she was almost shaking with nerves as she followed Patrick's uncle, Julie and Patrick up to the waiting priest, who was standing next to the font.

Joseph grinned to himself as he watched Clarisse's expression during the ceremony- she looked serious as she listened to the priest- she really was taking this seriously, but he wasn't all that surprised as, although she had a wonderful sense of humour and fun, she took everything she considered important seriously.

But she did relax slightly after the priest asked her and the uncle the two questions in the service, and they confirmed their commitment to Sean as his godparents. Little Sean began to cry as the priest sprinkled water on his forehead, and his wails got louder and louder before he was finally handed back to Julie, who began to rock him.

After the service, the guests all crowded around the little family, but Clarisse stayed back, watching the scene with a happy smile- this was so much different to her two son's christenings…

"How does it feel to be a godmother?" came a voice from beside her, and she turned to smile at Joseph as he wove his arm around her waist.

"Lovely," she said simply.

"You looked so serious when you were standing up there… I know you take things seriously, but I was worried you were taking this too seriously…"

"I only take things that are important seriously- and this is important- being godmother to that little boy is a huge responsibility…"

"I know you appreciate that, and it's so sweet… but, at least we'll have a good night's sleep tonight," he murmured into her ear, and she laughed out loud before changing the subject.

"So, what's the plan for the rest of the day?"

"A big lunch for the guests- the guest of honour probably napping- and then a party tonight… the family doesn't need much of an excuse to party!"

"Sounds like fun," Clarisse said enthusiastically.

00000

The rest of the christening day passed quickly, with the boy of the hour sleeping through most of it.

"Although he really should be awake, lapping up all the attention, and being a good host!" BJ joked over lunch. "Maybe he'll be able to help me when he turns one…By the way, Clarisse," he changed the subject so suddenly that Clarisse was a little bemused as he turned to her with a charming smile. "I don't know whether Joe has warned you about Bonnell family parties, but they… tend to get a little wild…"

"Particularly when alcohol is involved," Lynn added with a grin.

"Ignore that… but I'm just warning you that may get a little crazy tonight!"

"I'll keep that in mind," Clarisse said with a laugh.

After a long lunch, most of the guests dispersed- either out to explore the property, or upstairs or even into town… BJ's excuse for that was 'We need more drinks for tonight'… leaving Clarisse and Joe in the hallway.

"So, what should we do now?"

"Well I've got one idea," Joe gave her a significant look and she blushed slightly as he gently led her towards the stairs.

"Oh?" she pretended to look innocent, but she knew very well what he meant.

"Yes…" he leaned over and nuzzled her neck playfully. "I think… we should have… have an afternoon nap… we need it after last night," he joked.

"Oh," Clarisse sounded disappointed, and laughed.

"Did I just hear disappointment in your voice, my darling wife?" he teased.

"No, you didn't… but I think it's a good idea to have a nap…"

"The nap isn't a definite thing… I was just teasing… but anyway…" he smiled teasingly at her. "I do have an idea…" and she laughed happily as they walked upstairs hand in hand. "But it was a sweet christening today, wasn't it?"

"Yes, it was… and it kind of reminded me of the boys…"

"What were they like?" he asked curiously as he followed her into the bedroom.

"I can barely remember Pierre's… I was kept out of the way most of the time as the country celebrated the arrival of the next heir to the throne… most of the pictures were of my in laws, Rupert and the baby… it might sound harsh, but I actually approved of that- I still wasn't completely over my depression…"

"What about Phillipe's?"

"It was beautiful… much quieter than Pierre's, with less guests and fanfare… and he was either in my arms or nearby most of the day… Pierre played up- he was three at the time, but it was lovely day," she sat down on the bed and kicked off her heels, looking thoughtful.

"It was actually one of the rare occasions when we really were a family…"

She looked wistful for a moment, feeling a twinge of regret at what could have been, before she realised what she did have- a happy and loving marriage, a happy granddaughter, wonderful friends and now a big, warm family…

"It's alright," she felt Joseph rub her leg soothingly, and she turned to smile at him.

"I know it's alright… I've got a lot to be grateful for- you and our marriage, Mia, our friends and family… and other things," she added as his hand slowly began to creep up her skirt, and he leaned over to kiss her neck…

"What other things?" he inquired cheekily as she lay back on the bedspread, and she chuckled sexily as she reached up for his shirt collar, unbuttoning a few shirt buttons as she went.

"I'm sure you know what I mean…" before she tugged on his shirt, and he laughed, leaning down to kiss her. "Kiss me…" she sang softly, and they both remembered her karaoke experience when they were staying at James'.

"I wonder what else we're going to do this week," she pondered, as he fiddled with the buttons on her blouse and he chuckled.

"Who knows… but I know that BJ is going to make it interesting!" before he kissed her again, and they forgot about everything except each other…

000

"So, do I need to be worried about tonight?" Clarisse asked later as, changed in more casual clothes, they strolled downstairs to join the others. It was now close to dinner time, and they were all meeting for drinks, and a buffet, while the main person of the hour was asleep upstairs, but it didn't stop the adults from celebrating, as BJ had reasoned.

"There's absolutely no reason to be worried about tonight!" he reassured her with a loving squeeze of her hand. "I'll be at your side all night…"

"You don't have to do that," Clarisse returned the squeeze of the hand. "I want you to have a good time with your… our," she amended with a smile. "Family- don't worry about me."

"Nevertheless, I'll be spending most of my time with you…"

Most of the guests were already gathered in the dining room, the party already well underway, when they arrived, and BJ immediately shoved drinks into their hands.

"To wet the baby's head," he said by way of explanation, before dragging Joseph over to introduce him to some friends, and Clarisse couldn't help but laugh as Joseph looked helplessly at her, before she strolled over and joined the other women. She had meant what she had said about Joseph having a good time- she wanted him to relax, and not worry about her.

"The men are going to drink too much tonight," Lynn said knowingly with a smile, and Clarisse smiled in reply. "BJ can't help but stir everyone up so that they can't help but play his silly drinking games… it's ridiculous! But, if Joe happens to follow his lead, they can all crash in the living room for the night- I'm not carrying any of them upstairs!"

"That's fine with me- I just don't want to be roped into whatever they're playing!" Clarisse said diplomatically, before Julie arrived. "Is the baby asleep?"

"Yes, he was worn out from all the attention he received today- and I'm just as tired from all the attention!"

"Yes, christenings can be tiring- especially for mother and baby, but the poor father is usually left out," Patrick's aunt Mary laughed, before looking over at where the men were huddled, around the bar. "But they're sure celebrating in their own way!"

Clarisse couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive- she trusted Joseph not to completely misbehave when he was drinking (the exception being when he, James and Charlie had got arrested), but now, with the others egging each other on….

"Don't worry, Clarisse," Lynn said easily, reading her thoughts. "Joe is the most responsible one of the lot, always has been, so, even if he gets as drunk as the others, he won't do anything as stupid as them!"

"I hope not," Clarisse said softly, little a little apprehensive, but she relaxed slightly at Lynn's words.

As the night wore on, and the drinks continued to flow, the guests (especially the men) continued to get louder and louder, but Clarisse had no intention of getting that way, only sipping her wine as she talked to other women, before she noted Annie sitting alone in a corner, looking morose…

"So, what are you doing over here along?" Clarisse asked as she sat down next to Annie, who just shrugged.

"I just felt like sitting alone, that's all," she replied sulkily, glaring at Julie inexplicably, and Clarisse suddenly realised she was jealous of the attention Julie had received that day- it was a classic case of sibling rivalry.

"It was lovely christening, wasn't it?"

"Yes, it was… and you're going to be a great godmother."

"Thank you… Sean looked adorable, didn't he?"

"Yes he's very cute."

Annie was answering the questions, albeit reluctantly, but Clarisse wasn't all that surprised, before she decided to be upfront, as she usually was with Mia when she was sulking.

"Annie, why have you been gloomy all day?"

"It's nothing…"

"Nonsense," Clarisse said briskly. "Annie, tell me the truth."

"Alright," Annie heaved a sigh. "It may seem rather silly in a woman of nearly 30, but I'm rather jealous of Annie and Patrick, and the attention they received today…"

"Why? Their little son was christened today… surely you don't begrudge them that! A first child's christening is very special…"

"I know, and I'm not all that proud of it, particularly as Julie is so happy… didn't you ever have sibling rivalry?"

"No… I was an only child, as was Rupert, and I envy you and Joseph for having brothers and sisters to have problems with," Clarisse said honestly, and Annie looked at her in surprise. "You're very lucky to have siblings… being an only child is a very lonely way to grow up."

Annie looked abashed at Clarisse's simple words before she shrugged again, trying to look indifferent.

"But I don't think that's the real issue," Clarisse said calmly, giving her a look. "So…?"

"I'm… I'm… I'm just afraid you like Annie more than me."

For a moment, Clarisse was surprised at Annie's admission, too stunned to speak, before Annie continued.

"I know it's very childish, but you've both spent so much time with Jules and the baby… I just felt a little left out, that's all," she finished in a small voice, and Clarisse had to take a sip of her drink so she could gather her thoughts.

Annie jealous of Julie… she hadn't realised she had been giving Julie too much attention… while it was, undoubtedly, childish of Annie, a star in Hollywood, to be jealous, it was also rather flattering…

"Well," Clarisse began after a long moment, ignoring the loud music that had suddenly started up and Annie skolled her drink. "I don't know what to say… but I'm flattered… and I can assure you that I'm just as fond of you as I am of Julie… I'm just fond of you in two different ways…"

"How?" Julie looked at her mournfully, and Clarisse sighed- she very much doubted Annie would remember the conversation in the morning, but she could reassure her at the moment.

"Julie and I are very much like in character, and we've also bonded over Sean and motherhood… but you remind me so much of Phillipe and Mia… your pranks (Phillipe would have had his feet on the table, as you had yesterday), and your high spirits… believe me, my dear," she leaned over and caressed her cheek with one hand. "You cannot accuse me of playing favourites- you and Julie are both my favourites."

Annie's face lit up with delight as she threw her arms around Clarisse happily, nearly winding her.

"Thank you! You've made me feel so much better! You won't tell anyone will you?"

"I'm glad… and no, I won't tell anyone about this," Clarisse replied with a smile before Annie scampered off to the bar.

Clarisse glanced at her watch- it was almost midnight and she was ready for bed- before she glanced over at where the men were crowded around a table, playing cards and drinking… Joseph included. She didn't mind that Joseph was not with her, as he had promised- she was glad that he was having a good time… but she wasn't going to disturb him before she went to bed… that card game looked very intense…

"They'll be fine," Lynn said when Clarisse returned to excuse herself. "They'll all probably fall asleep where they are… but I definitely wouldn't want to be them in the morning!"

000

The next morning, Joseph opened his eyes and blinked his eyes quickly in the early morning light, not feeling very well, and vaguely wondering why he felt so sick… He turned over, expecting to see Clarisse beside him, but instead found himself facing the front of a couch.

"What the…?" he muttered, even more confused, before he sat up and realised that he had slept on the couch. Why was he sleeping on the couch? Had Clarisse kicked him out? He was still pondering that when he looked around, and saw BJ slumped in a chair, Patrick curled up in a ball in front of the fireplace, and the other men stretched out on the floor… before he realised that yesterday had been the christening, and they had had a big party last night… and BJ had egged him on…the night had been a blur…

"Oh…" he heard a groan from BJ's chair, and Joe grinned grimly as BJ slowly sat up, his hands at his temples, before he opened his eyes. "I feel awful… what happened last night?"

"A christening party that got out of control," Joe replied, his own head thumping, as he swung his legs onto the floor.

"I can vaguely remember it…" before Joe looked up to see Clarisse and Lynn entering the room, carry a tray of cups of coffee each.

"Good morning," Clarisse said cheerfully, setting the tray down on the table in front of Joseph. "How are we feeling this morning?" she teased, smiling down at her husband, who groaned, although relieved that he hadn't done anything to humiliate her…

"Awful… but thank you for bringing coffee," he muttered, pressing her hand warmly for a moment, before reaching over and grabbing a coffee.

"I told you that they would be fine," Lynn said knowingly to Clarisse, and BJ only groaned louder, trying to elicit some sympathy. "Sorry, dear… you did this to yourself, so you have to suffer the consequences…"

"Is there any breakfast?" BJ asked pathetically as the rest of the group slowly got up off the floor, and Lynn had to laugh.

"Alright, breakfast coming up… but you'll all have to come to the dining room to eat!"

The men looked slightly better as they, as a group, came into the dining room, all the women (bar Annie) waiting, but Clarisse couldn't help but pat Joseph sympathetically on the knee as he sat down next to her.

"What happened last night?" he whispered, and she smiled.

"Despite your promise not to abandon me," she began teasingly in a low voice. "BJ dragged you away, and I didn't see you for the rest of the evening!"

"Didn't you come over to come and say goodnight? I'm sure I would have come to bed!"

"I didn't want to disturb you- that card game looked very intense," she joked and they both chuckled together, Joe feeling better knowing that she wasn't annoyed at him, before Annie came into the room, not looking very well.

After breakfast, they left the room together, Joe going upstairs for a shower, and Clarisse was heading outside for a walk, before she felt someone tap her shoulder, and she turned to see Annie standing there.

"How are you feeling this morning?" Clarisse teased gently.

"I've had better days, but I just wanted to thank you for last night… I probably made a fool of myself, but…"

It was clear that Annie was embarrassed, but Clarisse wanted to make her feel comfortable.

"You didn't," Clarisse replied with a warm smile. "I appreciate what you said, and I want you to know that I meant what I said… including never telling anyone what you told me…"

"Not even Joe?"

"Not even him," she said firmly. "Also, Joseph happened to mention that you'd like us to visit you in Los Angeles."

"It was just an idea," Annie shrugged casually. "I thought you could come to my film premiere…"

"There are a few things that need to be considered, but Joseph and I will discuss it… I've been to Los Angeles several times, but I've never been to a film premiere," Clarisse mused with a smile.

00000

Once the excitement of the christening wore off, and the guests all left, Clarisse and Joseph spent a happy, busy and fun filled week at BJ's. As promised, Clarisse went horse riding several times, riding out over some of the fields, feeling freer than ever, but she was also careful not to go too far, as per Joseph's instructions. The only complaint she had about riding was that she always had sore legs.

"I've realised that there are two reasons why you're going horse riding," Joe said teasingly as he helped her down. "One, to ride as far as you can, testing me; and two, so you can get yet another massage from me… I suppose you want one from me tonight?"

Clarisse laughed as, holding the reins of the horse firmly, she led Coco, and Joseph over to the stables.

"You're right on all three counts- especially the massage tonight," she added in a low voice. "But I recall that I never heard you complain about my riding clothes…"

"No, I have to admit that they do look fantastic on you," he admitted with another approving look at her outfit. "I don't understand how you managed to ride with a skirt for all those years…"

"Yes you do… and you were the one that inadvertently outed Herbie when Mia was inspecting the troops," she ribbed gently, and he frowned slightly, trying to look insulted.

"Well, I wasn't to know that…. My priority was getting Mia off that horse, and…"

"Alright, dear," Clarisse patted his arm reassuringly. "You don't need to be Head of Security anymore…"

Apart from the horse riding, the long walks they took daily, exploring the property, and the numerous lengthy meals that they enjoyed with BJ and Lynn (BJ remembering numerous stories about him and Joseph in their childhood), Joseph also took her to visit his parent's graves.

"Both were sick for a long time, but they were really great…" he said quietly as they looked down at the two headstones. "As I said before, we were all close… but they also would have loved you…" he said, putting an arm around her waist, and she smiled slightly.

"They both sounded so lovely from what you told me about them… I wish I had met them," Clarisse said gently, and Joseph smiled, his grip on her getting tighter.

"My mother always suspected that you were the one I was… wished for… She didn't always know, but once I hit 40, I think she started to realise something was going on…"

"Were you speaking about me all the time?" she teased.

"Yes, but I think my mother sensed that you were special to me… there were women, but none of them really captured me like you did… She was worried that I might be pursing a fruitless idea, but…. I told her that you were worth it…"

"She wanted you to be happy," Clarisse said wisely. "What mother could bear seeing their son alone for most of their life…? I didn't understand Pierre being alone for so long, but I had to accept what his decision was…"

"And she had to accept my decision… I didn't want to marry anyone except you," he said firmly, and she smiled.

"I just hope it didn't cause any tension between you all…"

"It didn't- although BJ teased me a great deal, but Mama…" Clarisse smiled at what he called his mother…

"Mama told him off, and told me that…" he swallowed hard, still remembering the loving look she had given him. "I couldn't help who I loved, and whoever it was… was probably a lovely lady, and was very lucky to have me in their life…"

Clarisse leaned over and rested her cheek on his shoulder for a moment.

"She sounds so lovely… and I'm the lucky one… I'm sure she would have loved to see you married…"

"Yes, and that's why she gave me that ring…" he touched the engagement ring on her finger. "She never gave up hope that I would get married…I'll have to tell you the story sometime…."

"What about your father?"

"I don't think it really bothered him who I was interested in… he never judged me, and I suppose that he was always alright with it…But I don't think I really would have cared- you were (and are) the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, and that was never going to change…"

He sighed as he looked down at the headstones again, and she leaned over and kissed his cheek softly.

"I wish I had the same relationship with my parents, but I didn't…" she shrugged philosophically, and Joseph squeezed her gently. "It doesn't matter, anyway… life goes on… But I'm glad I've had the time to spend with your family- they really are all wonderful…"

"Yes… although Annie looked a little sulky on the christening day… do you have any idea what was going on?"

"No idea," Clarisse fibbed smoothly, but she had no intention of telling Joseph what she had said. It was a confidence between her and Annie. "I guess she just must have missed her friends, or was tired…"

"Maybe… So," he turned and grinned at her. "We've got another night here before we go home… what do you think we should do tonight?"

"I think we should take your brother and sister in law out for a meal- just to thank them for their hospitality this week."

"I knew there was something about you I really loved," he murmured, before he leant over and kissed her on the forehead…"That sounds like a great idea!"