Author's Note: Sorry I took so long with this chapter, but it's nearly finished...

Thanks to all my loyal readers- you all rock! Happy New Year!

The Princess Diaries doesn't belong to me!

It had meant to be a brief visit, but they ended up staying for lunch and part of the afternoon with Mia and Nicholas, which gave Clarisse an opportunity to observe her granddaughter. Pregnancy suited her very well, she thought to herself- she was running a country and expecting twins, but she seemed to be taking it in stride... unlike her grandmother, Clarisse thought a little bitterly, when she was expecting her second child and struggling with a difficult pregnancy and marriage... but, thankfully Mia's husband was faithful which pleased her greatly.

So absorbed was she in her thoughts that Clarisse didn't realize Mia was talking to her until Joseph gently tapped her on the shoulder, causing her to start.

"Grandma's obviously daydreaming again," Mia sang as Clarisse blushed. "So, Grandma... what were you daydreaming about?"

"I was thinking..." she heavily emphasized that word, a little mortified at being caught out not paying attention. "...That pregnancy suits you, and how well you're coping with it all, especially running a country... are you feeling alright?"

"Fine- I feel like I can do anything."

"And she does," Nicholas added with a grin.

"But I am starting to slow down..."

"Which is normal when you're expecting... but you are the first Renaldi (and Le Roche) to ever have twins, and it's wonderful... and we're all going to be here for you."

"Of course we are," Joseph confirmed supportively, knowing Clarisse was secretly concerned about Mia delivering twins, but he was certain (and had reassured Clarisse as such) that Mia would be fine."As I've said before, it's double the trouble!" he added with a grin.

"For Grandma and you!" Mia retorted with a grin.

0

They were almost out to the car when they left when Scott appeared from inside, calling Joseph's name.

"I was hoping to catch you before you left," he puffed a little when he finally stood in front "I have a favour to ask of you... and you," he hastily added Clarisse in his request. "Charlotte would be here to help me ask, but she had a meeting..."

"More bad news, Scott?" Joseph teased, amused that Scott was nervous- what could be the matter?

"Charlotte and I are getting married tonight... and we were wondering if... Joe, you could be my best man, and Clarisse..." he looked at her. " You could be her maid of honour?"

"We'd be delighted," Clarisse burst out excitedly before Joseph could say anything. "This is wonderful news"

"Yes, we'd be happy to help," Joseph added as an afterthought and Scott visibly relaxed.

"We figured that ten years is long enough to be dating... and I definitely do not want to try and break your record," he grinned at Joseph, who only acknowledged the joke with a responding smile.

"True... so when did you want us tonight?" It meant that they wouldn't get home until very late that night, but since Clarisse hated leaving Shelley alone, it didn't matter... this was a special occasion- Scott, who had taken his position as the palace's most eligible bachelor, was getting married!

"About seven thirty," he grinned impishly at them. "I know this is short notice, but thank you for doing it..." before he disappeared back inside, leaving Joseph and Clarisse looking at each other in surprise.

"Well... that was unexpected," Clarisse finally said diplomatically. "I know they've been together for a long time, but...."

"A spur of the moment decision- typical Scott," Joseph said with a laugh as they dismissed the car and headed back inside. "I hope Charlotte knows what she's getting into..."

Clarisse didn't respond, but her subsequent chuckling piqued Joseph's interest. "What are you laughing at?"

"I was just thinking... people are going to start wondering what's going on at the palace when the two lifelong bachelors of the palace both get married.. you to me and Scott to Charlotte!"

"To be fair, OUR relationship was the worst kept secret in Genovia and everyone knew we would get married eventually... but yes, I suppose people may wonder--- four weddings in three years!"

"It's better than the sounds of arguments or tears," Clarisse responded quietly. "Still, it is rather funny...."

"Yes, "Joseph agreed as he followed her into their suite. "Especially funny is seeing how Scott settles into marriage... I think it's going to be hilarious!"

"So says the man who, until three years ago, had never been married and had no idea about it," she teased, curling up on the couch and Joseph frowned slightly as he sat down at the opposite end of the couch.

"That's not true... besides, we were in a committed relationship for a long time, as good as married, so I DID have some idea of what marriage would entail... and, for the most part, I have been satisfied with our marriage," he smirked at her.

"Oh really? Just satisfied?" she pretended to look insulted before tossing a cushion at him, but he caught her arm as she threw it, and pulled her towards him. He chuckled victoriously as she rested herself against him before he kissed her on her forehead.

"Sometimes, Joseph Bonnell, you are absolutely impossible," she shook her head in disbelief, but he knew she wasn't annoyed as he saw the small smile on her lips...

"I knew that would get a rise out of you," he said with a grin.

0

True to his word, Joseph and Clarisse were waiting in their car outside the registry office later that evening, she sky darkening by the moment as they waited for the bride and groom. Clarisse was wearing one of her best dresses, and clutching two bouquets of flowers, while Joseph was in his best suit.

"Just think, we could have done this," Joseph murmured as they waited, and Clarisse chuckled.

"It was what I wanted all along- you and I get married without any fuss before disappearing into the sunset (or, rather, in the palace), but... there was an available time and venue, Mia approved and there were waiting guests... But, in the end, all I wanted was to marry you- where and when didn't matter to me."

"Me too, sweetheart, me too," he echoed her sentiments, pulling her close for a kiss. "And I have to say that marriage really suits you...

"As it does you... being protective HOS was good practice for you... but it suits me because I'm blissfully happy with you."

"It was never too hard to be protective around you- but it was out of love," he smiled over at her silhouette before leaning over to kiss her again.

Charlotte and Scott arrived a few minutes later, and both looked unsurprisingly nervous as Clarisse and Joseph walked over to meet them.

"Thank you for doing this,"Charlotte said gratefully to Clarisse as she accepted the bouquet Clarisse had for her- she looked lovely in a creamy frilly dress, while Scott looked handsome yet uncomfortable in a black suit. "Scott sprang this on me two weeks ago, and I'm still a little overwhelmed," she admitted with a shy smile.

"I'd be overwhelmed if that had happened to me... although, I married someone who gave me two minutes to consider her proposal," Joseph joked, squeezing Clarisse's hand affectionately. "So..." he grinned at Scott wickedly. "Are you ready?"

"Yes..."Scott said hurriedly, still looking nervous. "Let's do this," he said bravely, grabbing Charlotte's hand and leading them into the office.

"He's nervous," Joseph crowed in an undertone to Clarisse as they followed them, and she nudged him in the ribs.

"Of course he would be... weren't you?"

"First time, I was in shock... the second time, a little... but it was more than worth it," he smiled lovingly over at her before they joined the bride and groom in front of the registrar.

As the ceremony progressed, however, Joseph and Clarisse's eyes met at certain times, and it was difficult to pull away as they both remembered both of their weddings and how they had felt...

But they were both watching with smiles when Scott and Charlotte were pronounced husband and wife, Scott looking less nervous, and once the registry was signed and they were all standing outside again, Joseph couldn't resist teasing Scott, as the women chatted nearby, :
"Now how do you feel... now that you've taken the plunge?"

"Fine,"Scott said with a grin. "Not as bad as I thought it would be..."before he stopped, looking horrified. "Not that I meant it like that..."

"Of course not," Joseph replied, realizing that teasing wasn't appropriate at this time. "It is a big step... congratulations mate..." he shook his hand firmly. "Charlotte is terrific, and it's about time you settled down... what are your plans now?"

"We're not having a honeymoon just yet, but my second in charge is great, so when we do go away, it'll be fine... I know what you're going to say, Joe- HOS's aren't meant to go away, but you were the only one who chose not to have time off... and we all know why that is!"

"He's got you there," Clarisse spoke up as she stepped up next to Joseph, Charlotte next to Scott. "But, at the moment, all you need to worry about is celebrating the fact that you two are married," she smiled warmly at the newlyweds as she looped her arm through Joseph's. "And we're both very happy for you."

"It's about time,"Joseph quipped with a grin and Scott, having sufficiently recovered enough, quickly retorted with:

"Look who's talking!"

000

It was very late the next morning when Clarisse opened her eyes, the sun pouring in through the crack in the curtains and, for a moment, she wondered why they were in bed so late, before she suddenly remembered....

After the ceremony, she and Joseph had insisted on taking the newlyweds out for drinks, and it was well after nine when they headed back to the beach.

"I'm so glad they're married," Clarisse sighed as she relaxed against the leather seat. "Charlotte looked so happy..."

"As did Scott, when the whole ceremony was over," Joseph joked.

"Somehow, men are more intimidated by a wedding than women... it must be because they feel it's a bigger commitment than they're ready for... not that I ever doubted you, darling," she added as an afterthought.

There was a long silence in the car, Clarisse suddenly a little uncomfortable that she had offended him as the minutes passed, before she heard the click of a seat belt undoing and the sound of him sliding across towards her, before she felt herself being pulled into his arms, the seat belt undone quickly, his lips caressing her neck.

"Marriage was the commitment I wanted," he breathed into her ear. "It was just that you were playing hard to get."

"All the more for you to appreciate me when we were finally married," she teased before he leaned down slightly and kissed her.

"And I do... you have no idea how wonderful it is to know that you're my wife, and to call you that publicly..." he murmured as he ran a hand up and down her back, relieved that it was dark in the car. "It's something I always wished would happen."

"I wished that it would happen too,"she responded quietly- despite marriage and their past history, there were still times that they were shy around each other. "But look at us now- almost three years of happy marriage... unless you disagree with me...." she teased, but his lips pressed on hers again, passionate and intense, proved that he agreed with her absolutely.

"BOTH of our weddings and honeymoons... which do you prefer?"

"It's strange, but even though our second wedding was planned with our consent, and had only those that mattered to us... I prefer our first- it was our first wedding, and our first night together...officially," she added with a small smile, recalling their 'first night' hadn't been their wedding night. "I loved every minute, even though it had been originally Mia's day... All that mattered was that we could be seen together for the rest of our lives... and that I was able to publicly declare how much I loved you then, as I do now..." and she squeezed his hand in the dark tightly.

"Yes, that is a wonderful memory, as well as everyone knowing I loved and love you... but our second wedding was just as beautiful and even more intimate..."

He held her closer for a moment- he liked the first wedding because Clarisse had finally, openly admitted her feelings and commitment to him, but the second ceremony had been more special, as it had been less public and quieter, and it had reaffirmed their relationship to their family and friends... it was also special because she had almost fallen to pieces with nerves beforehand (despite the fact that they were already married)- it had been so sweet and endearing, as well as proving how much she loved him.

"Either way, all that matters is that I get to say good morning to you every morning, and good night to you every night," he added before leaning forward to kiss her again.....

She smiled dreamily at the memory- they had 'celebrated' their honeymoons when they got home... before she realized that she could hear something coming from the chair beside her bed, as if there was a phone ringing.... The noise was coming from Joseph's jacket, she realized as she carefully slid out of bed and dug the phone out of his pocket, answering it before the noise disturbed Joseph.... and she was surprised to hear Pierre's voice on the other end.

"Pierre?" she whispered in surprise once he had greeted her, before tiptoeing out onto the balcony. "This is a surprise... how are you? What are you doing?"

"I'm very well, and I called you because I have some news... but it sounds as though I've woken you... I haven't, have I?"

He sounded so timid, so reticent on the phone that Clarisse wanted to scream, but decide to keep quiet.

"No you didn't, dear, not at all... so, what's your news?"

"I'm being transferred back to Genovia... to a church on the south side, not on the north...." he trailed off, sounding a little timid again, but Clarisse was pleased.

"That's wonderful news, darling," she cried enthusiastically. "We'll be able to see each other more often... that is, if you like..."

She was careful to add that it was his decision whether they were to meet or not- she was well aware of how delicate things were between them.

"Really?"

"Yes, I'll certainly be coming to some of your services, Joseph in tow! So, when are you coming back?"

"In a couple of months, but I will let you know beforehand."

She gazed out to sea once the phone call was over a few minutes later, very happy that Pierre was finally coming home... Rupert had all but banished him from the palace when he had made the decision to abdicate, disgusted that he had chosen the church over the crown, and he had stayed away after Rupert's death, much to Clarisse's sorrow... She really could have used her son's support when Phillipe had been killed, although Joseph had filled the role perfectly, but still... she would have liked Pierre there...

However, time had healed most of the old wounds, and she now understood and respected his decision- he had always been very religious- and while his subsequent behaviour towards her had caused her a great deal of pain, she also knew she would forgive him... all that really mattered was that he was finally coming home....

"What are you doing out here?" she heard Joseph say behind her, and she smiled as his arms wove around her, his goatee tickling as he nuzzled her neck.

"I'm up, that's all that matters," she retorted, spinning around to face him and weaving her arms around his neck. "Good morning sweetheart."

"Good morning, my darling," he gazed at her tenderly for a moment before leaning over and kissing her gently. "So, you never answered my question... or why you have my phone...."

"Pierre called," she began hastily before recalling the conversation, Joseph listening with an eyebrow raised.

"How do you feel about that?" he asked immediately when she had finished- although he was impressed at Pierre, his first thought was Clarisse.

"Me?" Clarisse looked surprised at the question. "I'm fine... actually, I'm very happy he's coming back...it's been nearly ten years, but I'm glad he'll be back in the country, at least."

Her eyes clouded over for a moment as she recalled Rupert's fury at Pierre's 'defection, and Pierre had accepted his anger while taking it out on Clarisse.

"It's amazing he even wants to come back to Genovia after the way his father went after him."

Joseph didn't say anything, but he had long since thought that it was amazing that Pierre had continued to idolize his father while continuing to treat his mother so badly.

"However," Clarisse brought him back to the present. "Even though he's going to be based in the south, and we're going to go to some of his service... BOTH of us," she added, giving him a look and he grinned.

"Yes ma'am."

00000

The next three months seemed to fly by in moments for Joseph and Clarisse, not only with their activities but also the time they spent with their family and friends, and it was now May, with Mia's twins due anytime, the country in a state of high excitement, reminiscent of Mia's wedding, or even Joe and Clarisse's second wedding...

Clarisse's had had her hands full for the past couple of months, not only with her personal pursuits but with her family and friends... She had been almost as busy as when she had been Queen, but she loved it. She had finally completed their garden at the beach (getting rave reviews from Joseph as well as everyone else who had seen it), and Sergio's garden at the restaurant, eliciting surprise and rare rave reviews from the press about her talent for design as well as her passion for gardening.

"Who knew that the former Queen of Genovia had a secret talent for design?" Elsie Kentworthy had sounded surprised on her television show, but Clarisse, who had only being watching it while waiting for her favourite show, only laughed.

"I should be insulted by her tone," she commented to her husband as he changed the channel, but she didn't care- Sergio had loved his garden, and had even suggested that she started her own landscaping business, something she met with a laugh.

"No... gardening is passion, not a job... Besides, I've got too many other things on my plate- including Joseph!"

She laughed at Joseph's expression when she said that, but his look melted when she realized that she was only joking. But it was true- she was a busy woman, particularly with her continued interest in her charities, thus she and Joseph were seen out and about more often at charity events. She was also busy training her growing Shelley, but she was still as gentle as ever, snuggling up in Clarisse's lap whenever she had the opportunity, and accompanying them whenever they went anywhere overnight. Apart from everything else, she always had time for Joseph- they were now approaching their third wedding anniversary, and it still amazed her that they had been as happy together for so long. Joseph was still the man she had fallen in love with- kind, loving, considerate, caring, smart as well as handsome- but it still surprised her that she had been given a second chance a life, a second life and a second family... and she was happier than ever, especially with Joseph at her side.

Joseph, meanwhile, was just as busy- his number one priority was his wife, so whatever she did, he followed, loving and supporting her as he always had, and proud to remain in the background at any public events, much to her consternation.

"Doesn't it bother you that you're always playing second fiddle to me... you should be in the spotlight like me!"

"I don't want the attention because I was never meant to be in the spotlight (as much as you hate the though of me shunted aside), but also because once the spotlight is switched off, I have YOU all to myself, and that's what really matters."

He was also assisting Scott with various security issues- a couple bodyguards had suddenly quit, so Scott's workload had almost doubled as he trained new ones and did his normal duties, but Charlotte was being more than patient. Scott, despite his initial nerves, had more than settled into marriage, although he had often turned to Joseph for marital advice, much to Clarisse's amusement.

"Imagine him asking YOU for marriage advice?"

They also still Lisa, James and Marion on a regular basis, and while Marion seemed to be coping with widowhood (although Clarisse was still concerned about her), Joseph and James had gotten closer.

Mia had continued to effortless maintain a brutal schedule for herself until a few weeks previously, and the rumours that Mia was expecting twins had reached fever pitch in an already excited country, but Mia refused to confirm or deny anything.

"They're just going to have to wait and see....I'm not saying anything," Mia said defiantly, and Clarisse didn't blame her- this was one event that was meant for only family....

Phillipe's suite and the adjacent room had been converted into a nursery and a room for the nanny, and it was already completely stocked with clothes, toys, blankets, nappies and various furniture (including changing tables and cribs), most of which had been given to them by Clarisse, Helen, Lily, Sheila and Joseph's family, as well as from around the country, much to the bewilderment of all the men- especially Nicholas.

"I don't think we're going to be able to use all this," he looked around the nursery in confusion as Lily brought in another package. It was now early March, and Mia had invited Joe and Clarisse into see the newly decorated nursery. "Surely a baby isn't going to need all this."

"No, but two babies will," Clarisse laughed at his expression. "It's only going to get worse when they get older!"

"Ah, the joys of children,"Joseph pretended to sigh enviously, but he had, in a way, gone through it with BJ's children as well as Pierre and Phillipe.

Speaking of Joseph's family (although he still had to remind Clarisse sometimes that it was her family as well), they were all well and busy. BJ had finally retired, and he and Lynn visited Genovia more often, as well as their children, but it wasn't long before BJ complained to Joseph:

"Retirement can be so boring... how do you cope Joe?"

"Firstly, big brother, I wouldn't let Lynn know that you're already bored- I'm sure she's been looking forward to spend more time with you... yes, retirement can be boring but it can also be fun..."

"So says the man who's absolutely wrapped up in his wife and had an exciting job... You've retired together, so you're used to being together all the time...."

"Get some new interests- lawn bowls, croquet, golf... I know you're into all of that... believe me, it will settle down and you will be happy to do nothing... I love spending most of my time with Clarisse, and you will find out the same with Lynn..."

Clarisse had approved of what he had told him when Joseph had told her later that night.

"If I had known how wonderful retirement was, I would have done it a lot earlier..."

"Would you, madam?"

"Well, maybe not ten years earlier," she admitted. "But yes, earlier than when I actually did... what about you?" she asked pointedly. "Have you been enjoying retirement?"

"What do you think... well, before you and I got married, I was rather worried about what I was going to do.... golf, plenty of TV..." he grimaced in the dark at the though and she reached out and gently touched his cheek. "But, thankfully, you are a handful on your own... ow!" he added as she whacked him in the dark.

Julie was expecting again, and Clarisse had already suggested that Joseph would be a good godfather, something Julie had grinned at.

"I've already had several hints in that direction, and I think so too... but can you imagine if the baby is a girl?"

"Then it will just confirm the notion that Joseph is destined to be surrounded by women!"

Little Sean had turned one in April and, of course, Joseph and Clarisse had been at his party, showering the little boy with presents, Joseph had often teased her about her affection for the baby, but he had also loved seeing the bond between them. Aside from her own family, Sean was one of the first to make her open her heart to life again, and it was true- she adored him.

Annie, meanwhile, had finally become semi famous in Hollywood, and there was talk she could be nominated for an Oscar for the latest film she had just made. She was also dating someone new, and it was getting serious very, very quickly. Her current project was to convince her aunt and uncle (as well as her parents) to attend an awards ceremony, 'if I am ever nominated' she added with an impish smile. Everything was going wonderfully well with Julie and Annie, but the only flies in the ointment were, again, Ben and Carrie- they were as polite as ever to Clarisse (probably know that both Joseph and BJ would defend her), but they still kept their distance and Clarisse had the niggling feeling that they were planning something....

000

It was a few days before Mia was supposedly due when Joseph, Clarisse and Shelley returned to the palace- Helen was due to arrive at the end of the week, and Lily was already there, but Clarisse wanted to be there just in case something happened. The three of them settled back into palace life again, although Joseph admitted that it was rather strange being 'closed in' again after being open and free at the beach.

"True," Clarisse agreed as she watched Shelley stretch out on the floor near them. "I miss the beach as well, but... I can't miss this."
"Of course you can't."

Mia and Nicholas's first wedding anniversary had been in April, but their planned party wouldn't be held until after the twins arrived, possibly in July or August. Clarisse also suspected that they knew what they were having, and already had names sorted out, but they weren't saying a word, not even to Clarisse or Joseph. Clarisse thought that Joseph's name was going to be in there somewhere (or at least she hoped it was included), but Joseph was convinced that Clarisse was a given.

"I don't think so- Clarisse may seem a little odd fashioned in this day and age."

"Nonsense- Clarisse is a lovely name- I've always liked it."

"You don't count- you're just biased..."

Mia, however, had another suggestion.

"Maybe, if you don't want to be know as Grandma and Grandpa, you could always be Rissie and Joey..." before roaring with laughter.

0

There was no event or movement in the first few days after they had returned, although Clarisse suspected Mia was getting very fed up, but on the fifth night, Joseph and Clarisse had just gone to bed when there was a loud banging on their suite doors.

"Thank goodness we weren't asleep," Joseph called after Clarisse with a laugh as she went to answer the door, and Clarisse smiled vaguely before opening the door to see a frantic looking Lily standing there, fully dressed.

"Lily? What's going on?"

"Mia's gone into labour, and they're on their way to the hospital..." before she dashed back down the hallway. Clarisse stared after her for a moment before realizing what she had just said, and walked quickly back into the bedroom, calling:

"Joseph, we need to get to the hospital"

Nicholas met them at the hospital entrance- thankfully, the press hadn't discovered that they were there, although Clarisse knew it wouldn't be too long before they arrived.

"Mia is being examined at the moment," he explained as he led them upstairs to the fully equipped private royal suite. "She didn't get a chance to ask you beforehand," he paused to look at Clarisse directly. "We were both wondering whether... you could be in the delivery room?"

He was blushing slightly at the question but Clarisse didn't notice- she was genuinely surprised and startled at his request. She had never even considered the possibility of that- she had assumed that Helen or Lily would be in there.

"Well, I... what about Lily?" she asked as they stepped into the waiting room, where Lily, Sebastian, Sheila, Scott and Charlotte were all waiting- obviously, Nicholas had made some phone calls.

Lily had obviously heard Clarisse ask the question as she was shaking her head fervently when they appeared.

"No way!" she added, just in case they hadn't seen her initial response. "I don't do very well in hospitals..."

"Mia would really like you to be there," Joseph said quietly from beside her as she continued to vacillate for a moment, but his words helped her reach a decision. She looked at Nicholas and nodded.

"I'll be there." She hadn't been present when Mia was born, but she WAS going to be there when Mia's twins were born.

"Great! I'll go and let her know!" Nicholas grinned before disappearing, and Clarisse sank into a chair beside Sheila, a little bewildered at what she had just agreed to. She had always though that a woman giving birth was a highly private affair, with only the husband (as well as the hospital staff) present (although she had ordered her own husband out of the room when having Phillipe), and now she was going to be present....

"You'll be fine," she heard Joseph say from beside her, and she turned to smile at his reassuring face before Nicholas dashed in again.

"It's all systems go," he informed the room before looking at Clarisse. "We're on our way to the delivery room, but we've got to scrub up before we see Mia..."

Clarisse was still reeling slightly from her decision but, after she kissed Joseph's cheek and he squeezed her hand, she rose and followed Nicholas to where they were meant to 'scrub up.' She almost laughed out loud when she saw her reflection- she was as far from being the elegant Queen Clarisse as possible in her green gown, trousers, shoes and face mask- before she realized she was more eager to see her granddaughter.

"Grandma!" Mia wailed from her position on the narrow bed as soon as Clarisse stepped into the sterile theatre, and Clarisse hurried over to her side immediately. "Make it stop... please...." she almost wept as Clarisse gently caressed her sweaty cheek and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear.

"I wish I could, my darling, but this is something that only you can do... but Nicholas and I will be here..."

"Thank you for being here..."

"As if I would be anywhere else," Clarisse joked with a smile, before Mia became absorbed in another contraction. Once it had passed, she looked at Clarisse again.

"What were you like when you had a baby?"

"Oh, I'm not telling you that now, not when you're having a baby or two, but I will!"

Before too long, Mia had progressed to the stage of pushing and screaming, and while Clarisse was now in her element (she had done this twice), Nicholas was looking a little off colour but, to his credit, he stayed where he was, on Mia's other side. Clarisse had hoped that Mia's labour would be less arduous than her almost 23 hour labour with Phillipe, and her hope was granted as, all too quickly, Mia approached the stage when the twins were about to arrive, both her grandmother and husband encouraging her.

"You can do this, my love," Clarisse murmured in her ear when she sensed it was time. "Are you ready?"

"I'm ready," Mia gasped in response before she started screaming again and again... There was a small silence before there was the sound of a small wail followed, a few minutes later, by another one....

"It's a girl... and a boy!" the doctor declared, and Clarisse could feel the tears running down her cheeks as she spied her two great-grandchildren for a moment, before turning to Mia and Nicholas to congratulate them. But, seeing that they were busy, she quietly slipped out of the room.

Joseph couldn't help but grin when he saw the get up Clarisse was wearing when she appeared in the waiting room, but, like everyone else, he wanted to know the outcome...

"They've arrived," Clarisse beamed happily as she clutched Joseph's hand warmly. "A little girl and a little boy... I only had a glimpse of the, but they are absolutely beautiful..."

"Congratulations great Grandma," Joseph finally murmured into her ear when the others, after getting all the details Clarisse had, as well as congratulate her, started talking to themselves. "How does it feel?"

"How does it feel to be a great grandfather?" she retorted with a grin before Joseph smiled and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. "Joey?"

"If I'm Joey... than you're Rissie...." he retorted. ""But maybe we'll let Mia decide that..."