Author's Note: this is my favourite chapter! Finally got there! I added a little more to the wedding ceremony, but this was wonderful to write!

The Princess Diaries doesn't belong to me!

The next two days were agonisingly painful for Clarisse and Joseph, and for both Charlotte and Scott, who were witnessing their struggles. They both felt helpless at what had happened, but they were both determined to stop them making the same mistake again- they were meant to be together!

The morning after Clarisse's decision had dawned bright, and although Clarisse was still very upset, she was trying to put her heartbreak aside to be there for Mia, and spend some time with her. She was rather surprised, however, when she went to see her granddaughter to find Lily there instead, and Mia appearing as if she had been outside all night. The television broadcast told her what had happened- Mia had spent the night outside on the grounds with young Lord Devereaux!

For a moment, Clarisse was exasperated- couldn't Mia go through one day without a hint of scandal or disaster surrounding her- and she was tempted to tell her off again, very sharply, but when she saw Mia's tears and embarrassment, she found that she couldn't be angry at her. Joseph's words came back to her… they were under a lot of pressure, and it was understandable… she needed to be supportive of Mia…..

The only problem now was… would Andrew still want to marry her after this? He was due to arrive back from England the next morning so, until then, Clarisse knew that all they could do was wait and see….

"How on earth did a photographer get onto palace property?" she asked Charlotte rather irritably as they walked downstairs to her study, Clarisse was more than ready to tear strips off the press.

"I thought that there was a ban on all press being on the grounds unless with permission!"

"I don't know how it happened, Your Majesty," Charlotte said helplessly, feeling guilty. "But I can assure you that I will find out what happened. Clarisse stopped and looked at her gently.

"It wasn't your fault, Charlotte… We'll have to find out what happened… But, I am sorely tempted to ban any press from attending the church wedding…. Yes, I know I can't do that," Clarisse added quickly as Charlotte opened her mouth.

"But this is the last straw, Charlotte… I refuse to let them humiliate my granddaughter any more- she is their future Queen!"

Charlotte was a little scared- she had only seen Clarisse this angry on only a few occasions, but she knew why she was so upset… not only Mia's predicament, but also Joseph as well…

Clarisse stopped for a moment, and looked around the empty hallways- apart from the guards that were standing there 24/7, there was no sign of any of the black suited men who usually followed her every move… or Joseph, she realised with some relief. Charlotte, seeing the puzzled look on her face, was quick to explain.

"The security detail is having a meeting to arrange the final details for the wedding, ma'am."

"That's fine, Charlotte… I will be in my study all day, anyway… I would like you to speak to Joseph and get him to up the security around the palace for the next few days…By the way, is the wedding rehearsal still set for tomorrow evening?"

"Yes… we just have to confirm with the Princess…" she trailed off, embarrassed, when they both realised that until Andrew arrived the next day, it was possible that the wedding was still up in the air.

"It should be all fine," Clarisse said calmly before she walked into her study. "By the way, could you send Mia down here in about half an hour? Also, could you get me the telephone number for the television studio that broadcasts Elsie Kentworthy's show?"

"Yes Ma'am," Charlotte said calmly, a little stunned at how well Clarisse seemed to be coping despite the terrible pressures she was under…

Clarisse smiled ironically as she walked towards her desk- judging by the look on her face, Charlotte may think she was coping, but she was only just managing to keep her head above water…..

000

Joe, meanwhile, was only just managing to pay attention in the meeting- despite his best intentions, he couldn't help but think about Clarisse, and feel concerned about what she must be going through with the latest Mia 'disaster'.

He had a slight inkling that young Lord Nicholas wasn't as involved in this incident, but he needed to check with his sources, hence why he wanted the meeting to end soon.

"Is there still a wedding rehearsal tomorrow afternoon?" one of the younger members inquired, and Scott nodded.

"Yes, and some of us will have to go down to the church to scope out how our plans are going to work."

"I'll be available after lunch today," Joe said quickly as he shut his notepad and stood up from the table, indicating that the others could get up too. "Why don't we meet here at one, and then go from there?"

There was a murmur of agreement from everyone before they scattered, heading back to their positions, leaving Scott and Joe alone in the room.

"So…" Scott began, ready to broach the subject of Clarisse again, but a knock on the door interrupted him as Charlotte poked her head in the room.

"Is it okay if I come in? I need to see Joe for a minute."

"Sure," Scott said, heading towards the door. "I just need to find out where young Lionel has ended up!" he laughed as he left, leaving Charlotte and Joe alone.

"Her Majesty would like you to tighten security around the palace for the next few days, which is understandable after what happened this morning!"

"Perfectly understandable," Joe said calmly, before walking closer to her. "How is she, by the way?"

The question was light, but Charlotte could hear the anxiety and tenderness in his voice… no matter how angry and hurt he was, he still loved her, and that wasn't going to change. She thought for a moment, trying to be diplomatic about what she could say- she wasn't supposed to know what was going on between them.

"She's very angry about what happened this morning… not at Mia, of course, but at the press… She's tired and stressed… I think that, when she's like that, she tends to lash out at all those around her… But this latest incident…"

"I may have some news on that score in half an hour, if you just bear with me…"

"Wouldn't you like to tell Her Majesty yourself?"

"No… unfortunately, I have to go to the church this afternoon, and then I'm at the airport to meet guests… Besides, I think she has a lot on her plate today and tomorrow without me interrupting her…"

Charlotte couldn't miss the bitter tone in his voice, but then he smiled slightly at her.

"But I will make sure you get this before lunchtime!"

He hurried out of the room as Scott came back in, and looked after him before turning to her.

"What's going on?"

"Nothing…" Charlotte trailed off before she suddenly asked: "Do you know what happened last night between… them?"

"Yep," Scott said looking sober as he leaned against the table. "He's really hurt… he thinks it's over… What about her?"

"She's devastated… she wanted to tell him why…"

"He didn't give her the chance, yeah I know… But does she still want to marry him?"

"Of course she does!" Charlotte cried heatedly. "It's just not the right time… I just don't understand why she didn't say yes… they could have had a secret engagement…."

"I think it really hurt Joe that she seems to want to keep it all a secret…"

"She doesn't," Charlotte insisted, and Scott nodded with a grin.

"After the wedding, if they still haven't worked things out, you and I are going to have to work to get them back together… But we don't have long- he's resigning, effective after the coronation…."

"Oh no!" Charlotte cried, before realising something else. "Really? You want to match make to get them back together?"

"Yes… much as I like the princess, their wedding isn't…. anyway, just to get Clarisse and Joe together, and married… now that's a celebration!"

000

By the following afternoon, there was still a wedding, although Andrew hadn't been pleased to see his fiancée with another man- particularly one who was trying to steal the throne. Thankfully, they had worked it out, and they were joking with each other as they walked back down the aisle for the fourth time, ready to practice again. Clarisse, watching the rehearsal from where she would be sitting the following day, smiled as they watched them laugh and tease, but her smile disappeared when she look at Joseph standing at the back of her church, and her heart began to ache again. It was obvious that he was avoiding her, as he had made clear when Charlotte had brought the news that, according to Joseph, Viscount Mabrey had been behind the camera at the lake…

"What on earth can we do?" Clarisse had said as she paced her study, trying to keep calm. She was missing Joseph more than she realised, and the fact that he wasn't delivering the news himself spoke volumes. "I give up! We'll deal with him after the wedding!"

Clarisse sat down and took a deep breath in, aware that she was close to 'losing it'.

Now, watching the wedding rehearsal, she was beginning to feel depressed- it might not be long till it was all over, but then she would have to find a way of making a life outside the palace… and, possibly, without Joseph….

Joe, meanwhile, was watching the rehearsal with some qualms- it seemed that the young couple had smoothed things over, and were ready to go through with it, but he had seen the young woman's face earlier that afternoon, and all he could see was blind terror, and very little happiness that young brides should have. It was as if she had convinced herself that this was the way to go… He knew that Clarisse still had strong reservations about it, but it seemed to him that both Clarisse and Mia were at the mercy of the parliament and the people…..

He glanced away from the giggling couple, surrounded by their party, and looked up at where Clarisse was sitting alone… as he watched her, an almost forced smile on her face, he couldn't help but feel sorry for her, despite his anger and hurt, and he could tell that she was hurting just as much as he was…

Still, another part of him said, she had made the decision and they had to live with it, no matter how wrong it was… However, he knew that it was hard to shut off his feelings for her- they were far too deep to ignore, and he couldn't pretend that he wasn't in love… He was truly, madly, deeply in love with her, and he always would be….

The next morning dawned bright and clear- a good omen for the wedding- but Clarisse couldn't care less as she sat in the pagoda, the very place where he had proposed, and watched the sun rise higher in the sky. She had been unable to sleep for the past three nights, and she knew why that was- mostly because of Joseph, but also Mia… She liked Andrew very much, but she knew that Mia was being condemned to the same fate she had been when she had married Rupert… She only hoped that she wouldn't end up like her, alone and unhappy…

What on earth was she going to do once she was no longer Queen? She would still be part of the royal court, and have many responsibilities, but it would be all different… She had literally thrown her chance at happiness away, and now she had to live with it… she was still hoping that Joseph would listen to her once everything had settled down, but he hadn't spoken, or come near her, for the past two days, which was not a good sign….

She sighed when she realised that it was time for her to go back to the palace, but Maurice, who had been sitting patiently at her side, only barked joyfully and headed towards the maze. She couldn't help but laugh at him, and followed him slowly, patting him when he stopped.

"She's getting married today, Maurice," she said softly, patting his head, before he ran forward again. She stood up to stretch, and her eyes happened to catch a tiny black figure standing on the roof of the palace… she knew who it was, but she averted her eyes quickly and followed Maurice through the maze…

Joseph stood there for a long moment, watching her walk into the maze, Maurice running ahead of her, and wishing that he could walk with her… He missed her dreadfully- they hadn't spoken since that night, and he hadn't realised how much he had relied on being able to talk and laugh with her. Scott was a good friend, but it wasn't the same as Clarisse… he hadn't realised it until now, but besides being the one he loved, she was also his best friend, and now their friendship was gone…

He was still rather angry and hurt about what had happened, but the last few days had tempered his feelings, and he realised that he hadn't been particularly fair on her that night, and she definitely hadn't deserved him walking out on her. He was still intent on retiring after the coronation, but he hoped that, eventually, they might be able to be friends again, although it would be hard to go back to what had been before…

He sighed and glanced at his watch- the sun was already higher than he imagined, and he had to have a final run through with the team before everyone was due to leave for the church at 11:30… He would leave when Clarisse was ready….

0000

Clarisse looked at her reflection in the mirror, satisfied with the work her hairdresser and makeup artist had done, and her specially made designer outfit was lovely- a green/gold type of dress with polka dots, a matching coat and matching shoes. She was pleased with the effect, and she had kept her jewellery to a minimum- one of her favourite necklaces, and a tiny tiara. She glanced at her watch and realised that there was a little time before she had to leave for the church, which allowed her enough time to see Mia. She hadn't seen the wedding dress since the initial fittings and she was looking forward to seeing it.

As had been occurring for the past few days, Joseph wasn't at his normal position near her suite, but she knew that there was a last minute meeting to ensure that everything went smoothly at the wedding… Still she missed him… she had spotted him watching her at the wedding rehearsal, and he had made a movement as if he was going to come up where she was sitting, but she quickly averted her eyes… much as she loved him, and wanted everything to work out, she hadn't been in the mood to see or speak to him just then…

The guards opened the doors to Mia's suite for her, and she stepped through them quickly, and suddenly realised that the suite was oddly silent for a bride to be… Obviously, Helen had already departed for the church, as well as the bridesmaids, but she was rather surprised that Lily wasn't staying to keep Mia company.

Her shoes echoed slightly on the floor as she walked into the room, and found Mia sitting, rather uncomfortably, in one of the chairs in her dressing room. She was looking off into space, but when she saw Clarisse approach, she smiled and stood up quickly.

"Good morning Grandma… you look beautiful in that combination!" she said enthusiastically as she came out of her dressing room and waved them over to the couch. Clarisse blushed slightly at the compliment.

"Never mind me, let me have a good look at the dress… absolutely stunning," she said with a smile as Mia slowly turned on the spot for her, before sitting gingerly down on the couch. "Those designers really did a wonderful job… and, I have to say, Paolo did a splendid job on your hair!"

Clarisse was aware that her compliments sounded rather shallow but, like Mia, she was trying to keep her real feelings away from the surface… rather unsuccessfully, she thought wryly as Mia looked at her, confused.

"Really?" she wrinkled her nose. "We went through three different styles before he finally got it right… and only then because we ran out of time! He could have done it all day!"

Mia was aware that her grandmother wasn't particularly happy on supposedly the happiest of days but, she thought to herself, how could she judge- she was terrified, and she was the one getting married!

"Where is the rest of your bridal party?" Clarisse asked after a pause, looking around the suite.

"Oh, I told them they could go to the church… after all, I won't be that far behind," Mia said with a smile, and then looked down at her hands, which were clasped together within the folds of her skirt.

There was silence for a few minutes as Clarisse watched Mia carefully- despite her own sadness, she could tell that Mia was very nervous about what she was about to do, and she secretly rued the day that someone had made the law where a Queen had to be married before she could rule. Clarisse wanted to tell her granddaughter not to do it, not make the same mistake she had, and follow her heart, but something seemed to be holding her back.

"You're going to be a beautiful bride," Clarisse said awkwardly as Mia smiled at her, and Clarisse couldn't miss the terror that Joe had seen the previous day in her eyes. 'Andrew is a fine young man, and he will be tremendously supportive of you as Queen."

"Yes he will be. I wondered whether he would still marry me after… But he said he would," Mia said as she looked at her hands again. "I knew there was a reason why I chose him- not only is he good looking, but he's a gentleman as well."

Clarisse was struck by the lack of passion or feeling in her voice, and the words she wanted to say were almost on the tip of her tongue, ready to come out, when there was a knock on the door, indicating that it was time for Clarisse to leave.

"I'll see you at the church," Clarisse stood up, Mia following suit, and Mia looked at her.

"I just want to make you and Dad proud…"

Clarisse took her hands in hers and squeezed them tightly, a fond smile on her lips.

"You have always made me proud, no matter what, and I can say that it would be the same for your father…"

Clarisse sighed heavily when she left Mia's suite, and began walking downstairs- she couldn't shake the feeling of unease, but it seemed as Mia was ready… She took a deep breath, trying to forget the terror in Mia's eyes, and emerged from the palace into the bright sunshine. Joseph was waiting beside the car, poised to open the door for her, and Clarisse felt her heart race as she looked at him- he was so handsome in his suit! She half hoped that he would smile at her, but he kept his eyes averted as he opened the door for her.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," was all he said, coolly, before closing the door after she stepped in.

He smiled slightly to himself as he walked to the front of the car, and stepped in- she had looked so beautiful in that outfit… she had shown him a sketch of it a week ago, and he had given it his approval, but he hadn't realised how beautiful she would make it..

He glanced casually in the backseat for a moment, and was surprised to see her biting her lip, and blinking back what was obviously tears… he felt touched and guilty- did his cool greeting really hurt her that much? He wondered whether he should say something before he realised that the partition was going up between them… she didn't want him to see her tears….

Clarisse was almost on automatic pilot as she greeted guests, Sebastian Motez at her side, inside the church. Joseph was standing nearby, which was driving her to distraction, and she wanted to turn around and speak to him… it also didn't help that most of the guests arriving were people she barely knew, or could only tolerate on special occasions. If she was ever to get married again (and that was a mighty big if, if not never), she would much prefer an intimate ceremony with those closest to her- Mia, Charlotte, the Motezes… Thankfully, the guests were all on time- Viscount Mabrey was one of the first to arrive, smirking nastily at her- and she was more than relieved to be escorted up the aisle by Sebastian, to her place next to Helen… her role was over, for now….

Joseph, meanwhile, watched everything with indifference… except when Viscount Mabrey arrived and smirked knowingly at the Queen… knowing what he knew how, along with history and animosity between them, he was tempted to stand protectively next to the Queen, but he knew: a) it just wasn't done: b) it would give Mabrey further ammunition; and c) he was still trying to fight his feelings for Clarisse… When the double doors closed, he knew that Mia had arrived, and it was almost the moment of truth... he almost jumped when he heard the door open a crack, and Mia's soft voice come through.

"Hey Joe… I just wanted to say, before I do this, that I'm sorry you're retiring."

Joe was slightly surprised- he thought that his retirement was still only a matter between himself and Shades.

"Who told you that?" he asked, but he suspected he knew who had told her.

"The maids know everything," came the sheepish response, and Joe nodded understandingly.

He sensed that there was an unasked question Mia wanted to ask, but was embarrassed to, so he came to the rescue.

"Well, the heart does things for reasons that reason cannot understand."

"You're preaching to the choir," Mia said sadly before closing the door again, and Joe knew that he had to tell her about Nicholas… just in case… Like Clarisse, he didn't want her to make the biggest mistake of her life.

"Princess… you should know that Nicholas didn't set you up at the lake."

"Are you sure?" came Mia's stunned response a moment later, and Joe couldn't help but grin slightly.

"The maids know everything," he echoed Mia's very words before Charlotte came over to him, and murmured:

"We're ready when she is."

The sound of the choir a few moments later told the congregation that the Princess was about to emerge, and the doors opened dramatically to reveal Mia standing there, smiling nervously. She stood there for a moment before stepping forward as the congregation stood, and Clarisse couldn't help but feel even worse than she had before… Seeing Mia standing there, alone, ready to walk up the aisle, it brought a flashback to her own wedding…

"You're going to be a wonderful wife to His Highness," her father smiled coolly at her as her veil floated down over her face. Clarisse smiled nervously at him.

"Thank you, Papa."

The doors opened and the entire church seemed to turn as one to see them standing there… For a moment, she felt like fleeing from the scene- she barely knew her 32 year old husband to be after a 4 month engagement, and she didn't feel ready to become a Princess, wife and mother… she was only 18! The congregation seemed to be looking at her curiosity and envy, but she couldn't spy a seemingly friendly face anywhere… Her father patted her hand reassuringly, sensing her fear, and Clarisse felt a little better as she stepped forward with him, knowing that her life, as she knew it, was over…

Her feeling of apprehension heightened when Mia suddenly froze in the middle of her walk, and Clarisse suddenly realised that Mia couldn't do it… and she knew that she didn't want her to do it. Despite her reassurances that she only needed 'a moment', a clearly panic-stricken Mia gathered her skirts and ran out of the church, leaving everyone buzzing- was this another Mia antic for attention? Clarisse ignored the cries and stares around her as she hastened her way out of the church… she wanted to find her granddaughter….

"Oh my dear… Mia!" she cried sympathetically when she found Mia in a nearby alcove, crouched on the ground and almost hyperventilating. Mia quickly stood up, ready to reassure her grandmother, but Clarisse knew that she couldn't let Mia go through it.

"I can't do it!" Mia cried in despair, panic in her voice as they stood away from prying eyes.

"I know," Clarisse said calmly, realising that it was time to give her the advice she had wanted to earlier, advice that she had ignored and cost her dearly.

"Darling, listen to me. I made my choice- duty to my country, over love. It's what I've always done, it seems. It's been drummed into me my entire life. Now… I've lost the only man I ever really loved."

Mia, sensing the connection between Joe and Clarisse hadn't been her imagination, looked past her and Clarisse turned to see Joseph standing a discreet distance away… and, even then, Clarisse couldn't help but know she had been a fool to turn him down. Joe was looking straight ahead at the crowds, but he knew they were both looking at him, and he suddenly wondered if Clarisse had told Mia about them… before a voice on his headpiece brought him back from his thoughts.

Clarisse turned back to look at Mia with a warm smile, suddenly feeling much better about everything.

"Mia, I want you to make your choices…as a woman. Don't make the same mistakes as I did- make your own mistakes, there will plenty of them, believe me. Now, you can go back into the church and get married, or you can walk away… Whatever choice you make, let it come from your heart."

As she was speaking, Clarisse was aware that she was not only giving the advice to Mia, but to herself… She had used her head when she had given Joseph his answer, and didn't listen to her heart, which had been telling her to say yes… Mia obviously weighed it up for a moment before hugging her grandmother tightly, and walking calmly back into the church.

Clarisse followed at a sedate pace, brushing past Joseph without a word, but she wanted to know what Mia was going to do… She was scared when she saw Mia up at the altar with Andrew but, a few moments later, she proved everyone wrong by shirking the expectations forced upon her, and standing up for herself, which was made even easier when Nicholas burst in and declined the throne, much to his uncle's rage… It was what Phillipe would have done… Maybe, Clarisse mused, it was time she did the same…

Clarisse smiled proudly at her granddaughter, relieved that she didn't have to get married, and it seemed that the throne was secure… It was painful to stand near Joseph, but when she glanced quickly in his direction, she knew that he was relieved with Mia's decision… and probably wondering what Clarisse had said to him. She gave a start when Charlotte leaned over to her, her earpiece in her hand.


"Grandma? Just because I didn't get my fairytale ending doesn't mean you shouldn't."

For a moment, after Mia's wise words, Clarisse was stunned and didn't know what she was going to do. She looked at Charlotte for advice.

"Did you hear that?" but Charlotte only looked away, a smile belying her reply.

"Not if you didn't want me to…" and Clarisse only laughed at her response- she was such a loyal girl…

She took a deep breath, her choice now clear… she had just told Mia to follow her heart, and now it was finally time to follow hers, no matter what… She smoothed her dress down, wanting to look perfect, and smiled- she had been ready to do this for so long, and it was time, as she stepped towards Joseph, a radiant smile on her lips. She was well aware that every eye in the church was fixed on her, but she didn't care… it was time to propose to the man she loved…

"Joseph?" She said in a loud, clear voice, and he stood in front of her.

"Your Majesty?" he bowed to her before looking up, ready to take orders, but the look in her eyes was something else altogether, and Clarisse again realised how much she loved him.

"Dear Joseph," she began, emphasising the 'dear' as she smiled radiantly at him, and hope began welling deep inside him. "Am I too late to ask you… to accept my hand in marriage?"

She was choking up with tears- this was the most emotional moment of her life, but she had never been surer of anything… she only hoped he wouldn't turn her down!

Joseph watched her for a moment, wondering if it was a joke, but all he saw and felt was love radiating from every inch of her, and he could sense that she was wearing her heart on her sleeve for him… it was the moment he had dreamed about for so long, and had finally arrived! She loved him, and wanted to marry him!

"I thought you'd never ask," he said gruffly, happiness welling up inside like a bubble- all the pain and anger was gone- she had brought their relationship out into the open, and she clearly wanted to be with him… He had never doubted it- it was just that his ego, he thought sheepishly, that had got in the way for a day or so…

Clarisse beamed around her as Joseph turned to Shades, who was grinning at him, to hand him his hat and earpiece. He couldn't remember precisely what he said, but he ended with:

"…I'm going to a wedding…" he trailed off as he looked at Clarisse, who was smiling adoringly at him, and he knew that this was the happiest moment of his life.

He was vaguely aware of Viscount Mabrey banging on the door, wanting to be let back in, but everyone ignored him as Charlotte handed Clarisse Mia's bouquet.

Although they originally began with her arm on top of his, Joseph couldn't resist pulling her close as they slowly made their way up the aisle. The wedding guests were clearly astonished, but were smiling- they had come to see their Princess get married, but were instead seeing their Queen marry her loyal bodyguard.

"I know it's short notice, but you were all dressed!" she joked, for once free of the reserve that kept her emotions in check. She was feeling far happier and freer than she had felt in a long time, and it was because of the man at her side, and the relationship that was about to become official.

She didn't care that there were a few disapproving stares- possibly from Viscount Mabrey's cronies- but she was so happy, she could almost float away if she wasn't holding tightly onto Joseph's steady arm…

Joe, for his part, was still rather stunned- Clarisse had openly proposed in front of a church full of wedding guests, and had no qualms in showing her love for him. He could feel her shaking slightly as they reached the altar, and he squeezed her hand for a moment, just to reassure her that they were now in this together!

When they reached the altar, Mia and Sebastian took their places on either side of them as their witnesses, and she smiled at the Archbishop as she said the words she had uttered over forty years previously, but she was well aware of what she was saying….

"My Lord Archbishop… I would like to take this man as my husband, if you please."

She was surprised to hear how calm she sounded, but both of them were even more surprised by the Archbishop's reaction. He glanced skyward for a moment, breathing out, and beaming at them.

"Finally!" but he said it so quietly that only they heard him. They were startled enough to exchange a glance- how on earth had he known about them- before he brought their attention back with: "We have come together for a different wedding…"

00000

The actual wedding ceremony was a blur- they were focusing on the Archbishop's words but, as far as they were concerned, they were the only ones there, and there weren't 200 pairs of eyes witnessing their marriage. After waiting so long, and pretending that they weren't romantically interested in each other, it was still a shock to believe that they were getting married. When they came to the vows, Clarisse again surprised herself by giving a loud "I do", while Joseph was rather quieter, but unable to keep his eyes off her.

There was a special significance to the vows for them- Joseph because he had never been married before, and Clarisse, who barely remembered her first vows, because this wedding meant more to her than anything… this marriage would be so different, and she would remember this moment for the rest of her life.

When they came to the rings, Clarisse wondered what they were going to do, but Sebastian calmly handed Joe one of the ones from the previous wedding (unused) and Clarisse, hands shaking even more, struggled to get her left hand glove off quickly… She couldn't understand why she was so nervous and shaking- Joseph was as cool as a cucumber! He smiled- she was obviously very emotional, and he found it very endearing, and he loved her more for the fact that her emotions were betraying her…

"With this ring, I thee… finally… wed," Joe said, grinning slightly at the Archbishop, as he slid the ring onto Clarisse's finger. Clarisse was about to take her hand away, but Sebastian was holding the other ring out to her, and she looked at it and then at Joseph, who only smiled. She carefully took it in her fingers and, repeating the same as Joseph had, slipped it on his hand… before they piled their hands together still staring at each other with blissful happiness.

"I now pronounce you man and wife…" the Archbishop said proudly, and Clarisse almost cried out with joy but, rather, let her breath out happily as Joe grinned proudly at her.

"… You may kiss the bride."

Joe was rather shy and hesitant- she may now have been his wife, but she was still Queen of Genovia, and he was well aware of everyone watching them… However, Clarisse had no qualms whatsoever as she leaned over and kissed him softly… as she did so, Mia gave a loud shout of triumph.

When they broke apart, Joe smiled lovingly at his bride (his bride!) and they gazed happily at each other for several seconds, still holding both hands, but soon became aware of the fact that everyone was giving them a round of applause… They turned to smile at everyone- Clarisse literally glowing with radiant happiness and Joe, holding her hand, was rather less inclined to show his emotion, but he was very, very, very happy… they were finally married, and under circumstances he had never imagined!