Author's Note: here's the second part of the chapter!
Thanks to all my loyal readers- Clarisse Renaldi, Captain Weirdo, VictoriaGrant, addlogcon, LadyLuxembourg, Poppinswannabe, Diva4Life and tabby-fanny- you all rock!
The Princess Diaries doesn't belong to me!
Sebastian and Sheila were already waiting when they arrived, and the first guests arrived a few minutes later. Joseph found it an interesting experience greeting guests- quite a few of them had worshipped Rupert, and now that his widow was married to someone else, and clearly happier than she had ever been in years, they were looking at him through new eyes, wondering who was this guy? What was he doing to make Clarisse so happy? But most people, while initially surprised, supported their marriage.
"How long has it been?" one guest asked Clarisse, and she smiled proudly- she was proud of her marriage to Joseph.
"Two years in July," she replied, beaming over at him for an instant- she knew it would be asked numerous times over the course of the day, but she didn't care- it was true, and she would gladly shout it from the rooftops.
Like Joseph, she could see the questions in their eyes- they had been together for a while, yet had been very quiet, making people begin to wonder whether they really were still together, yet, when they saw them, it was clear that they were, happier and closer than ever.
"It was if some of them expected us to fail," she whispered indignantly as they prepared to make their entrance into the main section of the church.
"Are you really surprised that some of them would think like that?"
"Not really, but I was more worried about you- you don't deserve to be ignored… you deserve to be respected."
"I don't care about any of that… but I actually felt like a celebrity, being scrutinised like that… it was rather funny," and he sounded amused.
"I know I shouldn't care either, but it has to be insulting to be compared to Rupert," and he looked at her seriously for a moment.
"Honestly, I don't care darling- Rupert was him, and I'm me, and opinions don't matter to me… to me, and the public, your happiness is the only thing that matters… and I know that you're happy."
"Very, very happy," Clarisse affirmed.
"So why worry about anyone else, except Mia? You do trust me, don't you?"
"Alright… and yes, our happiness matters, and I trust you, like I have for the past thirty something years…" She smiled at him as the doors opened, leading into the church.
"Are you ready for all the eyes to scrutinise you again?" she teased, still ready to defend her marriage and Joseph to the rest of the world.
"As long as you're at my side, I'm ready," he smiled lovingly over at her. "Although, you must admit that you feel like a celebrity… don't you?" he teased as they stepped into the aisle, all eyes on them, and she laughed over at him, showing everyone that, 2 years into their marriage, they were still as much in love as when they had married.
"We don't need to prove anything to anyone," he murmured as they approached the altar, James the Archbishop beaming at them, and Clarisse squeezed his hand before she sat down next to Helen, Sebastian and Sheila behind them.
"He's dying to talk to us," Joe murmured as, after helping Clarisse sit down, he sat down next to her, well aware that everyone was watching him.
"I know he does," Clarisse replied, discreetly taking his hand in hers. "But he's going to have to wait until afterwards…"
She suspected that Joseph was nervous, like he had been at the ill fated state dinner, but he was doing fine, the 'perfect consort' (although she considered him her equal), and she wished she could say it to him, before she was distracted by the sound of the doors at the back opening.
"This is it," she murmured to herself, squeezing Joseph's absentmindedly as they stood up with the rest of the congregation, but she wasn't feeling as apprehensive as they waited for Mia to appear- she knew this wedding was meant to happen.
Joseph could also tell that she was much happier about this marriage, and he was too- Mia was older and much more mature. He couldn't see Mia through the standing crowd but, judging from Nicholas's awestruck expression, he could tell that the groom was stunned as his gaze never shifted from the back of the church.
Mia finally came into view after Lily, Annie and four other bridesmaids, and she looked radiant as she finally stood next to Nicholas, winking at Clarisse before accepting his arm, and Clarisse felt slightly emotional, discreetly dabbing at her eyes… Phillipe would be so proud… as, beside her, she felt Helen do the same thing…
000
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife… you may kiss the bride." James smiled at the young couple, and there was a moment's hesitation before Nicholas leaned forward to kiss Mia, and the church literally erupted into cheers and clapping (James and Charlie whistling).
Clarisse beamed happily at the still kissing couple, before looking down at the congregation, and saw that Julie was smiling, but looking uncomfortable. She made a note to check on her as soon as she could, before Joseph distracted her with a tap on her shoulder, murmuring: "She finally did it!"
She laughed at his words as he looked over at him- these same words had been applied to them two years earlier, and she hadn't forgotten.
"Don't let her hear you say that… but yes, she did it!" before she turned to a delighted Helen.
After the signing of the marriage certificate, the Archbishop led the procession down the aisle, beginning with the bridal party and continuing with Clarisse and Joe.
"At least we're not the focus of all the attention," he joked as they made their way down the aisle. "Although…" he continued, noting that people still staring at them. "They're still fascinated…"
"You know, I'm beginning to suspect that you're starting to enjoy all this attention," she teased in a low voice as they stepped into the hallway, and he shook his head vehemently.
"I don't think so… don't get me wrong, I'm very happy for Mia and Nicholas, but I also wish that we were back at the beach house…."
"We will be in a day or so," Clarisse said soothingly.
The newlyweds were still surrounded when they looked over at them, and they were about to escape quietly when James cornered them.
"Well, well, well… you two can't seem to get enough of weddings!"
"At least this one wasn't ours!" Clarisse retorted with a smile.
"True…" he gazed at them thoughtfully for a moment. "Two years… my, that has flown by in seconds."
"Tell us about it," Joe laughed. "But how did you remember that it's been two years?"
"Joseph," James looked at him directly. "I married you two years ago, and then one year ago, so I could hardly forget your wedding anniversary… no more weddings this year?"
"No, we're done with those, and we are still very much together."
"Yes," James nodded meditatively. "I've heard those rumours, especially since you haven't been seen together in public for a while, but I have always doubted them… besides, I would have given you both a very stern talking to if that it had been the case… but I can see that it's not… I see that Viscount Mabrey didn't come, but I didn't think that he would…"
"No," Clarisse said quietly. "I think that relationship is over."
"I never really liked the man… anyway, just before I go, I've heard that you've relocated to the beach?"
"Yes- only a couple of months ago," Joe said with a smile.
"So I've heard, but I'm just wondering… why haven't you invited me out for the day?" he asked seriously, but his eyes were twinkling, and he burst out laughing at the two open mouths before him. "Don't worry, I know you didn't mean it, but I would like to see the place soon."
"Of course," Clarisse managed to say- how could they have forgotten their biggest supporter- before he grinned, indicating he was teasing them, and disappeared into the crowd.
"He'll be our next guest," Clarisse said to herself, and Joe nodded.
They again tried to creep out without being seen, before they heard someone call out:
"Grandma and Grandpa- don't go anywhere!"
'What the…?" they turned to see the photographer Mia had hired, waving them over.
"Grandma and Grandpa!" they mouthed at each other, looking disbelieving- it was true, of course, but a perfect stranger calling them that?
As the crowd finally dispersed, they made their way over to the bridal party, joined a few minutes later by Helen and Patrick.
"What's going on?" Joe asked the man who called them over.
"It's phot0 time, sir, and I need all the immediate family here… so, is everyone here… what about the groom's side?"
There was an awkward silence for a moment- the groom's family was non-existent- before there was a slight cough, and everyone turned to see Sebastian and Sheila standing there.
"I know it's not the same, but Sheila and I would be happy to stand in… we knew his parents, and have seen him grow up, so it would be an honour for us…"
"It would be an honour for me," Nicholas finally said, going a little red as he stepped over and shook Sebastian's hand gratefully, as Mia looked on, smiling.
The photographer was very bossy, arranging people according to his vision, and Clarisse could sense Joseph's growing impatience.
"What happened to Andrew taking photos?" he whispered into Clarisse's ear.
"He and Alyssa are guests."
A little while later, the photographer dismissed those not in the bridal party, although he added: "Stay within an easily accessible area at the palace- I'm going to need you again."
"I'm sure he will," Joe muttered as they walked away, and Clarisse chuckled to herself. There was still an enormous crowd waiting outside when they emerged, hand in hand, Sebastian and Sheila behind them, and they waved to the crowd before walking down to their waiting limousine.
"I never realised how exhausting weddings can be," Joe sighed as he relaxed back on the seat. "And we're not even the bride and groom… how did we do it twice?"
"We were on a cloud of euphoria when we did it," Clarisse joked. "I'm so glad that Sebastian did what he did… he didn't deserve to have no one there representing his family…"
000
Back at the palace, the guests were all gathered, as Mia planned, under the marquee in the garden, and Clarisse checked on Julie, who was sitting on one of the few chairs that had been brought out, while Joseph went to fetch drinks.
"I'm fine- I'm just so sick and tired of this, and my back…" she groaned, and Clarisse patted her arm sympathetically, yet feeling a little uneasy- she had felt like that a day or so before both boys were born… but she wouldn't say anything at the moment, not to cause any panic, but she would keep an even closer eye on her.
Before she could say anything else, Joe came over with two champagne flutes.
"Sorry Jules, but the photographer sent a message via one of the guards… we're needed again," he rolled his eyes, and both Julie and Clarisse chuckled gleefully.
"Have fun," Julie said in a sing song voice as Julie and BJ joined her, making Clarisse feel a little better about leaving her. It was strange, she thought to herself, to care so much… it was almost like she was a daughter….
"You look rather thoughtful," her husband commented as they made their way through the crowd towards the garden. "You shouldn't look so thoughtful at a wedding."
"I shouldn't?" Clarisse looked amused. "Weddings can be a time of reflection- of you being single, or the state of your marriage…"
Joe looked sceptical- she was hiding something, he could feel it, but decided to play along with her theory.
"Oh? So… what's the state of our marriage?"
"The state of our marriage?" she repeated. "I'd say… passable," but then gave him an impish look, and smiled. "Of course you know I'm teasing… we're happy, and that's what matters….unless you think otherwise…"
"No, no, I know we're perfectly happy together… but I think that you're not telling me something… what were you really thinking about?"
"Nothing really… alright, I'm just a little concerned about Julie," she admitted with a slight smile when Joseph kept looking at her. "I think she's a day or so off having the baby."
His face lightened considerably, and he was going to say something before they finally met up with the rest of the bridal party.
"Great, Grandma and Grandpa are here," the photographer shouted, and Clarisse stifled a giggle as she saw Joseph roll his eyes- he was seriously getting on his nerves- but it was for Mia and Nicholas… He had initially wanted to step away, only immediate relatives in the pictures, but Clarisse kept a firm hold on him, and he suspected that she knew what he had been thinking…
"Come on Grandpa!" Mia shouted cheekily, bringing him back from his thoughts, and he laughed as he obediently followed the photographer's instruction and stood next to his wife.
Finally, however, much to Joseph's relief, the pictures were all taken, allowing them to go back to their guests for another half an hour or so before dinner was announced.
There were fifteen or so tables in the ballroom, adjacent to the throne room, with room for dancing.
"Finally, I'm starving," Charlie muttered as he and Marion joined Clarisse and Joe at the table.
The four of them were also sitting with Sebastian and Sheila, BJ and Lynn, James and Lisa and Helen and Patrick, while Julie and Patrick sat with Charlotte and Scott, and their table was only a few metres away from the bridal table.
"This IS the life," James sighed happily as he settled in his chair, accepting a drink from a passing waiter. "Sometimes, Clarisse, I've got to wonder why you've left the palace for the beach house!"
"Because I've lived here for almost all my life, and it's time for a change," she said simply, taking off her gloves and resting them next to her. "Besides, you can't exactly complain about the hospitality at the beach house!"
"No, I can't," James agreed. "Although that big suite you two have…"
"We live there, so it's ours and we deserve it," Clarisse retorted with a grin.
"True… still, it's sad to think that it's going to be the last wedding here for a while, unless you…" he looked meaningfully at Clarisse.
"No, we're not doing that again, so you have to find somewhere else to party!"
"I know- your beach house!"
"Oh no," Clarisse laughed. "Our place is far too small for you type of parties, and too far for the police to come!"
The others chuckled at the good natured arguing between James and Clarisse, and James turned to Joseph with a helpless look.
"Can't you do something about your wife?"
"No, not really… the fighting is between you two; I'm just an innocent bystander!"
Just then, the room went silent by the tapping of a staff on the floor, and the announcement of the arrival of 'Her Majesty and Lord Devereaux' and the room erupted into applause again when they followed their bridal party in, beaming happily.
"I certainly do not miss that," Joseph, sitting next to Clarisse, murmured in her ear, and she chuckled as her hand found his leg under the table, and rubbed gently.
00000
Dessert was well underway, and the celebrating in full swing, when Mia and Nicholas finally made it over to see them.
"That dress is gorgeous, Your Majesty," Charlie said solemnly, before grinning.
"Thank you, Lord Jenkins. I'll be sure to tell the designer that you appreciate it," Mia said equally formally, before laughing. "So, how is everything going over here?"
"Fantastic, everything's great here," James added with a smile. "By the way, that's a nice string of pearls around your neck… where did you get them?"
"Grandma gave them to me- she received them for her 21st birthday."
Everyone turned to Clarisse with smiles, but she only shrugged and looked at her plate, and before anyone could say anything, the DJ spoke.
"Could I have the bride and groom on the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife? Where are they?"
"That's us," Mia grinned before Nicholas led her through the tables, out onto the dance floor. Clarisse didn't recognise the slow song that was played, but she smiled, seeing how happy they were….
"Now it's time for the mother and grandmother of the bride, and their spouses, to join the happy couple on the floor."
"Now I'm only a spouse!" Joe pretended to look insulted as they followed Helen and Patrick onto the floor. "First Grandpa, and now this!"
"But they're both true titles," Clarisse teased, feeling more relaxed as the evening wore on, and Joseph laughed, knowing she was having a good time.
"You are so sympathetic!"
After the first dance, it was a time of musical dance partners as Mia danced with Sebastian, followed by Patrick and Joseph, while Nicholas dance with Sheila, Helen and Clarisse. After her dance with Nicholas, her grandson now by marriage, ended, Clarisse looked around- her husband was talking to a group in the corner, before she noticed Julie sitting alone at a table.
"Where's everyone else… did they all abandon you?" she joked, sitting down next to her.
"Oh no… my mother will be back soon, and…" she paused for a moment, wincing and taking a deep breath in. "I don't know where the others are, but I just needed to sit down for a little while…"
Clarisse hadn't heard Julie's last words- she was concentrating on the pained expression on her face- something was oddly familiar about that look…
"Julie, are you alright?" she asked in a concerned tone, and Julie smiled slightly, before wincing again.
"I'm fine…I'm must having a few cramps, and pain…"
"How long have you had them for?" Clarisse's voice suddenly took on a tone of urgency.
"A couple of hours, and they're coming more often… why?" Julie asked, panic in her eyes and voice. "Is something wrong?"
"Nothing, my dear," Clarisse said calmly, pressing her hand warmly. "I think you might be in labour…" she stood up, but then smiled down at Julie, who looked slightly panic stricken. "Don't worry, I'll be right back, I'm just going to go and find the others…."
Luckily she found BJ and Lynn a few steps away, talking with Sebastian and Sheila.
"What's up, lovely grandmother of the bride? Why aren't you and my brother out on the dance floor?"
"I don't know where Joseph is, but it's about Julie… I think she's in labour…"
"What's going on?" Joe asked, joining them as they hurried over to where Julie was sitting.
"Julie's in labour," Clarisse explained, and his eyes widened in surprise.
"Really? I'll get Shades to organise a car," before he hurried away, passing Mia and Nicholas, who had come over to investigate the commotion.
Scott had a car waiting outside in five minutes, and there were a few stares as BJ and Patrick helped Julie out to it, Annie, Lynn, Clarisse and Joe following behind.
"I wish we could come too, but we'll be thinking of you," Clarisse, nervous on Julie's behalf, said through the window, and Julie smiled.
"Thank you."
00000
The rest of the wedding went smoothly, and it was well after eleven when the final guests left- Mia and Nicholas had been long gone, having been flying to their Mediterranean cruise that night.
"Thank you for everything," Mia said to Clarisse when they said goodbye. "We both really appreciate everything you did, and continue to… and let us know about Julie…"
"I will," Clarisse promised, a little tearful at the departure of her granddaughter (even only temporarily), and she held her closer than she normally would when they hugged, but Mia understood. "Have a good time on your honeymoon."
"We will, and you and Joe take care… By the way," she continued, but whispering into her ear. "There's a few bottles of champagne left over, and I had two sent up to your suite so that you can continue to celebrate…"
"Thank you darling, that was very thoughtful of you," Clarisse chuckled, and thus Mia and Nicholas left with laughter rather than tears.
By the time everyone (including James and Charlie) had left, Patrick and Helen had retired for the evening, but Clarisse wasn't tired- she wanted to stay up until she heard from BJ, and Joseph agreed.
"In that case, we might as well open one of these," Joe joked when Clarisse emerged from the bedroom in her bathrobe, having changed out of her wedding clothes, uncorking one of the bottles and pouring two glasses of champagne.
"What a day," he added, handing her a glass as he sat down on the couch, Clarisse joining him, stretching her legs out over his. "Just as well you only have one granddaughter to marry off!"
"Marry off?! Don't let Mia hear you say that!" she laughed. "But, it was a wonderful day… I was proud of her, and I know Phillipe would have been too."
"Yes, and I was proud too- she has grown up… I wonder how Julie's doing?"
"She only left at 8:30… first babies can sometimes take a long time, although Pierre only took a few hours, but Phillipe… " she trailed off, thinking about when he was born…
She had already experienced motherhood once with Pierre, but Rupert had virtually claimed him as his son and heir from birth, so she had been determined to bond with their second child. Rupert had wanted a daughter, but she had suspected she was having a boy, and she had… Phillipe… always smiling, and had formed a strong bond with her almost instantly…
"Hey you," came a gentle voice from beside her, and she came out of her thoughts to smile at him "You looked like you were a million miles away…"
"I was just thinking about Phillipe… it was almost 23 hours before he was born, and I remember kicking Rupert out of the room…"
"YOU kicked Rupert out of the delivery room?"
"Yes… I was swearing and… yes, swearing," she chuckled at his look of surprise. "And screaming… I thought it would never end, and I was exhausted… but when I saw him…" her eyes filled with tears at the memory.
"I fell in love with him instantly… my Phillipe," she murmured as tears began to fall, and he cuddled her close- he knew she still missed him greatly.
Before she could continue, Joe's mobile, which was resting on the side table, rang, and Clarisse lazily reached for it, and Joe listened to her side of the conversation in amusement..
"Hello?... oh Hi, BJ… how's… how wonderful!... When… it didn't take as long as I thought… oh, what a lovely name… yes, they got off safely… we're not in bed, still up… Yes, he's right here… and we'll definitely be in to see them tomorrow… please congratulate them for us… good night BJ…"
"Well?" Joe asked casually (or trying to sound casual) when Clarisse closed the phone, and she smiled fondly at him.
"You can't fool me, Mr Joseph… anyway, as you could probably tell, that was BJ… Julie had a little boy about ten minutes ago, and she's fine… everyone's ecstatic."
"Have they decided on a name?"
"Yes… Sean Joseph…"
"Me? They included my name in…?" Joe looked shocked.
"Of course, darling- we both know Julie adores you, and I think it's a lovely idea… congratulations, Joseph," she leaned over and kissed his cheek, before caressing it.
"Congratulations should go to you to…you're now a godmother!" he replied, still shocked, but secretly pleased… although he hadn't been expecting it.
"Well, today is a day of celebrations… here's to today!" Clarisse toasted, holding up her glass, and he followed suit, clinking his glass with hers.
"Here's to today!"