Thank you to everyone who may have read the last update and an even bigger THANK YOU to tengland2 for taking time to comment ;) YOU ROCK!
ooOoo
Several months later, it's two weeks to Sofia's due date.
They had a false alarm through the night, even getting Clarisse up just in case. After things were settled again she headed back to bed to try and get some sleep only to be woken by Joseph a while later. After he got ready he bent over and kissed her softly, and smiled when she responded to it.
"Go back to sleep" he whispered and kissed her again
"What time is it?" she said keeping her eyes closed
"Its just gone 9" he answered while watching her "I'm going shopping"
"Hmm" she answered drifting back of to sleep
Joe stood watching her as she fell back into sleep, then headed off to do a bit of shopping. Returning a couple hours later to find Clarisse stood against the side in the kitchen in her robe sipping some coffee.
"Your up?" he asked walking over to her as she looked at him "Good morning"
"Good morning" she smiled and sipped some more of her coffee as he put his hand on her back, then looked back at him as he lowered his head and kissed her while taking her mug "Hey" she gasped watching him stand back
"I just want a couple sips" he laughed while moving and sat at the kitchen table with her coffee as she stood smirking at him "I managed to get the pram for Sofia and Greg"
"Oh you did?" she asked while moving and sat next to him
"I did" he nodded "It's lovely" he smiled while putting her mug on the table and pushed it towards her "Thank you"
"Your welcome" she smiled and drank some before putting the mug back down "I can't wait to see it" she smiled looking at him while resting her arms on the table in front of her
"It came with a car seat too, which I didn't know about" he smiled taking her hand and kissed her palm
"Yeah, I thought I told you that?" she asked while watching him as he shook his head "Oh I thought I did, I'm sorry"
"It's alright" he smiled "Well I do believe they finally have everything now"
"I believe so" Clarisse nodded while thinking about it and yawned "I will be glad when the baby is finally here though" she sighed while resting her head on her hand "Keep getting me up in the middle of the night is not fun at all"
"Well" he started as she looked at him "You know how I feel now then" he smirked as she looked at him in surprise
"True" she nodded "I am sorry" she giggled as he moved closer and kissed her shoulder
"It's alright, it was worth it" he smiled and kissed her neck then sat back "How about we escape tonight, to our pad?" he asked while holding onto her hand
"We can't in case she actually has the baby" she smiled at him "But soon I promise"
"Ok" he smiled giving her hand a squeeze as he kissed her a couple times then slowly as Sofia came in
"God get a room" she exclaimed while getting a bottle of water as Clarisse and Joseph parted and looked at her "Is that all you two can actually do?" she asked while sitting at the table as Joseph looked at Clarisse as she looked at Sofia
"Sofia" Joseph exclaimed
"It's alright Joseph" Clarisse said looking at him "It's just her hormones playing up" she said looking back at Sofia
"Yeah and how would you know?" Sofia snapped while looking at her
"May I remind you I have done being pregnant 4 times?" Clarisse said looking at her
"I remember, yours was up the shoot when you was pregnant with Sofia" Joseph laughed while nodding as Clarisse looked back at him
"I'm sorry Mom" Sofia said looking at her "I just... I don't know" she started crying
"Oh darling" Clarisse moved around and hugged her as Joseph looked at them and left them to it
"I'm so sorry Mom" Sofia whispered as Clarisse held her
"Don't be, it's fine" she whispered back
After a little while Sofia went back up to her suite, while Clarisse went to hers to get showered and dressed. Once ready she came back downstairs and had lunch with everyone before heading to her office to catch up with some paper work and sort a few things out to do with the Wedding.
Charlotte brought her the post and a couple R.S.V.P's and sat with her going through some things to do with Parliament, then they left for a meeting, popping to the ladies house whose making Clarisse's dress on the way home to have a fitting. Charlotte went with her to take some photos to send to Amelia who has yet to see the dress.
When they got back to the Palace she went to her office and Charlotte showed her how to forward the photos to Amelia, when Joseph appeared.
"Hey you" she smiled over at him as she turned the computer of then looked at Charlotte "That will be all, thank you darling" she smiled as Charlotte smiled and left them to it
"Did you have a good meeting?" he asked while walking over to her as she nodded "And dress fitting?"
"I did indeed" she smiled standing up and kissed him
"Good" he watched as she took his hand and led him over to the couch in her office
"I need to talk to you about some Wedding business" she smiled while grabbing the file from the coffee table "As you know Charlotte is helping us with this, because I am always busy and, well you get the picture" she smiled at him as he nodded "I want to do this properly this time, as last time I was pregnant and you wouldn't let me do much" she chuckled while looking back at him
"Of course" he said putting his hand on her back "I didn't want you stressing" he smiled while leaning forward and looked at the list in the folder
"Well thank you" she smiled while looking at him then kissed his cheek as he smiled at her "Ok" she said looking at the list "I have sorted out my outfit, and the dress for afterwards" she smiled ticking it of "Have you sorted out your outfit yet?" she asked while looking at him
"I have" he smiled resting his cheek against her arm while moving his hand around her back, resting it on her side
"Good" she smiled ticking it of "The cake has been arranged, the kitchen staff are doing that with the food" she smiled ticking it of "The place name's are being sorted out, Charlotte and Pierre are doing them" she said making a note "The invites have been sent out ages ago" she said ticking it of
"You amaze me Clari" Joseph whispered as she looked at him
"I try my best" she smiled kissing him a couple times then carried on "The rings have been picked, the bridesmaids and pageboys outfits have been sorted too, also the best mans and maid of honors" she smiled ticking them of "Shades and Paul are going to do the photos" she looked at the list "There is still so much to do" she said looking at Joseph "But one thing I want to ask you quickly"
"Alright" he smiled "Ask away"
"I know we had the first wedding here, but would it be ok if we had it this time in the Church then come here for the dinner and reception after?"
"Of course, if that's what you want" he smiled "Then that's what you will have" he kissed her
"Thank you" she smiled at him then made a note of it "I have a lovely idea of having the dinner inside, then move outside for the party?" she smiled "Well the drinks and everything will be served inside of course, but we can set some tables outside and have the disco outside too" she smiled closing her file "Only if you want it like that, it doesn't bother me we can have everything inside"
"I think your way is perfect" he smiled while watching her "I love that idea"
"Really?" she asked
"Of course, it's going to be summer then so why not have it your way" he grinned
"Thank you" she smiled while studying his face as he rubbed her back she kissed him after a second then looked back at the list while putting one of her hands up, pushing her hair back behind her ear as Joe continued rubbing her back "Lets get on with this shall we" she smiled making a note while biting her bottom lip
"What's wrong?" he asked "You seemed like you wanted to ask me something"
"No, nothings wrong" she smiled at him "Just feeling a bit excited, that's all" she smiled
"Aww your cute when your excited" he smiled and kissed her shoulder while moving his hand down resting it on her lower back
"Thank you" she smiled
They sat in her office going through the plans and making notes, after a couple hours Greg appeared at the door.
"I'm sorry but Sofia I think has gone into labor" he stood in shock as Clarisse jumped up and Joseph looked over at him "There was water and..." he said looking at them "Stuff"
"Ok, is she upstairs still?" He nodded as Clarisse put the file down as Joe stood up "Can you call her midwife to let her know while I go and check on her?" she asked Joseph as he nodded "Thank you" she said rushing out the room
She went up to check on Sofia while Greg stayed downstairs, to stunned to move. After a while her midwife arrived and admitted her to hospital. Clarisse called Greg's parents on the way as he still seemed to be in shock. When they arrived her Doctor checked her over then left them alone leaving her midwife in charge.
A couple hours later Greg's parents arrived, and as Joseph and Peter stayed outside with Greg, Clarisse and Hannah stayed inside with Sofia, who held onto Clarisse's hands as she had a contraction, doing the breathing with her as Hannah rubbed her back.
"That's it darling, your doing wonderful" Clarisse soothed while watching her slowly lift her head "Keep that up and your baby will be here in know time"
"It hurts so bad" Sofia exclaimed while putting one of her hands on her bump and looked at Clarisse "Did I cause this much pain?" she gasped as Clarisse nodded "Mommy I am so sorry, I didn't mean to" she cried "I didn't mean to hurt you"
"Oh darling" Clarisse whispered while putting her hands up cupping Sofia's face as she cried "It doesn't matter how much it hurts, it will be all worth it in the end" she smiled and kissed her "I promise"
"Your Mom is right Sofia" Hannah said leaning over as Sofia turned slightly
"I know if Greg could feel this he would be sorry to you" she said closing her eyes as Hannah patted her hand
"It doesn't matter" Hannah and Clarisse laughed a little "Must be the gas and air"
"I think so" Clarisse nodded while pushing Sofia's hair back
"Ahhh" Sofia exclaimed while grasping Clarisse's arm
"Another one?" She asked as Sofia nodded and closed her eyes as they did the breathing together "That's it darling..." Clarisse whispered while standing close to her
"When will it end?" Sofia exclaimed as the midwife appeared
"I think it's time to have a quick check, can you lay back on the bed for me please?" She asked
"Oh I hope this will end soon" Sofia gasped
Clarisse helped her lay back on the bed then the midwife checked her over, and with a smile she patted her knee "Nearly there, it's time to start pushing sweetheart" her midwife smiled
"Really?" Sofia exclaimed as she nodded "Wow"
After a few minutes she started pushing and not long after she gave birth.
"It's a girl" her midwife smiled holding her up for them to see as Sofia started crying
"Awww you done it darling" Clarisse smiled at her as she watched them wrap her in a towel then pass her to Sofia "She looks just like you did when you was a baby" Clarisse smiled as Hannah took a photo of them together
"Well done honey" Hannah smiled standing next to them and put her hand up onto the back of the babies head with a smile "She's beautiful"
"Thank you" Sofia smiled not taking her eyes from the baby then kissed her fingers
"I will go and tell Greg and the Grandfathers" Hannah smiled and walked out to them as they all stood up "Congratulations, it's a Girl" she smiled hugging Greg
"Congratulations Son" Joe smiled patting Greg's back
"Thanks" he nodded "I'm a Daddy" he chuckled "I'm really a Daddy"
"Yes you are" Peter smiled as Hannah stepped next to Peter and hugged him
"I'm a Daddy" Greg whispered and fainted
"Whoa..." Joseph, Peter and Hannah exclaimed trying to grab him but was too late
They helped him onto a chair as he came too to see a Nurse stood next to them, checking him over then left. Minutes later Clarisse came out carrying the baby.
"Greg" she smiled as the men gasped and Hannah smiled
"Aww" Greg smiled meeting her half way "Is she really mine?"
"She is" Clarisse giggled while moving to put her in Greg's arms "You aren't gonna faint are you?" she asked stopping half way then carried on as he shook his head
"No fear" he smiled as she stepped back "Hello beautiful" Greg smiled bringing her up and kissed her forehead as Joseph stood next to Clarisse, putting his arm around her shoulders
"You can go in to see Sofia whenever your ready" Clarisse smiled at them as he started walking off slowly then she looked back at Hannah and Peter "Congratulations Grandma and Grandpa" she smiled stepping forward and hugged them
"And to you" Hannah smiled as Peter and Joseph shook hands "Who would of thought us going to school together all those years ago and then our kids meeting and having a child of their own" she smiled at Hannah
"I know its truly amazing, isn't it?" Clarisse asked as they both smiled "Anyway, did you bring some stuff to stay over?"
"Yes we did" Hannah smiled "We will find a nearby hotel"
"No you won't, I won't hear of that" Clarisse said looking at them "You are both staying at the Palace, and you can stay for as long as you want to" she smiled
"And we won't take No for an answer" Joseph smirked putting his arm around Clarisse's back
"Exactly" Clarisse laughed
"Well in that case then, Thank you very much" Hannah smiled
"Anytime, you know that" Clarisse smiled
A little while later, they all went in to meet the newest arrival and took some more photos for everyone back at the Palace.
"So, do we have a name yet?" Peter asked while holding his Granddaughter
"Yes we do" Sofia smiled at them "Her name is Ella-Rose" she and Greg smiled
"Aww that's a lovely name" Peter smiled down at her "Hello Ella-Rose" he smiled and kissed the top of her head
"Thanks Dad" Greg smiled watching them
"Oh by the way" Peter looked up at them "Did he tell you he fainted?"
"You did?" Clarisse asked
"No he didn't" Sofia smirked at Greg
"I did" he nodded looking at Clarisse as she smirked at him then looked at Sofia "I did, when Mom came out to tell me she was here I just couldn't help it" he smirked
"Aww" Sofia giggled
A little while later Peter, Hannah, Greg and Joseph headed outside into the hall as Clarisse stayed a few minutes with Sofia having a last hug with Ella-Rose.
"Mom" Sofia smiled as she looked up "Can you get a few things packed ready to bring back tomorrow, you know like clothes and stuff for Ella" she smiled
"Of course" Clarisse smiled holding Ella with one arm and put her other arm around Sofia "I will see you in the morning, get some rest ok" she kissed her
"I will don't worry" she sat up and took Ella from Clarisse "Thanks for everything today"
"Oh it's nothing, don't worry" she smiled watching them a second then kissed Ella "And I will see you in the morning beautiful" she smiled and kissed her tiny fingers as Sofia watched them
"We love you Mommy" Sofia smiled
"And I love you too" Clarisse smiled and hugged them both "See you in the morning"
"Ok" Sofia smiled and watched her leave and looked down at Ella in her arms
After a few minutes they left the hospital, when they arrived back at the Palace Clarisse appointed Paul to go to the hospital for security for through the night, then they spread the news around the Palace, having a toast to Sofia, Greg and baby Ella. After a while Clarisse disappeared up to Sofia and Greg's suite to sort out some stuff to take tomorrow.
After a while Joseph went to find her and stood in the door way watching her for a moment before walking in and shut the door behind him, making Clarisse jump and look over.
"I wondered where you got to" he smiled walking over and stood behind her as she held up a baby grow
"I can't believe Sofia was this small once" She sighed as Joseph wrapped his arms around her waist from behind "Time has flown by" she folded it up and put it in the bag
"It has indeed" Joseph sighed and kissed the back of her shoulder "And now our baby has a baby of her own" he whispered resting his chin on her shoulder
"She has" she answered putting her hands on his "I don't like it, it's gone to fast" she laughed a little and turned in his grasp looking at him
"I know" he moved his arms up, wrapping them around her shoulders as she put her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest
"Thank you for giving me such beautiful daughters" she smiled while lifting her head and looked at him
"Oh it wasn't just me you know, it did take you too" he smirked as she giggled and kissed him "I love you" he replied giving her a little squeeze as she smiled "Come on" he lifted his head and looked at her "Lets go back downstairs"
"I will be down in a bit" she nodded while stepping back "I need to finish sorting this stuff out for Sofia"
"Ok, are you gonna be ok?" he asked while taking hold of her hands as she nodded "Are you sure?" he asked while bringing them up to his face
"I will be, don't worry" she smiled and watched as he kissed the back of her hands then her palms "I will be down in a few minutes"
"Alright" he smiled and headed outside
She watched him leave then carried on packing the stuff for Sofia, joining them a little while later where they continued to celebrate Ella's birth.