First of all I want to say thank you to those who are reading this story and a HUGE THANK YOU to those who take the time to comment :) YOU ARE THE BEST!

And now for the next part, though there is a shock in store, well maybe a few actually, not sure how you'll take it, but here it goes...

ooOoo

Several days later, it's the day before Erica and Tom's big day.

With everything falling into place with the Wedding, and still no sign of Olivia's baby everyone at the Palace are trying to stay as calm as they can.

After a restless night Clarisse turned over to snuggle up to Michael only to remember that they'd got into a row the night before, and he slept on the couch. Climbing out of bed she slipped on her dressing gown and headed out to find him laying awake while staring up at the ceiling.

"Michael?" Clarisse whispered as she walked over to him.

Looking at her then back at the ceiling "What's wrong?" He whispered.

"I just wanted to say sorry." She said while leaning over and put her hand on his chest.

Slowly he reached up and took her hand, kissing her fingers "I'm sorry too." Moving onto his side "Wanna lay with me?" He added and watched her nod.

"Thank you," She turned sitting on the sofa and laid down, snuggling back to him as he wrapped his arm around her "I missed you last night,"

"I missed you too," He whispered and kissed her neck as she giggled.

Feeling her push back against him he raised himself and watched as she turned onto her back under him, while smiling up at him she raised her head, kissing him while putting her hands on his neck, resting his body gently down on hers as the kiss became heated, more hungry.

"Are you sure?" He whispered between kisses then lifted his head to look into her sexy blue eyes.

"I am very sure," She smiled and kissed him while starting to undo his night shirt, pushing it over his shoulders as they continued to kiss "You see," She started between kisses "I heard that make up sex is awesome," She whispered and smiled when he started laughing and lifted his head.

"I heard that too," He smiled and started kissing her slowly.

After a few moments there was a frantic knock on the door, making Michael sigh and bury his face in the crook of Clarisse's neck as she looked towards the door while placing her hands on his sides.

"The door is locked, right?" She whispered.

"Yes," He answered bluntly.

"Michael," She whispered and watched him raise himself up "Why say it like that?"

"Like what?," He answered and climbed off, disappearing through to the bedroom as she watched him, then looked at the door as they knocked again.

"Hold on," Clarisse called out while sorting herself out then rushed over to the door, opening it to see Erica stood waiting "What's wrong?"

"It's Olivia, she's in labor," Erica exclaimed "Dad's took her to hospital, go and get ready we need to leave." She exclaimed and rushed away.

"Ok," Clarisse answered and hurried through to her bedroom to get dressed.

Coming through the door a couple hours later.

"I'm sorry it was a false alarm." Olivia whispered and watched her Mom and sister turn to her as Joseph shut the door.

"Don't worry about it darling," Clarisse stepped closer and hugged her "You and your sister did this to us many times." She smiled and kissed her cheek.

"Did we?" Erica exclaimed.

"Oh yea," Joseph nodded "I lost count how many times we actually went to the hospital only to be told it wasn't yet and got sent home." He laughed at the memory, being joined by Clarisse a second later.

"Um." Erica started as everyone looked at her "Remind us again why you two aren't together anymore." She asked.

"Erica," Clarisse whispered while putting her hands up and cupped her face "We have talked to you both about this before," She said and looked towards Olivia who was crying.

"Aww sweetheart," Joseph whispered while hugging her.

"She's right, you two are so cute together." Olivia sobbed "I hate seeing you apart when you are clearly so great together." She whispered while wiping her eyes as Clarisse and Joseph looked at each other "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cry."

"It's alright darling," Clarisse whispered while stepping closer and hugged her, rubbing her back.

"Sorry I brought it up." Erica whispered.

"I feel that we are better apart than we were together," Joseph said as they all looked at him "Back then anyway." He added as Clarisse nodded.

"I know if we would of stayed together, then divorced later on we wouldn't be this close now." She said looking at Joseph as he nodded in agreement.

"I totally agree with you," He said looking at Clarisse then at their daughters "Ok, come on," He said clapping his hands "We have stuff to do, so lets get moving." He exclaimed and watched everyone disappear.

He headed off to sort a couple things out himself, unknown that Michael had been stood at the top of the stairs watching everything.

As Clarisse and Olivia sat talking in the kitchen, they were both taken by surprise when the door suddenly flung open.

"Amelia," Clarisse exclaimed.

"Grandma," She giggled and rushed over, laughing as Clarisse grabbed hold of her and dipped her over her lap, giving her a kiss as Olivia laughed.

"When did you get here?" Clarisse asked a moment later as Philippe came in "Hey darling," She smiled as he lent over and kissed her.

"They got here a little while ago," He smiled and watched as Amelia climbed onto Clarisse's lap so they were facing and wrapped her arms around her neck, giving her a cuddle.

"Awww I'm so happy that you're here," Clarisse exclaimed while wrapping her arms around Amelia and kissed her cheek "I have missed you so much."

"I missed you too," Amelia smiled pulling her head back.

"Hey," Olivia smiled as they looked at her "What about me?"

"Aww I missed you too," Amelia smiled while leaning over as Clarisse held onto her so she didn't fall "Love you Aunt Olivia." She smiled and kissed her.

"Mwah," Olivia smiled "I love you too," She said watching Amelia sit back properly on Clarisse's lap.

"By the way, have you tried on your dress yet?" Clarisse asked as Amelia nodded and put her hands up cupping Clarisse's face as she smiled at her.

"Yep she has and it fits perfectly," Philippe smiled "Helen said that's all she talked about on G1 on the trip over."

"I bet," Clarisse smiled while looking at him then back at Amelia kissing her a few times over her face, making her laugh "Your so sweet I could eat you," Clarisse smiled as Amelia giggled.

After a few moments Joseph came in and stood behind Olivia.

"What's wrong?" Clarisse asked as everyone looked at him.

"Erica, she's panicking." He answered.

"Ok, just coming." Clarisse said looking at Amelia as she climbed off "Thank you darling," She kissed her while standing up "Keep my seat warm and I will be back."

"Ok Grandma," Amelia smiled and watched her and Joseph walk out.

"What's going on?" Clarisse asked as she headed to the ball room with Joseph.

"I will let her tell you," He said and opened the door for her to walk through, watching her walk past he followed her in and pulled up the door as Erica was in mid rant.

Slowly walking over to her they stood and watched for a second then Clarisse put her hands together and looked at Tom then at Erica.

"Erica," Clarisse started as Erica took a deep breath, all looking at her "You do not talk to my staff like that," Clarisse added.

"But Mom..." She paused then went into a rant at Clarisse.

Clarisse stood listening to her rant then nodded and motioned for her staff to go do whatever they need to do "Ok darling," Clarisse said linking her arm with Erica's as she gasped "The staff have it in hand I am sure, and now we know what's going on Tom and your Father can redo what the problem is while we go for a walk." She said making her walk with her towards the door.

"But," Erica said looking back at both her Dad and Tom motioning for her to go with her Mom "I..." She said looking back at Clarisse.

Dragging her from the ball room and out through the gardens, making her sit with her she managed to get her calm.

"Ok, now what are you going to do?" Clarisse asked.

"I am going to go and apologize to the staff," Erica said while looking down.

"Good," Clarisse said while standing up and noticed Pierre and Philippe trotting over to them on their horses with Amelia sat in front of Philippe "Well look at you." She smiled at them as Erica turned to look.

"Hey bro's," Erica smiled up at them "By the way while you are here, we have a dance rehearsal at 4, please don't be late." She said looking at everyone "It's important to Tom and his family we do this."

"Don't worry darling," Clarisse smiled "We will be there, don't worry." She said looking at Philippe as he took hold of Amelia's hands and gently lifted her down to Clarisse as she stepped closer and took hold of her.

"Thanks Mom," Philippe smiled as he watched Amelia kiss her then put her arms around her neck, giving her a hug.

"No problem," Clarisse smiled up at him then looked at Erica.

"And don't worry Sis, we will be there." Philippe smiled and watched her smile and walk off.

"Uh oh," Pierre said while moving his horse around "Michael's walking over and he doesn't seem impressed." He said looking down at Clarisse as she put Amelia down and looked towards him coming over.

"Clarisse I need to speak with you, please." Michael exclaimed and turned to walk off.

Clarisse looked up at Pierre and Philippe then turned to walk away, following him with Amelia.

"Mom," Philippe exclaimed and watched her turn around "Are you going to be ok?"

"Of course," She smiled down at Amelia then back at him before continuing back to the Palace.

After she left Amelia with Joseph and Erica she headed to find Michael in her office.

"What's wrong?" She asked while shutting the door and watched him stand up.

"This," He snapped and handed her the local paper "Care to explain it?" He snapped again.

She sat down on the couch as she read it, then looked at the pictures in surprise.

"Well?" He exclaimed and watched her look up at him "Is there something going on with you and Joseph?" He snapped.

"What?" She shook her head "No," She said standing up "We were just out for lunch with the girls, that was all." She said looking at the paper "And you can see the girls were there so I'm not lying." She snapped and slammed the paper down on the coffee table.

"Well it would make sense, since he's been back you've been acting weird." He exclaimed "This morning, I saw the look you two gave each other," He shuddered "All week it's been the same."

"Who do you think I am?" She snapped "You clearly don't know me at all, which really does shock me seeing though we've been together for 5 years," She stated while folding her arms.

"I will ask you again," He said standing in front of her "Are you sleeping with Joseph?" He asked and grabbed hold of her arms, shaking her slightly.

"Get off me," She snapped while pulling herself free and stared at him "I told myself the first time I saw my Father having control over my Mom that I would never let anyone have control over me and I will be god damned if I'm gonna let it happen now," She snapped while pointing at him "So if you want to start being controlling, get your stuff and get out as I won't allow it!" She stood and watched him walk out.

With a sigh she moved and sat at her desk, trying to calm herself down. Not long after Erica appeared at the door.

"What's wrong with Michael?" She asked while shutting the door then turned to see Clarisse just as mad "Ok, what's going on?" She asked.

"That," Clarisse nodded towards the paper on the coffee table and watched her walk over and pick it up "He thinks that something is going on between me and Joseph."

"Oh," Erica exclaimed while looking at the pictures of their lunch date together the other day and read what it says under them "Here you can see the loving smile they are giving each other as they dine out with their daughters and Joseph's two daughters from his second marriage," She said looking at the photo then looked at the other photo of Rose hugging Clarisse while sitting on her lap as Joseph and Olivia laughed "Here you can see the closeness of the Queen with his two daughters from his second marriage," She said shifting her eyes to the other photo of them all laughing, remembering that they shared a joke "Family time together, could there be more behind the smiles and laughter, maybe Queen Clarisse and her former husband are giving things another go now that it's reported his second marriage has ended." She gasped and looked up at Clarisse "I'm so sorry," She whispered.

"Why are you sorry for, you didn't do anything." Clarisse said waving her hand about in front of her "It's that damn reporter woman," She exclaimed and watched Erica look back at the photos then stood up and walked over to the window in her office while folding her arms.

"What are you thinking?" Erica asked while putting the paper down and walked over to stand next to her.

"I am thinking I made a mistake," She said looking at her then turned back to look out the window.

"A mistake about what?" Erica asked with a confused look, then looked at her as she shook her head and walk over to desk.

"Doesn't matter," Clarisse answered and slipped on her glasses.

"Ok, well..." Erica said while walking over to the door "I will leave you too it then, come find me if you need me." She smiled over at her as Clarisse nodded then looked down at her papers on the desk in front of her.

After sorting a few things out Clarisse headed to the dance rehearsal to find that Tom's parent's aren't there yet, so as they sat waiting Joseph talked to Clarisse about what was in the papers, then just after 20 past 4 they arrived.

"Ahh," Clarisse smiled while standing up and walked over to them followed by Joseph "It's so nice to see you again," She smiled kissing Tom's Mom and Dad's cheek then stepped back as Joseph kissed his Mom's cheek then shook his Dad's hand.

"We are so sorry that we are late, we completely lost track of time." His Mom, Ruth smiled.

"Oh not to worry," Clarisse smiled while putting her hands together behind her back.

"You know," Joseph started as he looked at Clarisse then back at Tom's parents "Out of all the times we have come together in the past, I have never seen you wearing your Kippah before, David." He said looking at Tom's father.

"I only wear it for special occasions." He smiled back.

"Ahh," Joseph nodded.

"Like me, you will see me wearing mine tomorrow." Tom grinned.

"Of course," Joseph nodded while looking at him.

"Let gets this underway shall we," Tom asked as everyone nodded.

After doing the dance rehearsal for tomorrow, everyone, including Ruth and David sat down to dinner, then after seeing them off Michael appeared.

"May I see you, please?" He requested and watched as Pierre put his hand on Clarisse's back.

Turning to head to the side to see Pierre stood next to her, she nodded at him then watched him walk away before looking back at Michael "What for?" She asked.

"Please can we go for a walk?" He asked.

"Ok," She answered back as they started walking away from the Palace.

"I'm so sorry about before, I'm not trying to control you or anything, it's just seeing those pictures," He whispered.

"I know, it must be hard for you to see us so close, but Michael that's all we are is friends." She said looking at him "Nothing is going on, I promise."

"I know, Erica told me." He nodded and looked at her, reaching over to take her hand as they carried on walking "Sorry for being a damn fool," He whispered while bringing her hand up and kissed the back of it.

"You are forgiven," She whispered with a small smile as they stopped walking "Though I am going to warn you now, from now on Joseph is going to be around a lot more as he's moving back here since his marriage broke up." She said taking both his hands in hers "Not because of me of course but because of the girls, he is here for them and yes we are close," She said looking up at him "And if you can't bare to see us together, sharing smiles and being happy then you need to leave." She whispered while cupping his cheek.

"I will admit right now it is hard seeing you both together, but I know that it's just for the girls." He said stepping closer and put his arms around her waist "I don't want to leave, I love you to much." He smiled as she put her arms around his shoulders.

"Ok, then you need to accept it and move on." She warned "Or it's over."

"Ok," He nodded and kissed her.

After a little while Michael headed to meet his friends for a drink as Clarisse headed back to the Palace, to find that Olivia had gone into real labor, no false alarm this time.

Arriving at the hospital a short while later, she was checked over by her midwife, who confirmed that she was in labor and almost ready to give birth, shocking not just Olivia but Clarisse too. Leaving her with the midwife for a few moments she headed out to let Joseph and Erica know what was going on.

"How is she?" Erica exclaimed while jumping up, followed by everyone else.

"She's in labor, nearly there actually." Clarisse smiled while checking the time "The midwife reckons another half hour and she will have the baby in her arms." She smiled.

"Awww," Erica exclaimed and hugged Joseph, before stepping back, leaving her arm around his waist.

"She want's you in with her too Erica, if you want to?" Clarisse asked.

"Of course," Erica nodded "Anything to help my big sis." She smiled and turned after feeling a hand on her back, seeing Pierre and Philippe had arrived.

"It's just a shame that Jason can't be here," Joseph whispered.

"I know, but we can try and get hold of him afterwards." Clarisse nodded as the door flung open and the midwife appeared.

"This baby isn't waiting, if you want to be with her I suggest you get in here now." She exclaimed and watched as Clarisse and Erica rushed into the room.

Clarisse smiled as she headed out into the corridor with the new arrival to meet her extended family. As she slowly appeared next to Joseph, everyone noticed and jumped up.

"Awww," Pierre smiled while leaning over his brothers shoulder, all trying to get a peek "What did she have?" He asked.

"A girl," Clarisse smiled and slowly passed her to Joseph "She's calling her Ava," She smiled while looking at Joseph then down at the bundle in his arms while placing her hand on the top of her head "They'd already agreed on names before he left 3 months ago." She smiled.

"Isn't she just adorable?" He whispered and sat down so Rose and Cara can see her.

"She's cute," Rose smiled and rubbed the back of her hand gently.

"How is Olivia?" Pierre asked while putting his arm around Clarisse's shoulders.

"Resting," She nodded while looking at Joseph whispering to Rose and Cara then looked back at Pierre "She done a brilliant job, I'm so proud of her." Clarisse smiled.

"We are too," Philippe smiled not taking his eyes of his new niece.

As everyone cooed over Ava, Clarisse stood back as she noticed someone stepping off the lift, she motioned for him to hurry over and gave him a quick hug before he stepped back with a grin and lent over to get a peek.

"Well doesn't she look like me," He grinned as everyone gasped and looked at him "Hello everyone," Jason grinned and put his hand up to hush them before they got to loud.

"What are you doing here?" Pierre asked giving him a hug then stepped back.

"To see my Wife and beautiful baby," He grinned at him "Though admittedly I had no idea I was heading home to see my baby, just Olivia." He said looking at Clarisse and hugged her "Thanks to this amazing woman who had been keeping me updated." He grinned while stepping back.

"Mom, you kept that quiet." Philippe exclaimed as they watched Joseph pass Ava too Jason.

"On Jason's request, after all." She smiled and watched him with Ava "She looks a lot like you," She smiled as Jason nodded "Let me go and get Erica, then you can take Ava and surprise her Mommy." Clarisse nodded while walking backwards to the door.

She headed inside then returned a few moments later, with Erica.

"Oh my god," Erica exclaimed when she saw Jason stood holding Ava "Man you are really gonna make her day." Erica smiled and reached up, kissing his cheek.

"That's the plan," Jason nodded.

"Come on Jason," Clarisse smiled as she slowly opened the door "Darling," Clarisse smiled over at Olivia as she lifted her head "There's someone who wants to see you, can they come in?" She asked.

"Who is it?" Olivia asked and watched as Clarisse extended her arm out, then gasped as Jason appeared next to her "Oh my god," She exclaimed and started crying as Jason walked over to her.

Clarisse watched as he lent over and kissed her while still holding Ava in his arms then she pulled up the door and moved sitting down next to Joseph as everyone talked about the baby.

After a little while Erica and Tom left with Rose and Cara, as Pierre and Philippe left together. Leaving Clarisse and Joseph at the hospital a little bit longer.

Pulling up outside Olivia's house, Clarisse looked at Joseph as he undone his belt.

"Thanks for the lift home," He smiled at her "Fancy coming in for a coffee?" He asked.

"Oh I don't know..." She said looking back at him.

"Clarisse, it's just coffee?" He said looking at her.

"Ok," Clarisse nodded "Why not." She said turning the car off and took the key out, undone her seat belt and climbed out the car.

Heading inside Clarisse slipped her jacket off and sat waiting for Joseph, looking towards the door a few moments later as he came through with two cups of coffee.

"I still can't believe we have our own Granddaughter now." Joseph smiled while standing next to her and handed her, her cup.

"I know, it's so exciting isn't it?" She asked while looking at him sitting next to her, then took a sip of her coffee.

"She looks so much like Olivia did when she was born, don't you think?" Joseph asked and watched as Clarisse nodded while leaning to the side a little and put the cup on the end table beside the couch then sat back as the phone started ringing.

"Excuse me," Joseph said while leaning forward, putting his cup on the table in front of them and stood up, walking over to the phone as Clarisse watched "Hello,"

"Hey Daddy," Olivia smiled to herself.

"Hey darling, what are you doing calling me this late?" He said looking over at Clarisse as she looked at him "It's Olivia," He whispered to her as she nodded.

"I just called to ask you if you could come and pick us up tomorrow, everything is alright they are letting me leave tomorrow for Erica's wedding." She grinned.

"That's excellent news sweetheart," Joseph smiled "I would love to come get you tomorrow." He smiled as Clarisse smiled over at him.

"Thank you Daddy," Olivia smiled "Can you let Mom know in the morning?"

"I will do, go and get some rest now and I will see you in the morning, ok?" He asked.

"Ok Daddy, love you." Olivia smiled.

"Love you too, Goodbye." He nodded and hung up "Well the Doctor is letting her leave tomorrow," He smiled while walking back over to Clarisse.

"That's brilliant news," Clarisse exclaimed.

"Isn't it," Joseph smiled while sitting on the edge of the seat, picking up his cup and took a couple sips of his coffee then sat back as Clarisse looked at him.

"Erica told me that you are looking for a place around here?" She asked and watched him nod.

"I am," He said looking at her "That isn't going to be a problem, is it?"

"No, of course not." Clarisse smiled.

"You know, while we were at the hospital I was remembering the days we were there for the same reasons," He smiled as she slowly lifted her head and looked at him.

"I was too," She nodded "Such wonderful memories." She smiled and felt him rubbing the back of her shoulder "Joseph," She whispered while shaking her head, then watched as he lent in and placed a kiss to her lips.

Sitting back seconds later, he shook his head "Sorry, I don't know what came over me." He said looking away.

"Don't be sorry," She whispered while putting her hand over, gently gripping his chin to make him look at her "It's ok." She smiled and lent in, kissing him back while moving her hand onto his jaw and felt him move his hand around to the back of her neck.

Deepening the kiss as she locked her arms around his shoulders, letting his hands roam over her body, only to find herself being scooped up a few moments later and being carried into his suite, kicking the door shut he rushed over to the bed and stood her in front of him, still kissing her.

After a few seconds Clarisse stepped back and looked up into Joseph's eyes while putting her hands on his chest "What?" He asked.

"Nothing," She whispered back and started kissing him slowly again while putting her hand up onto his jaw, moaning into his mouth as he lowered himself, running his hands down her thighs as she moved her other arm around his shoulder.

Seconds later they were undressing each other, falling into bed when it was completed.

"Mmmm ooh...Oh God." Clarisse moaned as he sank deep inside her, her hands gripping his sides as he took her lips in a hungry kiss and rested his arms on the bed, next to her shoulders.

Groaning at the feel of her legs locking around his, starting to thrust in and out as she moved her hands to his back, moaning as he began to drive into her hard and fast.

"Mmmm," She moaned and gasped while lifting her head, burying her face in his neck as he continued to thrust into her "Mmm Joseph," She moaned as the bed began to squeak.

"Yeah?" He groaned and lifted his head to meet her eyes as he continued.

"No...thing." She moaned and giggled a little, Joseph smiled down at her as the sound of their love making and her giggle swam around the room.

Pressing himself back down on her he started kissing her neck, nipping at it as he felt her hands grab his shoulders.

"Stop...Oh god stop." She moaned and looked at him as he lifted his head while slowing down "Don't bite," She whispered.

"Ok, sorry I got carried away." He smiled as she lifted her head and kissed him while running her hands down his arms, sides and groped his firm bum as he started thrusting hard into her again "Mmm Clari..." He groaned "You feel so good." He whispered and raised himself up onto his hands, pressing himself down harder into her with every thrust.

"So...Oh.." Was all that she managed to get out, feeling him rocking his hips harder and faster into her "Mmm oh god." She moaned, keeping one hand on his bottom and moved the other up above her head, placing it on the head board to try and stop herself from moving up any higher and looked at Joseph as he started laughing.

"I'm so sorry," He whispered between kisses, still trusting in and out.

"Don't...Be... Oh...God." She moaned "Mmmm." She gasped and closed her eyes as he found himself driving harder into her, the bed banging against the wall as he picked up pace.

"Oh Clari.." He moaned.

"Mmm Jo...seph..." She moaned and squeezed his bum, feeling herself getting closer and closer to the edge as he drove into her "Oh... Yes."

Hearing Clarisse's moans and gasps beneath him as he picked up pace, getting closer and closer to the edge himself "Oh god Clari.." He moaned and watched her open her eyes while moving her hand from the headboard and back onto his back, digging her nails in to his flesh as she came, hard.

Watching her convulse beneath him tipped him over the edge, coming hard seconds later while moaning out her name and tipped his head back. Feeling Clarisse's hands move onto his sides brought him back down to earth, tipping his head forward he looked into her eyes as she smiled up at him continuing to thrust into her slowly, coming to a stop seconds later.

Lowering his body down on hers he took her lips in another hungry kiss then lifted his head to look into her beautiful eyes "That was amazing." He whispered.

"It was," Clarisse nodded and put her hand up, wiping the beads of sweat from his forehead while trying to control and steady her breathing.

"You are just how I remembered you," He whispered against her lips.

"So were you," She answered and kissed him while snaking her arms around his neck.

Watching him slowly kiss his way down her chest seconds later, kissing each breast and teasing her nipples for a several seconds before slowly pulling out of her, looking up as she moaned. Laying on the bed beside her, pulling the sheets tight around them as he did.

"That was totally unexpected." Joseph whispered while taking Clarisse's hand while turning onto his side and kissed her fingers as she nodded.

"It was," She said turning her head and looked at him.

"Be honest," He whispered and felt her pull her hand free, feeling it on his chest seconds later "You don't love him, do you?" He asked and watched her turn her head back to stare at the ceiling.

"I love him," She nodded while looking back at him "But I don't love him like I loved you and Rupert," She whispered while running her fingers over his chest softly, getting tangled in his chest hair.

"Then why are you with him for?" He asked as she stared at the ceiling "He's to young for you," He whispered.

"He's only 7 years younger than me," She said looking back at him and watched him kiss her shoulder.

"I am glad that the girls weren't here," Joseph whispered while raising his head and looked at her while placing his hand on her stomach.

"True, but then if they was here then this wouldn't of happened," She said looking at him as he nodded.

"That is true," He smiled "But I am glad that this happened," He whispered and watched her for a second.

"I have to go," Clarisse said turning over onto her side as Joseph watched her.

"Wait," He said "You have a tattoo on your lower back?" He whispered and looked at her rolling back onto her back "When did you get that?" He asked.

"Not long after we got divorced," She said looking into his eyes "The big star represents me and the 4 smaller stars represents my children." She said as he took her hand, bringing it to his mouth and kissed her fingers "I got it to remind myself that I am a strong person and whatever life throws at me and my family, we'll get through." She whispered.

"You didn't need that, you are the strongest person I know." He whispered against her fingers "Clarisse I," He stopped and looked into her eyes.

"Please don't," Clarisse whispered knowing what he was going to say "Please, it took me ages to get over our divorce and this what happened, shouldn't of happened."

"I know," He nodded "But I still love you," He whispered "I want us to be together." He added and looked into her eyes.

"I have to go," She answered and quickly climbed of the bed, gathering her things and rushed into the bathroom.

"Clarisse," He called out while sitting on the edge of the bed.

Moments later she came rushing out and left, Joseph slumped on the bed as she headed home. Only when she got so far she pulled over and started crying to herself.

Carrying on a while later she arrived home just after midnight, pushing up the door and locked it while resting her head against the glass not knowing Erica was stood on the stairs.

"Mom," She exclaimed and watched her turn to look at her "Sorry I didn't mean to make you jump, where have you been?" She asked.

"Up on the hill," She whispered while walking over to the stairs "What are you doing up?" She went to check the time "Oh, I seem to have lost my watch." She said looking up at her.

"It's half 12, and I'm still up as I'm too excited to sleep and well Cara and Rose have stolen my bed." She laughed a little then sighed "Have you been crying?" She asked.

"Yeah just a little cry while up on the hill, thinking of Rupert." She said looking at her "And because I'm happy about our new edition." She smiled.

"Ok," Erica nodded and watched her walk up the stairs "See you in a few hours?"

"Yep," Clarisse answered with a nod and carried on up the stairs.

She headed to her suite to find Michael sat waiting in the bed reading.

"Hey," He said looking up at her as she shut the door "Where have you been?"

"I was up on the hill," She said walking over to the bathroom door "I wanted to see my country and all the lights and stars." She added and walked into the bathroom to turn the shower on and came back out moments later.

"You should of called, I would of come with you." Michael whispered and watched her sit on the edge of the bed "Would of been romantic." He said reaching over and started rubbing her back.

"I wanted to be alone, besides I don't like going up there since Rupert died." She whispered while closing her eyes and turned her head to the side "It was Rupert's and mines favorite place." She added while looking down at the floor "I didn't even go up there when I was married to Joseph." She said shrugged for him to stop rubbing her back.

"Is everything ok?" He asked while watching her stand up.

"Yeah, I'm just going to take a shower." She said and headed into her bathroom, shutting and locking the door behind her.

He looked towards the door after hearing the lock, then looked back at his book. Not long after she came back out and climbed into bed beside him.

"I heard about baby Ava, that's great news." He smiled while putting his book down and looked back at her "Great about Jason coming home too." He added and watched her nod.

"Yea," She started while covering herself with the blankets "Would of been nice if you had been there," She said rubbing some cream into her hands while looking at him.

"I'm sorry, I got side tracked." He whispered.

"Yeah by drink," She said turning her bedside lamp off "I was informed that you were told, but you decided to stay with your friends instead," She whispered while looking at him "But never mind," She said snuggling down and laid with her back to him "Goodnight," She said and closed her eyes.

"Good night," He whispered and turned his lamp off and snuggled down under the covers himself.

As Clarisse lay with her eyes open, staring at the windows and out at the stars knowing tonight was going to be a long night, Michael lay beside her staring up at the ceiling knowing he himself made a mistake.