Thank you to all you wonderful people for reading this story, sticking with it and to those who review it :) You are all the best, I love you all! THANK YOU.

xXx

The Following Day.

Rolling over Joe draped his arm over his sleeping wife's form. "Darling, it's time to get up." He whispered almost regretfully in her ear knowing that today would be rough on everyone, especially her.

"I'm not getting up today." She said as her voice cracked and she brushed a tear from her face having been awake for several hours now, dreading the sunrise.

"Come here." He whispered pulling her to him as she turned to face him burying her face into his neck as the tears came back full force. "It's going to be alright, I've got you." He whispered while stroking his hand up and down her back.

"How is it going to be alright Joseph? My baby isn't here for her baby's first birthday." She said between sobs "I just wish I could forget this day."

"I know why you said that but you really don't want to forget the day that Emma came into the world, although I also wish Erica was here with us too." He said wiping a tear from his eye "Today will be hard for everyone but we can make it through this together, for Emma, this is her day."

Pulling back she wiped her face looking into his tear filled eyes "You are right this is Emma's day. I will try to remember that." She said before kissing his lips softly "I suppose we should get up then." She said climbing from the bed with a sigh as he lay watching.

Dressed all in black Clarisse and Joseph made their way down to the kitchen where they found Olivia and Charlotte feeding the babies.

"Would you like some tea, Momma?" Livy asked.

"No. In fact I think I'm going to go see Emma before I leave for the office." She said kissing Joe as she passed him on the way out.

Catching her arm he whispered "You are going to the office?"

"Yes but only until we go visit Erica, then I'm going to spend the day with the family. Is that okay?"

"Momma, it's Sunday." Livy said "We have Church today, remember."

"I know." Clarisse nodded "I'm not silly." She said shaking her head a little "But there are a few things that I need to clear up which I didn't have time to do yesterday." She said looking over at Olivia and Charlotte then back at Joe "You all go on to Church and I will see you back at the Palace afterwards."

"Fine. I'll come get you when we are ready." He said kissing her lightly on the lips then watched her walk out.

Heading across to the guest bungalow to see Emma before leaving, knocking on Shades' door, he answered holding a very happy Emma. Holding her arms out Emma stretched her little body towards Clarisse as she repeated "Nana, Nana, Nana."

"I think someone misses her Nana." Shades smiled handing the baby to Clarisse as she gladly took her. "I haven't had time to feed her yet, if you have time would you mind?" He asked walking back towards the kitchenette to fetch the bottle.

"I don't mind at all, in fact I was hoping for some alone time with the birthday girl." She smiled at him as Emma played with her necklace.

"Of course. You know where everything is so please make yourself at home." He said disappearing into the bedroom.

Getting Emma her bottle Clarisse walked over with her and sat down in the chair by the window, handing her the bottle she smiled as she held it up herself. "Happy birthday baby girl." Clarisse whispered as Emma drank her bottle eagerly "Your Momma would have been so proud of you, and I know she's here watching over you everyday." She said as the tears streamed down her face once again "You remind me so much of her, you know that?" She asked as Emma stared up at her with her big blue eyes "I know that today is your day sweetheart, well Grandpa had to remind me but Nana promises you that today will be a happy day, for your sake." She said as Emma finished her bottle.

Lifting her into a hug as she closed her eyes "Nana loves you sweetheart." She whispered, not knowing Shades was stood at the door watching.

Leaving for the Palace a short time later, as the rest of the family headed to Church.

After Church had finished, everyone gathered outside to talk and mingle a bit before heading to their homes.

"It was a lovely service Vicar." Joseph said facing him as Olivia stood beside him "Thank you for mentioning Erica today, I know Clarisse would of loved to hear that." He said.

"Well she was a part of this community, it's only fair I..." He stopped when he noticed Clarisse stood by a grave "I thought you said that Her Majesty wasn't here today?" He asked.

"She's not, she had some stuff to clear up." Joseph answered as Olivia looked to where the Vicar was just looking.

"Daddy." Olivia said "She's over by Philippe's grave." She whispered as he looked at her then turned around.

"Oh." He whispered and turned back to the Vicar "Excuse me." He said.

"Of course." The Vicar replied and watched him turn and walk away.

"Clari?" He said as he stood beside her as she came out of her day dream and looked up at him "I thought you had things to do?"

"I did." She said and looked back down "I did sit down to start doing them but then I found myself slipping on my coat and came here." She said looking back down at Philippe's grave.

"I see." He said putting his arm around her shoulders and kissed the side of her head.

After a few moments they headed back to the Palace, where they all sat down for Sunday dinner before getting ready to head down to the pond where six months earlier they had spread Erica's ashes. The entire family took a few moments to remember Erica as Clarisse held Emma in her arms, kissing the side of her head as she happily played with her necklace again. With Joseph stood beside her, his arm around her back and his hand on her side, they all watched as the ducks swam elegantly across the water.

"Shall we head back now? It's getting a bit cold." Pierre said as he took Emma's hand and kissed her fingers.

"You all go on ahead, Emma and I will follow in a few moments." Clarisse said looking at him then at everyone else.

"Okay." Pierre answered while leaning closer, kissing her cheek before he and everyone else started headed back towards the Palace.

Watching them for a few seconds before looking at Emma and walked over to a nearby rose bush, where she held Emma in one arm and picked a beautiful red rose with her other, before walking back to the edge of the pond. Joseph, who stayed behind but stood back to let her have her moment, could tell that she was talking to Emma and his heart broke as he watched them toss the flower into the water. Placing a kiss to the side of Emma's head as she answered in her own way.

Turning a few moments later, she slowly walked over to Joseph.

"You alright?" He asked as she handed him Emma and watched as he moved her to hold her with his good arm.

"Yes, I we will be fine." She said taking the tissue from her pocket and wiped her eyes as he stepped closer, wrapping his free arm around her shoulders and kissed her forehead.

"Come on, let's get back to the Palace and head home." He said looking up to the sky then at Emma "It looks like it's going to snow soon." He said as Emma smiled at him.

"Okay." Clarisse said softly as they started walking slowly away from the pond, where she stopped moments later and turned, looking back at the pond.

"You're sure you are okay?" He asked turning to look at her.

"Nana?" Emma said with a smile as Clarisse turned to look at them.

Smiling for Emma she walked over, taking Emma's hand in hers and pressed her fingers to her lips as Joseph watched her "I miss her dearly Joseph but today is Emma's day and I'm trying to remain happy for her. She didn't ask to lose her mother today and I owe it to her to be happy, even though it's the hardest thing I've ever done."

"I know." Joseph said as he studied her face then looked at Emma "Now shall we get this birthday girl home?" He asked looking at Clarisse as she took a deep breath and nodded.

"Yes, lets." She smiled at Emma then at Joe before turning to the pond "I love you so much." She whispered and blew Erica a kiss before turning back to Joseph and Emma "Today is now officially Emma's day." She said "Let's get you home." She said taking Emma back from Joseph and kissed her cheek.

Walking back to the Palace as she carried Emma, with Joseph's good arm around Clarisse's shoulders, keeping them close. When they came into view of Shades, who was waiting in Joe's SUV for them to come back, he couldn't help but smile at them with Emma. Today was a sad day, but he knew that they were being happy for Little Emma and if it weren't for them, he was sure he wouldn't be smiling today. Grabbing his phone he took a quick snap of them as they stopped, Clarisse smiling at Emma as Joseph kissed her tiny hand, then he took another one of them sharing a kiss. He knew it may lead him to getting into trouble, but he couldn't help himself. He was sure that they did the same thing all those years ago when Erica was that small and he planned to give it them as a thank you present later on.

Once everyone was settled in the car, they headed back to the house. Upon arriving Shades took Emma to the living room where everyone else was, as Clarisse and Joseph headed upstairs to get changed. Coming down a short time later, where the party began.

Clarisse sat with a smile on her face as she watched Emma playing with her brother Arie, sister Aimie and her cousins. Emma was truly happy and way to young to understand what was going on but she was still enjoying herself all the same, thanks to her Daddy and Grandparents.

After a few moments Shades came in and picked Emma up, passing her to Clarisse with a smile then headed out to the kitchen with Joseph.

"I can't believe she's one already." Charlotte smiled as she took Emma's hand.

"I know, it's gone so fast." Clarisse said looking at her then at Emma as she smiled up at her "Yes you know we are talking about you, don't you?" She smiled then laughed with Charlotte as Joseph turned the lights down a little "Ooo Emma look, what's this?" She said pointing to Shades bringing the cake in with One birthday candle on top whilst everyone sang Happy Birthday. Smiling up at Shades as he put the cake on the table in front of them, then she smiled back down at Emma while pointing to the beautiful cake.

"Emma blow out your candle." Shades smiled.

"Can you blow it out darling?" Clarisse smiled while moving her forward a little, watching as Shades helped her blow it out "Yay!" Clarisse and everyone else exclaimed "You did it sweetheart." Clarisse smiled while wrapping her arms around Emma as she giggled with excitement and kissed the top of her head as Shades knelt beside them.

"I'm so proud of you." Shades said putting his hand up and brushed Emma's hair back "Your Momma would be so proud." He whispered as Clarisse looked down at him.

Seeing the tears in his eyes she lent forward, putting her free arm around his shoulders and whispered in his ear "She is proud and she's here today." She said and kissed his cheek before sitting back.

"I know." He nodded and looked down for a second "Thank you." He whispered while looking back up at her.

"It's okay." She said smiling and watched him stand up.

"I will be back." He said walking out the room as Clarisse looked at Joseph who just nodded and walked out after him.

"Hey birthday girl." Olivia smiled while taking Emma's hands to draw everyone's attention away from what just happened "Shall we have some cake now?" She asked with a smile.

"I think that's a wonderful idea." Clarisse smiled down at her then up towards the door for a second "Let's all enjoy some cake." She said looking down at Emma as Olivia took her for a cuddle "I will be back." Clarisse said standing up "I will just go and get something to cut this with." She smiled motioning towards the cake and walked off towards the kitchen.

"Isn't this what we are cutting the cake with?" Cara asked while holding up the cake cutter as everyone looked at her.

Walking into the kitchen she saw Joseph stood leaning against the counter with his arms folded and eyes closed, walking over slowly as he opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Where's Shades?" She asked softly as he unfolded his arms.

"He's gone for a walk." He answered while extending his arms to her, wrapping them around her waist as she stepped closer to him "He just needed a bit of time on his own."

"That I can understand." She said making him move his arms.

"What, don't you want my arms around you now?" He asked in surprise as she looked up at him.

"Of course, but I want them around my shoulders." She said softly "So I can wrap my arms around your waist." She said with a small smile.

"Ahh I see." He said locking his arms around her shoulders as she wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest.

"Much better." She smiled and closed her eyes.

"Yes I have to agree on that." He nodded and kissed her head before resting his chin on top of her head.

Standing still together for several moments, neither saying a word, just enjoying being together and the sound of children's laughter coming from the living room. Lifting her head a few seconds later.

"I love you, you know that don't you?" She asked.

"I do and you know that I love you too, right?" He asked as she nodded "Good." He smiled and lowered his head, kissing her several times before watching her step back.

"Maybe we should go back in now? And get a slice of cake before all the kids eat it all." She smiled as he lent forward and took her hand with a laugh, kissing the back of it as they made their way together into the living room.

With a smile they sat back at the table next to some of the Grandchildren, all enjoying some cake before Emma was passed to her again, not that she minded of course. And a short time later, after some of the guests left and just the family remained, Clarisse sat on the floor playing with Emma, playing with one of the toys she got for her birthday when Shades came in.

"Hello, are you feeling any better now?" Clarisse asked as he crouched down beside them.

"Half and half." He nodded and rubbed Emma's hair as she smiled up at him "Thank you for watching her and putting up with me today, well since everything."

"It's no trouble Shades." Joseph said as they looked over at him "You were apart of this family before you and Erica even got together, we weren't in no way going to abandon you just because of what happened and you will always be apart of this family, no matter what happens." He said as Clarisse nodded and looked back at Shades.

"He's right you know?" She said.

"I'm sorry Shades," Olivia started as everyone looked over at her "You are kinda stuck with us now." She giggled with Clarisse.

"Thank you." He nodded and stood up as Olivia moved closer, hugging him for a second.

"It's no trouble bro." She smiled and stepped back as everyone watched Pierre shake his hand.

"I um..." Shades started as Pierre sat back down "I know it's not much, but I done this for you." He said handing Clarisse a present.

"Oh Shades, you shouldn't of done this." She said putting it down and turned Emma to sit down and help her open it.

"I know I shouldn't of but I couldn't help myself this morning..." He said looking at her as she and Emma opened it.

Removing all the paper, to find a beautiful double photo frame with two photos of her, Joe and Emma inside, that he took earlier that day.

"Shades." Clarisse whispered while looking up at him as Joseph moved beside her to see the photos "Did you take these this morning?" She asked as he nodded.

Watching her look back down at the photos he pointed to the one where Joe is kissing Emma's fingers as Clarisse looked at her "This one I thought you might like because well its you both with Emma, caring and showing love towards her." He said "And this one." He said pointing to the one where Emma watched them sharing a kiss "Well I kinda got the feeling you and Joe may have done something like that when Erica was small." He said as Clarisse and Joseph looked at each other.

"We did." Joe said putting his arm around Clarisse's shoulders "Thank you Shades, this is a lovely gift." He said.

"I love it," She said looking up at him "Thank you so much." She said putting her arms up and gave him a little hug.

"It's no trouble, it's just a small thank you, that''s all." He said and stood up as Joe passed the photo frame to Olivia, who then passed it around everyone else.

"That was really thoughtful Shades." Olivia nodded as Emma squealed and pulled herself up by using Clarisse's top and arm, making her gasp and laugh out while helping her up as Joseph sat down beside her.

"Thank you for nearly bearing all to everyone, you little madam." Clarisse smiled while cupping Emma's face with both her hands and kissed her cheeks several times, making her giggle as Joseph put his arms back and his hands flat on the floor behind him as he lent back on them.

"She said, that's alright." Joe smiled as Clarisse playfully slapped his thigh as he stretched his legs out in front of him, crossing them at the ankle.

"Nana." Emma giggled as Clarisse put her hands on her sides, holding her up. Turning her around a few seconds later, everyone watched as Emma took one step forward, then walked over to Olivia who put her arms out for her.

"Oh my god." Olivia exclaimed and scooped her up in her arms "She walked, she actually walked." She said and hugged Emma as Shades stood beside them, making a fuss of her.

"Mom?" Rose said as everyone looked down at Clarisse

"What's the matter?" Pierre said while sitting on the edge of the couch.

"Mom, are you okay?" Olivia asked as Shades took Emma.

"It's just..." She said fanning her face with both her hands as a couple tears escaped her eyes "Erica... she took her first steps on her first birthday." She said wiping away her tears as Pierre grabbed the box of tissues and handed them to her "Thank you." She said taking two and wiped her eyes with them.

"Oh." Olivia whispered and looked at Emma as she started crying "Uh oh." She whispered.

"Why's she crying?" Aimie asked while looking up at her in Shades arms.

"Because her Grandma is crying." Joseph said rubbing Clarisse's back.

"What? Really?" Pierre exclaimed.

"Yes, Clarisse was crying over something the other day..."

"Well thanks for telling everyone." Clarisse said looking at him as he continued rubbing her back.

"It doesn't matter sweetheart, there isn't anything to be ashamed about." Joseph whispered while leaning in to her and kissed her cheek.

"Yeah, Dad... what happened?" Olivia asked.

"Oh yes..." He said lifting his head "I had Emma and when she heard her Grandma crying, she started crying too." He said as Clarisse wiped her eyes again as Emma started crying for her Nana.

"Pass her here." Clarisse said putting her arms up as Shades lent over, passing her to Clarisse "It's alright sweetheart," She said holding her close and rubbed her back with her hand "It's okay I promise." She said closing her eyes as Emma started sucking her thumb "I promise everything is alright darling." She whispered and kissed the side of her head as everyone watched.

Later that evening after Clarisse got showered and into her pajamas she headed to check on the Grandchildren before heading downstairs. Walking into the kitchen to find Joe sat at the counter reading a paper and sipping some scotch.

"Here you are." He smiled while putting his glass down and watched her walk around to him "I was wondering where you got to." He smiled putting his arm around her waist and his hand on her side under her robe as she stood beside him.

"Oh well I went up, had a shower, then checked on the Grandchildren." She smiled as he looked at her and lowered his head, kissing her neck before looking back at the paper.

"Mmmm mmmm mmmm you smell sexy." He whispered as she giggled "Are all the kids a sleep?" He asked looking back at her.

"Yes they are." She nodded while picking up his glass, taking a couple sips as he watched her "They are all settled for the night now." She smiled up at him as she put his glass back down, sharing a kiss seconds later, breaking it off when Rose and Cara came in.

Seeing Joe wrap his arm around Clarisse's shoulders as she rested her head on his and wrapped her arms around his waist "Sorry did we interrupt something?" Rose asked.

"Nope." Joe smiled over at them as Clarisse lifted her head and looked at him before looking over at the girls "Just having a cuddle."

"So sweet." Cara smiled over at them then sat at the table.

"Today was a fun day." Rose smiled as Clarisse turned around and lent back against Joseph as he remained sitting on the stool.

"Yes it was, it was a special day... though emotional, it was still special." She said with a smile "Emma was so excited." She nodded a little, putting her arm on the counter beside her.

"I agree, she loved it so much and it was awesome that Arie and Aimie got to share it with her too." Rose said looking over at them.

"When are they meant to go back?" Cara asked.

"Well they were meant to have gone today." Joseph said looking over at them while wrapping his arm around Clarisse's waist, holding her back against him "But Tom called and asked if they could stay here a extra few days as he's got to take care of some business." He said looking back at the paper.

"I see." Cara nodded and noticed Joe move his hand from Clarisse's side to her stomach as she bit her bottom lip "I think," She said looking at Rose "Maybe we should go." She said about to stand up.

"Oh no, you stay." Clarisse nodded while turning slightly and took Joe's drink, downing it in one as he watched "We will go." She said smirking at Joe while putting the glass down and stepped back for him to step from the stool.

"Are you sure?" Rose asked "We can..." She stopped as Clarisse took hold of Joe's hand.

"Of course I'm sure." She smiled over at them, leading the way over to the door while putting her other arm back, taking Joe's hand in both hers and smiled over at the girls "Night girls..."

"Night you two." Joe smiled and walked out with Clarisse.

"Night..." Both girls exclaimed and looked at each other with a laugh.

"Maybe we should stay down here a while." Cara nodded.

"Yes I totally agree." She said and burst out laughing with Cara.