Thank you to those reading and reviewing this story :) Also thank you for your help chum :) You're the best!

xXx

One week later.

Today's the funeral and for the last week Clarisse has remained at the house, staying in the guest room her Father stayed in for the two weeks while he was visiting. And after not being able to sleep most of the night Clarisse headed down to get a glass of water, only to discover Rose sat in the kitchen going through some old photo albums.

"Couldn't you sleep?" Clarisse asked while grabbing a glass.

"No," Rose said shaking her head and looked up at her.

"Same as me then." Clarisse said filling her glass with water then walked over to the table "What one are you looking through?" She asked sitting down.

"Yours and Dads wedding, well the second one." Rose said looking up at her as she sipped her water.

"Ahh Bora Bora." Clarisse said looking at her while putting her glass down.

"That was an amazing holiday..." Rose said while looking down "Everyone was happy and then... then it all changed." She whispered "And things started going wrong." She added sadly as Clarisse looked at her.

"Well nothing stays the same forever sweetheart." Clarisse said and watched her look up.

"I wish it would go back to how it was before, when everyone was happy and you and Daddy were madly in love..." She whispered.

"Rose..." Clarisse whispered while shaking her head "Please don't do this, not today." She added.

"Why? It seems the only time I have been able to talk with you this last week." She said "Are you going to divorce him, again?" She asked bravely.

"I don't know..." Clarisse answered honestly while looking over at her "I don't want it to go down that road again, but if he can't trust me then I don't see us having a future together."

"I see." She said looking down and closed the album, pushing it away as she slumped back in the chair.

"If it does goes down that road, you will always be welcome in my house." Clarisse whispered "You will always be one of my girls." She added as Rose just looked at her then looked down as a couple tears escaped her eyes.

After a few moments Rose looked up while wiping her tears away "I still can't believe Grandpa has gone." She said softly as Clarisse looked over at her "He was here that morning, he seemed so healthy and okay..." She whispered as Clarisse nodded, closing her eyes.

"Well," Clarisse started, opening her eyes and looked at Rose "We knew it had to happen sometime."

"I know, but even though you know its going to happen you are never prepared." She said standing up "I think I am going to go and try to get some more sleep." She whispered.

"Okay darling." Clarisse said and watched her walk out.

A short while later Joe came down, stopping at the door when he saw Clarisse sat at the table, holding her head in her hands.

"You can come in, you know?" She said lifting her head and turned to look at him.

"How did you know?" He asked stepping forward.

"I sensed you watching me, like I do everyday." She said and turned back to the table, sipping her drink as Joe walked over and got a glass of water too.

"Are you okay?" He asked, sitting down opposite her.

"Ask me tonight as right now I don't have an answer." She said putting her glass down.

"Okay." He said watching her fold her arms and rest them on the table.

"Rose and I were talking a little while ago..." Clarisse started while looking at him "She asked me if we were getting divorced again."

"Oh..." He said in surprise "And what did you say?" He asked.

"I said..." She said pausing, looking into his eyes "That I don't want to go down that road again, but if he can't trust me, then I didn't see a future together with him." She said.

"I see." He whispered and looked down.

"Do you trust me?" She asked, watching him look up at her "Because if you can't get over that and accept the fact I deal with men everyday Joseph, then we should just call it quits."

"I don't want to, I love you too much to let you go." He whispered, moving beside her "Please don't do this Clarisse."

"Then trust me Joe... or you will lose me and for good this time." She said looking at him as he took her hand "I don't want to lose you, but..."

"I know." He interrupted "I know." He said nodding "It's just Charlie... there's just something about him... I can see it in his eyes."

"I know you have a bad feeling, but I promise you nothing is going to happen." Clarisse whispered, never taking her eyes from him as he lifted his head "And I know that if he tried anything, I have an army of men to protect me." She added.

"Yes you do." He said nodding.

"Please Joe, get over this and put your trust back in me..." She whispered as he put his hand on her back "I need you and I can't lose you too." She added as he held up her hand to his mouth.

"Oh, sorry." Cara said stopping when she saw them sat close together at the table "I didn't realize anyone was here." She said as they both turned to look at her.

"It seems everyone can't sleep tonight." Clarisse said standing up "I'm going to go and check on Emma." She said pushing her chair under the table and walked out as Joe watched her, and Cara watched him.

Several hours later after getting showered and dressed Joe headed to the guest suite to check on Clarisse, seeing the door ajar, he stepped closer and stopped when he saw her sat in the rocking chair, gently rocking with Emma snuggled up to her on her chest with her head resting on Clarisse's shoulder. Clinging to her comfort blanket, that lay between them as she had her tiny arm up around Clarisse's neck, playing with her Nana's hair. Deciding it was best to leave them for now he headed back down to the kitchen.

"Did you see Mom?" Pierre asked and watched him grab a mug.

"I did, she's having a cuddle with Emma." He said pouring some coffee "It's funny you know Emma is to young too understand but it's like she does." He added while turning and sipped his coffee.

"How do you mean?" Olivia asked.

"Well Emma is snuggled up to her, quiet as anything and just laying there, whereas normally she's talking none stop and playing with Clarisse's necklaces." Joe said looking over at her.

"It is like she knows and understands her Nana is sad." Pierre said as everyone nodded.

"I just hope Mom will be okay." Olivia whispered as Pierre lent over and rubbed her arm.

"She's a strong woman, I know she's been through so much but you need to remember she always comes out smiling." Pierre said looking at her "In the end."

"But what if it doesn't happen this time?" Olivia questioned "I know we need to remain positive but you all know this has hit her hard." She said sadly looking down "What if she doesn't pull back from this?" She whispered.

"She will Livy." Pierre whispered while leaning closer and hugged her.

"I hope you're right, Pierre." She whispered closing her eyes.

Watching them as Pierre sat back, Joe felt a pang of sadness hit his heart. Drinking some more of his coffee he decided to go for a walk, leaving them too it.

When it was time to leave for the Church, Pierre headed up to the suite. Stopping at the door he watched as she fussed over the vase of flowers on the table, rearranging them for a few moments before walking over to the window, staring blankly outside at her garden as she folded her arms with a sigh.

"Mom?" He said softly after a few moments, watching as she turned her head to the side "It's time to leave."

"Okay... I will be down in a few moments." She said slowly looking back out the window.

"Okay, I will wait downstairs." He added and watched her nodding slightly.

Turning he headed back downstairs and waited in the foyer with the others.

After a few moments she slipped on her knee length black jacket, doing up the buttons as she slowly made her way over to the door. Stepping out into the hall while putting her hand on the frame, she looked back in the room for a second before taking a deep breath and slowly headed downstairs.

Reaching the bottom as some of the family headed outside, when she noticed Olivia crying beside Joe. Walking over she gave her a hug, pulling back a moment later where she cupped Livy's face with both her hands.

"It will be okay, I promise." She whispered, stepping closer and wrapped her arms around her again as she closed her eyes.

After a few moments they left the house and headed to the Church. And after the service they all moved outside, standing at the graveside as the vicar said a few words.

Heading back to the waiting cars, Olivia turned to see Clarisse still stood at the graveside. When she noticed Charlie approaching her.

"What's he doing here?" She said quietly, unaware Pierre and Joe had heard her, both looking towards Clarisse.

"Clarisse?" Charlie said softly as she looked and watched him standing beside her "I'm sorry to hear about your Father... He was a good man and will be missed around here." He added while looking at her.

"Yes he was." Clarisse whispered while looking back down.

"I hope you didn't mind me being here, I just wanted to pay my respects." He said looking at her.

"It's a free country." She whispered, slowly looking up to see Pierre, Olivia and Joe looking over at them "Um Charlie... I don't think it's a good idea you contact or talk to me again." She said turning slightly while looking at him.

"We are friends, are we not?" He asked, turning fully to her.

"Leave me alone.. Do I make myself clear?" She asked.

"Yes you do." He said and watched her walk away.

Leaving the group that had gathered outside the church Clarisse slowly made her way over to Philippe's grave. Standing beside it for a few moments as the tears fell, when Pierre came over to stand with her.

Later that afternoon, after spending time with some of the people who attended the funeral, Clarisse headed towards Olivia and Pierre, who, when she reached them were panicking.

"What's going on?" Clarisse asked putting her hands together behind her back.

"Nothing Mom." Olivia said shaking her head.

"Olivia, you're not a very good liar." Clarisse said looking at her then at Pierre "Neither are you." She said "Now will someone please tell me what's going on?" She asked.

"Okay fine, Shades just called Pierre." Olivia started and looked at Pierre to finish.

"He's taken Emma to hospital." Pierre whispered.

"What?" Clarisse exclaimed "And you weren't going to tell me?" She asked in surprise.

"We were, but we were going to tell Dad first." Pierre said "And was hoping that he would tell you." He added as Olivia nodded.

"Well we have to go." Clarisse said "Will you drive me?" She asked Pierre and watched him as he nodded "Thank you."

Moments later they were on the road heading to the hospital. When they arrived they were escorted back to where Shades and Emma were.

"Shades?" Clarisse said as she entered the room hugging him in reassurance. "How is she?" She asked walking over to the bed where Emma slept. Running her hand across the top of her head brushing the hair back from her sweaty forehead.

"The Doctor ran some tests and now we are waiting. They gave her some medicine and it has helped her sleep, which is a blessing." He said watching her "Um... I don't mean to change the subject here but unless Joe brought you where is your guard?" Shades asked.

"Joe didn't bring me, Pierre did. And I'm with my Head of Security so I think I'm okay." She said looking at him then back down at Emma.

"I would feel better if there was another guard here as I'm not 100% right now, worrying about Emma and all. You understand right?" He finished pulling out his mobile.

At that moment Joe knocked and entered the room at the same time. "That's not necessary Shades, I will guard her Majesty if she is okay with the idea?" He said looking towards Clarisse who was still looking at Emma.

"That's fine." She said nodding and looked up, her eyes meeting his "What are you doing here?" She asked.

Never taking his eyes from hers he walked around to the edge of the bed where she was standing "I wanted to check on Emma and to make sure you were okay." He said placing a hand on the small of her back "She is my Granddaughter, remember?" He said looking at her.

Shades knew that they needed to talk so using the excuse that he was going to find the doctor he exited the room, leaving them too it.

"You didn't have to come Joseph, we would have been fine." Clarisse said looking back down at Emma.

"I know I didn't have to come but I wanted to. I had to make sure my two girls were alright." He said watching as she looked back at him.

"I'm sorry about earlier." She whispered.

"Clarisse it's okay we can talk about all that later. Right now let focus on Emma." He said placing a kiss to her temple.

"Okay." She nodded "Thank you for coming then."

"I will always be here for my family and for you no matter what Clari." He whispered while watching her brush Emma's hair back a little.

After a few moments Shades entered the room with the doctor following behind him.

"Any news Doctor?" Joe asked as Clarisse looked up.

"After running several tests we have determined that Emma has pneumonia." He said as all three of them looked at him.

"What does that mean? What are you doing to treat it?" Clarisse asked.

"We are treating her for dehydration with the IV fluids and giving her medicine to bring her temp down. We would like to keep her for a couple of days to monitor her and to ensure she gets plenty of fluids and rest." The Doctor said as Clarisse looked back down at Emma "I assure you Your Majesty she is getting the best care." He added and watched her nodding.

"Okay, thank you." Clarisse said and looked back down at Emma.

Joseph and Shades each thanked the doctor and shook his hand before the man left the room.

"Would you mind if I stepped out for some coffee? Would you like some?" Shades asked.

"Go ahead, we will watch her and while you are out go get yourself something to eat Shades." Clarisse said looking over at him.

"Thank you. Would you like some tea or coffee?" He offered.

Looking over at Joe she shook her head "We are fine thank you." She said looking back at Shades.

"Okay I will be back in a bit." Shades said and left the room as Joe moved to stand behind Clarisse.

"She's going to be fine Clarisse." He said softly "You'll see."

Closing her eyes she leaned back against his chest "What if she isn't Joseph? I can't lose someone else, especially not my baby." She said closing her eyes.

"You're not going to lose her." He said rubbing his hands up and down her arms.

As the emotions of the day became too much for her to hold in she began to sob. Covering her face with her hands Joseph turned her around wrapping his arms around her and held her firmly against his chest as she wept.

Several minutes passed as he stood there holding her in complete silence before she finally spoke "Thank you." She whispered, resting her head on his chest.

"It's no trouble." He whispered back, kissing her hair as he rubbed her back.

After a short while Shades returned, both Clarisse and Joe stayed for a little while longer then left, heading back to the house.

After returning home and updating the family, Clarisse headed upstairs to have a shower and to get into something a bit more comfortable. Walking through the suite after drying her hair, she stopped when she saw Lena sat on the couch, waiting for her.

"What's the matter sweetheart?" Clarisse asked while walking over to the couch.

"Just thinking of Grandpa and Emma." She said looking up at her "Emma will be okay, won't she?" She asked as Clarisse sat down beside her.

"Oh of course she will be, as Pierre said she's a fighter." Clarisse said sitting back and watched as Lena snuggled up to her.

"I'm surprised that you're not at the hospital with her tonight." Lena asked resting her head on Clarisse's shoulder.

"Well it's been a long day, and as much as it pains me, your Daddy and I thought it would be better if I stayed home, she's really poorly at the moment and seeing me when I can't comfort her, may distress her." Clarisse answered as she wrapped her arms around Lena.

"I see." Lena said softly and closed her eyes "Are you okay Momma, I mean after everything today?" She asked lifting her head and looked at her.

"I am, I have a wonderful family to keep me strong and on the ball, so I'm just fine." Clarisse said with a small smile while reaching over and brushed Lena's hair back behind her ear.

"Doesn't include Daddy though does it..." Lena said softly.

"Sweetheart, your Daddy has always been here for me and just because we are not seeing eye to eye doesn't change the fact that we still love each other." Clarisse said softly.

"Do you still love him though?" Lena asked.

Brushing Lena's hair still with her hand, Clarisse nodded "Of course I love him, I've never stopped loving him even when we are apart I still love him."

Hearing the soft knock on the door Clarisse looked over to see Joseph standing in the doorway "Oh I'm sorry, I can come back later." Joe said going to turn.

"Actually would you mind staying?" Clarisse asked Joe and turned to face Lena "Sweetheart would you mind giving us a minute to talk?"

"That's fine, I was going to bed anyway." Lena said as she stood kissing them both goodnight and walked out.

"Please have a seat." Clarisse said motioning to the spot beside her and watched him walk over to the couch.

Taking the seat "Did you mean it? Did you mean what you told Lena?" He asked.

Looking at him she nodded "I do, and like I told you this morning I don't want this to end Joseph.. you just need to start trusting me again."

"I do trust you...it's Charlie that I don't trust Clari." He said looking at her "He has that same look in his eyes as Michael did..." He said watching as she looked down "And it concerns me."

"You saw it too?" She asked looking up at him.

"Of course I saw it." He said reaching over taking her hand "I'm truly sorry for the things I said that day I completely overreacted but when I saw the way he looked at you it scared me and I took all of those fears and frustrations out on you. I need you to believe me that first I don't think of you the way I insinuated and secondly I do trust YOU, I love you Clarisse I just don't want you to get hurt."

Nodding she looked at him "I do believe you." She said softly and looked back down at their hands "I'm scared Joseph..." She said closing her eyes "I know I have a lot of guards to protect me, more so now after what happened with Michael..." She said and slowly looked at him "But it doesn't stop me from being scared." She whispered "What if it happens again?"

Taking her in his arms he spoke softly "It isn't going to happen again. Do you want to know why?" Feeling her nod her head against his chest "Because my love now you have me here to protect you... I promise you that I will die before I let that man lay a finger on you."

"But what if you're not here, like how it happened before?" She asked, leaving her head on his chest.

"Try not to worry about it, I'm never far away and I have faith that Shades and the other guards can take care of you. We just can't be letting you go out when it's unnecessary." He said drawing small circles on her back "Clarisse, since you know that it's Charlie that I do not trust and not you, do you think we could start over? Will you give me another chance to make this up to you?" He asked softly.

Pulling back to look in his eyes she studied them for a moment before speaking "No, I don't want to start over Joseph but I would be willing to pick up where we left off before all this happened." She smiled and rested her head back against his chest "Thank you for always protecting me and our family. I would be lost if I didn't have you." She whispered while extending her arm around his waist.

"We would both be lost, my love." He whispered.

Sitting there for a while longer each enjoying the new re established connection between them when Joe broke the silence "You don't have to but would you like to come back to our suite? It's lonely sleeping without you." He said.

Opening her eyes Clarisse slowly lifted her head, looking in her husbands eyes "I agree, it is very lonely." She whispered studying his face.

Standing Joe reached down and pulled his wife up from the couch kissing her gently before leading them from the guest room down the hall to their room.

After calling Shades to check on Emma, they both climbed into their bed. Clarisse cuddled up close to Joseph resting her head over his beating heart while twirling her fingers in the hair that lightly sprinkled his chest as Joe rubbed his hand across the leg that she had draped over his body.

"I've missed this." Clarisse whispered.

"Mmmm... Me too." Joe replied with a slight nod.

After a few moments Clarisse pushed herself up and straddled his body leaning down to place kisses along his throat and chest, lifting her head when she felt him pushing her back slightly, effectively stopping her.

"Clari darling we don't have to do this now. I know you have had a long rough day... this can wait." He said placing his hands on her thighs.

"Are you saying you don't want this?" She asked sitting back on his thighs.

"God no! I'm just saying I don't want you to feel like it's something we have to do." He said sitting up and watched her.

"Joseph, I wish to make love to my husband. Today has been terrible, first my Father and then Emma." She said brushing the tears from her face "I just need... I need something positive to happen today... I need this Joseph, I need you." She whispered.

Drawing her into his embrace he held her until the tears stopped falling before he whispered "Then let me make love to you, my beautiful wife." As he rolled her onto her back, his body hovering over hers and smiled down at her as she drew her leg up, resting it against his hip as he ran his hand down her thigh.

Lowering his head he pressed his lips to hers as he tucked his arms under hers, resting down on her body gently. Kissing each other slowly for a few moments as she snaked her arms around his neck, running her fingers through his hair as the kiss deepened.