I began writing an epilogue, and it became excessively long. I will be posting it all, just in parts as I'm still continuing. I hope you enjoy it!

Pierre cleared his throat as he and Mia stood there, and Joseph and Clarisse turned to look at them. "You know," he began as he looked back at Mia, "it's not as much fun now. I can't make subtle comments about them having alone time."

"I don't ever recall them being subtle to begin with Pierre." Clarisse commented.

"You needed something?" Joseph asked.

"Hmm? Oh, no. We just needed to make sure you kids were behaving." Mia winked as Clarisse gasped.

"Mia! You're just as bad as your uncle!" Clarisse exclaimed as Joseph laughed a little.

"Princess, would you mind talking with me a moment?" Joseph asked.

"Not at all, and Joe, if I can't call you 'Joey' you can't call me 'Princess.' It's Mia."

He smiled. "Fair enough." He stretched out his arm and she took it and walked down the path a little more, until they were out of earshot of Pierre and Clarisse. "Thank you, Mia."

"I did nothing, it was all grandma."

"'Fairytale ending,' does that sound familiar?" He smiled.

"Right. You also had an earpiece in." She couldn't believe she'd forgotten.

"Indeed. I honestly didn't think she would do it."

"I feared that too." She admitted. "But I think she finally realized that in a matter of a week, she won't be queen anymore. So whatever duties apply to her now, won't necessarily apply then. Also, she has a duty to her heart, and to you most of all. Love is worth fighting for, and I think she'd forgotten that."

He brushed her hair behind her ear. "You're going to make a wonderful queen, Mia."

"Are you still retiring Joe?"

"I am, I think it's time, but I'm not leaving. So if you still need me, I'm here for you Princess."

"Thank you Joey." He narrowed his eyes at her. "You started it. You know, I think I rather enjoy calling you Joey." She smiled.

"Don't get used to it."

She hugged him. "Thank you Joe, for everything. I love you."

"I love you too Mia."

A few moments later they walked back over to Clarisse and Pierre. "Is everything alright?"

"No," Mia began, "he's still retiring on me." She crossed her arms over her chest.

"But I did say that I'd be here if you needed me."

"It's not the same."

"No, it isn't, but it's better than nothing."

"You will still be protecting grandma, so I suppose it's fair."

"I won't let you down Mia." He smiled at Clarisse.

"Well, it's been an eventful day so I think I'm going to go off to bed." Mia said and hugged Clarisse and Joseph.

"I'll walk with you." Pierre told her as she turned to him, then off they went.

"We did the right thing today, right Joseph?" She turned to him.

"Are you having second thoughts?"

"What? Goodness no! I just, I don't know."

"Come, sit with me and tell me what's going on." They sat down on the nearest bench and Joseph took both of her hands in his.

"I suppose part of me is worried because this morning I believed I lost you forever, and now you sit beside me as my husband. I'm worried that it could all seem rushed, given the past couple weeks."

"Do you believe it was rushed?" He was searching her eyes for any hint, but this is the first time in years where he could honestly say he didn't know what she was thinking.

"No." She paused. "I'm not sure. I mean, you and I have been you and I for many years. Then this past month has been nothing short of difficult, only to end up married to you today."

"So you think it could be rushed on the account of not properly being engaged?"

"I think that's what I'm saying. I don't know Joseph." In all the time he's known her, she's never been this unsure of what she was saying.

"Hopefully this will help. I have something for you." He slipped his hands out of hers and reached into the inside pocket on his suit jacket, and pulled out a small velvet box. He opened it slowly and showed her the ring inside.

"Oh Joseph, it's beautiful." He took the ring out of the box and eased it onto her finger.

"I knew you'd like it." He smiled then kissed her as he still held onto her left hand.

—

Clarisse woke up early the next morning and as she feared, Joseph was not beside her, but his ring was still on her finger, so she knew it wasn't a dream. She got up and wrapped her silk robe around her, then stepped out of the bedroom into the main room in her suite, only to see the balcony door open. She walked over to the door and watched as Joseph stood there—shirtless, leaning against the railing. "It's nearly sunrise. Watch it with me?" He asked without having to turn around. She walked up and looped her arm in his as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Why are you up so early?" Her voice was almost that of a whisper.

"I could ask you the same." He smiled. "This is about when I'd usually get up and start organizing your paperwork in your office, or other such things you'd need for the day."

"So early?" She questioned.

"Well, it helped others from being early because as you say; 'the queen is never late.' So I figured, if I could do one thing to make your day easier, it'd be worth it."

"Everyday that I got to see your smile was a day when you made my day easier." The sky began to glisten with beautiful oranges and soft yellows as the sun began to rise. "It's so beautiful Joseph."

He turned to her, "You're so beautiful Clarisse."

"But I'm just in my robe." She protested.

"Your beauty, Clarisse, is deeper than what you wear or how you look. Your beauty comes from your heart, and that's what I love the most about you." She then leaned in and pressed the sweetest kiss to his lips as she melted into his embrace. "I'd best get ready for the day." He said as they slowly pulled out of the kiss. "I technically don't retire until next week and I have to make sure Shades is prepared for Mia."

She nodded slowly. "I suppose you're right, and I have much work to do today as well." Her smile slowly faded at the thought of leaving his side. He kissed her again as he saw that look in her eyes.

"I'll be around if you need me, just call me, okay?" She nodded again and he slowly slipped out of her sight.

The next part is coming soon! Let me know what you think!