Disclaimer: I don't own anything. This is all Rogers and Hammerstein's work and the screen writers. This story is all mine and pure fiction.

A/N: My readers will remember Steve from my story "Realization".

Love flourished in the newly married couple. Maria and Georg sat in his study enjoying an afternoon cup of tea along with Maria's favorite cookies. It was quiet in the villa; so when the door bell rang everyone heard it.

"Georg, are you expecting someone?"

"No."

Franz was just as surprised; he quickly went to the door. A young man was standing there, who seemed to let out a long breath before he spoke. "Good day sir. I'm Steve Armstrong. May I speak with Captain von Trapp?"

"Certainly, wait here."

"Yes, sir, thank you," taking a couple of deep breaths while he waited.

"Franz, who was at the door?"

"A young man, Steve Armstrong."

"The piano man, Georg."

Georg looked perplexed. "You remember dear, the young lad in the music group at the party."

Georg smiled, "what do you think he wants?"

"You better find out, he's probably a nervous wreck."

"Captain, Steve Armstrong, do you remember me?"

"My wife did. What can I do for you?"

"I came to ask permission….to…." Georg looked at him kindly. "I'd like to talk to Liesl. Is she home?"

Maria had gone up the back stairs. Liesl was finishing her reading assignment, her door was open. "Liesl, you have company."

"Me, who?"

"A young man."

"Steve."

"Were you expecting him?"

"Not really but hoping, is Father with him?"

"Yes."

"Oh dear."

"Why do you say that?"

"I just don't know how Father will react to a friend – a boy friend."

"Liesl, your father will be nothing but kind."

"I hope so."

"Why don't you go down and rescue him?"

Georg saw her coming, "Liesl, you have a visitor."

"I see. Steve, this is a surprise. How are you?"

"Just fine Liesl, the music group has been so busy; this is my first afternoon off in weeks."

"Georg."

"Yes Maria, oh Steve, please meet Liesl's mother, Baroness von Trapp."

"Pleased to meet you, I read about your marriage. It was in the paper."

"Nice to see you again."

"Father, Steve and I would like to sit in here to talk. May we?"

"Certainly, of course, yes," Georg appeared uncertain.

Maria took care of him; taking his hand she gently pulled him back to his study.

"Georg darling, she's old enough to talk with the lad."

"I know Maria. I need to get accustomed to this."

"Yes, you only have four more to follow."

"Do you need to remind me, they're growing up and I'm getting older."

"The cycle of life darling; it's been going on since Adam and Eve."

"Why are you so calm?"

"I'm excited. It will be fun watching her experience something I never did."

"Never Maria?"

"Never, you are my first and only love. I thought you knew."

"I did, but when you tell me it makes me love you even more." He gave her a quick kiss.

"Now, how long do I leave them alone before checking on them?"

"Georg, don't you trust them?"

"I told you. This is all new to me." Laughter filled the study.

In about an hour, Liesl appeared at the door. "Steve had to go; the group is playing at a party later."

"Are you going to see him again?"

"I hope so. He mentioned maybe Saturday afternoon."

Austrian children have a half day of school on Saturday, only in the morning. Liesl arrived home and hurriedly ate her lunch. Waiting expectantly, she heard the doorbell. "I'll get it Franz."

"Hi Liesl, this is a surprise."

"I just knew it would be you."

"Is the piano still in the ballroom?"

"Yes."

"I have a new piece to play for you."

"You do. Come with me; let me tell Mother and Father you are here."

Looking into his study, "Father, Steve is here."

"I heard the doorbell," looking up at her with a smile.

"He wants to play for me; we'll be in the ballroom. Is that alright?"

"Of course."

"Liesl, this is a piece I've been practicing for my final recital. It's by a new composer, George Gershwin. It's called 'Rhapsody in Blue.'"

When he finished Liesl stood clapping profusely, but the clapping was much louder. She turned to find her Mother and Father standing in the doorway applauding. Liesl acted embarrassed to see them standing there. Maria noticed. "Liesl, we couldn't help but hear, the music filled the house."

"Steve, that was absolutely beautiful."

"Thank you Baroness."

"Tell me about the piece."

"George Gershwin wrote it to be played with an orchestra, but then revised it for a solo pianist. It's called 'Rhapsody in Blue.' You both seem to appreciate music."

"My whole family does Steve; even my brothers like to sing. Mother used music as a way of getting to know us."

"Since you are both here, may Liesl come to my recital next Sunday afternoon? It's in the Mirabel Concert Hall. It's my final grade before I graduate from Mozarteum Music University."

"Liesl's mother and I will discuss it. Come by the first part of the week and we will have an answer for you."

"I will Captain, thank you."

Maria and Georg turned to leave. "Stay as long as you like Steve, your music is wonderful."

"I can only stay a little longer. I thought Liesl and I would play the rowboat song together."

"Oh Liesl and her mother know all about rowboats."

"Father, we didn't know."

"Know what Liesl?"

"That you shouldn't stand up in a moving rowboat and wave your arms – all of us ended up in the water."

"Even I know that and my father's not a navy captain." Liesl smiled and giggled.

Georg tapped Maria on the nose. "See, even the lad knows the rules." He walked away leaving Maria smiling, and then she turned and caught up to him, grabbing his hand as they disappeared out of sight.

"Liesl, are your mother and father always like that?"

"Like what Steve?"

"They just seem so happy to be with each other."

"They're just in love Steve, very much in love."

"Goodbye Liesl, I'll see you Tuesday after school."

"Goodbye Steve."

She closed the door, leaned against it and smiled; closed her eyes, dreaming.

When she opened them, there stood Louisa and Brigitta.

"Are you in love Liesl?" They teased.

"I don't know about that. I do know I like him a lot."

"More than Rolf."

"Much, much more."