Becoming One
A Sound of Music Story: Part 1

The sun was just peaking out of the clouds, highlighting the mountain peaks majestically on the horizon. Overhead the blue sky filtered through to marble the clouds and the moist air smelled green.

Maria breathed deeply as she looked up to the ray of sunshine raining down at the von Trapp villa. She exhaled letting peace fill her heart—dimming the world of sounds around her of children laughing, birds singing, water rushing…

Tomorrow was her wedding day. She was getting married.

All the stress. The waiting. The Tension. The vendors. The shopping… Tomorrow it will be worth it. Tomorrow will be the end—the beginning of the rest of her life.

Captain von Trapp meandered onto the terrace drawn to his family by the sound of his children's happiness. Once he spotted her, he smiled at the look on Maria's face; eyes closed, chin raised to the sun as she faced the children as they laughed and gave chase to their siblings. He could not resist her. His bride looked so beautiful.

Quietly, he made his way to her to plant a lingering kiss on her head.

Her smile was immediate. Opening her eyes, Maria pointed to her check, wordlessly asking for another kiss, which he happily obliged. "Here too?" she asked, pointing to the other cheek.

"Yes."

"And here?" Finally, with a chuckle, his lips met hers in a reverent caress that made her heart sing and her breath hitch.

"Eewww!"

They moved apart at the giggling from the lawn and laughed. He scowled at his younger son as he stood, earning himself a cheeky grin from Kurt; his lips twitched when Liesl smacked his arm and appeared to reprimand him. Taking a seat and reaching for her hand, Georg asked how she was feeling, hoping that she felt as relaxed and happy as she appeared the moment before.

"I am wonderful. Trying not to be too anxious. I was thinking about tomorrow."

"With that smile on your face? I'm glad. Personally, I would rather skip the whole to-do and move on to the actual marriage—where I get to abscond with my beautiful bride for six weeks of no chaperones, children, or social calls." Georg felt like the luckiest man in the world. His part in the planning process had been simple; he made the honeymoon arrangements, handed over a guest list, and paid the bills that poured in from all directions. However, feeling Maria's tension and frustrations over the process of planning the wedding and reception, he had taken it upon himself to create small moments for them. He did not want her to lose sight of why all the preparations and planning were wreaking havoc on their home and piece-of-mind; the reason it was all necessary was for them to be together, as man and wife, forever.

"And you are telling me this now?! We could have eloped!" laughed Maria, before she lowered her eyes demurely, "Our feelings are mutual, Captain."

His face grew serious and his eyes darkened at the way she had said 'Captain'. She still called him that occasionally as an endearment or to tease him. She was teasing him now. "Let's go," he said jumping to his feet. "The children will be fine with Max. I'll go get him out of bed."

He did not get away before his hand was grabbed, "Georg! Wait. As nice as a day alone sounds—I know it has been hectic lately—I would like to do something as a family…"

"But.."

"I promised the children." She continued, "Tomorrow will be full of activity and then we will be gone for so long. I can see that they are happy for us, but they are still anxious about being away from us for so long. Did you notice how Marta and Gretl clung to us last night? Even Brigitta and Louisa have been a bit more affectionate and vulnerable. It is important, Darling."

He nodded and sighed, "I see what you mean. What do you suggest then?" Sitting down again, he resigned himself to sharing Maria with his children. Not that he minded; he was very happy and content in the obvious affection between the children and his bride. It gave him so much hope looking toward the future. However, a selfish side of him was severely disappointed that he would have to wait until after the wedding reception before being granted any quality time with her.

"Perhaps you could captain a ship to the other side of the lake and we can picnic there? It will be nice to be outdoors."

Georg smiled at her enthusiasm, "I think that could be arranged. Though I do not know about any ships. The boats in this lake are rather small and have been known to eject passengers. Are you sure you will be able to stay dry?"

"Oh, yes! Though we might want to get the children into clothing that can get wet so they are comfortable playing in the water if they like. We should bring a couple balls. I'll ask Frau Schmidt to add a treat to have with lunch. The children will like that."

Georg chuckled with raised brows as Maria hopped to her feet, kissed his cheek, and disappeared into the house to make arrangements with his housekeeper. Frau Schmidt seemed entirely too happy, and rather smug, at the idea of having Maria ensconced as Baroness von Trapp. Quite different than the disapproving looks she sent toward Elsa Schrader when she thought no one was paying attention, he reflected.

Maria had the entire household wrapped around her finger, even the children. He smiled at the thought as he looked on to watch their more restrained game of toss. The morning of announcing their engagement had been a pivotal moment for the von Trapps.

That morning he found himself descending the stairs looking at the sight of his lovely Maria, also up early, her light summer dress moved around her legs as she descended the opposite staircase. He was surprised to see that she was up so early and also that she was there at the same time as he. Maria's smile was radiant. Georg felt exultant and contented to be the one to make her eyes sparkle in that way; he prayed that he would have that effect on her the rest of his days.

The children had been so excited to have their beloved Fraulein returned to them. They hoped that she would stay with them forever but had been unable to extract the promise of it from her the night before. In an effort to keep her happy and impress upon their father how much they wished for her to stay, they had woken early and readied themselves for the day quickly.

When they had come downstairs their faces were anxious and the little ones had tears of worry in their eyes; their beloved Fraulein had not been in her room!

With vocalized relief, the children found her in the sitting room talking with their father. Since both adults were smiling, they calmed down somewhat. The little ones went directly to Maria to hug her and wish her good morning, amusing their father who was ignored until all seven of his children had said their good morning greeting to the woman sitting next to him on the settee.

"Good morning to you too! Why, I am glad to see such happy faces this morning! Bright and early too." He teased them sending a wink to Maria who chuckled and squeezed the 3 closest children to her in a fond hug. "Since you are all up, I wonder if breakfast is ready."

He stood and was surprised by Brigitta's inquiry about waiting for the Baroness, whom he had completely forgotten about. "The Baroness? Oh, yes! I was going to mention that she has gone."

"Gone?" Friedrich questioned hopefully. Georg could not miss the pleading looks and curiosity. He simply nodded, "uh humm," knowing that would not be enough for his inquisitive bunch.

"What do you mean, Father? Will she be coming back or can Fraulein Maria stay instead?" This from his shy 7-year-old. It melted his heart and brought tears to Maria's eyes.

Georg kneeled on his hunches and tugged at the braid hanging from Marta's ears, "Would you like that, my little Marta?" He kissed her temple once her enthusiastic nodding stopped, and then rose to his feet once again.

He clapped his hands together and said, "It just so happens that the Baroness will not be returning. She would not due as a mother to you, and since I never loved her, we decided that marriage was out of the question. No, that would not due at all! What kind of fairytale ending would that be?" He looked at Maria who had lifted her brow and bit her tongue to allow him to tell the children.

Gretl chirped from the comfort of Maria's arms, "Father, fairytales have princesses. Can we get Fraulein Maria a pretty dress and a tiara? She would look just like a princess." While her siblings laughed, Maria held her close and whispered something in her ear that made Gretl giggle.

His children all looked at Georg expectantly as he appeared to consider Gretl's request. "Well, I must agree with you, Gretl. Perhaps a long gown of white satin and lace for Fraulein Maria? And perhaps a tiara of diamonds and flowers to show off at the party?"

Gretl smiled brightly at the thought of another party, "A party?!" in the ballroom with beautifully dressed people waltzing around the room.

Maria could hold her tongue no longer. Shaking her head, she said, "Oh please, no tiaras! I would be afraid of losing diamonds. I would much rather have a wreath of flowers from you girls." Hoping to move the conversation along she looked at her betrothed and asked, "I am interested in this party you were talking about, Captain. What occasion should I need to have such an extravagant dress?"

Friedrich frowned in confusion while Liesl, Louisa, and Brigitta eyed their father curiously as he walked around the room. He touched each child he passed until he stood at Maria's side.

"Well, actually, that was something I wanted to speak to you all about this morning. Your Fraulein and I had a discussion last night that affects us all. So, we would very much like your blessing to marry." He noticed his children with wide eyes and gaped mouths as he continued, reaching out for Maria's shoulder. "Your new mother will look just like a princess in a long white dress, walking down the aisle of the church to become a part of our family."

The joyful chaos that resulted from his little speech would forever be etched in their memories in slow motion.

"Does that mean you will stay forever?"

"She can stay?"

"You will be our mother?"

"Can I call you 'Mother'?"

"Oh, thank you, Father!"

The jumping, hugging, and exclamations would last well past the usual time that breakfast was served. Maria was so touched that he could see her fighting tears each time his eyes found her throughout the loud meal.

The young von Trapps were discussing something rather serious when they noticed Fraulein Maria was no longer on the veranda. Instead, their father was there looking on as if his thoughts were a million miles away.

"Liesl, you are the oldest, you go ask."

"Me?" Liesl asked, "Why should I have to be the one to ask? What about you, Louisa? You go ask Father."

"Oh no. I can't do that!" Louisa was adamant.

By this time, the game played while discussing their current dilemma had stopped. The ball completely forgotten in the grass. The little ones kept asking why it was so important while the older siblings argued at how best to go about it. Finally, a compromise was decided. They would all go.

Taking a big breath, Louisa and Liesl were the first to get their father's attention on the terrace when they approached. "Father?"

Seven children surrounded him. His memory interrupted, he raised his eyebrows in surprise at their somber and hesitant expressions. "Yes, my dears? Why so serious?"

Liesl was not sure how to open the subject so she looked to Friedrich, who rambled, "Well, we wanted to ask you something. Something that is serious. We hope you don't mind. We really want to… I mean, Gretl and Marta already do most of the time…"

Louisa rolled her eyes, and said aside to her brother, "You aren't making any sense!"

Georg held up his hand to stop the bickering he was sure would follow. "Now, now, children. What is this about? You know you can ask me anything, I hope. Marta, what do you already do?" Marta giggled at being singled out and he caught her shoulders in a half hug at his side.

Gretl took his behavior as an invitation and left her older sister to climb onto her father's lap. He laughed at her cuddling and gladly held her close before returning his attention to the other children. "Liesl?"

After being singled out as the oldest again, Liesl realized that it would be better to just say it. She was a little worried that the request would offend him, after all he grieved so deeply before Fraulein Maria came that summer. She looked him in the eye and said, "Father, we want to know if it would be alright with you if we called Fraulein Maria 'Mother'."

The others agreed by nodding their heads.

Georg frowned at their concern and nodded. Of course, they would be worried about his reaction to the endearment. Hadn't he put them through hell with his behavior the previous four years? How was he ever to atone for his behavior? He sighed, not at all concerned with the request itself, but rather pained that his children were so worried to approach him with it. "My darlings, it is perfectly alright. Maria will not take the place of your real mother in your heart. Not ever. Your mother will watch over you and love you all your life." He looked at each of the seven faces that showed relief that he was not angry. "That being said, Maria loves you and is so looking forward to being your mother. I am sure that you would make her very happy by addressing her that way, if you are comfortable enough to do so."

His children nodded and smiled. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Maria hovering by the open door.

Maria smiled at the sight of Georg surrounded by the children. Leaning against the glass door she savored the view with love in her heart. She had not heard their conversation, staying just out of hearing range, so touched at the moment that happy tears came to her eyes.

Georg's voice carried with his next words that brought her forward. "Although we will be gone a while after the wedding, do not doubt that we will both miss you very much."

"That is certainly true. In fact, I have come from organizing a picnic across the lake." Her favorite eight faces turned to her with various looks of excitement and happiness. "Frau Schmidt is overseeing all of the last-minute arrangements, so we will have the day to ourselves. Your father and I decided that we would spend time as a family today."

Georg set Gretl on her feet. "That's right. We can have a nice, quiet day together before the mayhem tomorrow. Why don't you all go get changed and ready."

Maria followed them inside telling them to wear play clothing and swimming costumes if they want to go in the lake. "Also, Liesl can you make sure to bring down towels. Friedrich, I would like you to collect some balls to bring. Brigitta, Marta, do not forget your hats."

Maria sighed as they rushed to the stairs. She hoped that they all heard her.

Georg came up to her and wrapped his arm around her waist. "All ready, Darling?" He asked kissing her temple.

"Yes. If you would like to change, I will go help the children."

He yanked on the tie around his neck. "Yes, I think I will go change into something a little more comfortable and get rid of this noose. You, however, will sit outside and enjoy a moment of quiet. I will check on the little ones before I come down." He kissed her lips before she could refuse. When she melted into the kiss, he pulled back and winked before turning to leave the room. His footsteps resounding as he bound up the stairs like his children had the moment before.

How on Earth will we all fit in this boat when we have more children? The thought almost made Maria laugh as she took in the wonderful sight of Brigitta playing hand games with Marta while the von Trapp Pirates (as Kurt had dubbed the three 'men') rowed the boat across the lake.

Her eyes were drawn to her Captain.

The subject of more children had briefly come up a fortnight ago. Maria had been hesitant to bring the subject up, though she had thought about the possibility of extending the family; of holding a blessing from G-d in her arms that was an extension of their love for each other. The thought filled her with such joy and hope for the future. It was still a novelty to consider the possibility since, only a few months ago, she had thought her future was with the convent.

Maria had withheld her secret musings on the subject of babies for several days when Georg casually brought it up as they sat at the lake's shore during a full moon. She felt warm and content sitting between his legs with his arms wrapped around her. "If I close my eyes, I can imagine sitting like this, your stomach the size of a melon," his thumb briefly caressed her belly as he kissed a sensitive place behind her ear. "Our child safe and moving incessantly under my hand, compelling me to love you even more than I do at this moment."

She sighed and placed a hand over his, over the location of her womb. "That sounds beautiful. Are you sure, Georg? We haven't talked about having children..."

He kissed her again, "Would it make you happy? To have our own children, I mean."

She turned her head to nestle into his neck and breath him in, "Nothing could make me happier than that. To be so blessed to feel your love grow inside me… to have a baby with your eyes to hold."

Since that magical night in the gazebo when the gray world became colorful once again, Maria had been a witness to so many facets of Georg's personality. His stern demeanor no longer intimidated her because she was now privy to his gentle, sensitive side. They had shared so much of their history and dreams since that day. She could only marvel at the new discovery, he was not against the idea of having more children!

Maria could hear the smile in his voice when he replied, "Then I do hope that we are blessed with more." He paused thoughtfully and soon continued with restrained humor, "We are already nine. I think with two more, we can have our own football team, five more we can have our own even game, or better yet, seven more and we can watch from the sidelines."

He laughed when as she exclaimed, "Me? The mother of seven!"

How wonderful life had been since their engagement. Like a dream. The transition from employee to fiancée had been strange, and yet, so natural; as had the transition from governess to mother. She had noticed times when the children would stare at her with their father, but she supposed that their uncertainty and curiosity was also expected under the circumstances.

"Land Ho!" Georg called out just before Friedrich jumped out to steady the boat, bringing it up the sandy slope. Several more pairs of sandals jumped overboard and splashed through the shallow water before Georg handed Maria down and then lifted Gretl high in the air before setting her on dry land.

Games were decided upon which sent the children in different directions. Maria gathered the blankets and baskets to set up a comfortable spot to picnic and watch over the fun. She had just spread out everything when Georg came over to collapse on the blanket and beckoned her to lay beside him.

Maria resisted with her hands on her hips, "What are you doing? You can't possibly be tired yet!"

He pouted, looking so much like Gretl that Maria nearly laughed, "I wanted to lay with you. I am rather tired already."

"We just got here!"

"But I am older and tire easily. I need my beautiful woman to help revive my energy." That did it. She could hold back no longer and let out a loud laugh. With a shake to the head, she ran off to gather the children. They gladly stopped their pursuits to attack their father and persuade him to play with them.

It looked like a mob to Georg, led by Maria and his youngest children. He did his best to look frightened as he fended off the little ones who piled on top of him and the older ones who tried to tickle him. He laughed at their enthusiasm and cried, "Ahhh! I give, I give. I will get up!"

Maria looked too pleased with herself and even rewarded him with a kiss to his check before he was lead into a circle of von Trapps. The game they decided on was tag. The players were divided up into teams and the game began. The players were kept on their toes due to the changing rules and location of the game which started in the clearing, then ended in chase through the water. The game lasted until complaints of hunger were heard.

"I suppose you all will be wanting some lunch!" Maria laughed when Kurt's stomach growled, "give me 5 minutes."

Maria hummed to herself as she prepared for the onslaught of starving children. She made a plate for herself and Georg, and then smaller portions were added to plates for Marta and Gretl before the family descended. Georg was very impressed at her forethought, if she hadn't taken out food for them he was afraid that there would have been nothing left to eat once the boys had taken their share.

While the meal was consumed with gusto once everyone was sitting around the dishes, bellies were soon fully appeased. Maria lounged back on her elbows beside Georg as the others began to disperse to entertain themselves. Most of the children found occupation around the water finding creatures or tossing a ball. Brigitta found a spot away from her splashing siblings to read with her feet soaking in the lapping water.

"What are you thinking about?" Georg quietly asked, interrupting her introspection. He had been gazing at her and watching her expression change with her thoughts.

She smiled and shook her head to come back to the present. "Oh, nothing really important. I was thinking about being away from the children; while I haven't been apart of their lives long, it feels as though I have. I was thinking about how content I feel now and wondering what will change. Change in general can be difficult." Maria had also been thinking about a conversation they had several days before; about Austria. However, she had good reason not to bring that up.

He thought about this a moment. "Are you worried about the change in our relationship?" She was still an innocent, he knew that and regularly had to remind himself to take their intimacy slow. Georg tried to reign in the passion he felt but was also certain that she knew this; he did not think he could hide anything from her.

"Not exactly. I just realize that I am coming into this marriage with nothing, while you have so much. An entire family, Georg. The children will have to adjust too, the change I am considering is not just about us."

He nodded in understanding and took her hand. "Maria, my love, you are overthinking this too much. There will be some adjustment, like the location of where you will sleep. I have already been deferring to you when making decisions, that will not change." Looking out over the happy faces of his children, he continued, "My children love you, as I do. They already feel that you are their mother; have known it since that first night you danced around the room with them." His smile was infectious and his dimple endearing to the woman at his side. "They are impatient for you to have the title. Though, not as impatient as I am to call you mine."

"I am yours," Maria breathed.

"My wife. You will be at this time tomorrow." With their eyes locked so much more was said without words. The thrill of his gaze, his words, made her shiver when his hand tightened and fingers threaded through hers. Without breaking eye contact, he lifted it to bestow a kiss to her wrist.

The day was enjoyed by all and as a family they gathered in the boat to make their way back to their corner of the lake. Gretl fell asleep in Maria's arms and she could see Marta blinking slow, tired from the day of running around outdoors. If Maria thought dinner would be a quiet affair, she was mistaken.

Revitalized by the food on their plates, there were many questions about what would happen tomorrow and the day after that. Maria did her best to answer questions, though soon they were fired off too quickly and she raised an exasperated expression for help, to her fiancé, also known as, the children's father. His amusement was apparent, though he tried to hide it behind a glass of wine. Max lounged back in his seat watching the goings on as if he were paying for the greatest entertainment.

Georg finally gathered the attention of his excited brood, "Children, you must all calm down and allow your mother to breath." He caught her eye, knowing it was the first time he had referred to her this way. The children all had various looks of surprise, excitement and joy. He smirked, "Now, let me tell you what the plan is. After you get yourselves in bed, I am going to take Fraulein Maria to the abbey where she will stay the night and have some help from the sisters' in the morning. You all will get ready and go to the church with your Uncle Max and me."

Liesl interrupted, "Father, I wanted to help Fraulein Maria to dress. Can I not go early to be with her?"

Maria frowned at Liesl's tone, surprised at her manners. Georg also was looking at Liesl and raised his brow. Liesl sat back against her seat in response to the silent censure.

Georg looked at Maria to gage her feelings on Liesl's request and nodded slightly. "Alright. You may go with Max early. If all five of you girls are ready before Max leaves for the church, Louisa and Brigitta may also go to see Maria before the ceremony." Maria smiled and returned her attention to the noodles on her plate.

Georg continued, "Where was I, oh yes! After the ceremony, you will all go with Uncle Max to the hotel where the reception will be. I have a suite there for you all to stay the night after the reception and pictures. Frau Schmidt has agreed to stay with you and Max. I have already asked for food to be available to you in the room since the reception does not align with your usual meal times. Maria and I will see you for a late breakfast here in the morning before our train is scheduled to leave."

Everyone nodded with the exception of Gretl and Marta. They were not happy at being left out at the church; they both frowned. Gretl, who had become more outspoken and brave since Maria's arrival, voiced her thoughts on the previous subject once her father finished. "Father, I want to be with Mother before the ceremony too. Why can't I go with Liesl? I won't get into trouble, I promise. Please, Father? Mother?"

Georg finished his bite and pursed his lips. He understood that the little ones felt left out, but he felt strongly that Maria needed that time to herself. He had acquiesced to his oldest daughter because his bride had asked Liesl to be a bridesmaid and he was certain she would not cause stress. He could not expect his bride to look after the little girls just moments before saying her vows! His first inclination was to raise is voice and reprimand Gretl for her manners; instead, recognizing the significance of Gretl calling her 'Mother', he took a deep breath and thought through his reply.

Maria beat him to it, "Darling, I do not know that there will be enough room for everyone since some of the Sisters will also be attending to me. I also do not know how long your sisters will be with me, the timing is very important because we do not want to hold up the service. You wouldn't want that, would you?" Gretl shook her head, so Maria continued looking at all the children so they understood. "I will have to send your sisters to the chapel before me anyway and you may ask Liesl questions before I arrive, in case there is any confusion. Liesl and Louisa, you will have to give Gretl and Marta their flower baskets and make sure they are ready. Brigitta, you have gotten so good at plaiting, can I count on you to help with your sisters? Oh Friedrich, Kurt, can you manage your hair yourself?"

Maria's last question earned her a round of giggles around the table. Georg raised his glass to his bride in a silent toast and thought to himself, I am marrying a marvel.

Max pipped up, "You are all rather funny. Did we not go through a rehearsal yesterday? Of course, we did. It will all be fine as long as Maria can make it down the aisle and your father can make it up the steps."

Georg rolled his eyes, "Thanks, Max. Now I will be worried about tripping over my own pant legs."

The children laughed.