Chapter 3

Day Before the Wedding

Everything felt calmer in the Von Trapp household this morning. All the wedding preparations were done and everything was in place for the big day. Maria woke up and sighed a sigh of relief no more wedding planning today! She thought as she dressed for the day. Maria made her way to the dining room for breakfast. Although she was not late everyone else was already there. "Good morning Maria" the children chorused as she entered. "Good Morning." Maria said nodding to the children, and then Max and finally Georg who had stood to greet her. Georg swiftly planted a kiss on Maria's cheek; which Maria blushed at when she noticed the children and Max had been watching. Georg whispered, "Good morning Darling." In her ear as he pulled out her chair for her. Maria smiled at Georg's kind words. He knew she still felt shy when he called her darling or love in front of the children or Max.

"Father," Brigitta asked, "What are we going to do today?" All the children looked expectantly at Georg while Max and Maria just looked curious. "Well I was thinking we could go for a picnic out on the grounds then ride around the lake in the canoe until dinner." All the children started talking with one another in excited voices until Georg told them to not be so loud at the table. The children were excused to go get dressed leaving Max, Georg and Maria alone at the table. "Max did you want to come with us?" Maria asked invitingly. "Oh no I couldn't, anyway I have some last minute things to prepare for the wedding and you should enjoy a family day before the wedding. I trust with seven children around there will be no need for chaperone?" Max said directing his last statement at Georg. A light blush had appeared on Maria's cheeks when she heard Max's last statement, but it was her who answered. "No I don't think a chaperone will be necessary Max; as you put it yourself today is about family." Maria said looking at Georg and giving his hand a light squeeze.

The sound of the children shouting, playing, and having a great time warmed Georg's heart; he watched Maria playing a variation of tag with his—no their children. Although they weren't married yet she was already in his and the children's eyes their new mother. And tomorrow she will become my wife and their new mother in the eyes of God. Georg thought to himself as he got up to go join the fun. "Well, well, well what are we playing?" Georg asked approaching them. "It's like tag but everyone is chasing after one person instead of one person chasing everyone else." Leisl explained, "You can be the runner we will all chase you." "I'm going to lay out lunch then when I get back we can play one more round before we eat." Maria said excusing herself. As she lay out lunch she looked at them running and laughing in the open grass. If someone had told me a few months ago I'd be watching the Captain running and playing with his children I would have never believed them. My, haven't they become a happy family again. Maria smiled as she thought And tomorrow I will become a part of this loving happy family. "Maria it's your turn to be it!" Louisa shouted to her as Maria rejoined them. Maria took off running and the children were right behind her with Georg who was laughing with them. After several minutes and multiple failed attempts the children huddled with Georg and it was decided he would run after Maria and the children would watched. The children sat down on the picnic blanket to watch. After much dodging and weaving Georg was finally close enough. He grabbed Maria around the waist which knocked them both to the ground. They rolled for a little before coming to a stop. "Maria, are you alright?" Georg asked concerned. "Yes I'm fine!" Maria said sitting up next to him and smiling. Georg helped her up. Georg kissed Maria; it started sweet but quickly became intense as she opened her mouth invitingly. The kiss lasted about a minute because Georg knew they were far enough away from the kids that couldn't tell they were making out; they could only see they were kissing. After they parted Georg held her hand as they walked back to children and lunch. As they walked in comfortable silence Georg thought Well maybe Leisl and Freidrich knew how not so innocent their kiss was.

After lunch they started their walk down to the canoe. The children were laughing and talking amongst themselves. Gretl was holding one Maria's hand and Georg had the other. Maria smiled at Gretl and gave her hand a small squeeze. "Ouch!" Gretl said pulling her hand away from Maria and rubbing her finger. Everyone turned to look at Gretl as they had all heard her outburst. "Gretl," Maria said gently, "What's wrong? What hurt?" "When you squeezed my hand your ring dug into my finger." Gretl said holding up her finger. "Oh I'm so sorry" Maria said looking at the little red indent her ring left in Gretl's finger. Georg knelt down next to Gretl and kissed the mark. Gretl smiled and said, "All better father!" Leisl voice broke the silence that followed, "Gretl, come walk with me!" Gretl skipped off to walk with her sister; forgetting about her finger. Georg wrapped his arm around Maria's waist and Maria wrapped hers around his. They walked a little ways in silence before she spoke, "I feel terrible about hurting her even though it was accidental. I didn't think about it because I've squeezed your hand with the hand my ring is on and you never said anything. I haven't hurt you have I?" Maria looked at Georg and he saw she was worried. "Maria I would have said something if you had hurt me. You must also remember Gretl is young; her skin is more sensitive. Besides I love it when I feel your ring against my skin; it reminds me you are mine." Georg said giving Maria's waist a teasing squeeze and Maria let out a laugh.

After the boat ride the children were glad to be home from the long tiring day. After dinner the children got ready for bed and came down stairs to say their good byes to Maria. After many hugs and kisses Maria felt someone pulling on her dress. "Yes Marta" said Maria addressing the girl. "You're going back to the Abbey tonight "stated Marta. "Yes I am." Maria said when Marta didn't say anything else. Then the little girl continued, "You're not running away again are you? We will see you again right?" Glancing around at all the children's faces she saw they were thinking the same thing. Maria was hurt that they thought she was running away again but supposed they had the right to be worried after last time. Maria took a seat on the bottom stair and motioned for all the children to sit in front of her. Once they were all seated and listening Maria answered Marta, "No I'm not running away. It is an old tradition that the bride and groom cannot see each other the day of the wedding until the bride walks down the aisle; that is why I am going to the Abbey tonight. You will see me again tomorrow at the wedding." Georg who was looking over at them from his seat on the couch watched Maria continue to console the children about her leaving tonight. Maria added, "You have no need to worry, I will walk down the aisle tomorrow." After a small pause Maria locked eyes with Georg and said, "I promise." The children, with the exception of Brigitta, didn't notice her last words were directed at Georg. "All right children, early to bed. You don't want to over sleep and miss the wedding now." Maria said watching the children scamper up the stairs and off to bed.

Maria went upstairs to collect her packed bag while Georg went to bring the car around. "Are you ready Maria?" Georg asked walking into the entrance hall the see Maria gazing around. "Yes, It's an odd feeling to know the next time I walk into this house it will be as Baroness Von Trapp; not Fraulein Maria. I know things will be different but I'm ready to embrace this new life with you Georg." Georg pulled Maria into a hug then sweetly kissed her lips. "We should be going my dear." Georg finally said breaking the peaceful silence. As Georg helped Maria out of the car she saw Sister Catherine waiting quietly by the entrance to let Maria in when she was done saying good bye to Georg. "Georg I will see you tomorrow at the church. As much as I want you to please don't kiss me good bye. I would feel weird kissing you in front of a nun." Georg nodded, "I promised to never do anything that made you feel uncomfortable; so if that is you wish I won't. I love you Maria and I will see you tomorrow." Georg pulled Maria into a hug. Finally Maria pulled away, picked up her bag, and walked to the gate. As the gate swung shut Maria turned around to Georg standing in the headlights. She waved good bye and allowed Sister Catherine to lead her to her room. Georg got back in the car and drove home until tomorrow when he would be back for the wedding.