They talked for a while, sharing stories of their past as they enjoyed the beautiful glow of the moon across the lake. Maria's head shot up as she heard a clash of thunder.

"We should go inside now darling." It started to rain, so they increased their pace to the door. To their dismay, especially Georg's, the doors will locked.

"I really need to speak with Franz and Frau Schmidt about this." Maria giggled at the situation and Georg turned to her with raised eyebrows.

"You realize, the night I fell in love with you and the night we are officially engaged, we find ourselves trapped outside?"

"And I believe we will have to sneak in the same way we did the last time my darling!" She let out a gasp as he picked her up in his arms just like before and carried her to the window, both of them soaking wet. Yet neither of them really cared. They climbed through the window and laughed at their appearance.

"You know I haven't seen you in this state since the day by the lake." He wrapped his arms around her and she happily accepted his embrace.

"And I, Captain,-" saying his title in a playful tone, "haven't had the chance of seeing you like this." He leaned in to kiss her and she smiled against his lips. The joy she had when she was with him was the most exciting and comforting feeling she had ever experienced.

"How about you and I change out of these wet clothes, and you meet me back in here?" She nodded and they went quietly up the stairs to change.

Georg arrived back first in the study, tending to the fire to make sure it didn't go out. He had hardly remembered what it was like to be in love like this; he was so grateful to have found a second chance.

He was lost in his thoughts when Maria came up behind him.

"Georg?" Hearing her voice brought him out of his thoughts and he smiled up at her, motioning her to come sit beside him. She cuddled up to him and layed her head on his chest, letting out a contented sigh.

He leaned down to kiss her and stopped, noticing tears coming down her face.

"What's the matter?"

"I'm just so happy. I never thought I would have this; I never thought I would have a family. My parents died when I was so young, I've never had a true family before. I'm just so grateful I've found that with you." Georg lifted his hand to her face, gently wiping her tears away as she closed her eyes at his touch.

"When my wife died, it seemed as though my heart stopped beating; like I had died along with her. I went into a deep stage of denial, then I don't know what even happened. I turned into.. into a monster." His voice went hoarse and he cleared his throat.

"But then," he turned to her and smiled, "this woman came who changed me. She helped my children and I smile. My heart that I thought would forever be broken got mended, and I knew I could love again."

He leaned down and kissed her gently, trying to convey just how much he truly loved her. Their lips parted and he rested his forehead against hers.

"I love you Maria."

"I love you too Georg."

They continued to lay together by the fire for a while and when Georg looked back down at her, he had discovered she had fallen asleep. He really hated to wake her; he'd rather stay like this the whole night. He shifted and kissed her forehead, causing her to snuggle up closer to him rather than waking her up.

"Maria, as much as I would like to stay like this forever I think it's best that we get up now." Hearing his voice made her stir and she got up.

"I'm sorry that I fell asleep Georg."

"No need to apologize darling. Believe me, I was just as content as you were." He winked at her and they left the study holding hands.

"Sweet dreams my love." She gave him a quick kiss and smiled.

"You too."