Announcing

Maria woke up early – it seemed the smile had never left her face. She stretched and lay there a minute to relive the memory of last night.

"He asked you to marry him; he really did Maria. And oh, that kiss I never dreamed it would feel like that."

She floated to the kitchen. "Georg you scared me; I didn't expect to see you so early."

"I didn't mean to scare you; I didn't want to miss a minute with you today." He put the pot of tea on the table; and reached for her. "I want another kiss just like last night."

"So do I."

Not exactly like last night; this one didn't start slow and hesitant; it was immediate, lingering and sensual. Their embrace lasted for minutes.

"Every morning of our lives I want to start the day with a kiss."

"I'll never say no."

"Tea Maria?"

"Yes Georg, thank you."

"Did you sleep well?"

"Very well, even with a smile on my face."

"Maria, did Gretl ever ask you if you could be her mama?"

"Yes, the day we read the Bambi story."

"What did you say?"

"I quickly changed the subject. Why do you ask?"

"She did the same to me, the day you had tea time with them."

"And your response?"

"The same as yours; the child knew the truth, didn't she?"

"She knew God's plan for us Georg, before we did."

Without hesitation Maria's hand reached for his face, her thumb gently caressing his cheek as her face moved closer to his; her lips touched his for a gentle kiss. Not wanting to waste the moment, Georg gently held Maria's head, returning a kiss of his own.

This loving moment was interrupted when the backdoor suddenly opened, "this is a surprise?"

"Good morning Katia."

She looked at them intently. "You both look like you could explode with happiness."

"Is it that obvious Katia?"

"Love never looked better. The children are going to be ecstatic."

"Katia, we're going to sit in here and wait for them to come down; you go ahead and prepare the table as always."

In a few minutes she returned to the kitchen, "they asked me if you came home last night."

"Who asked that?"

"Liesl."

"I knew it."

"Knew what Maria?"

Last night I saw a look between her and Louisa; I think they suspect something."

"I bet she's telling all the others right now."

"I have an idea; we'll play it straight and then spring it on them."

"I'll try to play off of you; go for it." Georg took Maria's hand and gave it a squeeze; dropping it as they got closer to the dining room.

Yawning, "Maria, are you as tired as I am."

"It seems that way," covering her mouth as she yawned.

"Why are you both so tired?" Liesl asked.

"We were late getting to bed; Maria and I had a lot to talk about."

"Like what, Father."

"Oh, like finding a new mother for all of you." He quickly continued.

"And I found her, right here under our nose; please give your new mother-to-be hugs and kisses."

Seven children flew out of their chairs; each planting a loving kiss on her cheek and big bear hugs from them all. Their excitement drug her to the floor as they piled on top of her.

Maria struggled to tell them. "Thank you children, I've never been happier in my life."

"I was right Fräulein Maria, you can be my mama."

"Yes, Gretl, I can." She looked up at Georg; his twinkle became a wink and a smile.

"Alright children, let Maria up;" as he offered her his hand. He decided to show the children that he would not spare his affection for her; pulling her into his arms for a kiss. The children watched; not at all embarrassed.

It was just as Katia had said. The children were ecstatic. Their happy smiles never left their faces.

Later that afternoon, Georg announced to the children that he and Maria were going to visit the Reverend Mother at the Abbey. "We won't be gone long children; we will back soon after you finish your reading."

"Well Captain, we finally meet."

"Yes, Reverend Mother, I know you have given Maria good counsel about her future. I hope you will be pleased with our plans. I have asked Maria to marry me; we both would like your blessing."

"Maria, I'm so glad you have finally found a way to spend your love."

"Yes, Mother I have; I love Georg with all my heart and each of his special children."

"I can see you do; God be with both of you and your children; remember Maria you and your new family are welcomed to come visit at any time."

"Thank you Mother, we'll remember your invitation. Mother, thank you for everything; I will always think kindly of my time here. We need to go, the children are expecting us."

"Good day Reverend Mother."

"Good day Captain."

The ride home was full of conversation; they practically had their whole wedding planned.

"Do you mind a wedding with only the children, the staff, a few close friends and of course Alice?"

"No Georg, I have no one to invite."

At a rather private ceremony at their parish church, Georg and Maria were married.

Georg's good friend and the children's adopted uncle came to stay for a few days, while the couple spent time together at a mountain lodge.

I held you tight in that magic moment
Our hearts beat as one,
You were mine and I was yours
Until the end of time.
Your face is etched in my mind.
Your face
Your face

Married at last until the end of time

A/N: The song, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face was my inspiration for this story. Using song lyrics that are not in the public domain, meaning very old; are not allowed by the administrators of this site. So I wrote a paraphrase.