Married Life

Maria returned to the Bride's room to change out of her wedding gown. Liesl followed her after telling Louisa to look after Marta and Gretl. Maria smiled when she saw Liesl. "I knew you would follow me."

Liesl returned her smile; then quickly began to unbutton all the buttons. And Maria removed the gown by first taking her arms from the sleeves and then stepping out of the skirt.

Liesl hung it on its hanger while Maria put her dress on. She and Georg would come in the car later to bring it home. Carole had told her it was safe to leave it there. Georg was waiting for them. "Is my bride ready to go home?" "Yes my husband."

Maria and Georg walked home as one; an arm around the other and their steps were insync. And seven extremely happy children chattered all the way home. Their jubilation didn't stop after they entered their home.

Brigitta did ask. "How should we address you now?"

"I am your mother now. So you may address me as Mother."

Kurt spoke. "Mother, is dinner ready?"

Maria didn't answer him, Georg did. "Kurt, it's only the middle of the afternoon and beside I think you ate about ten sandwiches and a big piece of cake at the reception."

"They were small sandwiches and my piece of cake wasn't that big."

"Kurt, I planned ahead. The the stew meat is already cooked and all the vegetables are already cut-up. We can eat a little earlier than usual."

"I suppose I can wait."

"Kurt, we can play Landlord while we wait."

"Okay, Louisa."

Georg followed Maria into the kitchen. There he commented. "Will that boy ever grow-up?"

"He will. I've seen boys mature almost overnight."

"I certainly hope so. Can I help you?"

"You can get the pot of meat out of the refrigerator. I'll light the burner for it."

"This is really heavy."

"There's a lot of meat in it and it will be even heavier after I add the broth and vegetables. While its heating, I'll bake the biscuits."

The children were having so much fun playing their game, they were very surprised when Georg told them to get washed-up for dinner. And rather than attempting to carry the hot pot of stew to the table, individual bowls were served and the large platter of biscuits was in the center of the table along with a bowl of butter.

Kurt and Louisa had a second serving and Friedrich commented. "Mother, this was really good. I hope you make it often."

"I'll watch for when the store has stew meat again."

The children resumed their game while Georg helped Maria with the dishes. "You know Maria, my mother is up in heaven laughing watching me help you in the kitchen."

"Maybe so but your wife appreciates your help."

Evening came and Maria gathered all her things and joined Georg in the master suite. They sat on the settee at the end of their bed. Georg put his arm around his wife. "Maria, this is our wedding night. I know what is expected. I want us to take our time learning to be passionate. We have a lifetime ahead of us for making love."

"You're so good to me."

"It's the right thing to do, darling. Why don't you use the bathroom first. And I'll use it while you change into your nightgown."

Maria did as he asked. Now she was waiting for him. "Which side of the bed do you like?"

"I doesn't matter. I sleep the same way I did on the submarine. Do you have a preference?"

"I've never slept in a big bed."

"Then I'll lay on the side by the little lamp. And you can lay right next to me."

The couple kissed a couple of times before Georg pulled the chain on the lamp; closed his eyes and almost instantly he was asleep and Maria smiled as she thought. So this is how a submarine captain sleeps.