Author's Note
You guys get another one today just because I intended to post these days ago. The story is written - I'm just doing last minute editing and stuff. There will be two chapters more after this. Thank you all for reading the story and writing reviews. They mean a lot to me. I've so enjoyed writing about Maria and Georg and their engagement. Oh and I watched the movie last night for the fourth time this YEAR. Yeah, I'm obsessed. Okay...on to the story. =)
Chapter 10
It was finally the day before the wedding. Invitations had been sent out, RSVPs had been delivered. There was a rush in the Von Trapp villa preparing for the party that would happen the next day to celebrate the marriage of Georg and Maria. The flowers were delivered and Maria and the children helped arrange them in the main hall, the sitting room, and the ballroom. The children definitely approved of Maria's flower choices – white roses and edelweiss.
After setting up for the reception, Maria, Georg, and the children spent the afternoon outside, singing and playing. It was a wonderful day. Maria loved it when her family could just relax and sing and be together.
She knew they had to make the most of the day because she'd be going to the abbey for the night, and then the next day she'd walk down the aisle, become a wife and mother. Then they'd come back to the villa and have the reception, and then she and Georg would head off to Paris for a month. She wouldn't have a lot of time to see the children.
She thought of tonight at the abbey. It was going to be strange to spend the night away from home now. She'd no longer be a postulant, but a guest. She was also afraid to being away from Georg and the children for the night. She loved kissing the children goodnight. She loved meeting her fiancé at the same time every night, just to hear him say that he loves her and kiss him. Could she really miss a night of their meetings?
Maria, Georg, and her family had a lovely dinner together. One last dinner alone as a family before the children were sent off to bed.
"I'll see you all the church tomorrow," Maria told them. She hugged and kissed each child. Tomorrow was going to be a big day for everyone.
The Captain appeared at her side and kissed and hugged each child, then took her hand and led her out of the nursery.
"It's time, my dear," he said.
She frowned. "Already?"
He kissed her and smiled. "Yes, already. And the sooner we go to bed, the sooner we'll wake up and have our beautiful day."
She ran down the hall and got her bag and followed him out to the car. He drove to the abbey and parked across the street. He held her hand as they walked up to the abbey's front gates. He rang the bell.
Sister Margaretta came to the gate. She gasped when she saw who was there. "Maria?" She opened the gate and let them in.
"Hello, Sister Margaretta," Maria said. "I'm here to stay the night…"
"I know, I know," the nun replied. "You must be Captain Von Trapp?" He nodded. "Here, let me show you to your room, Maria. I'm so glad you're staying with us before you get married!" Sister Margaretta led Maria and Georg down several corridors and stopped at a locked door. She took the keys and unlocked it. "I've leave you two to say your goodbyes for the night." She smiled and left the lovers alone.
The room was simple; there was a twin bed, a small bedside table, and a chair. There was a small window that overlooked the garden. Maria set her bag on the floor. The Captain turned away while she changed into her nightgown. She sat on the bed next to him.
"What am I going to do without you tonight? Knowing that you're across town?" he finally said.
"I'm not sure what I'll do either," she confessed. "Though I'm hoping sleep comes easy tonight. The sooner we fall asleep, the sooner it'll be time to wake up. And I'm so looking forward to waking up."
"I don't think I've ever wanted to skip sleep more than tonight." He leaned over and kissed her. "I love you, my angel. I can't wait to marry you, and have you, all of you. I'm giving you my heart, soul, and body tomorrow." He paused. "Well, I've already given you my heart."
"Georg, lay with me for a while, please," she pleaded. She laid down on the bed, and he wrapped his arm around her waist, and placed his head on the pillow next to hers. She turned into him and snuggled closer. She whispered, "I love you."
They laid together, but then Georg stirred. "The nuns are going to wonder what's taking me so long to leave." He laughed. "I'll see you tomorrow at the altar, darling." He kissed her goodbye, and left.
Now that she was alone, Maria knelt beside her bed. "Heavenly Father, I thank You for the blessings in my life. You have given me more than I've ever wanted, more than I think I deserve, but life is so wonderful for me. Thank You for everything You've done for me. I love Georg and the children so much, and I can't wait to be married. Tomorrow will be the happiest day of my life, I am sure of it. Amen."
She climbed into bed, switched off the lamp on the bedside table, and closed her eyes. She fell asleep fast and easy.