Reception and beyond

Their guests did wait. Georg and Maria led the way; Oscar and Lily brought up the rear. Maria started to sing; she changed a few words from what the children knew.

"Oh what a beautiful wedding!
It is a beautiful day!"

The children knew the other verses they sang along. Maria grabbed Georg's hands and twirled them in a circle as she sang again.

Oh what a beautiful wedding!
It is a beautiful day!

The wedding party entered Charlie's still singing. The patrons who were present had been told there would be a wedding reception. They probably weren't expecting such an outwardly happy and rather vocal group.

One of the regular customers went up to Georg immediately. "Congratulations, you make a lovely couple." And the others held their glasses up, "happiness forever to the new bride and groom."

The small dining room had been transformed. "Charlie, what have you done? The room is so festive."

"Fancied it up for you, Maria."

Streamers and balloons hung from the ceiling. Each small table had a bouquet of flowers in a small vase. In the corner with the upright piano was a violin and a viola player; already playing quietly in the background.

With glasses of Champaign in hand and the children with their juice glasses, Oscar and Charlie offered the toasts.

"You were a timid frightened young woman when we met you." Oscar began, "and then you found your true love. It has been our privilege to witness love that could move mountains. May your love be as endless as your wedding rings."

"Here's to the Bride and the Groom! May you have a happy honeymoon." Charlie added.

"We're waiting," the couple heard, pretending not to know what they wanted. The children began to chant, "Kiss her Father, kiss her."

Georg turned to Maria, "shall we?"

"Definitely, my husband."

"My beautiful wife, our first kiss as husband and wife; the first of thousands, maybe millions."

Tenderly Georg held her chin, their lips touched then lingered for several seconds. The group applauded wildly.

The music group started the familiar notes of the Laendler. "Our dance Georg, Maria whispered.

He bowed; she curtsied. Georg took her hand as they hop-stepped to the beginning of the dance. Their eyes were in contact now for the first face to face part and then the promenade around the dance floor in a circle. Then the music changed to the first pass of facing each other; finally twirling Maria off as she sashayed around him to his clapping.

Now coming to the part where he reached behind him for her hand, Maria did not hesitate; Georg brings her close to him. Their faces only inches apart. This time she didn't look down, but looked him straight in the eye. They repeated the last movement. "You remembered."

"Yes, Georg, I will always remember."

"Everyone dance," was heard as Georg and Maria traded partners with Oscar and Lily. Lively waltzes and slower tunes were heard for over an hour; more than enough time for Georg to dance with his girls.

"Mother, will you dance with me?"

"Of course son," the both giggled.

"Before I forget, Kurt and I want to thank you for our tie bars; we both feel all grown up."

"Don't grow up too fast on me."

"We won't Mother."

Kurt tapped his Mother on her shoulder. "May I have this dance?"

"Certainly Kurt; no fancy turns or twists this time."

Charlie had provided the typical foods for a wedding reception of the day; small pastries, fancy sandwiches; salted nuts and tiny mint candies. The punch bowl was filled with a tasty refreshing drink.

The small group gathered around the cart Charlie had brought out holding a lovely decorated small wedding cake. The musicians were playing, To have and To Hold, softly in the background.

Georg and Maria didn't make them wait; delicately Georg held Maria's hand as they cut through the cake. They placed the first slice on a plate. Lily handed them each a fork; from either side of plate each placed a small bite on their fork and simultaneously, with arms entwined, they place the cake nicely in the other's mouth. They stepped back so Lily could slice it for their guests.

Lily took the top tier and put it in a box; the couple would take it with them to have later on their honeymoon.

"Mr. Charlie, this is very good cake."

"How many pieces have you had Kurt?"

"This is only number three, sir."

"Leave some for us Kurt," he heard from his sisters and brother."

Lily and Oscar's gift to them was a three night stay at the fabulous Plaza Hotel in Center City. Georg and Maria would leave the reception in their wedding clothes. They only had a twenty minute taxi ride.

"Come, it's time to see your Mother and Father off."

Georg couldn't resist telling his children again, "Now, you be good for Mrs. Lily and Mr. Oscar."

"We will Father."

"Okay you two, you're taxi's waiting; now go, enjoy yourselves. We and the children are going to have a wonderful time."

"Thanks, Lily, Oscar, see you in a couple of days." Georg helped Maria into the waiting taxi. The children stood outside waving goodbye. Georg put his arm around Maria, brought her close and kissed her temple.

"They'll be fine," they both said at the same time, then broke out in a laugh. Maria rested her head on his shoulder for the remainder of the ride. The traffic was light as usual for a Saturday; they were soon at the hotel. The driver pulled in under the canopy. The doorman opened the door; Georg got out and took Maria's hand to assist her. Their bags had been delivered earlier.

"Captain von Trapp, your key sir, you are all checked in. Take elevator number four to the twelfth floor."

The door opened onto a short hallway with one door, 1201 same as on the key. "What have our friends done?"

They unlocked the door to find a massive suite. The suite took up the entire East side of the building; inside on a table was a note. "Enjoy yourselves, everything you need is there. You shouldn't need to leave; room service is paid in full.

They glanced around the suite. "I never expected anything like this. They have been so wonderful to me – now this for us and watching the children also."

"Joseph told me they are very generous people."

They explored this massive suite together. "Maria there's even a movie room."

"A game table and a piano, Georg,"

"The kitchen is fully stocked, need a snack Maria?"

"I am a little hungry; I didn't eat much at the reception."

Crackers, cheese, another piece of wedding cake and coffee hit the spot. They were sitting in front of the big picture window.

"This is a lovely view. It's hard to believe that park is in the middle of this big city."

"In the summer we'll come here with the children. I hear there are lots of trails to walk." They sat and talked for awhile.

"Maria, I'm in no hurry; but I would like to get comfortable. Did you and Lily go shopping?"

"Yes, Georg, why do you ask?"

"Oh, I'm trying to imagine what you might be wearing when you get comfortable."

"I brought along my nightgown and robe from the thunderstorm." She watched him but she knew her eyes weren't fooling him.

"That's fine Maria." Neither could keep a straight face. They both got a heavy case of the giggles.

"Maria, you can use our bedroom; my bag seems to be in the extra bedroom."

Her gown and matching robe were pure white; floor length satin. The robe had full long sleeves and was held together with only a ribbon tied at her neck. She was wearing matching slippers.

"I like it Maria, very lovely."

Georg was wearing pale blue pajamas; the button downed shirt fell to mid thigh and had matching pants. A navy blue robe and matching slippers completed his outfit.

"You're mighty dashing – much different than the night of the thunderstorm."

"You thought I slept in a coat and tie?"

"I didn't know Georg. I only knew you looked mighty handsome."

"How about another toast to us; will you sip some Champaign with me?"

"I'm glad you said sip. I'm still not used to my nose being tickled by its fizz."

"To us Maria."

"Forever Georg." They clicked glasses and they sipped. Their eyes seemed to be reaching for the other. Georg caressed her face. "Maria sweetheart, did you and Lily talk?"

"Yes Georg we did. I never was scared; only unsure of how to love you."

"Darling, you'll know how; it comes naturally. When we kissed our first time, as soon as my lips lingered on yours, you kissed me back. Do you remember?"

"Of course I do. I'll never forget it. It was wonderful Georg. Is making love like that?"

"Exactly the same sweetheart."

They set their glasses down on the table behind the settee. Gently he brought her lips to his and instinctively Maria's arms went around his neck and Georg brought her body closer to his. They kissed passionately; only releasing the kiss to get a breath.

Unnoticed by Maria, Georg had untied the ribbon that held her gown together. He moved it off her shoulders. Maria surprised him by dropping her arms and let the robe fall completely off – revealing a matching gown with slightly wider than spaghetti straps. The bodice, front and back was woven loosely with satin ribbons; revealing in places her feminine features.

Maria hardly let Georg catch his breath when she took him by the hand and led him to their bedroom. "I love you Georg. I want you to love me completely."

"I plan to Maria. I want you to enjoy your first time."

The couple kissed and touched and soon they lay together totally immersed in emotion; their hearts pounding in sync. Eventually Georg reached for the covers; they never seemed to move, sleeping until early in the morning.

They never left the suite; splurging on elegant room service; even dressing up and eating by candlelight; thoroughly enjoying their private times together.

"Good morning my love, you know what today is?"

"Yes, Georg, a sad and happy day. Tonight we will sleep in our new home. The children are going to be so surprised. Love me one more time."

"My pleasure Maria."

They dressed. Georg called downstairs. "Mr. and Mrs. von Trapp are ready to check out."

The bell rang; the bellhop took their bags and met them downstairs at the taxi stand.

"Where to, sir?" Georg gave the driver the Hofferstein's address.

The children had another surprise waiting for them, when they left the penthouse; they did not return to the apartment. Their Father took them directly to their new home.

Oscar had borrowed a small limousine. Georg heard, "where are we going," from seven voices.

"Patience children, patience."

Joseph knew the way, he had been there before. In less than twenty minutes he had turned onto the driveway and stopped. Everyone quickly got out.

"Where are we?"

"You're new home."

"Our new home! Father it's beautiful."

"Come on." He grabbed Maria's hand; he unlocked the door and paused.

"It's a tradition, children," He swooped Maria into his arms, "to carry your bride across the threshold." Maria was squealing and giggling until he put her down, he paused to give her an affectionate kiss.

"Come on children go look around."

They found that all their things had been moved from the apartment.

"Oscar, Lily, thank you for everything."

"Please come visit us often, and the children are always welcomed."

"We will, and you can come here as well."

"Maria I hope you won't stop singing. People need to hear your beautiful voice."

"I know I won't stop singing; but performing. We'll see where God leads me."

Georg and Maria became a real American family. They always kept their homeland and its people in their prayers and did as much as they could to help them after the war was over.

Maria never did record a record but her voice could be heard every Sunday at the Parish Church. She did perform at the theater on special occasions; Christmas, Easter and Mother's Day.

They remained friends with Oscar and Lily; after all they were part of the windows that had opened for Maria.

In the years to come many more opportunities would be afforded to this family; God would open many more windows. Thanks be to God, Amen.

The End