The Merry Month of May
A routine for this group, who had become a family, was established. Each day the older children went to their schools and Marta and Gretl to their classroom in the mansion. And Georg would leave for the Navy building and Maria would be out front waiting for him to return.
The later event had been noticed by Martha who had known Maria the longest. On a very rainy afternoon, Martha found Maria looking out the front window. She watched her for a few seconds before speaking.
"Maria, is there anything interesting to see out there?"
"Not yet. The rain is really heavy." She answered while continuing to look out the window.
"Georg, will drive safely."
"Have I been that obvious?"
"Only to me because we're as close as sisters. Georg is as bad as you are. I see him looking at you all the time."
"I thought I felt his eyes on me. When I would look at him he would turn away."
"It's the cat and mouse game couples engage in until one of them, usually the man, decides he wants to end it."
Their conversation ended because Maria announced loudly. "He's home!"
"I'll leave so you can have some privacy."
Now Maria realized her heart was beating so fast that she tried to still it by placing her hands on her chest. Georg had rushed from the car and quickly entered the house exclaiming.
"It rained all the way home; it was so heavy I had to drive very slowly to see the road."
"I'm glad you arrived safely."
"Did I worry you by being late?"
"A little."
"Where is everyone?"
"The children are still doing homework. Marta and Gretl are playing with their dolls."
She wasn't about to mention what Martha had told her before leaving there. But Georg had other plans.
"Maria, we should take advantage of this time we have alone to talk. You're an amazing woman."
Georg saw her look at the floor. "Maria, you needn't be shy or embarrassed. God gave you gifts any man would find pleasing. I've seen you use them. Marta and Gretl clung to your hands during our trip. And now even my older children listen to you.
"Maria, I see you as a woman with great love in her heart. But Maria it isn't love until it's given away."
"Do you know that song too?"
"I do. Agathe did too. She also told me I would find someone to give my love to after she was gone. Maria, she knew she was going to die; the infection had destroyed her heart and kidneys.
"I believe with all my heart that woman is you. I'm ready to share my love with you. Are you ready to give yours to me?"
"I must be. My heart feels like it's beating as fast as a freight train and my stomach flutters even looking at you."
"Then maybe we should end the game we've been playing; I'm sure your girlfriends have noticed it."
"Yes, Martha told me. Is there a special way to our game?"
"Oh yes my dear. Do I have your permission to end it?"
"Please do."
The back of Georg's fingers smoothed Maria's cheek; then his fingertips rested under her chin. He drew her face closer as he bent down to meet her lips with his. His kiss was soft, loving and tinged with passion.
They fell into an embrace and Georg whispered. "I give my love to you."
And Maria whispered. "And I give my love to you."
"Maria, darling, I don't want to wait long to marry. Our temptation will be great living in the same house. I think Pastor Paul already knows we're in love. Our posture and facial expressions have told him; they're impossible to hide. He's seen them on all the couples he has married over the years.
"This Sunday he may notice our extreme happiness and may acknowledge it and offer to marry us at a time of our choosing."
"That would be nice. I want to be your wife as soon as possible."
"You are wonderful; now we need to share our news with everyone."
"Martha already knows. I suspect the others may too."
And Maria's words were true. All the Jewish women had big smiles as Georg began to tell them he and Maria would marry very soon.
Brigitta blurted out. "Finally I will be able to address Maria as my friends do. Mom is the American word for mama."
"Brigitta's right." Liesl concurred. "Some also use dad instead of papa; but you're always going to be papa to me."
"I'll answer to either."
And Mary added. "Martha and I will plan a reception for you here at the mansion. Are you sending many invitations?"
"Maybe a few to the navy officers I know. I will ask Pastor Paul to make an open invitation to the parishioners. Abraham you can do the same at the synagogue."
"Of course I will."
"Papa!"
"Yes Gretl."
"This will be my very first party!"
"Yes, I know. I have another surprise. You'll be leading your brothers and sisters down the aisle in front of Maria. All of you girls will be wearing pretty dresses. And boys you will be wearing American suits."
"We know Maria will be wearing a wedding gown. What will you wear papa?"
"I'm not sure, Liesl, but I do know I will wear my Maria Thespian Medal instead of a tie. Now you better get some sleep; you do have school tomorrow."
Begrudgingly, the older children departed for their bedroom. Marta and Gretl willingly took Maria's hand. Georg climbed the stairs a few minutes later. After kissing the girls, he and Maria stood outside her room.
"Just think, darling, in the not too distant future we will enter the same bedroom. For now we will kiss goodnight in the hall."
"Yes, I know. And we will be officially married."
The couple found it difficult to break their kiss. Both were anxious for Sunday when they could speak to Pastor Paul. And for the day they would marry.
That Sunday Georg and Maria lingered behind the other church members as they were leaving the church. Georg was discreetly holding Maria's hand. He let loose of it to be able to shake the pastor's hand.
Instead they heard. "I don't believe I've seen your smiles so telling of the love you share. Are you ready to set a date to be married?"
"We are Pastor. Two weeks from yesterday. My invitations will be delivered personally. You can announce it from the pulpit. And our Jewish friends will announce the date in their synagogue. Martha and Mary are preparing for a reception at the Madison Mansion."
"Then we can meet next Saturday to review the ceremony. Is ten in the morning too early?"
"Not at all, we'll see you at ten."
Pastor Paul watched them walk away thinking. God has already blessed this couple.
And Georg heard Liesl. "Papa, can we walk by the shops selling clothes to see the clothes on display?"
"So you want to window shop?"
"Is that what Americans' say?"
"Yes, Charlie tells me his wife Emily does it all the time."
The family did window shop. The girls saw dresses they liked. And the boys were happy to see suits for them which looked like Georg's. But Maria had a comment when they came to the Bridal store."
"Georg, I promise you I won't be wearing a gown that doesn't cover my shoulders. I'd be scared to death it would come down."
Georg patted her hand. "I'm sure they will have other choices. Just be sure you get what you want."
"I will."
The happy family leisurely walked home. Waiting for them was a big lunch. And the remainder of the day was quiet.
The couple would count off the days until their wedding day. Maria's first task while they waited was purchasing her Bridal Gown.