Hold it up higher Louisa you'll drag it!" Liesl chided her sister

"I am fine you hold your end and just keep going!" She shot back.

Maria's dress was being held carefully by her eldest daughters. It's long train, elegant tulle veil being transported up the stairs to her room where it would be placed in storage, perhaps pieces borrowed from it for future brides.

It had been a very long day. The ceremony was something out of a fairy tale, the reception small but elegant, no drawn out, sequin dripped gala would suit them. They wanted to begin their lives true to themselves. A celebration of family. It was decided that they would spend their wedding night at the Villa before heading to Paris in the morning. Maria would join her husband for the first time in the East wing of the estate where the master bedroom was. He spent time correcting her that it was not his room, but their room. She'd been in there a few times since their engagement to steal a kiss, ask a question, or just wish him a pleasant morning. The one promise regarding intimacy they did keep was that the master bedroom would not be used between them until the were indeed man and wife. In the days before their wedding, Georg had been secretive and quite strict about having her refrain from entering there. Whether it was wedding jitters, nervousness, perhaps him holding on to the last memories he held within that room, Maria didn't ask but simply respected his wishes and waited for him to exit rather than seeking him out.

Georg has shed himself of his finest military regalia after the reception and now wore his suit. Maria had changed into a simple yet mature cream colored dress. They held one another in a state of bliss as Franz chauffeured them to tho villa.

The car turned into the drive way. They were home. Opening the door, Franz nodded, "Baroness" and extended his hand to assist her

Maria looked around for who he could be speaking to.

"Who...Oh me!" She shouted "Oh, ah thank you Franz!"

That word hit her light a bolt of lightening. She was officially Baroness. She was his wife. His own. Married.

Georg exited the car and held his wife's hand. The walked up the stairs to the front door.

"One moment love", he paused her and turned the knob to open the door slightly.

With a sudden grasp, Georg swept Maria off her feet, she lay in his arms with her feet dangling. Laughing in surprise.

"Maria Von Trapp, welcome home" he announced. And gently kicked the door open carrying her inside. As she entered the home in his arms she noticed fresh flowers in every vase, the doors to each room were opened. Every chandelier uncovered, soft music emanated from the gramophone in the sitting room, every piece of furniture was no longer simply stacked or shoved together but placed outward on display as if to welcome her. It was alive and bright.

She hugged onto Georg's shoulders, he was in no hurry to release her from his arms. "Now my darling, May you bloom, grow and bless our home forever." he whispered into her lips, leaning forward to kiss his bride again.

Georg nudged his foot back to close the door. With that came the sound of seven voices cheering and shouting

"THEY'RE BACK!"

"I'M GOING DOWN FIRST"

"YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO TAKE THAT OFF YOU'LL GET IT DIRTY!

"I THINK THEY'RE IN THE FOYER"

Joyous shoving and chaos began to make its way down the stairs in the form of happy faces. Georg gently lowered Maria to the ground. She couldn't help but laugh at the madness occurring.

"Look at all of you! Oh you all did so beautifully today I'm so proud of you!" Maria beamed as she hugged each one.

"Louisa only dropped the bottom of your dress once, Mother!" Marta happily informed her

"Mother" Maria repeated with a hand on her heart. Goosebumps raised on her arms, her heart swelled. Indeed she had gained a husband and seven children today. They'd always shared heart, now today she finally shared their name.

Without another word she hooked her arms around the children in front of her pulling as many of them to her as she could.

"Louisa should get in trouble not get a hug!" Brigitta suggested

"And you shouldn't tattle!" Friedrick advised

The new bride squeezed the children a final time and laughed "Shhh shhh now. It's fine. Thank you for bringing it home for me, all of you, Thank you."

"Ok all of you, run along, Uncle Max has some sort of mischief planned for you."

"Practice to sing in the Fes..." Gretl began

"Shhhh!" Brigitta scowled

Georg shook his head. "I'll deal with that another time", he muttered "Go ahead children, we need to freshen up and finish packing. Mind your Uncle Max, keep him in line" he winked

"Goodnight Children" Maria hugged them.

The couple trudged up the states, sore and tired from their day, but giddy with anticipation.

"We're already packed Georg why did you..."

With a wink he said "Darling there needs to be some reason we need so much time alone. And trust me I have no intentions of leaving the room once our door closes" he whispered placing a kiss at the sensitive spot behind her ear.

Maria instinctively turned towards her room and opened the door. She was in awe.

"Georg what has happened?" She asked in a panic

The room was empty, bare. Nothing remained. The bed was made as I'd it were on display.

She turned around to see The Captain with a lopsided smile. "What are you doing here my dear? This room is reserved for the use of our Governess."

"My room, my things, they're..."

"Are they not in your room?" He questioned

"Darling don't play games, you can see that!"

"I see nothing in the governess' room, let's move along"

He held out his hand, she took it gently as he nodded for her to follow him. She walked down the long hallway, following him around the corner towards the double doors that lead to his bedroom.

Opening one door he whispered to her "One moment love, stand still."

Again, swept her up in his arms entering with her over the threshold into the master bedroom. He hit the light switch with his elbow.

Maria was mystified as the room illuminated. This was not the room she had remembered.

Before her was a new 4 post canopy bed. The walls had been painted a bright sunny yellow, beautiful drapes adorned the windows, a cream color with gold thread design. On one wall a tapestry hung. The fireplace was stocked with wood, on the mantle above it were various items Georg had collected from around the world. The family crest was prominently displayed. A new chandelier hung in the center of the room.

Dressers, an armoire, a small writing desk, a everything new and exquisite, now decorated the once dreary space.

On one nightstand, a lovely lamp, Maria's books, her Bible, her rosary, and a picture of the children were placed neatly. She could barely believe it!

His secret was out. He'd spent days having the cold and lonely room of a widower turned into that of a lively place where newlyweds would retire to each evening.

"Your things are here, in our bedroom of course." Georg said matter of factly.

He gently placed her to the floor with a proud grin. "Look around, don't be shy."

She noticed the doors along the wall one was a walk in closet filled with his various suits and ties neatly arranged. She walked to another, opening it to see a range of new dresses, modest and elegantly simple. Her shoes lined up below, some new to match the outfits now hanging in there. Her guitar case sat on the floor of her closet. A small bag and gold box from her room were there too.

"Georg what have you done? Oh what is this?" She shouted, almost unable to breathe.

"Well" he shrugged boyishly "I made a few changes here and there, do you like it?"

Maria steadied herself placing her hands over her gaped mouth. "Oh, oh you didn't have to, I don't need this much I have..."

"I didn't have to, I wanted to. You deserve to be spoiled every now and again. Though I can't take credit for the clothing, those were from our girls. "

Maria inched towards the bed. It was larger than anything she'd seen. She smoothed her hand across the down comforter atop it.

"This is ours?"

He nodded "Indeed, every night."

George laughed as she dropped each shoe off and flopped onto the bed.

"It's Huge!" She snuggled herself atop the sheets. "And it's ours, oh my darling it's ours!"

"Our marriage bed. Now we sleep in one another's arms, wake up next to one another. The sun can rise to wake us, we can retire each night to our room without shame or secrecy. We make love, share dreams, settle arguments, make plans. All as one."

Georg sat down on the bed next to her. She was laying on her back enjoying the comfort of their bed. His expression was of sheer contentment. There she was, so beautiful, wide blue eyes deep with passion staring into his.

He leaned down to kiss her lips, they were delicate, her kiss so pure. Georg began to caress her body. She was swept into his embrace.

"Wait wait!" She stopped him

"What's wrong?" He stammered, fearing he'd frightened her.

Maria giggled and admitted "I almost forgot I have a surprise for you, but, ah, which one is the bathroom?"

"Second to the right, what surprise?" He raised an eyebrow.

Maria didn't answer and simply ran towards the gold box she'd found in her closet.

In the bathroom she looked around her. Elegant tile, a huge claw foot tub, it was unlike anything she'd ever seen! In the corner she saw her usual bath oils, soaps and other items. He'd made everything her own, their own. It warmed her heart. Every second she lived, she felt more and more love for this man. She slid the ribbon off of the gold box and began to change.

"Darling so you need anything?" She heard call from outside. Maria was ready.

She opened the door, standing in the light of the Chandelier, adorned in a simple white silk neglige, delicate lace trimmed its edges. It clung to her slim figure, elegant but sexy. She spun in place to model for him

"Do you like it?" She blushed

Georg was laying in their bed, his chest exposed to her. The sheets covering him to his waist. He was a handsome, breathtaking. Maria couldn't help but swoon at this man's look of utter desire for her.

With his eyes ravenously soaking in the sight of his beloved, Georg commanded her mischievously,

"Baroness! You will come here, please."

His finger beckoning her forward. He could barely catch his breath from excitement. She was a vision. As she climbed onto the bed, her movements resembled a lioness stalking her prey.

Their bodies were known to one another already. They had shared pleasure before marriage. Georg had often wondered if his bride would regret that decision when they reached their marriage bed. He had entered the marriage knowing the gift of intimacy, she was innocent. He'd secretly feared she would not find their first union as husband and wife to be as special.

Nothing was further from the truth. There before him was a creation of absolute beauty. Her eyes lit up with a new found adoration. She was unashamed, uninhibited. As he removed her negligé he noticed her staring at his body. Studying it. Maria wanted to memorize every part of him. She took time to smooth her hands upon every inch of his skin. He was her own. No chaperones, no hiding, no fear. This was exhilarating. In turn he explored his wife's gentle curves, her softness, carefully discovering every sensitive area, everything that was hidden in darkness and silence. She did not hesitate to receive his touch or accept new found pleasures he provided her. They moved slowly and deliberately, allowing the reaction of their bodies to guide one another in the direction they desired most. Exchanging words of love, Georg gently joined with his wife. Upon her face was a look of bliss and ecstasy. They moved slowly together, finding a rhythm so sensual it threatened to take them both immediately. The new groom fought against it. The sensation of being deep inside of her warmth was so glorious for both of them. Her soft moans were tantalizing, Maria was spellbound by the look of enjoyment in her husbands face. His deep groans of approval caused her to speed her movements. What they experienced between each other was unlike anything she could have imagined. Their physical pleasures were reaching their climax quickly. Crying out, her husband reached his release deep within her. Maria's own body could take no more and shuddered in waves of bliss beneath him. While they had passed the point of no return physically, the powerful love that was exchanged could not subside. Making love was so much more than flesh now. They had bonded their very lives together. Catching their breath, the newlyweds did not move from one another. Remaining joined as long as their bodies would allow. Careful to keep his weight off of Maria, Georg placed feather soft kisses about her neck and face. She ran her fingers through his thick dark hair, staring into the endless blue ocean of his eyes. Their release did not end their pleasure at all. Simultaneously they broke into an exhausted laugh.

He held her as if she were made of porcelain, laying her at his side. Holding her against his skin, slick with perspiration.

Maria slid her hand up from his chest to clasp his face in her hands. "Please tell me this is real, Even in fantasy I would have never believed it could be like this".

Georg leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her lips. "A miracle isn't it? Here we are."

For a moment she stared at her wedding band. He caught her admiring its shimmer. "I hope you'll always be as happy with that." He smiled. Looking down at his own ring, he was brought back in his mind to the sight of a frightened, disheveled young woman in his home. A bold girl, unafraid to stand up to him at the side of the pond. A beautiful angel handing him a guitar, twirling in in his arms, clinging to him in the Gazebo, kissing him to seal their vows in the cathedral. The woman who would grow old with him, for better, for worse, forever.

They settled into one another's arms. This wasn't the life they'd expected. This was better.