The months passed and it was soon winter. The children settled into their new schools and Georg was working with Herr Rueger at the bank. Maria was getting the house in order. Georg and the boys were building a extra room onto the house. The room would be used for the boys new bedroom. Their old room would belong to the new baby. They knocked out a wall so Georg and Marias room would connect with the baby's.
Herr Rueger stopped by with a letter for Georg. It was from Max. Georg read the letter to Maria. Max had been questioned by Zeller for three days before he was let go. Zeller is still watching him so he had to be careful. Their house was taken over by Zeller who turned it into his own personal residence. Georg was furious but he knew there was nothing he could do about it. Maria was also angry thinking about that man in her house. Max said that Mother Superior was doing well and she sends her love. The nuns have been hiding people for the resistance. She also said that Rolf is doing well and that he told her to send Liesl a note. Georg handed Maria the note. Maria said she would give it to Liesl later. He hopes that Maria is well and hopes that everything is fine with the baby. Maria smiled and rubbed her expanding stomach. She thought to herself how much she misses all of them and wishes they could be there. Max ends the letter by saying he will try to write again but that he has to be very careful. He doesn't know who to trust. Georg folds the letter and puts it in his pocket.
"I am so relieved he is well" says Maria with a sigh.
" I am too. He took a big risk to help us" said Georg.
Maria calls Liesl into the house.
"You received a letter from Rolf" Maria hands the letter to her. Liesl rips it open and reads it to herself.
Liesl I hope you are well. I miss you but I am glad to know you are safe. The work I am doing for the resistance is going well . We were able to get a family out before the nazis caught them. I am a changed person. I only hope you can forgive the way I acted. I was listening to the wrong people. Mother Superior and I have been having long talks. She says God can see the work I am doing and that he will watch over me. I will try and write again but it is dangerous as the nazis are watching everyone. Love Rolf
Love Rolf? That is the first time he has said that. How she wishes he was here so she could tell him how proud she is of him.
"How is Rolf", Georg asks.
"He is well", Liesl says and walks away.
Georg watches her walk out of the room. "She seems upset. Maybe I shouldn't have given the letter to her."
"No Georg she needs to know he is alright. She misses him. She is growing up" Maria said.
He smiles at Maria and says " as long as you think she will be alright. "How are you feeling my beautiful wife". Georg walks over to Maria and puts his hand on her stomach. He hold it there and suddenly he feels a strong kick. It moves his hand and he laughs" I can see my son is very active today"
Son? You always call the baby him. You are that sure it is a boy? Maria laughs.
"Well we will know in about two months" Georg says smiling. He bends over and gives her a kiss.
"Do you have the list of presents the children have asked for Christmas? I am going into town to pick up the Christmas tree and I can pick up the things you need".
Christmas was two days away and Maria had been cooking and getting the house ready for days. The children have been busy making things for everyone. Georg left for town and returned two hours later. He waited until the children were in bed and brought the tree into the living room. The doors were closed and he set about decorating the tree. Maria brought in the cookies she had made and they put them on the tree. She helped Georg put the candles on the tree.
The next day was Christmas Eve. Maria and the girls were busy baking and getting dinner ready. Georg and the boys were busy in his workroom finishing a present for Maria. Soon it was time for the door to the living room to be opened. Georg opened the door and the room was aglow with the candles from the tree. The younger children ran to find their gifts. Maria was led to a chair and told to sit. The girls brought their gifts to her first. She opened them to find handmade caps and booties for the baby. She laughed as they were all in blue.
" I guess this better be a boy" she said laughing. Next it was Georg and the boys turn. Georg had Maria close her eyes. When she opened them she saw before her the most beautiful crib. Maria started to cry. The children came to her and asked why she was crying.
"This is the best Christmas I have ever had. I have so much and am so grateful we are all together and safe" she said. Everyone gave hugs and thank yours. Then it was time to go to church. This is the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Maria thanked God for keeping them safe and said a prayer for everyone back home.