I awake get dressed and go downstairs. The house is quiet as I go into the dining room. Franz brings me the paper and I sit down. Soon the silence is broken by seven running children. I laugh as they all come running in.
"Good morning father" they all say. They take their seats and Franz asks if he should bring breakfast.
" Yes I think Maria is sleeping in today" I say as I look at her empty chair. The children have just started breakfast when she comes in the room. I smile and get up to greet her with a kiss .Franz enters with a telegram and hands it to me.
I open at begin to read" It is from the chancellor. He send his regrets as he will not be able to attend the wedding. Matters of state keep him from coming". I look at Maria and hope she is not to disappointed.
" Darling I am all packed I thought you could take me to the abbey after breakfast" Maria says.
I almost forgot. I know it is only for one night but I can't hide my disappointment.
" I thought we could spend the day together" I say hoping she changes her mind.
" I'm sorry darling but Reverend Mother is expecting me" she says. She is the only family I had until I came here".
I look at her and I nod my head saying'' I understand, after tomorrow I will have you for the rest of my life" We finish breakfast and drive to the abbey. Maria rings the bell. I look at her and take her hand. I don't want her to go. I take her in my arms and kiss her cheek then whisper in her ear" I love you." I touch her lips with mine and kiss her . She wraps me in her arms and our kiss deepens. We break apart when we hear The gate open.
" Good morning Maria" the sister says. I look at Maria and we smile at each other. I start to walk in and Maria stops me.
" Sorry darling this is as far as you go" she says. Maria puts her hand on my cheek and I take it and kiss it. Maria mouths the words I love and I do the same. She waves goodbye and steps beyond the door. I stand there and hope she might change her mind. I wait a couple of minutes and decide she isn't coming out. I walk back to the car. I say to myself it is only one night but I miss her all ready. I drive back home and find the children playing outside.
" Children would you like to go for a boat ride" I say to them. They spring to their feet and say a resounding " Yes." The rest of the day is spent with them. I can't help but laugh when I remember Maria and the children in the boat and how they all fell out. Even soaking wet she still was beautiful. We pull the boat up to the landing and we get out. We go inside and have dinner. I tell the children they need to get to bed early as tomorrow is a busy day. They say goodnight and I decide to go for a drive. I find myself restless as I drive to town. I park and decide to take a walk. I forget how beautiful Salzburg is. I decide to walk along the Salzach river. I watch the sunset over the mountains. I sit down on a bench and I write Maria a letter.
My love tomorrow we become one. I want you to know you have made me the happiest man on the face of the earth. I love you and cannot wait till we are together as husband and wife. My arms ache for you and my lips burn for yours. Think of me as you close your arms tonight as I will be dreaming of you. All my love Georg.
I walk to the abbey and along the way I stop at a flower stand. I pick out a bouquet of Edelweiss. I go to the abbey and ring the bell. The same sister from this morning comes to the gate.
" What can I do for you Captain" she says.
" Can you give this to Maria" I ask. She nods her head yes and I give her the letter and flowers. I say thank you and leave. As I walk I find myself in front of the cathedral. I haven't been to church since Agathe died. I go in and approach the altar. I kneel and bow my head.
"Dear Father" I begin. Tomorrow I marry the woman I love more than anything. She has changed my life in so many ways. I want to thank you for sending her to me. She truly is a gift from God". I pause and say Amen.
As I drive toward the house I am filled with thoughts of her. As I walk the stairs to my room I find myself outside her bedroom door. I open the door and go in. I smile as I see her guitar in the corner. I walk over to the window.
" Goodnight Maria, know that I love you" I say as I stare out the window. I leave her room and go to mine. I check that my uniform is ready. I make sure I have the train tickets to Paris. I also call the hotel to make sure everything is set for our honeymoon. I can't wait to show her Paris. I lay in bed and my eyes slowly close and I drift off to sleep.