So, this is Chapter 4 of my story. Thank you for the reviews!

Chapter 4

Dr. Miller greeted me when I entered his office.

Good afternoon Mrs. Von Trapp. How are you doing?"

"Not too bad considering the situation, you know." I tried to give the most proper answer while taking a seat on the other side of his desk.

"I know my dear, I know. It's hard on you. How are your children coping with the situation?" Dr. Miller had not only been our family's doctor for ages but also in a way, he had been a very good friend as well.

"They are very good children, you know. Some of them try to do their best to hide their feelings and keep on going, but I know they go through the same torture everyday. And the others, and I mean the younger ones, they have silently taken in the truth, but it's so hard for me to see the sad expression on their faces. Anyway, we try to support each other as much as we can." I said with tears filling my eyes.

„I know Mrs. Von Trapp. We all keep the Captain and your family in our prayers. You have to trust that the sun will come out." He said.

„Thank you." I said with my eyes still in tears.

„What brings you here today?" he asked me friendly.

„Well, first of all I'm exhausted. There have been too many things on my plate lately. I didn't really have time for myself and I felt a need for a full check-up."

„Very well, dear. You really do look exhausted; your face is so pale. How many pounds have you lost?"

„Well about 8-10. It's due to the lack of rest and appetite. I'm out of my energy." I said honestly.

„First let me examine you and then I might send you to further tests to run." The doctor said.

I nodded in agreement and changed into the dressing gown. The examination itself didn't take too long. The doctor had a few more questions during the procedure that I answered with resignation.

After getting dressed again I awaited the doctor's return to his desk.

„Well, Mrs. Von Trapp... honestly I don't know how to start." He said and his statement made a knot form in my stomach.

„Is there anything you have found?" I asked with a startled look.

„Yes, but nothing serious..... Mrs. Von Trapp you are going to have a baby, you are about 3 months along." He said with a smile on his face.

I couldn't believe what I had heard, but I knew that it really could be true. All the signs were there. I felt a bit silly for not having realised it myself.

„Are you sure doctor? I mean I have miscarried a few times and last time you told me that I was never going to be able to have a baby again. All other tests had confirmed your observations." I said in disbelief.

„My dear, this child is a miracle." The doctor said softly.

His words brought tears to my eyes. Unable to control my emotions my tears became a storm.

„Doctor" I started while sobbing „I'm over 40 years of age, don't you think it affects the child in a harmful way?" I asked still in disbelief.

„Not necessarily. You are healthy. But please make sure to get more rest, eat properly and you have to get a check-up regularly. I don't see any problem for the rest. As I said this baby is a miracle." He stated lowly.

„I know doctor and sorry for not being overwhelmed with joy at the moment." I started but my emotions took over again.

The doctor softly patted my hand in support. „I understand what you feel... but don't give up the hope, keep the faith. Think of your child." He supported me.

„Thank you Dr. Miller." I said.

„If you don't feel well, please do not hesitate to visit me. Otherwise, I would like to see you in 2 weeks." Dr. Miller told me with a reassuring smile.

„Yes, thank you." I answered before I left his office.

* * *

Instead of going home right away I decided on taking a long walk on the beach to get some fresh air to be able to clear my mind. I sat on a bench and looked at the waves washing the shore. My hands found my stomach to rest on. I could hardly believe that I was 3-month pregnant. I remembered with shock the terrible day of my last miscarriage, what if? I knew that I had to regain my energy before giving birth, and not only for my, but also for Georg's sake. I was expecting his child, so this was the least I owed him to do. Before going home I made up my mind to visit him.

"Hello, Darling.... " I said while taking a seat at his bedside and grabbing his hand. Holding his hand in mine I went on:

"I'm sorry Georg, I'm sorry... I wasn't myself lately. I know that you don't like seeing me like this. Can you forgive me? I love you darling... " I couldn't go on without getting into tears, but I had to compose myself and go on talking:

"I made some very interesting discovery this afternoon. Can you believe it? I'm pregnant. It's a miracle Georg, a real miracle... a true Gift from God. You know after all I have gone through. Dr. Miller says that I'm fine and I mustn't worry about being too old for a baby. I promise you to take good care of the two of us. We all miss you darling.... We miss you. But now if you forgive me I have to go home to check on our other children." I said and bent down to place a soft kiss on his cheek. Gently I stroked his hair. He looked like one in a peaceful sleep as lying there motionless. His features were content, his face started clearing off of all the wounds and scars. "Sweet dreams Georg, I'll be back tomorrow" I said and left his room to go home.

* Flashback Ends *

I looked down at Christine peacefully sleeping in my arms. My eyes, however, didn't get to rest that night. I felt a bit guilty about not getting any sleep. I didn't know how was going to regain my strength and get through this pregnancy with the energy level equal to a little bird's.

Slowly Christine opened her eyes and looked up at me. I stroked her head and placed a kiss on the top of her head.

„Good morning darling, did you sleep well?" I asked her.

„Yes, mother... I did." She said with a little smile forming on her little face.

In the back of my mind I knew that I wouldn't be able to hide my pregnancy for too long but still I wanted to win some time before letting anyone know. It was such a private matter for the time being, and I didn't feel comfortable about it.

At breakfast, however, I tried to follow Dr. Miller's instruction and started showing some signs of appetite. I didn't know how I was going to tell my family about the news. I needed to share it with someone, someone who I trusted wholeheartedly, a close friend maybe. After making sure that Annie and Daniel watched over Christine I made my way over to Liesl's house.

* * *

„Liesl, you are my closest friend, you know that. Now I definitely need a friend to talk to. But could you please handle this information confidentially for the time being?" I asked my eldest daughter.

"Yes, of course Mother. You have helped me so often in the past. Tell me, is there anything wrong?" she asked me understandingly with a hint of fear in her eyes.

"It may sound strange... and believe me it's very strange for me.... Uhm, I'm expecting a baby." I bit my lips in excitement, since I didn't know what a 36-year old woman would say upon finding out that she was going to have a new brother or sister.

"Mother, are you sure? I mean after all the miscarriages... " She sounded suprised.

"Liesl, the diagnosis came from Dr. Miller. He says that I'm fine and also that I shouldn't be worried about my age either."

"But this a miracle then especially now...., at least something good brightens up our days." She said while giving me a hug. My eyes were in tears but partially out of joy.

"Liesl, I mustn't lose this baby, not under these circumstances. I want this child more than anything, I don't think I could recover from another..." I said in fear.

"Mother, you know that we are always here for you if you need help. We all love you and we won't let anything happen to you or the baby." Liesl said while hugging me closer to her in comfort.

"Thank you, thank you.... What would I do without you children?" I said with a little smile.

The phone ringing interrupted our conversation. Liesl ran to answer it but she handed the phone to me immediately.

"Mother, it's yours..." she said.

"Hello?" I answered the phone.

"Mrs. Von Trapp? It's Dr. Swanson. I'm glad to have found you... can you come to the hospital immediately?" his voice sounded excited.

I almost dropped the phone and started trembling. "What happened? What happened?" I asked in excitement.

"Your husband has started moving his fingers." He answered.

"I'll be there within 30 minutes" I said and hung up the phone.

To be continued....

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