This is the final chapter of my story. Enjoy it!

Chapter 8

Finally my life was perfect again. The prospect of the new additions to our family filled our days with happy anticipation. Gretl and I got really close to each other due to our simultaneous pregnancies. Georg decided to finally retire from teaching to be able to spend most of his time with us. He was assigned, however, by the Academy to write a book on his navy experiences. He complied with this duty eagerly, yes the sea and the navy was in his blood.

Weeks had passed and slowly they turned into months. My pregnancy was moving along smoothly, Georg's recovery was a treat to witness. Despite all the positive feedbacks I had received on my pregnancy from Dr. Miller I started to become frightened. The fact that I was 43 years old didn't let my mind be free of worries.

* * *

„Interested in a little walk?" Georg approached me while I was resting on the terrace enjoying the fresh air of the sunny autumn afternoon and the soft breeze touching my face.

„Oh, yes that sounds tempting especially if you get me a small portion of creamies on the way." I said with a smile and held out my hands to Georg to help me stand up.

„Small??? I would have a hard time eating the half of that small, Darling." He commented with a twinkle in his eyes while helping me up from the sitting position.

Holding my hand in his in support we started walking towards the park near our home. The sun was shining bright giving a magical glow to the leaves that had turned into their most gorgeous fall foliage colors.

"Can we sit on a bench? I'm getting tired and my back hurts." I asked my husband when I felt my waist and back getting heavy under the weight of the baby. Gently he guided me to a nearby bench and helped me sit down.

"Thank you" I sighed. "You know these are the little privileges of a pregnancy". I said with a smile while shifting to make myself more comfortable. Georg placed his hand on my stomach.

"My child is very active today. Are you playing football in there?" He said when he felt a little kick coming from inside.

"That's what he or she does all the time. Our child is full of energy." I smiled and put my hand on his.

"You look worried Darling, what's up?" Georg gently stroked my face.

"Oh, nothing special...or everything I should say." I replied with a deep sigh.

"Is it about the delivery?" He asked. I softly nodded.

"Georg, I'm a bit afraid. I'm 43 years old... I have miscarried a few times... Christine is 7 years old; she is not a baby anymore. I don't know if I'm prepared for late night feedings, diapers etc." I trailed off.

"Come on, where is the little adventurous Fraulein I married?" He asked with a twinkle in his eyes before going on: "And besides, you have done this 3 times before. You will handle this with skill, Maria." His comment made me smile.

"Will you help me? I mean will you be beside me the entire time?" I asked.

"Of course I will. It goes without saying. Do not forget, there is still a lot of life in this old sea captain, Darling." Georg said while kissing me gently on the lips.

* * *

Despite my protest Dr. Miller insisted on my delivering the baby in a hospital. I had delivered all my children at home, but this time I had to take this news with resignation. I made myself believe that it was definitely the safest for both of us.

My time arrived about two weeks earlier than planned on a Sunday morning at the end of November. I woke up to stomach cramps that I had identified immediately as the start of contraction.

"Georg, Georg.... I started waking him up. "I'm in labor...." But my words failed as the new wave of cramps took over. He jumped out of bed and got quickly dressed. Gently he helped me downstairs and get on the car while smiling at me reassuringly.

Dr. Miller right away took care about me and I was taken to the labor room immediately. Georg was allowed to stay at my bedside. I held his hand tightly in mine when the contractions came. I had been in labor for a few hours and my energy level was on decrease. This delivery seemed to be the toughest one I had ever had. Despite the cramps everything seemed to be under control.

"Stop pushing Maria, I have to check on the baby" Dr. Miller said while focusing on his task at the foot of the bed. "Do not push." He instructed me again. I felt a knot form in my stomach; my misgivings told me that something was wrong.

"What is going on Dr. Miller?" Georg looked startled. Without answering the question Dr. Miller instructed the nurse to arrange for an operating room urgently. I held Georg's hand even tighter and gasped for breath.

"The baby.... What is..." I cried in pain while my other hand touched my stomach.

"Maria, please do not be scared, what we are going to do is to transfer you to the operating room. Caesarean section is the only way I can help the baby enter this world." Dr. Miller tried to calm me. "Don't worry Captain, your wife and your child will be fine. You can wait outside, it won't take long."

* * *

When I awoke a few hours later in a hospital room the first thing coming into was Georg's face. Gently he stroked my cheek and placed a soft kiss on my hand.

„Hello beautiful Mother, how are you?" He smiled at me.

„Georg.... the baby?" I asked a bit disorientated.

„He is fine Maria, he is beautiful.... a healthy 9-pound son." He said proudly.

„Oh, a boy.... have you seen him?" I asked but I felt too weak to sit up.

„Yes, he is perfect Maria. You just relax, darling. I love you. I'm so proud of you. You were very brave today."

„And the children?" I went on asking.

„I have called them, they are happy, too." He replied.

A quiet, soft knock on the door made my head turn to where the sound came from. My heart skipped a beat when I saw a nurse standing in the doorway holding a little bundle in her hands. Gently Georg helped me sit up a bit.

„This is your son Mrs. Von Trapp" the nurse said while placing the baby into my arms. My eyes were full in tears as I looked down at his tiny little face sleeping contently in my arms.

"He is perfect, he is beautiful." I sighed all the while not able to remove my gaze from his little face.

"Yes, he is... a real miracle." Georg softly stroked the baby's cheek.

"Hello, my little one...you have made me work today, you know? But finally you have made it safely to this world my little Georg." My husband's eyes opened wide in suprise.

"Maria... you want to name him after me?" He asked still in suprise.

"Yes and I won't take any argument about it from you Captain." I smiled. "Georg, when I first found out that I was with this child, I made up my mind that no matter what happens I would name him Georg, but only if it's a boy of course." I laughed while my eyes were brimming with tears.

Georg moved closer to me until his arm went around my shoulder. He placed a soft kiss on my cheek kissing away the moisture. I leaned back to rest my head against his shoulder in contentment. Silently I thanked God for guiding and watching over us. "Life is perfect". I whispered. „I wouldn't want it any other way." He confirmed.

As the first rays of the rising sun came out and peeked into the hospital room guiding us toward a new life and future our newborn son slowly opened his eyes and moved his little face upwards to meet his parents' proud and loving gaze.

The End

I hope you have enjoyed my story.

Thank you so much for all the feedbacks I have received from you. Please review this chapter as well! Thanks.