Chapter 9: Part II: Matters of the Heart

Maria's POV and the second half is the Captain's POV

I stand with my elbows against the railing, as I look out over the lake. The night air completely still, and the world around me calm and peaceful…it's nearly perfect.

My return was hours ago, and I still have yet to have a moment alone with him. I wanted to run into his arms, but Elsa was at his side almost instantly. There's so much I need to say, so much I have to tell him…

" Hello." I hear him say from behind me. I take a deep breath, before I turn to face him.

" Good evening." I say happily, my eyes locked with his.

He smiles at me and my knees nearly go weak. " Lovely night."

I nod, as he steps closer to me. " Maria…" His voice is soft, and loving.

And I suddenly find myself fighting off the urge to kiss him.

" Yes?" I say, my voice suddenly shaky.

" I…we never had a chance to speak before you returned to the abbey."

His eyes seem to burn straight into my soul, and I inhale sharply. I simply nod, unable to find any words.

" What happened between us that night…" He says, as he closes the distance between us. " Was…" I interrupt him before he can say anything else.

" I'd never felt anything like that." I say, the words leaving my mouth before I have the chance to stop them. "I…I didn't know what to do, I was frightened." I say, my voice wavering as I fight off the tears that are suddenly welling in my eyes.

" Frightened?" He says, his voice filled confusion.

I nod, and close my eyes as I desperately fight off my tears.

" Maria…" He says, his voice filled with love. " What were you frightened of?"

I look up at him, " I…" I say falling silent, unable to find any words.

I inhale sharply as his hand gently places his hand gently caress my cheek. He smiles at me, and I lean into his touch.

********

I stare as deeply into her eyes as I can. Wanting her to know, that she doesn't have to be afraid of her feelings anymore. " Maria…" I say softly, as I gently try to coax her feelings out of her.

She looks up at me, a single tear falling down her cheek. " I…I" She stammers, as she desperately fights not to lose control .

" I was frightened by my feelings for you." She manages to say, her voice shaky, and barely audible.

I want nothing more then to pull her into my arms," That's why you ran away to the abbey?" I ask gently, careful not to scare her.

She nods tearfully, her eyes finally meeting mine. " I was the governess, you're practically engaged to Baroness Schraeder. I'd pledged my life to God, I wasn't supposed to feel what I feel for you." She practically sobs. " I had to go…"

I stop her by gently placing my finger against her lips. " Maria, you don't have to be afraid anymore." I tell her, my voice soft but confident. " Elsa has returned to Vienna, we've ended our relationship." I tell her softly, making sure not to let her look away. "You don't have to run from your feelings." I smile reassuringly at her, and finally tell her what I've known since the day I met her. " I love you, Maria. I have since that day in the market."

I hear her inhale deeply, as I gently stroke her cheek. " You, gave me back my life. You taught me to feel again, to live again, to love again." I tell her, my own voice beginning to wavier.

I watch as she smiles at me, silent tears staining her cheeks. " Oh my love." I say softly, her eyes fluttering as I tenderly kiss away her tears. I place a soft kiss on her forehead, and I hear her sigh.

And I suddenly find myself unable to keep from kissing her…

I pull her to me, her body pressed to mine. She shudders under my hands as they go around her waist, and I press my lips to hers.

She leans into me, her arms going around my neck. I nearly get lost in the way she tastes, so sweet, it's almost heavenly. My hands seem to have a mind of their own, as the roam freely over her glorious body. She moans against my lips, and I deepen the kiss. Needing to touch her, to feel her against me. My lips leave hers and go to the nape of her neck, as she pulls me to her. I moan her name, feeling her hands running through my hair. I trail my lips to her shoulder blade, and it suddenly dawns on my that neither of us have the will to stop…and I reluctantly pull away.

She looks up at me, her eyes filled with love. And I gently move a strand of hair from her forehead before placing a tender kiss there.

She exhales, and I hear her sigh, completely at peace, and I pull her too me. Her head tucked under my chin.

" The Reverend Mother always says that when God closes a window, somewhere he opens a door." I hear her say quietly.

I pull her closer and smile to myself, " I think she's right." I say happily, pulling her closer.

She nods, her head still resting against my chest.

I put both hands on her cheeks and look into her eyes and smiles at me.

" She usually is." She says with a small laugh.

I smile back at her, and place a tender kiss on her forehead. " What else does the Reverend Mother say?" I ask, happily.

" That you have to look for your life." She says, her blues eyes sparkling with happiness.

" And have you found it Maria?"

She nods happily, I smile at her, and place both hands on her beautiful face. " Maria, is there anyone I should go to, to ask permission to marry you?"

" Why don't we ask…"

The children, we both say in unison. I smile at her, knowing that won't be the last time we finish each other's sentences.

I take her in my arms again, close my eyes, and say a silent thank you to God for sending me my miracle.

To be continued…