Chapter 6

Maria's Cottage

Knock: Knock

" Coming. Just a moment. " answered Maria, as she walked towards the door.

" Take your time. " said Georg.

" Georg? What on earth are you doing here at this hour? " said Maria, who was barely awake herself.

" I need to talk to you about what happened. " said Georg.

" Georg, your a mess. What have you been or not been doing for the past six months? " said Maria, getting concerned.

" That doesn't matter right now. Can we please talk about what happened. " said Georg.

" Of course, come on in. If your here at this hour then whose watching the children? " asked Maria, still concerned.

" Max. Maria, I have a lot to explain for what happened. " said Georg.

" What is Max doing still in town? I thought he was only in town for a month. " said Maria, whose look was now growing with more concern.

" He was suppose to but that's not important. I'll get to that later. Maria, can we please talk about what happened? " pleaded Georg.

" What's stopping you? All I asked was why Max was still in town. " said Maria as she sat down on the couch.

" Maria, I didn't mean for what happen to happen. I got scared, I wasn't sure how to handle it. The thought of getting married again just brought back memories of Agathe again and I shut myself off to all of it and what I should have done was talked to you but I didn't. Instead, I let the one thing that matters the most, besides my children, walk out of my life and I'm not about to let that happen again. " said Georg.

" Oh, Georg. Why didn't you say something sooner? Georg, you know I would have understood. I'll always be there for you and the children, no matter what. " said Maria.

" So you will be coming home then? " said Georg, hoping to take that as a yes.

" Well of course, I'm coming home. Where else would I go? " laughed Maria.

" Not funny, Fraulein. Its about time someone brought you home. The children were ready to scream bloody murder. I honestly think Marta and Gretl thought you were not coming back for good this time. " snickered Georg.

" Well, did someone bother to tell the little darlings that it was their father who needed to get his act together and get a move on it. " retorted Maria, gently smacking Georg upside the head in a playful manner.

" No, but maybe someone should have. But did you have to hit me upside the head for it, darling? " laughed Georg, as he began tickling Maria.

" Did I do that? Darn. My hand must of slipped. Too bad. Can't say I rather enjoyed it though. I should do it more often. Maybe not at head level though. " smiled Maria, hoping that Georg would catch on to the playful behavior.

" Well, Fraulein, I must say. That is a first I have seen from you. If your going to be more this playful around the house. Maybe a change in titles can be arranged. " smiled Georg, who by now, was lying next to Maria on the bed.

" Are you asking what I think your asking me? Again I might add. " said Maria. as the tears started to build up.

" Depends. Are those tears I see in your eyes starting to build up. Again. " said Georg, who loved it when he got Maria to cry.

" Yes, alright. You managed to do it again. " said Maria, fighting to hold back the tears.

" Maria, I ask you again, after my stubbornness and foolishness for the past six months, but if we can get through that then we can get through anything. Maria, I love you more than anything. The children love you. Maria, I ask you again, will you marry me? " said Georg, as he got down on one knee and held out that same ring once more.

" Georg, you know my answer to that question but if you still want to hear that answer. Yes, I will marry you. " cried Maria, as she fell back on the bed from Gerog's gentle embrace.

" Maybe, we could call the children and Frau Schmidt and Max that we're still talking things out and that we'll be home in the morning. Or just let Frau Schmidt and Max know what is going on but not the children. This cottage seems too good to let to go to waste. " smirked Georg,as he laid on the bed with Maria in his arms, knowing that their life together, was sealed.

" Don't you think that will upset the children when you call and tell them that we're still talking things over? " said Maria, interrupting the moment.

" No. the younger ones won't understand what is going on unless Liesl or Max explains to them what is going on. Brigitta and Louisa will most likely join forces and put two and two together just like their older siblings will and most likely figure it out that we're really not talking things out anymore and that something must have happened for us not to have come home right away. I know my own children. Thanks to a certain Fraulein, I know.. " smirked Georg, as he continued to kiss Maria.

" Your so sure of yourself on that one, are you Captain? How about a little side bet then? " laughed Maria, who by know had his full attention.

" I don't think you fully know what your doing right now, Maria. Are you sure you want to make this side bet? " said Georg.

" You haven't even heard what the bet was and your so damn sure of yourself. " said Maria, as the conversation grew even more interesting.

" And what would this little bet be, may I ask? " said Georg, who still had his attention fixed on Maria/

" If your wrong about knowing your children then I get to redo one room and any room in the villa and I get to pick the wedding date. If I'm wrong about you knowing your children then, then you can your say in any of the wedding plans that I told you couldn't. Fair? " said Maria.

" Depends on which room in the villa you had your eyes set on redoing. You know the one room that is off limits. " stated Georg.

" Yes, but the deal was one room and any room. Besides, do you really think I would take that one room and turn into a girly room? " said Maria, hoping he would give in and she would win the bet right then and there.

" Fine, You win the bet, you can redo that room. But you have to win the bet first. " laughed Georg.

" You'll see. " laughed Maria, falling asleep.