Elsa and Max are sitting in the living room when the phone rings. Max picks up the receiver and listens intently. After a couple of minutes he hangs up. He says nothing as he stands staring at the phone.

" Well what is it? Have they found him? Max answers me? Elsa says almost shouting.

" I'm sorry Elsa the police say that the roads are too covered with snow to safely send out a search party by car. They have decided to send out the ski patrol. It will be easier to search the area", Max says as he sits down. As Elsa starts to speak the children stop her short.

"Uncle Max is there any news about father and Fraulein Maria? Liesl asks sounding very concerned. Max looks at her and the rest of the children .Not wanting to scare them especially the younger ones he smiles and says" I wouldn't worry children your father probably found a place to stay for the night.

" Why wouldn't he call us?'Asks Louisa.

"I understand that the phone lines near Mondsee were damaged by the storm. They have no phone service, says Max. Don't worry children they are all right I know it. Any minute I expect them to be coming through that door with a great story to tell." Max glances over at Elsa and tries not to laugh at the expression on her face. Her raised eyebrows tell him she is thinking that something else has happened.

Max suggest that the children have breakfast and that when any news comes in he will tell them immediately.

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Maria feels Georg's soft caress and hears how he was worried about her. As their eyes meet they both feel a connection that they can no longer deny.

"I'm sorry you were so worried Captain but you know how stubborn I am. I am not going anywhere. The children are too important to me"; she says still looking in his eyes.

" Only the children Maria?" he says smiling at her. Nervously she puts the cup down and Georg releases her hand.

"No, I mean yes." I love the children as if they were my own," Maria said. Feeling nervous and scared, Maria attempts to get up and as she does her legs start to give way. As she starts to fall she suddenly feels a strong pair of arms grab her waist. She looks up into the warmest pair of blue eyes she has ever seen.

Georg looks into her eyes and realizes he can longer deny his feelings for her. As she looks at him he slowly places his lips on hers. At first she is somewhat hesitant bur as he pulls her closer she begins to respond. Georg deepens the kiss slowly parting her lips with his tongue. Maria moans as their tongues touch and she feels his hands move to her back. His lips leave hers and descend down her neck. Maria tilts her head back as he kisses the hollow of her throat.

Georg moans as Marias hands rub up and down his back. Knowing that he is the first and only man to touch and kiss her made his desire for her rise. Georg stops kissing her and looks into her eyes.

" I think we should slow down" he says noting the flushing of her cheeks. Maria nods slowly and she places her head on his shoulder. They hold each other neither speaking. Their hearts slow to a normal pace as Georg takes her face in his hands.

Maria smiles at him. " I love you Maria. I have loved you ever since I first saw you. I was so scared I was going to lose you last night. I know now that I never want to be without you again. I want you stay with me always. " Will you marry me? Georg asks

Maria looks at him and sees the love he has for her in his eyes. No one has ever loved her that much. She loves him. She can finally say it. She has known it for a long time but she had chose to deny it until now. "Yes I will marry you, she says as she places her hands over his. Georg again places his lips on hers and this time there is no hesitation on her part. She is in the arms of the man she loves. Georg deepens the kiss and as their tongues mingle they both moan. Georgs hands slowly ascend from her waist to her sides without meaning to his hands lightly touch her breasts. This arouses feelings in her that she never knew existed.

Georgs head spins as he feels her body so close to his. His body is acting in a way he forgot had existed. He wants nothing more than to make love to her right then and there. Breaking away from their kiss he holds her and starts to speak. Just then the door opens and Georg turns to see four policemen holding skis.