She rested her head on his shoulders. Oh my word…is this really happening? She thought to herself. This moment had finally come, the one she had been dreaming of for the past seven years. She couldn't believe what was happening.

And neither could the Captain. She had been wonderful. He had hung on to her every word. He knew where she was going with the conversation. But he just had to hear her say it to believe it. He didn't know why he had been so stubborn. He loved her and he had ever since the day she had entered into his life.

"Maria…"

"Hmm?" She lifted her head to meet his gaze.

"Thank you. So much."

"You're welcome. And thank you."

"For what?"

"For loving me back." She didn't wait for his response. She took his face in her hands and kissed him passionately once more. The night air soon grew too cold for either of them. So the Captain suggested they go inside of the lodge to warm themselves up.

His initial idea was to lead her to the sitting room and light a fire there. But another idea sparked his mind. Without giving her any indication of what he was about to do, Georg sneaked up behind Maria and picked her up, holding her in his arms. When she began to speak in surprise and protest, Georg planted his lips upon hers and moved towards the staircase. From there, he slowly ascended up towards the direction of his bedroom, where they made love for the first time as a couple.

Morning came, and Kurt was up early in the household. He had everything he thought he would need on his trip to the city. There was enough money in his pocket to get him to New York. Now, he just had to pray that his friend was still as hospitable as he had been before.

He made his way downstairs to grab a quick breakfast and to leave a note on his father's study desk. But when he entered into the dining room, he found two lone figures sitting at the table. Hand-in-hand, there was Maria and Georg laughing and talking with each other while they sipped hot tea and ate their breakfast. Neither one of them had noticed Kurt enter the room so he remained silent for a few more moments, watching in awe.

"Oh, good morning, son." The Captain was the first to notice his son's presence. And acting as if nothing had happened between the two, Georg offered the chair next to him for his son to sit. However, Kurt felt that there was still some tension between him and his father, so he chose the chair next to the one his father had motioned to.

"Good morning, father. Good morning Fraulein. I just came down to eat something before I left this morning. So I'll try to be out of your way in a few minutes or so."

"Oh that's right, I forgot. You're leaving for the city today." Georg again tried to pretend that he approved of this all along and was trying a more subtly approach to an apology.

"I see that you both have gotten a little closer than last night. I trust you both slept well." Saying this Kurt's lips formed a slight smile. He knew that Maria and his father had made their peace. He knew it was bound to happen. But that didn't change what had taken place in the Captain's study the night before.

"Actually, on second thought I'll just grab something to eat at the train station when I get there. My taxi should be here momentarily." Kurt stood from the table and so did Maria and Georg.

Please, God, let me say this right. I don't want to lose my son. I've just found a mother for him. Georg's hands were shaking as he prayed silently to himself. Maria noticed the discomfort in the situation and decided to excuse herself.

"Well I think I'll go for a walk outside while the two of you say good-bye to each other." She started for the door, but was stopped by Georg.

"That won't be necessary. I need you here right now. This involves you, too." Georg lifted a comforting hand to Maria's face and softly stroked it. Then he turned his attention toward Kurt.

"Kurt, please sit down. We need to discuss a few things."

"As far as I'm concerned, father, I have nothing left to discuss with you. So if you'll kindly shake my hand and bid me farewell I'll be out of your life forever." Now, Kurt's hands were shaking as he extended his right one for his father to take.

"I'm not going to let you do that. We both said some horrible things to each other last night. Why don't we both forget about them and act like gentleman, shall we?"

"Gentleman??? So you're saying now I'm a gentleman because you want to make amends of the situation? I don't think so, father. In you eyes I will never be good enough for you. That's why I need to leave." Kurt turned to Maria ready to snap emotionally. He had taken enough of his father to last him a lifetime. At least Maria would provide some compassion in this instance.

"Fraulein Maria I wish you all the happiness in the world. Thank you for coming here with me. It was terrific seeing you." He planted a small kiss on her cheek and stood to face his father. "Father, good-bye. I hope you remain well. If you're ever in New York, please stop by." And with that Kurt left the room, stopping to collect his bags on the way and exited the lodge to his awaiting taxi outside.

Not quite how you pictured this chapter to turn out, huh? Well if you want to find out more you're just going to have to wait for the next installment.

Sorry this one took so long, but I had a million things to do before I left for my vacation so I wasn't able to finish the story before I left. Read and Review as always….you all know I appreciate it lots!

J