Maria climbed the steps leading to the deck of the SS. Bergensfjord. Immediately, a biting January breeze hit her, and she wrapped her shawl around her chest and steadied herself with her free hand. Inhaling deeply, the fresh sea air filled her lungs and fully removed all the remnants of sleep from her system. Large, pale orange clouds scattered on a soft pink sky loomed over her head, and she felt the gentle rocking of the large ship upon the momentarily calm water.

She glanced around the deck, seeing the skeleton morning crew move about, one or two occasionally tipping their hats as they passed by her. She smiled in return, her eyes searching the ship. A lighter breeze drifted by her, and she smiled at the crisp yet refreshing winter air. Her hand absently went down to her more than slightly bulging stomach.

"Where is your father?" she murmured, her eyes still darting around the deck.

She turned slowly to the back of the ship, about to continue her search below when she finally spotted him. He was staring out into the horizon, his stance firm and strong, yet Maria could see, even with his back to her, how relaxed her husband was.

Quietly, Maria walked over to him. Part of her felt guilty for disrupting his private moment; he'd had so few with his constant attention to her and to their children. Yet, another, stronger part of her needed to be near him. As she approached, she saw his back straighten.

Georg turned slowly, and Maria wasn't sure if it was the swaying of the boat or the way her husband's face lit up that made her legs suddenly unsteady. Grateful for the railing, she leaned onto her supporting hand and outstretched the other to him.

"Good morning," he said as he helped her walk over to him.

"Forgive me for intruding on your thoughts," she said, but he shook his head.

"You're never an intrusion, my love," he whispered, placing his hand over hers on the railing. "My thoughts are suddenly one hundred per cent clear now."

She pulled her shawl tighter around her, and he frowned. "It's freezing. We should go below decks."

"It's fine," she insisted. "Just for a few more minutes."

"Are you sure?" he asked, still frowning.

Nodding, she smiled. "The fresh air will do us good," she said, and his lips finally curved upward.

Maria leaned over and kissed his cheek, and he wrapped his arm around her. She sighed and looked above her to the sky. "What's the saying? Red sky at night, sailor's delight…"

"…Red sky in morning, sailor's warning," he finished and squeezed her tighter. "It appears to be the end of our tranquil sailing for a little while."

She looked over at him. "Will it be alright?"

He glanced down at her and nodded. "Nothing the crew can't handle."

"Do you wish you were in command?" she asked, grinning.

His eyebrows rose. "I keep my comments about the crew to myself," he said with mock severity, causing her to laugh. After a moment, he shook his head. "No, I've got more important things to think about."

Maria smiled again as her hand went again to her stomach. Georg placed his free hand atop hers and their eyes met. "How are you feeling?"

Nodding, Maria smiled. "I feel wonderful."

Georg kissed her forehead. "I was rather worried about you on the ship," he confessed. "Your morning sickness may have passed, but never having been on a boat before –"

"I was on the rowboat in Salzburg," she objected.

"I know; that's why I was scared," he said, and they laughed.

After a moment, he grinned at her. "You have natural sea legs, Maria," he said, removing his free hand from her stomach to grab the railing when the boat rocked a little more.

She nodded, grabbing the railing herself. "So do the children."

"Of course they do," Georg said with mock offence. "They're Von Trapp children!"

Maria laughed aloud and shook her head. She fell silent and once again stared out into the sea, wondering what would be waiting for them when they docked.

Georg followed her gaze and marveled at how right the moment felt. While he was still apprehensive of whatever awaited them in America, he knew that God would watch over them and keep them safe. He looked down at Maria, seeing the pensive expression on her face.

"Have you thought about where you would like to live when we arrive in America?" he asked.

She turned to meet his gaze. "I have no idea," she confessed. "We're landing in New York, right?"

He nodded. "Is city life for you, Baroness?" he asked, slowly grinning.

"As much as I enjoy the hustle and bustle of a city, no," Maria answered. "I need the hills."

She paused and stared behind her, as if she could see her old home in the distance. Georg followed her gaze, knowing what she was thinking.

"There are hills in America, I believe," he answered her unasked question. "Not like home, but maybe it's better that way."

She turned and nodded. "A brand new start," she said, sighing. Feeling that the ship was steady, she rubbed her stomach again. "A part of me regrets not being able to raise this child in Austria. I feel that he or she will be missing something so important to all of us."

Goerg nodded, but smiled at her. "We'll just have to make sure this child experiences Austria through us," he said. "It won't be the same, but it'll be wonderful, I know it."

Maria smiled broadly. "I do too," she said and leaned in closer to him. "This child is already so loved."

He wrapped both his arms around her and placed his head against hers. "I cannot even fathom going through all this without you," he whispered.

She pulled away, and he wiped away a stray tear. "No tears, Maria."

"Never tell a pregnant lady not to cry," she chided, and they laughed. After a moment, she nodded. "It's funny."

"Funny?"

"Yes, it's funny how, from the moment we talked about the baby that first time, I haven't felt a bit of fear or anxiety," she explained. "All I've felt from that night has been, oh, happiness and excitement."

He nodded, pushing back some hair from her face. "We're all ready for a brand new life."

"Another adventure," she said. "I'm ready for it. It's where we're meant to be."

Another brisk wind caused them both to shudder, despite the warmth between them.

"Let's go back down," Georg said, taking her hand to guide her along the deck. They slowly navigated their way down the stairs she had previously climbed.

When they reached the bottom, he paused and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Exhaling in his strong embrace, she knew that everything was as it should be. Just as He had been from the beginning of last summer, God had guided her in the direction she was meant to follow and lead the life she was born to live. Knowing that, and feeling Georg's arm around her, gave her a feeling of total security.

Together, they walked to their family quarters to wake their children and face whatever adventures awaited them.

Fin

A/N – Thank you to Ilandra, for finding the SS. Bergensfjord.

Also, thank you all for your wonderfulreviews. The insights you noticed made me see the story in an entirely different light, and that allowed me, too, to read it as if for the first time. What a great gift! So, thanks again - INAC