Liesl was up early on the day of her wedding. Even though she tried to do her best, she couldn't help but be nervous the more she thought of the day that lay ahead. She checked on her gown, on her bags that had already been packed for the honeymoon and seeing her name "Mrs. Liesl Johnson" written on the tag, made her smile. Her thoughts wandered over to Craig, her fiancé and wondered if he was as nervous as she was at the moment. She looked around in the room and felt her heart sadden at the thought that this was the last morning she woke up in that bed and as of today she no longer would be living under the roof of her father's house. She was deep in thought, when a soft knock was heard on the door.
"Come in," she said and saw Louisa enter the room.
"Hello bride, how are you today?" Louisa asked while taking a seat on the bed.
"Why are you up so early? It's my wedding day, you have no reason to be nervous," Liesl smiled.
"Are you nervous?" Louisa asked and saw Liesl nod.
"Liesl, I just wanted to talk to you," Louisa started. "I know, we are different, you and I are like water and fire but still I would like you to know that I'm always here for you as you have always been there for me. Thank you for allowing me to be your maid of honor," Louisa hugged her sister.
"Oh, Louisa. I'm so proud of you. Often I wish I were like you, so full of life and fun. You know, that you can always turn to me no matter how far I live," Liesl said with a smile.
There was another knock on the door and in the next moment four other girls were standing in the doorway, each of them smiling broadly at their eldest sister.
"Good morning, everyone!" Liesl said. "Come and join us, here," she motioned for them. In the next moment 6 girls were chatting and laughing happily in the small room. Liesl felt tears form in her eyes to see all her sisters gather in her room. She knew that this moment would be treasured forever.
The happy noise in Liesl's room filled the house, forcing everyone to wake up. Maria started shifting in Georg's arms as she heard her daughters' laughter. Georg had been awake for moments now, but didn't want to disturb his wife's peaceful sleep.
"Good morning, darling. How are you today?" he asked.
"Good morning, love," she smiled. "I'm perfect," she answered and gave him a light kiss on his lips.
"No morning sickness?" he asked.
"I don't think so. I won't let anything spoil the big day," she replied as she tried to get out of bed.
"Where are you going?" he asked, not wanting her to go.
"I think I should see what the girls are up to," she replied while fastening the slash of her robe.
Maria knocked on Liesl's door and entered it. The sight brought a big smile to her face. Her daughters were scattered in the room, some of them sitting on the floor, some of them on the bed, and each of them looking up at her smiling.
"Will you join us, Mother?" Liesl asked.
Maria nodded and took a seat on the bed, smiling broadly at her 6 daughters. Alexandra got up from the floor and sat next to Maria on the bed. She snuggled close to her mother and looked up at her questionably.
"How is the baby doing today?" she asked. Maria smiled in response and put her arms around her daughter. "Oh, the baby is doing extremely well today," she answered with a wide smile.
"And what about you, Mother? Are you feeling okay?" Louisa asked and sitting on the floor she took a hold of Maria's hand. She looked down at her daughter and gently squeezed her hand in response.
"How could I feel otherwise? I'm excellent today," she replied and smiled at her daughters whose gazes were fixed on her. Her eyes wandered to Liesl and she couldn't help, but remember the day of her own wedding and how nervous she had been then.
"Okay, we shouldn't run out of time. What about having some breakfast and then I think we should start getting ready," Maria gently suggested.
Georg was excitedly preparing in his room, the fact that his eldest daughter was getting married started dawning on him. He felt nervousness taking over him, on the other hand he felt sad about seeing Liesl leave the family's nest. He liked his future son-in-law very much and while other fathers tended to be critical towards the man, who was taking their daughters, Georg had accepted Craig into the family in the moment Liesl introduced him. He was fixing his tie when Maria emerged from the bathroom wearing a light cream color dress with a jacket, her longish hair elegantly put up in a bun at the back of her head. She turned around, asking for his opinion.
"Very elegant, absolutely beautiful," he commented on her appearance, approaching her he took her in his arms and placed a light kiss on her lips. She looked into his eyes and for a long moment they maintained eye contact.
"You look very handsome, Captain," she commented. "But now I think I should go and see what the others are up to," Maria said and left the room. "Amazing woman" he thought to himself and smiled.
First she checked on the girls, but for her relief everything was under control. She knocked on the door to the bride's room and when she entered it, she smiled broadly at Liesl.
"Are you ready? I suspected you would need some help with your gown," Maria said and saw a few tears in Liesl's eyes.
"What is the matter, my girl?" she asked upon noticing the tears in Liesl's eyes.
"Oh, just nerves. I know it's silly, you and I have discussed everything. I just cannot help. I want this day to be perfect," Liesl replied.
"It will be, it will be," Maria said and hugged her daughter. "Don't ruin your make-up. As I see the beautician and the hairdresser did an excellent job this morning," she comforted her.
"It's okay, Mother," Liesl replied and tried to smile.
"Come, let me help you with your gown," Maria said and stood up. Liesl followed her and the help of Maria Liesl put on her gown. She swung in front of the mirror while Maria gently fixed her veil. Liesl smiled at her reflection, it was really like a dream coming true. She looked at Maria, her eyes asking the question. Maria softly nodded, her eyes shining with tears.
They heard Georg's voice coming through the door asking for permission to come in. The two women exchanged a look before letting him enter the bride's room. Georg's heart melted upon seeing his wife and eldest daughter standing in the middle of the room. Maria looked at Liesl and quietly sneaked out of the room, letting Georg have some time with his daughter.
"Oh, you are so beautiful, my daughter!" Georg exclaimed and stepped closer to her. The eyes, and the beautiful features of the young woman reminded him of his beloved Agathe. Even though he was married to Maria now, he couldn't help but remember the vision of his beautiful bride starting her journey down the aisle. In that moment back then, he had been filled with happiness and in his darkest dreams, he had not dared to think that death would rip them apart sooner than anyone had expected. Tears formed in his eyes as he took one more look at Liesl. He felt a lump in his throat, and for a moment he was left speechless.
"You know…" his words failed. I can feel your mother watching us from above. She must be filled with pride to see her eldest daughter today," he finished.
"Yes father, she is certainly here with us. But I also know that I'm not the only one she is proud of, father," Liesl finished and hugged her father.
Georg pulled out a little book from his inner pocket and handed to Liesl. She took the book and gently caressed the cover page.
"Your mother held this bible in her hands when she walked down the aisle at our wedding. She would want you to hold it on your special day," Georg answered upon seeing the puzzled look on Liesl's face.
"Oh," Liesl let out a sigh. "Thank you, father," Liesl smiled.
"So, if you are ready Liesl I should get you to the church," Georg said and offered his arm to his daughter.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, all their family members applauded them. Slowly they walked to the cars lining up in front of the house to bring the guests to the small church not too far from their home.
Liesl stood in the doorway to the church, holding the bouquet of flowers and the little bible in her hands. Her eyes tried to survey the interior and for a moment she felt her nerves taking over at the sight of the crowded church. Her gaze was fixed on her fiancée in order to receive reassurance, strength and faith. Louisa, her maid of honor, stood next to her, and carefully she arranged Liesl's dress and veil.
"Everything will be all right," Georg said in comfort, looking at his two eldest daughters. "You both look radiant today," he proudly added.
The sound of the wedding procession filled the air, and it was time to start the journey. Louisa entered the church and in perfect synchrony with the music she started walking towards the altar. The crowd stood up when they saw Liesl follow her walking down the aisle at her father's side. His presence next to her, the way he held her hand in his gave her reassurance and made her feel safe, although she couldn't hide her nervousness. She gave a sideward glance to see her friends and family members. She smiled when she passed Maria whose eyes were shining with tears. The scent of fresh flowers made her feel dizzy and for a moment she thought she was in a dream. Her fiancée Craig, couldn't help but smile at his beautiful fiancée. His gaze reflected pride and love. When the couple reached the altar, Georg placed a little kiss on his daughter's face before letting her take Craig's hand. The bride and the groom exchanged a loving look while he gently squeezed Liesl's hand in reassurance before they together turned to face the priest. Georg returned to his seat next to Maria. He looked at his wife and took a hold of her hand. Holding it tightly in his hand, he thought about how Maria was his second chance in life that God had granted him.
Liesl and Craig listened carefully to the words of the priest before they were asked to stand up to state their vows. Liesl felt her voice shaking as she started speaking, but the loving look on Craig's face made her fears melt away. When the vows were stated and the wedding rings were place on their fingers, the priest announced them husband and wife. Craig gently cupped Liesl's face in his hand and kissed her gently, but also fully. The crowd burst out in an applause to greet the newly weds.
Outside the church they were bombarded with hundreds of hugs and congratulations. It was obvious for everyone that this match was based on true love, the happiness was beyond any control. Everyone wanted to share his good wishes with Liesl and Craig. When the last guest in the line was done, the crowd slowly made its way to a nearby fancy restaurant for the reception.
When dinner was finished the newly wed couple opened the dance floor by dancing the Blue Danube Waltz by Strauss. They held close to each other, enjoying their special day.
"I love you" Craig whispered into Liesl's ear, and the young woman's lips curved into a big smile.
"And I love you," she smiled and gently caressed his back with her fingers.
The other couples slowly followed the newly weds on the dance floor. The first ones joining them were Maria and Georg, as well as Louisa and Friedrich. When the music ended the leader of the musicians asked for attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen. We are here on a very special occasion today. Our newly wed couple wants to give a special gift to their family members. So I would like to ask all family members, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers to come and join here on the dance floor. Please form a big circle and just follow the music. The circle symbolizes the bond that you both have to your families. Now, that you will start your journey as husband and wife, and as you walk life's path together, this moment should always stay in your memory, as well as the love that you received from your family," the musician instructed the quite large group of people on the dance floor. They didn't need to be instructed twice, Maria, Georg and the children, as well as Craig's parents and his elder sister and younger brother formed the circle. The music started playing and the circle of people moved in perfect synchrony with it. Liesl looked at her brothers and sisters holding hands and smiling. Her eyes laid upon her father holding Alexandra's hand while Maria held the little girl's hand on the other side. Her in-laws also seemed to enjoy this special family time together. The music slowly faded and the individuals just stood there, all of them touched by the moment.
When the music faded, Georg approached his eldest daughter and invited her to a round of dances on the floor. Giving a sideward glance, he noticed that his now son-in-law had taken his wife for a few rounds. Maria was glowing from inside, her eyes were shining and she didn't show any signs of fatigue. He couldn't help but worry about his wife's health now that she was finally expecting again. He saw her enjoy a few more dances with other guests before he decided to steal a little moment with her again. Taking her hand in his he led her to the table to get some rest.
"Are you alright, darling?" he asked while gently squeezing her hand.
"Yes, I'm perfect, Georg. It's such a special day for all of us," Maria said and laughed as she pointed to the dance floor.
"Look, Friedrich is trying to dance with Alexandra," she laughed. Georg joined in her laughter, but his gaze wandered over to see Kurt and Brigitta enjoy a dance together.
"Oh, my son has improved a lot, since the night of the party," Georg said and caressed Maria's cheek. "But I must add, I'm glad he was a bit clumsy that night, this way he gave me a chance to take the most beautiful woman in my arms," he smiled at the memory and felt Maria's fingers gently caress his leg. Maria put her head on Georg's shoulder and together they waited for the song to end. Before a new tune started, Georg pulled up Maria and took her in his arms for the next dance.
"Come, before someone else is stealing you from me," he whispered and the two of them started moving in perfect synchrony with the music.
"Oh, the mother of the bride?" Maria laughed. "No way," she added with a smile and sighed in contentment.
There were many waltzes to be danced and delicious meals to be eaten before the reception went into the late evening hours and the newly wed couple bid farewell to the guests and left for their honeymoon.
The next morning Maria slept in long, even after the long rest she didn't feel well when she woke up. She reasoned it with her condition and the amount of stress they had gone through while preparing Liesl's wedding. The space next to her in bed was empty since Georg had woken up earlier. Besides feeling dizzy and light-headed she felt stomach cramps that she knew were not normal. She was too tired, too exhausted to get out of bed at all. She just lay there in the hope someone would show up in the bedroom. The cramps didn't want to go away and the fear of facing something bad started consuming her mind. As if her prayers were being answered, Georg appeared in the door, his face turning pale upon seeing Maria still lying in bed with a pale face.
"Maria, what's wrong? Are you not feeling well?" he asked and ran to her, taking a hold of her hand and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"I don't know. I'm very tired and feel dizzy and I have stomach cramps," she answered while trying to sit up.
"What? Cramps?" he asked frightened. "Oh, no Maria. You stay in bed. I will call the doctor immediately," Georg said while gently pushing her back to the pillows. He ran out of the room and placed a phone call for a doctor.
To be continued….