Pre-Anschluss

With the sun gone and the moonlight casting it's glow, Maria stood outside on the balcony, enjoying the tranquillity. She had excused herself from dessert and retreated to the master bedroom to lay down. She hand been feeling tired lately and some foods were not being so kind to her. Sweet things in particular made her stomach cramp, as if the child she carried went still at the smell of sugar in the air.

After dozing for twenty minutes with her hands folded over her flat and soft stomach, she wandered out into the fresh night air. She could hear the children laughing and running around in the early evening darkness. Though she predicted that Marta and Gretl were playing by the lights on the veranda.

"Good evening."

Maria smiled and turned as Georg stepped through the doorway. "Good evening."

"I thought I might find you sleeping." He took her hands and brought them to his lips. He looked into her eyes with a soft look. "I hoped you were still resting."

She tipped her forehead forward to rest against his lips, and sighed contentedly as his mouth journeyed across her cheek. "I was only a little tired. I'm fine now."

"I brought you some hot tea and a bowl of fruit." He said into her ear.

"Thank you." She leaned against him and rested her eyes as she felt his lips on her neck.

After a few luscious minutes of treasured intimacy, both shared a kiss and a loving gaze.

"Maria," Georg said softly. "Are you… unwell?"

She shook her head slowly. "No, my darling. I'm just tired."

He raised his head a fraction, looking at her with patience and love.

She smiled and released one of his hands to touch his face. Her fingers traced his bottom lip, then smoothed her palm from his temple to his cheek. "Georg, my love." She smiled with watering, but happy eyes. "We're going to have,"

"a baby." They both laughed, both happy with the news.

"My darling," He chuckled. "This is wonderful."

"I knew you would be happy. I wish I knew how to show you how much I am."

Cradling her face in his hands, he kissed her lightly on the lips. "You are showing me. You glow with happiness, Maria. I can see it. And I love you so, so very much."

She held onto him as silent tears fell. Her life was truly blessed with a family and a loving husband.

May Continue, May Not.