Surprise! Another chapter up already. I hope you will like this one as well. Please review, I love getting feedback. : )

Chapter 10

The children were all tucked in their beds when Maria entered her room with a yawn. She decided to take a shower before going to bed and started undressing. There was a tap on the door and Maria sighed.

"Maria? May I come in?" She could hear Georgs sweet voice outside, quickly opened the door and beckoned for him to come in.

"Did I interrupt you?"

"No, I was just going to take a shower."

"I see. I need one as well I believe, after the activities today." He chuckled at the memory of Maria, after they had thrown her into the water, looking like a drenched cat.

"That was not funny!" She swatted him playfully on the arm and then locked eyes with him. He put his strong arms around her and hugged her tightly. 'This feels so right. What are you waiting for you jackass!' Georg thought while crushing Maria to his frame. He felt a pang of desire shoot through his body but managed to hold his instincts back. Maria lifted her head and kissed him gently on the lips. He responded and they deepened the kiss while Georg helped Maria get undressed before leading her to the bathroom. As he left her there to have some time alone she called him back.

"Don't you dare leave me alone now! Beside, you said you needed a shower as well" she said, her eyes dark with desire and her face slightly flushed. This sight was something Georgs self control couldn't handle and he had joined her in the shower within 30 seconds.

One hour later the couple sat in front of the roaring fire in the common room, both too exhausted to talk. They just sat there on the couch, comfortably enjoying each others company. Maria sighed contentedly and leaned her head against Georgs shoulder while Georg took her hand and began to stroke it gently.

"Do you remember your so called rheumatism you had during dinner your first evening here?" She lifted her head and smiled.

"Of course I do."

"I knew all about the pine cone." He chuckled as she opened her mouth in astonishment.

"You did? And you didn't tell me?"

"Well, no. I've witnessed it many times before and actually find it rather amusing."

"Georg!"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I just wanted you to know." She started smiling again.

"Apology accepted." She leaned her head to his shoulder again and closed her eyes.

"Maria?"

"Hmm?"

"There was actually something else I wanted to tell you." She opened her eyes but didn't lift her head up.

"What?" He forced her to sit properly and look him in the eyes. Maria got nervous because of the seriousness in his voice. He moved closer until their lips were only inches apart, still gazing into her eyes. Marias stomach tightened and she started trembling lightly.

"Maria…" he whispered, his voice full with emotion.

"I love you." A tear rolled down Marias cheek.

"What did you just say?"

"Oh Maria, I love you more than life itself." With that he gently put his lips to hers, waiting for his words to sink in. Maria leaned back and looked at him, astonished. Tears started to run freely down her cheeks and Georg got nervous. 'What if she doesn't feel the same way!' Maria looked away from him and he could hear his heart brake.

"Maria, please don't look away. I'm sorry if this is not the way you had planned it but I can't hide my feelings anymore. I am in love with you; I love you with all my heart." Maria slowly turned her head back to face Georg, tears still rolling down her face. She could see the fear in Georgs eyes and smiled at him.

"I love you too." She threw herself at him and started pouring kisses all over him. He soon understood the meaning of this and got up from the couch as he started laughing, pulling Maria up with him. He lifted her up and started twirling while laughing with happiness. Maria soon joined the laughing and they hugged fiercely. As Georg looked deep into Marias eyes again a single tear rolled down his cheek.

"I… I thought I had lost you forever when you didn't answer. Please don't ever scare me like that again."

"I won't, I promise." She kissed him deeply with passion before standing back to simply look at him.

"You know, I never thought this day would come. You, loving little me."

"And I thought you would go back to the abbey. You've made me the happiest man on earth."

"Oh, I love you Georg." After a bit of cuddling Georg cleared his throat.

"Maybe it's time we went to bed? It's rather late."

"I quite agree." They started walking, hand in hand, up the stairs, taking breaks to kiss every now and then before finally standing outside the Captains bedroom.

"This is my bedroom."

"Yes, that's your bedroom."

"So… Good night then fräulein."

"Good night Captain." He opened the door and with a smile Maria followed him inside.