Georg and Maria spend the days with their son and the nights planning their wedding. Georg sends a telegram to Liesl explaining all that has happened and also asks her to contact Father Wasner about securing a date for the wedding The days pass and the time to leave is drawing closer. Georg sees to all the necessary papers that will allow Maria and him to bring Georg back to the states.
" Can you believe we will be leaving in two days. Have you heard from Liesl? Maria asks as she sips her coffee.
" No It's strange. I thought I would get word from her" Georg answers.
" Maybe she is upset, after all I did leave.
Taking Marias hand Georg shakes his head. "No darling she was hoping that I would find you again. They all still love you very much and I am sure they are all thrilled that I have found you"
Maria smiles and covers his hand with hers. They share a tender kiss.
" Excuse me sir, you are Baron VonTrapp?
" Yes.
" You have a telephone call."
Georg looks puzzled at Maria as he goes to the phone. He comes back a couple minutes later.
" That was Reverend Mother. She would like us to come to the abbey tomorrow. Seems as if the other children wish to give a going away party for Georg.
" Oh how wonderful. I just wish we could find homes for all the children in the orphanage" Maria says as she holds Georgs hand.
" Maybe when we get back to the States we can start a campaign to find these children a home. When we return after our wedding and honeymoon that is I will start things rolling. He says touching his hand to her cheek.
Maria leans into his touch " Maybe Joseph can help with the campaign. His story brought us back together maybe he can bring the same happiness to the children.
" Yes I will ask him. Come to think of it I have not seen him in a few days I wonder where he has been" Georg says as he gets up and pulls Maria chair out for her.
" I saw him this morning, he told me he was working on another story and that is why he has not been around" Maria says as they head to her room.
Reaching her door Georg takes her hand. Reaching up, her arms encircle his neck. His lips reach for hers and she gladly accepts them. He deepens the kiss as his tongue touches hers. Her body heats up as does his. Breaking from the kiss she looks in his eyes.
" I know, we have to stop before things get too far" he says touching her flushed cheek with his hand.
" I know this is hard but I want our wedding night to be special. Just a little while longer" she says smiling into his touch. He smiles back and squeezes her hand. They whisper their goodnights and Maria goes into her room. As she readies herself for bed she can't help but think of having Georgs hands on her and his mouth exploring every part of her body. She falls asleep dreaming of the day when she can finally be his again.
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Maria finishes dressing and is getting her purse when she hears a knock. Opening the door she smiles as Georg pulls her into a tender hug
" Good morning darling, ready to go" he says looking down at her.
" Yes let me get my purse and then we can be off" she says grabbing her purse off the nightstand.
They head toward the abbey. They walk through the city watching the flower sellers and fruit stands set up for the day.
" I'm glad to see some things have not changed even with all that the war did to this city" Georg says as he stops by one of the flower sellers. He picks out a bouquet of multi color roses and hands them to Maria.
She smiles and closes her eyes taking in the fragrance. They walk down the Greiderstrasse hands clasped firmly in each others.
Maria stops in front of a store window. Her eyes are fixed on the dress in the window. It is the most beautiful dress she has ever seen. White with pale blue flowers bordering the hem. The neckline is not too low and is simple. The sleeves short with the same blue flowers bordering the sleeve. Georg sees her staring at the dress.
" Maria? Maria" he says again waving his hand in front of her face.
Looking at him she apologizes" I'm sorry Georg but that dress it's amazing" she says pointing to the window.
He looks up and smiles. Taking her hand he opens the door to the dress shop.
" Can I help you" asks the saleswoman.
" Yes is that dress in the window for sale? Georg asks as Maria smiles at him.
" Yes sir would the young lady like to try it on?" the woman asks looking at Maria.
" Georg I" she started to protest but Georg put his finger to her lips.
" Yes she would like to try it on" Georg answers for her. Maria shakes her head and follows the woman into the dressing room. Georg looks around as he waits. He hears the curtain open and smiles when he sees her. The dress fit her perfectly. He goes to her and wraps his arms around her waist.
" Please wrap it for us" Georg says turning to the saleswoman. Maria goes back to change.
Waiting for the dress to be wrapped Maria reaches up to Georg and kisses him lightly on the cheek.
" Thank you I just hope I have an occasion to wear it" she says looking up into his eyes.
" I think you will. Once we are married I plan on showing you off to all of Stowe" he says giving her a soft kiss on the lips. Georg pays for the dress and they exit the store. They continue walking and Maria notices they are not heading toward the Abbey.
" Georg we are going the wrong way" she says as she stops in the middle of the street.
" No we aren't, I want to make one more stop before we go to the Abbey" he says as he
Takes her hand and leads her down another street.
" I am just hoping the store is still here" he says looking at the signs. He stops in front of a jewelry store.
" Ahhh here it is" he says as he opens the shop door. They enter and Georg begins to look at the different cases. An older man comes out from behind a side door.
" May I help ….. Baron Von Trapp is that really you? He asks looking at Georg.
"Heinrich so glad to see you, I was afraid the store would be gone" Georg says shaking the mans hand.
" No I managed to survive. I managed to hide most of my jewelry from the Nazis, although they did take some of my inventory, mostly fake, they had no idea what was real and what was fake" he says laughing. I'm glad to see you are well. What brings you back to Salzburg? he says looking at Maria.
" Well I would like you to meet my fiance Maria" he says putting his arm around Maria.
"My pleasure Fraulein" he says nodding to Maria.
" Thank you it is a pleasure to meet you also" Maria says smiling at the old man.
" What can I do for you Baron" he says
" Well I am looking for wedding bands, I want something special and unique, just like my future wife" Georg says giving Marias hand a squeeze.
"Hmm let me think" He says looking around the shop. Maria and Georg watch as he looks in the cabinets under the glass shaking his head as he opens each drawer. They watch as he excuses himself and goes in back.
" Georg is this really necessary? A simple gold band is fine. All I want is you that is what is important" she says looking at him.
" Maria please let me do this. I want our wedding to be special and for you to remember it all our lives. I want us always to remember our homeland and how I found you again" he says taking her in his arms. They are about to kiss when they are interrupted by Heinrich.
" I think I have just what you want" He says as he hands George a silver box.
Georg opens the box as Maria watches. She smiles as Georg takes them out. Her band is made up of three thin bands delicately joined together at the back. On each band are small diamonds off setting each other. His band is one solid band with diamonds set into the entire band.
" Georg they're beautiful. So different than anything I have ever seen" she says as her finger touches them.
" These bands were made by my son before he left for the Russian front. It was the last thing he ever made. He told me before he left to make sure they are given to a couple that would appreciate the work and love that went into making them. I would like you both to have them, no charge as a gift from me. You see my son was killed in the war a year ago and I would be honored to have you both wear them. Please Baron , Fraulein it would honor his memory.
Maria with eyes glistening looks at Georg and nods.
"Heinrich we consider it an honor to wear these but please let me give you something" Georg says as he takes out his billfold.
" No Baron please my son would want you both to have them" He says shaking his head.
" All right my friend but here is my address in the States if you ever need anything or if you happen to come to the States please come be our guest" says Georg handing Heinrich a piece of paper.
" Yes please we would love to have you" Maria says giving him a kiss on the cheek. Georg and Maria say goodbye and head for the Abbey. They reach the gate and ring the bell. Sister Margaretta comes to the gate
" Good morning Maria , Captain every… I mean we have been waiting for you"
" I'm apologize Sister it's my fault I took Maria on a little shopping trip"
" Yes Sister Georg bought me this dress and we picked out our wedding bands. Are the children in the dining hall? Reverend Mother said they are having a going away party for Georg. Come to think of it where is Georg I thought he would be waiting for us" Maria says looking around.
" He is in Reverend Mothers office waiting for you. Why don't you go there. Captain can you wait I need your help. Maria heads to the office as Georg waits behind
" Yes Sister what is it " He says watching Maria.
" We gave our handyman the day off and it seems as though we forgot to have him move the extra tables into the dining room. Please follow me as they are stored in a small room behind the altar" she says walking toward the Chapel.
Georg follows her as she goes behind a small curtain.
He steps into the room and is stunned and speechless when he sees who is waiting for him there.
All dresses in traditional Austrian clothing are Friedrich and Kurt, their smiles so wide that it made their eyes squint.
" What on earth.. How?… Why? He goes to them hugging both of them at the same time.
Sister Margaretta silently leaves giving them a chance to explain.
" Well Father, it seems a mutual friend of yours and Maria thought it was about time you both got married. So he called Liesl and arranged for all of us to come. He planned the whole thing. Reverend Mother also knew she has the girls waiting in her office. Oh our little brother is there too. He met all of us early this morning. Mr. Brickman I mean Joe has arranged everything" Friedrich explains to his father.
Georg is speechless. This is more than he could ever wish for. He looks at both of his sons, no longer boys but men. His thoughts go to Maria. Married, they are to be married today. The rings, his hand reaches into his pocket and pulls out the box.
" Friedrich its amazing before Maria and I came here we picked out our rings never knowing that we would be married today. Please can you take these to Reverend Mothers office. I assume that Georg is to be the ring bearer" Georg hands him the box.
Maria knocks on Reverend Mothers door and hears "Ave", she enters and is about to greet her when she can't believe her eyes. Five girls, no young woman, meet her gaze their smiles wide and eyes threatening to spill tears of joy. Is she dreaming? No it's real. Slowly she walks to them smiling as tears spill onto her cheeks. Reaching them she touches each of their cheeks as if to make sure that they are real. Liesl, Louisa, Brigitta, Marta and Gretl, now woman. They look at their Fraulein, shes older but has the same smile they remember. Not being able to stand it any longer they all hug her at one time, their tears finally coming in a flood.
Reverend Mother stands a few feet away with Georg.
" I thought Mother would be happy but she is crying" he says watching the scene before him.
" She is happy Georg, those are tears of joy" She says wiping away some of the tears that were rolling down her own cheeks.
" What are you?… How did you? Why are you all here? Where are your brothers? Didn't you get your fathers telegram telling you we would be coming back tomorrow? Maria asks wiping the tears from her cheeks.
"Yes I received Fathers telegram but that was after I received a phone call from a friend of yours and fathers" Liesl answers.
" Who? Maria asks.
" I think you know him as Joe" she answers.
" Joe, ahh I see so he planned this. But you didn't say where your brothers are? Maria asks looking around.
" Well one brother is here" she says pointing over to Georg "and the other two are with father.
Maria looks puzzled then notices that everyone is dressed up. The girls in fancy dresses and Little Georg in a suit
" What is everyone so dressed up for" Maria asks.
Liesl smiles " Well Mr. Brickman, Joe, decided that it was about time that you and father be married so he came up with a plan and enlisted mine and Reverend Mothers help. He planned all of this. Father is waiting for the organ to start that is his cue to come out."
A knock on the door stops what Maria was going to say. Liesl goes to the door making sure it was not her father. Friedrich enters and sees Maria. They embrace as Friedrich gives her a kiss on the cheek and goes to Georg.
Bending down he hand Georg the rings " Here are the rings, let's tie them with the ribbons so they won't fall" He helps Georg tie them and then walks back to Maria.
" I will see you in a couple of minutes" he says as he touches her arm. Friedrich leaves and Marias head is spinning. It's all happening so fast. Married today . She can hardly believe it. But what is she going to wear. Then she remembers. The dress. It's perfect. She smiles as she takes the box and goes into the dressing area next to the Reverend Mothers office. Normally this room is where the new postulants receive their habits but today it is being used for something quite different. She dresses and returns minutes later.
Entering the office the girls sigh." Oh Fraulein your beautiful, father won't be able to keep his eyes off of you" Gretl says to her.
She smiles " That's the idea.
" Maria it's time" Reverend Mother says as she opens the door. The girls exit and are followed by little Georg and Maria. They are at the back of the chapel. The girls are given their bouquets as Maria holds the one Georg bought her in the market. She looks up and sees both the boys standing next to their father. He is wearing his uniform.
" It still fits him. It was Friedrichs idea. He looks wonderful" Brigitta says to her.
Maria can't tear her eyes from him. She watches as little Georg walks slowly up the aisle with the four girls following behind him.
" Ready" Liesls asks her.
" I've been ready for six years" she says smiling. They make their way up the aisle and Maria watches as Georg reaches his father. He stands in front of his big brother grinning from ear to ear. Maria is almost to him she watches as her reaches for her. His hand now firmly in hers they ascend toward the altar. The ceremony progresses as the priest blesses their rings. They now stand facing each other to say their vows. Georg says the ancient words as Marias eyes begin to tear. How long she has wanted to hear those words. Georg places the ring on her finger. She reaches for his ring and smiles at little Georg. She says her vows almost in a whisper as her emotions come to the surface. She places the ring on his finger. They face the priest once more as he gives his final blessing. Watching from the back of the church are Reverend Mother and all the sisters. Reverend Mother gives thanks to God for bringing this family back together where they belong.
The priest proclaims them man and wife and Georg wastes no time giving his bride her first kiss as his wife. Once they break apart all of their children surround them. Maria looks over at the man who made all of this possible. Joe had been sitting in the front pew during the whole ceremony. He smiles at her as she mouths the word thank you. He smiles back as he knows his job here is done. The entire family walk back down the aisle and into the dining area where a small reception has been set up.
" You were so worried you would not find an occasion to wear this dress" he says as he pulls her into a tender embrace.
" Georg did you know about this? She whispers in his ear.
" No honestly I was as surprised as you were. It is meant to be. I believe that now. Looking over at the children, their children " We were meant to be a family it just took a little longer than it was suppose to.
" Excuse me, I have one more gift for you" Joe says handing Georg an envelope.
He opens it and smiles. Maria looks at the paper. It is a reservation to stay at the Bristol Hotel. The finest suite in the hotel.
Shaking his hand Georg thanks him "How can we ever thank you"
" No thanks necessary. I got my happy ending to my story" Joe says giving Maria a kiss on the cheek. The rest of the afternoon is spent catching up with the children. They say goodbye to the children. Georg is excited he gets to spend the night with his new brothers. Maria and Georg say goodbye to Reverend Mother and the sisters. They promise to come tomorrow to say goodbye before they Salzburg. They walk outside to find a carriage waiting to take them to the hotel. Maria and Georg wave goodbye. He reaches to her and gives her a passionate kiss. A promise of things to come.