A/N: Remember this is fiction; historical facts are used but not the real dates.

Getting serious

Times were tough; the effects of the depressed economic condition had everyone pinching pennies; including the wives of officers. The ladies had established a gown closet; everyone contributed to the closet. All the girls came with Maria when she went looking. "Mother, you have so many choices."

"I see that; now did you find my size."

"Size two Mother."

"I don't think so Louisa."

"Maybe Mother, you look wonderful having just had a baby."

"Thank you, but I will try a four first."

"I see one I really like."

"It matches your eyes; try it on Mother."

Maria chose a light blue dress; the blue being a cross between sky blue and a light turquoise. The bodice was not fitted; it had a rounded neckline with cap sleeves. The skirt fell to her ankles and had an inset pleat in the front starting at her hips; giving her more freedom to walk and dance.

"Mother, it fits perfectly. Father will love it."

"I hope so."

The night of the ball Maria had fed Karl early. Frau Schmidt reminded her many times. "He's going to be just fine Maria."

Georg was already down stairs when Maria came down. Georg teased her with a "wolf-whistle." "Simple beautiful darling; you're stunning."

"Thank you my dear, you look pretty dashing yourself."

"Just a simple tux, Maria."

"Maybe so, but you're my date and I'm extremely proud to show you off."

"Come my dear, our car is waiting." Franz didn't drive very much any more, but tonight was a special occasion and the Officer's Club wasn't very far.

Just as Georg had expected his wife was the envy of the others. They sat with a group of friends and danced the night away. Franz was there to bring them home at midnight. The house was quiet; Karl was sound asleep in his crib as well as everyone else.

"Georg I had a wonderful time. Did you enjoy yourself?"

"The best, I love to show you off."

The girls were still dating the same guys; many sock-hops, an occasional movie and even dinners. The weather was still pleasant enough for outdoor activities; watching a sports event or just taking long walks.

"Girls, why don't you invite Paul and Charlie over for dinner Saturday? I thought we would celebrate Karl's six month birthday; no presents, just cake and ice cream for us." Their invitation was happily accepted; the guys enjoyed Katia's Austrian cooking.

Franz opened the door. "Good evening Paul, Charlie, everyone's in the living with Karl; sitting on the floor with him."

Liesl saw Charlie immediately, got up and went to him. Maria noticed, he gave her a kiss on the cheek and held her hand firmly. Paul had sat down beside Louisa. "Look Paul, he can play catch." Kurt tossed a small ball to him; he caught it, not the way the others did, but using both hands and holding the ball against his chest. Paul heard from the children. "Very good, Karl."

Paul discreetly held Louisa's hand. Maria noticed her blush. "Come on everybody, dinner is served." A highchair now sat beside Maria; Karl was already enjoying finger food.

"Mrs. Maria, Karl seems to really enjoy eating."

"Oh yes, he takes after Kurt."

"Now Mother; why did you say that?"

"Because, it's true."

"Don't worry Kurt, my mother told me the same thing; my size was good for playing soccer."

"And I like soccer, Charlie."

After dinner the two couples walked out to the porch. Liesl and Charlie went on ahead, only a short way; just out of the light from the porch. "Liesl, you have a wonderful family."

"Thank you Charlie, that's very kind."

His hand touched her chin. "May I?" She didn't move; Charlie dropped his head and met her lips with his; nothing passionate or lingering; a simply beautiful first kiss.

"I care for you a lot Liesl."

"I like you very much." She kissed him back. "See you soon," and rushed back to the porch; to see Paul and Louisa were breaking their hands apart. They were still rather shy, no kissing yet.

"Good night Louisa; bye Liesl," as Paul passed by her.

There was no conversation between the two guys as they walked backed to their residence; but they were very happy young men.

The next day Liesl found her Mother alone; a rare event, she wanted to talk with her. "How did you know you were in love with Father?"

"Liesl, everyone's different; for me it was my heart. It raced every time I saw your father. At first it scared me, but after I knew why, it became a nice feeling. I hope you know more about love than I did.

"I hope you can see it in your Father and me."

"Yes, that's why he makes you blush all the time; and always touches you; and gives you sweet kisses; and you do the same."

"That's right Liesl; are you having those feelings with Charlie?"

Now Liesl blushed, "yes, we kissed the other night; first he kissed me and then I kissed him back. It was so wonderful, Mother."

"You really like him?"

"Yes, Mother; he may be the one." Maria smiled at her eldest daughter; understanding completely.

Fall quickly turned to winter and the holidays. They were completely Americanized; they had celebrated Thanksgiving with friends since that very first one and this would be no different. Except; they now had Karl and two more young men to add to their invitation list.

Maria and Katia wasted no time preparing; Gretl and Marta were still young enough to enjoy making paper turkey decorations and place mats. The extra table extended well into the hall and the folding chairs were taken out of storage.

Prohibition of alcohol had ended a few years earlier but still there was very little alcohol in the von Trapp home. Only on occasions like Thanksgiving would the adults enjoy a glass of wine. It was grape juice for everyone else.

"Paul, would you like wine?"

"No sir, Louisa can't so neither will I."

"How about you Charlie?"

"Only if Liesl will join me."

"A half glass for me Father."

With glasses in hand Georg toasted to the year of blessings; "blessing for Karl and his health; the gentlemen in our daughter's lives and to all our friends and the good things of life."

"Here, here," was heard through the home.

Over the past years the family had acquired an assortment of Christmas decorations; Georg and the boys cut fir tree limbs for Maria's Advent Wreath and more for making a wreath for their front door. The Christmas Tree would be bought later; three days before Christmas.

The Austrian family maintained its use of candles for many years; even after electric Christmas lights became widely available. Paul and Charlie were frequent visitors during this season; Liesl and Louisa always invited them; neither Georg nor Maria minded; they both had the feeling that these two young men would both be their son-in-laws one day.

One afternoon after the first of the year Charlie appeared at Georg's office. His door was open; Georg noticed immediately. "What brings you this way today Charlie?"

"To speak to you sir."

"Captain, I care for Liesl very deeply; I want to purpose."

"That's fine Charlie. I know Liesl has talked with her mother."

"I thought so."

Soon after, Louisa came home with tears in her eyes. "Louisa, what's wrong?"

"Mother, Paul has to go to Washington DC for a few weeks."

"It's not the end of the world Louisa."

"I know but I already miss him so much."

"You like him very much."

"Yes, but I'm not even nineteen yet; maybe he will find another girlfriend."

"You don't really believe that, do you?"

"No, but he is twenty-two."

"Louisa, every time I've seen you together, I can tell how much he enjoys your company."

"You can tell that Mother?"

"Yes, he acts a lot like your father did before we both realized we were in love.

"Thanks Mother, I feel much better. I'm going upstairs and write him a letter."

"Georg, seems like we have two daughters who are very much in love."

"Yes, and one is about to get the surprise of her life."

"Did Charlie talk to you?"

"Hummmn."

"Paul's gone for a few weeks and Louisa is lovesick."