Chapter 1

*I don't own any of the characters but the story line is my own!*

Maria clasped Georg's hand between her own. She breathed in and could smell his cologne, she held onto every moment, unsure of when she would wake up from this most perfect dream.

Sensing where Maria's roaming mind was, the captain leaned back from her so that he could see her full face. "I love you, Maria."

"Oh Captain, I'll never tire of hearing those words."

"And I shall never tire of saying them," the captain mused, "but, my dear, you must call me Georg. When the children give their blessing and I ask you to marry me, you won't be calling me Captain, now will you?" He was smiling from ear to ear. She sensed he was in a playful mood and decided she liked this side of the captain… Georg.

Most of what Maria had seen of the captain had been gloom and seriousness. For heaven's sake she had to call him Captain. In the latter months, he became softer with the children, and with her. But seeing him smile and laugh, not that was something SHE would never tire of.

"Alright, Georg." She closed her eyes and blushed heavily.

He loved that. Hearing her call him by his name sent shivers down his spine. He had goosebumps. He placed his hand upon her cheek and pulled her closer to him. Leaning in, he gave her a kiss on the forehead that felt like it lasted for hours.

Maria was in heaven.

"My darling, as much as I want to stay out here with you all night, it seems as though it might rain. We should get back to the villa." The captain drawled.

She knew that he was right but some urge in her made her wish they could stay there forever.

He placed a chaste kiss upon her lips as withdrew and grabbed her hand to walk her out of the gazebo.

As they crossed the threshold to the yard, it began pouring. The couple immediately ran through the rain together before getting back to the steps to the terrace. Maria paused then.

"Maria, my love, what are you stopping for?" the captain laughed.

In response, she simply put her arms out in front of her gesturing for him to come to her. He did, without hesitation.

"I love the rain." Maria stated as she closed her eyes. Georg's hands in hers as she tilted her head back to let the rain hit her face. She could not have been more content than in that moment. Until the captain sighed her name. "Maria," he whispered. She looked at him then, his eyes full of love and admiration for the woman in front of him.

Her dress now hugged all her curves and outlined her body for the captain, in the moonlight. He would be a fool if he hadn't noticed, but he focused on her face.

Much slower than before, he pulled her towards him and placed a loving kiss upon her lips. The kiss began soft and grew passionate very quickly.

Maria relied on Georg to lead her and show her what to do, but her instincts also kicked in. Maria wrapped both of her arms around his neck as he wrapped his around her waste. One hand around her and one hand in her hair, the captain poured all his love for her into that kiss. Not only for the woman that she was, the woman that he loved, but for the woman who brought joy back into the lives of his children. She was his saviour. She was their saviour.

Georg slowed, understanding that they were in public and still in the middle of the pouring rain. Maria matched his pace and eventually let him go, leaning into him for some support.

Kissing her again on the head, he slipped her hand through his arms and held her close to him. "Come on, my love." And together Maria and Georg ran into the villa together, arm in arm.


Thanks to everyone who commented letting me know the story was formatted incorrectly! Hopefully this is fixed now!