Chapter 9

Maria walked down the stairs feeling very confident. It had been 2 weeks since Georg gave her the material and the pretty blue dress. It had also been 3 weeks since she arrived at the villa and she already felt so close to these children, she had noticed Liesl and Brigitta sharing looks when Maria and Georg would speak or find ways to meet secretly throughout the day, she suspected that they might know but if they haven't told the other children yet, then they must be ok with it.

Maria loved how things were progressing with Georg. She knew she was in love with him and she was planning on telling him tonight. She just had to shake the nerves first. She put on her blue dress that he bought her, she hadn't worn it yet, she wanted to wear it for the first time when she told him she loved him. She stepped off the final stair and walked to his study door. She was very nervous, rightfully so. Maria knocked on the door and waited to hear him tell her to come in.

When he answered through the door, she opened it and smiled when she saw him slowly get up from his desk and walk to her, never taking his eyes off her.

"Maria, you look absolutely breathtaking. That dress was made for you. You always look stunning, but the blue fabric is making your gorgeous blue eyes pop and you look so happy. That makes you look even more beautiful." Maria could feel her cheeks heat but she didn't care too much, Georg was always so sweet and he knew exactly what to say to make her feel good. "Thank you, Georg. not just for the dress but for the compliment too. I absolutely love the dress and I can't express my gratitude enough." Georg smiled at her and weaved his fingers through hers while leading her to the couch.

It had become a routine for the two of them to sit on the couch while discussing anything and everything. Georg brought her a drink (lemonade always) and he would sit with her while they would talk. They talked about their lives, the children, their relationship, and anything else they could think of. But Maria was a little distracted tonight because she had something on her mind. She was finally ready to tell Georg that she loved him, but not only him, she loved his children like they were her own. To some, 3 weeks might not be long, but for Georg and Maria, these three weeks have been wonderful and they've become very close. Maria snapped out of whatever daydream she was in and smiled at Georg. When he finished, she turned so she was facing him, she sat her drink on the table in front of the couch and reached for his hand.

It was very common for the two of them to hold hands or sneak a kiss here and there, but Georg could tell something was bothering Maria tonight. "Maria, what's wrong? I can tell you're not yourself tonight." Maria smiled at him and she could feel her heart swell. She was so in love with this man and he always knew exactly what to say to touch her heart. Like right now, he could tell that something was on her mind. "Oh no I'm ok Georg, I... I just wanted to talk to you about something if you don't mind?" Georg started to worry, was she wanting to take a step back? was she uncomfortable with their relationship? He sat up straight and held her hand. "Of course Maria, what is it?"

"I just want you to know how much I've enjoyed being here these past few weeks. I've never been more happy in my life and I wouldn't trade these moments for anything in the world." Maria hesitated before continuing and Georg could tell she had something important to say. "Georg, I've thought of 100 different ways to say this, but now that I'm actually saying it, I don't know how else to put it other than this. I love you, Georg." Maria forced her eyes to his and awaited his response. Georg's heart started to beat so hard that he was sure Maria would be able to hear it. He was so in love with this woman, and he knew it from the moment she opened up to him in his study all those nights ago.

Georg held onto both of her hands and hooked his pointer finger under her chin to bring her face closer to his. He looked deep into her eyes and spoke. "Oh Maria. I love you too. I love you so much, I had planned on telling you the exact same thing tonight but it seems like you've beaten me to the punch." Maria could feel tears building up and threatening to fall. She loved Georg so much and to know that he loved her back, filled that empty spot in her heart.

Georg brought her face even closer to his before gently kissing her nose. "Oh Maria. My love, I love you so much" Georg closed the gap between them and brought his lips to hers in a gentle, warm, loving kiss. Maria melted into him and for the first time in a very long time, she felt loved. Really, truly loved.

Once they parted, the two of them shared a smile and Maria fell into Georg's arms. The two of them stayed like that for a few hours before Maria decided to go to bed, but this time, she would not be going to bed with questions and feelings that she couldn't do anything about, she would go to bed feeling loved and special.

Georg got himself ready for bed and while he tried to fall asleep, he knew he was absolutely ready to take that next step. He was ready to propose and he would begin planning and speaking to the children as soon as possible.

To be continued...

Oh my goodness, this month has been extremely chaotic and challenging. I had planned on finishing this story a few weeks ago but life got in the way. Thank you all for the kind words and reviews. They are always appreciated. Marry christmas and a happy new year to all!