EEEK new fic! I needed a little break from "The Life Where We Work Out," so I thought it was time to introduce y'all to my new baby. I promise this is going to be so fun and fluffy, and a lot less angsty than my other fic if that is what you like;) But basically, this is just going to be a collection of little stories from Maria's first pregnancy - going along about every two weeks. I hope y'all see the vision because I am sooo excited! Hope you enjoy as always!

Conception – The mark of the beginning of growth for a new life. This occurs when a male releases a sperm cell which encounters an ovum in the female's fallopian tube, where they then fuse together. While the now zygote may feel nestled in the home that is the fallopian tube, it will shortly find its new space in the uterus less than a week later, although the zygote starts dividing and growing only a maximum of 30 hours after the initial fertilization. The mother has no visible symptoms at this stage.

Maria let out a sigh as she stepped onto the balcony overlooking Attersee. The serene waters stretched endlessly under the pale glow of the moon, their surface shimmering like liquid silver. Despite the warmth of the August day that had long since faded, the night air carried a coolness that nipped at her skin. She pulled her robe tighter around her shoulders, savoring the stillness of the moment. The gentle rustling of trees and distant call of a night bird were the only sounds breaking the quiet. It was peaceful here, almost dreamlike, as though the world had paused just for her.

Maria leaned against the wooden railing, her gaze fixed on the faint mist rising off the lake. Her thoughts drifted to the life-changing year that now lay behind her. Twelve months ago, she had been a run-away postulant standing on the gazebo in the villa garden, her heart pounding as Georg had confessed his love for her. That night had felt like a fairytale, the stars shining above them as his words locked themselves deep in her heart, binding them forever. Yet, somehow, the life that followed had been even more extraordinary than she could have imagined.

She thought of the very early days of their marriage, and her insides melting as she thought of how much love she had experienced then and thereon. The transition from being a governess to a wife, a baroness, a mother, and a lover had been overwhelming at times, but Georg had been by her side through it all. His steadfast devotion had wrapped around her like a warm embrace, steadying her as she stepped into her new roles. Some days she still wondered if it was real, if this life she now lived wasn't some elaborate dream she would wake from. But then he would look at her, his gaze filled with so much love that her doubts would melt away.

Ever since their return from Paris, where they had spent a blissful honeymoon, the children had claimed most of her time. Maria loved them fiercely and delighted in every moment of being their mother. Yet, there were evenings she longed for the quiet intimacy she and Georg shared during those early weeks in Paris. Nights in Aigen had become their sanctuary, a time devoted just to the two of them, no one else. Still, Georg had insisted that they needed more. He had put his foot down and stolen her away for the weekend, a surprise retreat to celebrate what he called their "anniversary." Though it wasn't their wedding anniversary – that was still months away – it marked a year since that transformative evening, and Georg had wanted to commemorate it in their own way.

Maria smiled softly, her cheeks tinged with a blush as she thought of this weekend's activities. The time they had spent alone together, absolutely nothing but them and their love and need for each other. Georg had been more than attentive, his every touch and word charged with a passion that made her breath hitch. They had walked along the lake, hand in hand, the sun dipped low in the sky, painting the water hues of gold and roses. They had shared lazy breakfasts on the terrace, the aroma of fresh coffee mingling with the scent of heady flowers. And they had retreated to their room in the afternoons, away from the world, where Georg's kisses grew deeper, his touch more insistent.

Maria felt her cheeks grow warmer as memories of their intimacy flooded her mind. There had been a tenderness in his touch and fire in his kisses that had left her feeling breathless, cherished, and loved in completely new ways that she hadn't even known were possible. His whispered words of adoration during their lovemaking, his steady hands guiding her closer, had made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the whole world. The thought of it made heart flutter, even now, as the cool breeze brushed her face. The way Georg made her feel seen, understood, and desired in a way that both thrilled and humbled her, it was simply irresistible.

Georg had always been an amazing lover, mindful of her every need, always seeming to know precisely what she required before she could even voice it. But this weekend had awakened something different in him, something unrestrained. It was as if the months of sharing their lives with restless children, a bustling household, and the constraints of daily life had only fueled his desire, building a kind of longing that now, with the freedom of solitude, could finally be released.

He had been insatiable, really. The self-disciplined, composed Georg she had known in public was gone, replaced by a man whose every glance, every touch, every whispered word was imbued with an intensity that left her breathless. It wasn't just his passion, though; it was the way he reveled in their connection, how he sought not only to take but to give her pleasure in equal measure. His lips lingered long on hers, then trailed across her skin as though committing every inch of her to memory. His hands, steady yet insistent, explored her with a reverence that made her feel appreciated beyond measure.

Maria had loved it. She loved him. The unspoken restraint they had both carried for so long was gone, replaced by something raw and untamed. It was as though the privacy of this weekend had given them permission to fully rediscover each other, to immerse themselves in the love that had drawn them together so irrevocably a year ago. She hadn't known such passion was possible, hadn't understood how deeply her heart and body could respond to him. And yet, here she was, her cheeks flushed with the memory, her lips curving into a soft, contended smile.

She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. The scent of pine and fresh water filled her senses, grounding her in this moment, in this place where so much love had been shared. It was more than she had ever dared to dream for herself, and yet here she was, living it. Maria opened her eyes and looked out over the lake once more, a soft smile gracing her lips.

Warm arms then encircled her waist, pulling her gently against a familiar chest, and she felt the soft press of lips on the back of her neck. The sudden but welcome sensation broke her from her thoughts, and her smile deepened as she leaned into his embrace.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Georg's voice was a low murmur, tinged with affection, his breath warm against her ear.

Maria tilted her head to glance back at him, her eyes twinkling. "Oh nothing much," she said lightly. "Just… reflecting."

"Reflecting?" he asked, his brows arching playfully. "That sounds serious. Should I be concerned?"

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "Not at all. I was just thinking about the past year… how much has changed. How much love I have been so lucky to give and receive." Her voice softened. "It's almost too much to believe sometimes."

Georg gently turned her to face him, his hands sliding to rest on her waist. "Too much to believe? I'll have to work harder to convince you then," he teased, though his eyes held a deeper sincerity. "Maria, everything about this past year – everything about us – has been more than I could have hoped for, too. You've given me more than you know."

Her heart swelled at his words, and she reached up to touch his cheek, her fingers brushing the slight stubble there. "You've given me a home. A family. A love I never imagined I'd find."

"And you've reminded me how to live," he replied, his voice filled with quiet emotion. He glanced over her shoulder toward the lake then back at her. "This place, this moment… it's perfect, but only because you're here."

Maria smiled up at him, her hand slipping into his as she leaned closer. "Georg," she whispered, her voice carrying a wealth of emotion in that single word.

For a moment, they simply stood together, wrapped in the quiet of the night and the vastness of the love that had brought them here. The future, uncertain as it was, could wait. Right now, they had each other, and that was all that mattered.

Maria felt Georg's hand tighten slightly around hers, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in an unspoken gesture of affection. He leaned closer, his lips grazing her temple as he murmured, "As much as I enjoy this balcony and the view, I can't help but think there's a much warmer place for us to be."

She tilted her head back to look at him, her smile teasing. "Oh? And where might that be?"

Georg's lips curved into a playful grin, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I have it on good authority that there's a rather inviting bed just inside, and it's missing two essential occupants. I propose we rectify that situation immediately."

Maria laughed, the sound soft and warm in the quiet night air. "Is that so? And here I was, thinking you joined me out here for the romance of the stars and the lake."

"Oh, romance is very much part of the plan," Georg replied, his tone low and suggestive. "But I find the stars can't compete with you, and as for the lake… well, it's far too cold for my liking."

Before she could respond, he swept her off her feet with ease, cradling her in his arms. Maria gasped, then laughed again, her arms looping around his neck. "Georg! You're impossible."

"Only for you, my darling," he said, his grin widening as he carried her back inside. The warmth of the room enveloped them, the golden glow of the fire casting flickering shadows on the walls. He set her down gently, his arms lingering around her waist as he gazed into her eyes. "Now, let's see if we can't make this evening even more memorable."

Maria's heart swelled as she stood on tiptoe to press a kiss to his lips, the love and laughter between them weaving into the perfect moment. Whatever the rest of the weekend held, she knew it would be filled with the same unshakable connection they had shared from the very beginning.

And she will also remember this weekend for the rest of her life as it will be bringing her a very important little gift hehe.

I am finally moving back to my college town tomorrow, so no promises on when the next update will be, but hopefully it is not too far out!

Would loveeee to hear y'all's thoughts and opinions on this! Can't wait to hear!

As always, I own nothing from the Sound of Music!