Alice woke up and looked at Matthew as she rubbed her eyes awake. She saw that he opened his eyes at that point, so she leaned over and kissed him squarely on the lips saying, "Merry 1960 Christmas Matthew.

"Merry Christmas Alice."

Matthew pulled Alice into him and started kissing her neck then worked his way down.

"Matthew, you are insatiable: twice last night and you're looking for more?"

"It's what you do to me Dr Harvey." Matthew winked as he got back to what he was doing.

"Plus, it's my first Christmas present…"

Alice was the first to get up and washed before getting dressed. When she returned to the room, she saw a naked Matthew picking up his pyjama bottoms. Matthew looked up and said, "emm, ogling a man when vulnerable Dr Harvey: I'm not sure that's very professional."

She walked over to kiss him and replied, "it's entirely professional, you know? I'm a pathologist: ogling fine naked specimens on my table is entirely professional!"

"Should I be jealous?"

"Most definitely not." She smiled into his kiss and smacked his bare bum. She then ran out of the door before he could catch her.

The day was fun with everyone exchanging gifts and passing the day in each other's company. The food was delicious and as everyone gathered in the living room after eating, they all passed time having a drink and chatting away. Alice placed her glass on the table, leaned into Matthew and whispered, "meet me at the front door. Let's go for a walk…alone."

As requested, Matthew met Alice at the door and they walked out into the front garden, hand in hand. They took a seat on the garden furniture and Alice took Mathew's hand in hers.

"Matthew, thank you for my gifts; I especially love my watch, but I love them all. It was far too much." She took it from her wrist and look at the engraving: I'll always have time for you, Mx

"Thank you or my gifts too; did you go back and buy that book after we saw it?"

"Yes, I called the store that night and went back the next day"

"I love it."

"Matthew, I have one more present for you…"

"Oh yes?" Matthew said suggestively.

"Matthew! You are terrible." She laughed then suddenly her face became serious.

"Alright love?"

"I've been thinking…"

"That sounds dangerous!" he nudged her, but she still looked serious.

"Matthew, I've manged to save up quite a bit of money these last few months, living with Jean and Lucien. I've been thinking that it's probably a good time to look at moving out and buying a house…" She looked over at Matthew to gauge his reaction.

"Alice, that will mean that…"

Before he could finish, Alice placed a finger over Mathew's lips.

"I was wondering if you would consider chipping in and buying somewhere with me…it might be easier if you were my husband." Matthew looked shocked and went to say something, but he was rendered speechless.

"Matthew, I know this isn't conventional, but I don't think you expect that from me." Alice laughed under her breath. I love you Matthew Lawson, will you be my husband?"

A huge smile crossed Mathew's face and he leaned over and went to kiss Alice however, he stopped before he reached her lips. "Alice, I will marry you but, I have one condition on saying yes." Alice looked at him expectantly as he took both of her hands in his.

"I want to buy you an engagement ring. That's my condition."

"Matthew no, I don't need an engagement ring: a wedding ring will be lovely."

"Alice, that's my condition. I don't think it's too much to ask."

Alice smiled and leaned over to place a peck to his lips.

"Alright Matthew. I'll accept an engagement ring if that's what it takes you to say yes to me!"

Alice placed her hand in her pocket and pulled out a watch box, handing it to Matthew.

"We must have thought along the same lines" said Alice.

When Matthew opened the box, he saw a lovely gold faced watch with dark leather strap. He turned it over to find an engraving: Yours till the end of time, Ax

As they walked into the house, Matthew turned to Alice and asked, "can we tell the others? I'd at least like to tell Lucien and Jean."

Alice replied and said, "you've said yes now, Matthew. You can tell who you like!" Matthew turned and cupped Alice's face and said, "let's not leave it too long. I'd like to be your husband as soon as possible."

Alice laughed and asked "Why? You're already getting the benefits without the ring or the paper!"

"Oh you. Dr Harvey you are outrageous!"

"I might be, but I'm yours: till the end of time"

Matthew pulled her in for a long kiss and said, "yes you are, and I am yours."

Alice took Mathew's hand and asked "could we do it in January? As soon as we can arrange a small ceremony with those we love. We could come back here, if Lucien and Jean will allow it and we can just have some food here. What do you think?"

"Sounds like a plan, love. Then we can start to look for a house for us."

Alice kissed Matthew, before they walked back into the house and said, rather wistfully, "our home Matthew. I've never really thought about it before but if I'm building a home, I wouldn't want to do it with anyone but you."

Alice took his hand and they made their way back to the living room to re-join the others. As they entered the room, Lucien called over and said, "young lovers out walking in the garden?"

Matthew looked at Alice then over at Lucien. "Well, actually…we did, and we have something to tell you all." Matthew lifted Alice's hand and kissed her knuckles and looked at everyone and said, "Alice and I are going to get married. We've decided to do it sometime in January, if we can make the arrangements."

Jean walked over and kissed Alice and Matthew on the cheek and Lucien followed. Charlie and Bill shook their hands and Rose rushed over for a hug and a kiss for her uncle and kissed Alice on the cheek before she said, "Auntie Alice now then? Shall I start now?" Alice laughed and said, "if you want to Rose. Auntie Alice would be lovely."

Jean and Lucien decided to keep the fact that they'd agreed on a date in March for their wedding: they didn't want to take the attention away from Alice and Matthew's news.

When they all retired for the evening, Jean and Lucien and Alice and Matthew bid each other goodnight, all thanking the others for their gifts.
When they eventually closed their bedroom door, Alice leaned her back against it, pulling Matthew to her and kissing him soundly.

"Dr Harvey!"

"Oh, do be quiet."

"What can I do for you this evening my beautiful fiancé?"

"I think it's time for my extra Christmas present now, don't you?"

Matthew began kissing Alice's neck; he always began there, and Alice knew where his ministrations would lead, and she was looking forward to it.

"Alice, you looked lovely today. I do love that dress: thank you for wearing it for me."

"Hmm-mmm" Alice tried as she was kissing his shoulder whilst removing his shirt.

"Impatient love?"

"Matthew, you told me you'll marry me and agreed that we could make a home together. I want you to make love to me and I want you to do it now! You said you can go fast when you need to. I need you to now! I've been thinking about you for hours." Alice confessed.

No more words were spoken between them.