Brisbane, Queensland

21 April 1943

Alice couldn't sleep; she normally had a hard time sleeping in strange places - it was a nuisance growing up and embarrassing when the ghosts of her past came out to play - but this was less so about her time in foster care or at the hands of her parents and more about her general nerves over seeing Matthew again.

She'd had a long journey up from Melbourne to Brisbane - traveling almost three days by train; Phryne and Jack told her to jot down the cost of the tickets and the lady detective had called ahead to a hotel near the hospital to reserve a nice room (a nicer one than Alice could ever afford right now) for two nights. She was glad the trains were mostly on time and was also very glad she wouldn't be making the return trip home alone.

She hadn't lied in her letter to Matthew - simply omitted some details; Edith would be bringing Adelaide home to Melbourne, but Alice would also be on the train with her. It had taken almost the whole 20 days before Matthew's departure to plan this whole trip and smooth out any ruffled feathers her professors would have over Alice missing close to two weeks of lectures: Mac helped with that, and promised Alice that her grades wouldn't suffer; Alice trusted her and knew that her mentor would help get her back up to speed before the exams in June.

So here she was in the posh hotel room that Phryne had paid for, anxiously awaiting the next morning when Edith would sneak her into the hospital before Matthew woke. It had been over a year since she'd last been in the same room as him - let alone the same state of the country; Alice knew his feelings for her - of that she was absolutely sure - but she still couldn't help the small voice in the back of her head (indeed sounding like her parents as Matthew had correctly concluded) that this surprise would go over like a lead balloon and he wouldn't actually be happy to see her in the morning.

Abruptly shaking her head, Alice shifted on the bed and pulled the covers tight around her - Matthew's brown cardigan included, though it stopped smelling like him months ago; worrying would only prevent her from getting the rest she needed, and it would do her no good to be too tired to enjoy her day with Matthew.

He loved her, and he would love this surprise - she nodded to herself and willed her brain to quiet enough for her to sleep.

22 April 1943

Her hands shook as she smoothed down her dress - the green one she'd worn on their cinema date last year that nearly had Matthew's eyes "falling out of his head" as Phryne put it so eloquently; her hair was perfectly coiffed, her makeup flawlessly applied (despite the shaking hands) and still, Alice couldn't stop fretting.

"You look amazing, knock it off," Edith's teasing broke through the spinning thoughts in her head, and the next thing Alice knew - she was pulled into a tight hug by her old housemate.

"It's good to see you," Edith squeezed her shoulders as she drew back, "sorry for hugging you, it's just been so long."

"No, no, it's alright, it's you after all," Alice smiled - the hug had done her some good and helped calm her nerves. "How is he?"

"Moping. He's reluctant to leave the little spitfire and also doesn't know what he'll do with a day off… though now I think he'll be much more appreciative of that day with you here."

Alice's cheeks warmed at Edith's teasing and twinkling eyes - but she was right, Matthew certainly would enjoy his one day out of the hospital a lot more once he knew she was here.

"Shall we?"

Taking Edith's outstretched hand, Alice smiled and nodded; it was time to surprise the man she loved.

Matthew didn't want to wake up; if he woke, he'd have to figure out what to do with a whole day and that whole day would mean that he'd have to say goodbye to Adelaide and go back to his men on the front. Maybe if he stayed in bed a little longer, he could pretend he still needed to stay in the hospital.

"How are you this morning?" Edith's far too cheery voice rang out.

So much for dozing back off.

"Grumpy, so you keep telling me."

"You'll be perfectly fine, Matthew, and think of this day off as a nice reset before returning to the fight."

He harrumphed - which apparently amused Edith as he heard the curtains around his bed move.

"Where's Addy?"

"She's being spoiled, don't you worry."

A second pair of heels graced his ears, as well as a soft giggle and the unmistakable sound of Adelaide purring (she was a loud purrer); the second pair of heels tapped closer and Matthew thought he could make out a familiar mix of floral perfume and antiseptic.

It couldn't be…

Opening his eyes, Matthew couldn't believe the sight that greeted him; there stood Alice - dressed in the same green dress from their one cinema date - teary-eyed and smiling as Addy lovingly bumped Alice's chin with her head.

"I must be dreaming."

The vision of Alice shook her head slowly, "Not dreaming."

"You're real?"

She nodded, "I'm really here."

"Really?"

Alice nodded again and slowly sat down on the bed next to his hip - Edith backed out of the curtained area and twitched them closed, leaving the two of them alone for the first time in over a year.

Letting Addy wriggle out of her arms and onto the bed, Alice smiled as the cat nudged her one more time for attention.

Matthew's gaze lingered on her - not wanting to blink lest she disappear and it's all revealed to be a dream.

"H… how?" he finally asked.

"Edith. She knew you would have a day off and wanted to surprise both of us… I'm here until you leave tomorrow, dearest."

"So I have you for a whole day?"

Alice's cheeks turned that beautiful pale pink that he'd missed so much.

"You do."

He reached out with a shaking hand that landed on her cheek; Alice leaned into it and her hand came up to cover his.

"Sweetheart…"

She smiled, "I've missed you saying that."

"You have?"

Alice nodded, "I've missed you calling me pet names, your voice, your laugh… everything."

"I've missed you too," that old familiar boyish grin graced his face as Matthew lightly tugged her closer. "You like me calling you pet names?"

Her cheeks warmed - she supposed she was nearing bright red at this point, but damn was he charming when he wanted to be.

"I do."

Matthew's hands gently cupped her cheeks and brought her in for a soft kiss; Alice practically melted into his arms - this was something she had also missed, but she figured Matthew's ego didn't need to know that.

"I've been thinking of other ones to call you," he teased - his lips brushing against hers every few words.

"Like what?"

"Darling."

Alice wrinkled her nose, "Too much like Miss Fisher… not you."

"Love?"

"Jack calls me that… and Miss Fisher, no thank you."

He laughed richly, "Alright, alright… I suppose there's honey."

"Absolutely not, I'm not a bear."

"So that's also a no to boo-bear?"

She snorted - quickly dissolving into giggles as Matthew joined in. "Where on Earth did you hear that one?"

"Must have read it somewhere."

"Matthew, dearest, you are a very silly man."

He kissed her again, "I'm your silly man."

"Too right… Sweetheart is good enough for me. I don't need any other pet name."

Another kiss and Alice twined her arms around his neck as he nuzzled her cheek.

"Fair enough, sweetheart, but I do have one more suggestion."

This man, she thought with a grin.

"What is it?"

He pressed a light kiss to her cheek, "Mrs. Lawson?"

Initially, Alice froze in his arms - palms clammy even as she clung to him like a raft at sea; as she thought over his suggestion, however - and the true question lying underneath the teasing - the fear left her. Matthew loved her, he knew her as no one else had, and she knew he wasn't using this to try and control her as others had tried in the past. He was patient, he was kind, and he was Matthew.

Drawing back enough to see his face, a warmth bloomed in her chest at the soft, longing, look in his eyes; they'd both been through quite a lot through this war - with so much of it in this past year - their letters getting closer and closer as they talked of the future without actually saying the word marriage.

Suddenly, she realized that marriage with him didn't seem quite so much like the cage she'd seen her mother caught in growing up; with Matthew, it felt more like a partnership, and she knew him well enough to know this wasn't a ruse. She felt safe with him, and knew he wouldn't change the second a ring went on her finger; he wouldn't force her to change who she was and for that she loved him dearly.

Stealing a soft kiss from him, Alice finally put him out of his misery with her answer.

"Not… Doctor Lawson?" she asked him with a smile - one that grew as Matthew registered what she said.

That boyish grin returned - giddy and bright - as he pulled her close. "Nah, sweetheart. Doesn't seem fair that you've put in all the work only for me to come in and sweep you off your feet to tack my name on the degree… 'sides, it'll be more fun once we start working together to see how long it takes people to realize we're married."

Alice laughed, "You are the worst, Matthew Lawson."

"That's me, sweetheart. I suppose we'll have to go find you a ring today, if you'd like one, that is."

"Of course, I would," she kissed him again - just because she could. "And one for you as well."

She couldn't help the giggle at the owlishly way he blinked - she liked surprising him.

"I don't want to wait, not with everything that's happened and God knows what will happen. I want to be the person the army calls if the worst happens, and because of that I don't want to wait until the war ends for us to get married… either one of us could die, Matthew… let's grab happiness while we can."

The surprised look turned warm and he smoothed his hands up and down her back, "Ed and Lorraine's situation got to you, didn't it?"

"And ours," she gently reminded him of why he was in the hospital in the first place. "I don't want to leave anything to chance… it won't be a big ceremony with a white dress, flowers, and numerous bridesmaids in a stuffy church, but it'll be ours."

"Eh, big ceremonies are overrated anyways… I'm just a little sad we won't have Mum or the others up here to celebrate."

"Edith can be one of the witnesses - she's been more than a godsend these past few months and God knows she'll be happy to help once more… as for the rest, we'll just delay a proper reception until the next time you get leave?"

"Sound decision, sweetheart," Matthew kissed her. "Alright, let's get married."

Alice grinned into his kiss, "I never thought this would happen to me."

"Me either… I'm glad it's you."

"Me too… I couldn't imagine anyone other than you at this point."

He pulled her close - their foreheads resting together as they soaked in the ability to be entwined in each others' arms after a year apart; Alice lightly nuzzled his nose with hers.

"Mum's going to be absolutely thrilled."

Matthew laughed as he nodded, "She will."

"I'll go find Edith and tell her how the plan has changed for the day while you get dressed, and then we'll go make whatever appointments we'll need."

"I think there's also an op shop near the courthouse, I remember seeing it one day we got an outing into the city. We could look for rings there."

"Perfect," she kissed him - giggling as he pulled her in for several more. "And then we'll call Mum before the courthouse."

"Can't wait."

Leaving him - after more kisses - Alice couldn't help the smile that stayed on her face as she left the curtained area. Today was going to be her wedding day, and what a day it will be.

Edith was more than happy to get a break from the hospital and stand as a witness at their wedding; with a promise to call once the time was set, Matthew and Alice lit from the hospital ward hand in hand - Miss Spitfire resting comfortably on Matthew's shoulders.

"Where to first?" Alice asked him - swinging their hands slightly much as she had on his last leave.

"Courthouse, I suppose, set an appointment for… early afternoon?"

"We'll have to ask Edith where to find a place to have a little reception."

"I was thinking maybe at the hospital - they've some decent food and the boys on the ward would be glad of a treat."

She smiled and squeezed his hand, "Always thoughtful."

"They've been my companions these odd months, seems only fair they get to share a bit of our happiness too. The hospital's got to have at the very least biscuits scuttled away somewhere."

"Edith will know once we tell her of our plans. So, courthouse, then calling Edith and Mum?"

"Right, and then finding the rings."

"I like the look of this op shop," Alice motioned to a little one tucked between a cafe and a boutique. "It has character."

"And it's near a phone, perfect, sweetheart."

Smiling into her light kiss, Matthew and Alice swiftly made their way to the courthouse to get an appointment with the marriage registrar; there was some paperwork to fill out, but thankfully they weren't bogged down with too much. In short order, they'd filed what preparatory paperwork was needed, cemented their wedding time for early afternoon, and were on their way back toward the op shop.

Alice took Adelaide from his shoulder so he could enter the phone booth; she would keep the cat entertained while he made the necessary phone calls. The first one, and likely shortest, would be to Edith at the hospital. She was absolutely delighted that they'd decided to get married, and animatedly confirmed her presence at the courthouse that afternoon.

"And we were thinking for a reception… maybe on the ward? Think the hospital could split with a few goodies for the men as well?"

"Leave it to me, I'll get it all sorted for you two," she promised over the line. "Tell Alice she should get married in that dress, it's got good memories for the both of you. And I've already got a friend up here who's good with a camera, she's fine with getting some photos."

"Wonderful, she can be the second witness as well."

"Exactly my thought! Go, go, get prepared for the day. Once the reception's over, would you like me to take Adelaide until tomorrow so you and Alice can have the night to yourselves?"

"I'll have to ask her, but might not be a bad idea… we'll think about it."

"Excellent. Now go!"

Chuckling at her bossy - but happy - attitude, Matthew hung up the phone and dutifully dialed home.

"Lawson Residence," his mother's voice echoed over the line and Matthew couldn't help but feel this phone call felt so similar to the one in Adelaide over a year ago.

"Mum, it's me."

"Oh, Matthew! How's my boy?"

"Wonderful, Mum. Alice surprised me with a visit up here in Brisbane."

"I'd wondered why I couldn't get a hold of her," his mother teased. "How long do you have?"

"Just a day, I go back to the front tomorrow; Alice is bringing the little spitfire back down the Melbourne."

"Good, good… so you're all better now?"

"Mostly, it's a little stiff sometimes, but nothing I can't handle."

"I'm glad to hear… what are your plans with Alice today?"

He grinned into the receiver, "Funny you should ask… we're getting married."

At first, there was stunned silence, but the shock didn't last long for Mum as she cheered over the line.

"We're both sorry you and the rest of the family can't come up for the courthouse ceremony, but Alice suggested having a big reception the next time I came home."

"Don't be daft, Matthew, it's war and we've all got to make sacrifices somehow. You and Alice know what's best for you at this moment, do what you need to do; she's absolutely correct in the fact that a celebration can come later. Make sure she's the first one to be notified on anything - Alice is an absolute marvel at keeping me and Vera up to date with anything regarding you; I'd see if a lawyer could be visited after the ceremony."

"Good idea, Mum, it wouldn't hurt to update the will."

"Too right, don't assume anything, my dear boy… and I'm so happy for the both of you. She's good for you, and I love her like my own… you just keep yourself out of trouble and come back to her properly."

"Yes, Mum, I promise."

"Good, I'll tell everyone here about the good news, you and Alice enjoy your day together."

"We will."

Alice greeted him with a kiss when he stepped out of the booth - he could get used to this sort of greeting quickly; Adelaide, not to be outdone, bumped his chin with her head - sending them both into a fit of laughter.

"I see someone's not happy about sharing your attention."

Matthew kissed the top of the cat's head, "She'll change her tune when it's your attention she gets for the time being. Edith's planning something and Mum's happy for us both."

"Good, and I'm not surprised about Edith. I briefly spoke to the op shop owner, he's alright with Addy coming in with us and he's pulling rings for us to look at too."

"Nicely done, sweetheart," he kissed her temple - smiling at the little hum that escaped from her. "Let's hope we'll find ones that relatively match and fit us."

"I think it'll add to the charm - reusing something old and giving it new life."

"You're a romantic."

"Only with you, and don't spread it around."

"Promise," he sealed it with a kiss.

Rings sorted - he'd found her a lovely engagement ring in the form of a compass rose ("To lead me back home to you, sweetheart" he'd told her, and reduced her to tears as he slid it on her hand) with a simple gold wedding band to match; for Matthew, Alice found a two-toned silver and gold wedding band with a notched bar design that gave the ring a bit of character - it was a little big on him, Alice noted, and hoped he wouldn't lose it in the coming months. He assured her that he would find some sort of cord or chain to place the ring on while out in the field - preferably long enough to tuck into the same pocket that held his photo of her from years ago.

The chain idea stuck with her and Alice tacked on a long one for herself; it would keep the rings out of general morgue muck, and keep the change in her relationship private until she was done with school. (She was certain the school couldn't do anything, but also wouldn't put it past them to try, so tucking the rings away it was for a little while longer).

"Ready?" Matthew asked her - his hand in hers, the still unfamiliar metal of the ring warming between his fingers.

"Absolutely."

It wasn't a big ceremony - just the two of them with Edith and her photographer friend - but butterflies still bubbled under her ribs as she and Matthew approached the officiant; she was getting married, in the middle of a war that had no apparent end, to her soldier who was shipping back off to New Guinea in the morning.

A few years ago this would have been unthinkable to Alice - she would have thought herself mad for this series of events; and maybe it was a little mad, but after nearly losing Matthew, she wasn't going to take any more chances about their happiness together.

As she repeated the vows given to her by the officiant (smiling at Matthew's gathering tears, though he'd deny it later), Alice held on tight to Matthew's hands; no, she wasn't going to waste a minute while she had him in front of her.

A few pictures later and a brief stop by the courthouse lawyer to change their wills, the newly married couple made their way back to the hospital where Edith had really outdone herself in scraping together a wedding feast that the men on Matthew's ward could really enjoy; several different party games were played - this certainly wasn't like any wedding reception Alice had been to, but it was theirs and perfect. A few hours were spent in the company of those who needed the levity the most these days, and the warm look in Matthew's eyes as he looked at his fellow countrymen was worth it all.

Slipping her hand into his, Alice leaned against his shoulder - smiling as he twined their fingers together.

"Ready to sneak out of here, sweetheart?" he kissed the crown of her (somehow) still-coiffed hair.

"I am, dearest… we should enjoy the time we have together."

Another kiss - lingering as he held her close - but he squeezed her hand and flagged down Edith; she pried Adelaide from Matthew's shoulders and bid them a fond farewell - promising Alice she'd be by in the morning to escort her to the train station.

"Do you leave before I do?" Matthew asked her as the cab drove them to the hotel.

She nodded, "It's almost a three-day journey back home, so the earlier we leave the better… I'm going to regret it in the morning, though."

"We'll just have to make it all worth it."

Humming into his kiss, she smiled - it already was worth it in her eyes; the chance to see him again was too much to pass up, and though traveling wasn't her favorite thing to do, Alice wouldn't have traded this day for anything. The front desk clerk greeted them with a smile as they passed, but Alice thought nothing of it until they reached Alice's room and opened the door.

Edith certainly had been busy, Matthew mused as his wife stood there in shock at the flower petals and candles adorning nearly every surface of the room.

His wife… he still couldn't quite believe it, but Alice was his wife.

'And will be for as long as I can help it… I want to grow old with her.'

Squeezing Alice's waist when she made to enter, Matthew pulled her back into his arms.

"Matthe-"

"There's a tradition to be followed, Mrs. Lawson," he teased.

"What tradition?"

"This one."

With a quick dip, he scooped her up into his arms - grinning at her surprised squeak that quickly devolved into protestations about overdoing his shoulder.

"A tradition is a tradition, and though we might have flouted multiple ones for our wedding, I wanted to do at least one thing."

She shook her head even as she laughed, "A little warning would have been nice."

"I'll remember that for the next time when I carry you over the threshold of our home."

"You will do no such thing, God knows how many years we'll have been married by then."

Matthew kicked the door closed behind them and carried Alice further into the room; his bag had been moved from the hospital - tucked in by the wardrobe, and someone had taken the trouble to hang up his green field uniform for tomorrow. An odd feeling struck him at the sight of that uniform next to Alice's clothes - how odd to see an aspect of war so close to her elegant things.

"Where'd you go?" Alice asked him - sliding from his hold when his arms slacked.

"Nowhere," he smiled, but his heart wasn't in it.

"Matthew…"

Chewing on his inner lip, he pulled her close; without hesitation, Alice wrapped her arms around his neck - much like she had done on his last leave when his feelings overwhelmed him. She didn't rush or push him, and he leaned on that steadfast, silent support.

"I just… I can't believe I have to go back… that I have to leave you again so soon after seeing you."

"I know."

"It's not fair, is it?"

She shook her head - her hair tickling his cheek, "It's not, but it's the hand we've been dealt with, dearest… we'll get through this, we have before."

"The sooner I leave, the sooner I come back, eh?"

"Exactly, and you can bet your last quid I'll be making noise about you and the boys getting a break, it's been too long since your last one."

"I don't doubt your stubbornness for a second, sweetheart," Matthew kissed the top of her head before Alice leaned back from his shoulder. "Let's not be morose and maudlin on our wedding night for a bit."

Two bright spots of color flushed Alice's cheeks, but she smiled and nodded. "I wanted to look at your shoulder anyways."

"Just the shoulder?"

She swatted at his chest in response, "What cheek!"

"Ah, you love it."

"I do, I must be absolutely mad to do so, but I do."

Leaning in for a kiss, Matthew smiled when Alice practically melted against him; it wasn't an ideal honeymoon - something he'd have to make up for once they got a little more time - but he was going to make sure she enjoyed it. But Alice had a request, and he wasn't going to deny anything for her, so he pulled back to start unbuttoning his dress uniform.

"Let me."

With a soft kiss, Alice took over - slowly unbuttoning his uniform and stripping him from the waist up; her hands shook as she pulled his vest over his head, and Matthew gently cradled them in his once the article of clothing hit the floor.

"We've got time, sweetheart… we can go as fast or as slow as you need."

"I know… it's just… it's you… I don't want to mess this up."

"You won't… I'm already yours, I've been yours for a long time now, Alice… you're stuck with me until God pulls me from this Earth."

Tears threatened to fall from her eyes, but she sniffed them away, "If he tries it, he'll have to answer to me."

"That would be a sight to see."

"One I hope won't happen for a long time," she smiled into his kiss and pushed him towards the bed.

Matthew sat patiently as Alice inspected his scar; it didn't hurt him anymore, except for some moments where the newer skin tugged oddly, and lately, he could forget he'd even been injured. Alice, however, had not, and Matthew knew she wouldn't rest easy until she'd seen the damage for herself.

Catching her around the waist as she finished with the back of his shoulder, Matthew stood - catching the way her eyes dipped down to his bare chest before looking back up at him.

"You know… this isn't what I had in mind when I thought about being shirtless in a bedroom with you."

Alice turned a bright shade of red he hadn't seen since Clara's wedding last year. (Had it really only been a year?)

"Well, you had to go and get yourself injured, so it's your own fault, really."

Laughing, he dipped down for a kiss - shivering slightly under her touch on his bare skin.

She was far too overdressed for his liking, but he didn't want to spook her before she was ready; Alice took that decision out of his hands as she strained to undo her dress - the gorgeous green dress that had haunted his dreams for weeks after their cinema date.

"Let me," he gently turned her around to help with the buttons.

Alice sighed as the dress fell to the floor with a soft 'whump', humming as Matthew kissed the back of her shoulder while he worked on the rest of her undergarments.

"Matthew?"

"Mm?"

"I… well, we've… talked of children…"

He paused and pulled her close as she leaned back against his chest.

"We have… what is it?"

"Getting married today wasn't exactly as thoroughly planned as I normally do things, and I still have the rest of the year in school to get through… I'm not saying that the school would do anything, but…"

"You'll have to keep this marriage private?"

She sagged against him - as though happy he'd worked it out, and kept up with her line of thinking. "I don't want to, Matthew, please understand that…"

"No, no, I get it, sweetheart… they can be assholes. I'm okay with you keeping our marriage private until graduation or whenever you feel like it - I was the one who suggested seeing how long it takes people to realize it all once we married. We're private people, the ones who matter know, the ones who don't… won't for the time being."

"I'm so glad you understand."

"Of course, sweetheart," Matthew kissed the back of her shoulder again. "So what's got you worried about kids?"

"I… I'm worried that I'll… that we'll…"

"Honeymoon baby?"

Alice nodded furiously - the heat of her blush bright against his cheek.

"I'd… I don't want to think of what they'll do if I end up pregnant while still in school… but it's our wedding night and… I know what's expected."

He kissed her shoulder again as he reached into his trouser pocket and pulled out the linked packets that someone (Edith could put pickpockets to shame) had stowed there at some point during their hospital reception; unfurling the bunch, Matthew simply dangled them within Alice's eyesight.

Her reaction was immediate - a gasp followed by giggles that dissolved quickly into belly-aching laughter.

"We'll worry about babies in the future, but for tonight we can have some fun."

"You know, I think I missed this most of all," Alice sighed as her fingers trailed down his arm and lifted his hand.

"I don't remember doing this the last time we saw each other," he teased even as she swatted at his bare chest. "I'd like to think I'd remember doing this with you."

"Silly man, I meant holding your hand."

Matthew raised his hand to meet hers above the tangled sheets; palm to palm, he laced their fingers together and brought her hand in for a kiss. His wedding band - slightly too big, but he'd scrounged up a cord to put it on out on the front - was warm against his skin, and he couldn't wait to get used to the weight of it on his finger.

"I know what you mean, sweetheart."

"I just… I never knew how important such a small gesture could be until it was taken from me. I see other couples sometimes and… get so jealous that they have each other right there, especially after all that's happened since I last got to hold you."

Matthew felt something wrench inside him and he pulled Alice closer in her bed; he hadn't meant to worry her last year, but it had been a bit reckless for him to go back for one of his men under fire, and both he and Alice paid the price for such a close call.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart."

"Don't be sorry for doing your duty, Matthew. I'm so very proud of you, and I know that the anxiety of waiting for you to come home won't be the last during this war… or after in our line of work."

"Been thinking of after, are we, Mrs. Lawson?" he teased and kissed the end of her nose as she giggled and swatted at his chest again. "I like the sound of that."

"I know you do, you're the one plotting out the garden in Ballarat."

"It kept me going… thinking of that house and the garden… sharing it with you. You kept me going, Sweetheart."

"Just as you keep me going, my dear husband."

Matthew smiled into her kiss, "I like the sound of that, my darling wife."

Alice scrunched up her nose a little at the term of endearment, but kissed him again - their kisses had long since tapered off from hungry and desperate as they were earlier in the evening, settling into lazy and soft as they lay tangled together.

"Think if we just stay here locked away in the room, they'll leave us alone and we can wait out the rest of the war?"

"I don't think so, sweetheart," he nuzzled her nose. "You wouldn't want to be married to a court-martialed soldier… not to mention you'd likely suffer consequences as well."

"You could come with me tomorrow then, we could run away from all of this."

Matthew leaned his forehead against hers, as nice as it sounded, they couldn't.

"We can't, sweetheart."

"Sure we can… get on the train and then another and another until we find a small remote town away from it all… raise sheep."

He grinned at the image of Alice surrounded by bleating sheep - that little furrow between her brow as she meticulously looked after them.

"You'd go stir-crazy within the week… and we can't, sweetheart. I won't let you get in trouble or give up being a doctor. It's your life's dream."

Alice kissed him, "And what if I have a new dream? What if you're my new dream?"

Matthew leaned into her kisses and cradled her hands in his - the rings shining on her left hand, soon to be tucked away until she graduated.

"You're my new dream too, Alice… and we'll have that… with you as a doctor and me as a copper in that house in Ballarat… we just need to be patient."

She sighed, one that echoed through his bones and ached in his heart; they'd both had to sacrifice so much already due to this damned war and he hated asking more from her when all he wanted to do was step onto that train with her and go home.

"I love you, Alice Harvey Lawson, and I'm coming home to you."

Alice said nothing, just pulled him to her - on top of her - as she poured all of the yearning and longing he felt in his own soul into a drawn-out goodbye before the morning.

23 April 1943

Their time together was short, but they made the most of it; Alice would need a long soak in the bath once she got home, and there were marks that would be interesting to hide - but as she held on tight to Matthew's hand on the way to the station, she couldn't say she regretted a single moment of the past 24 hours.

"How mad do you think Addy is going to be?" Matthew murmured in her ear as the cab turned another corner.

"She'll probably live up to her nickname… hopefully she won't be too angry on the way home with me and Edith."

"I'm sure she'll settle in just fine," he pressed a kiss to her temple and squeezed her hand; she'd left her wedding rings on for just a little bit longer - the closer she got the Melbourne, they'd have to be tucked away, but for now she'd leave them be.

It was still hard to believe that they'd married; Alice never thought she'd want to chain herself to someone in this way, but Matthew had squirmed his way under the walls of her heart. With him, the rings felt less like a chain and more like a gentle reminder of what she had - of what they had gone through to get here.

'Everything with the heart is a risk,' Dot's voice echoed in her head as Matthew kissed her forehead.

She trusted her heart in Matthew's hands, just like he trusted his in hers; no matter how long this war took, she'd be waiting for her soldier to come home with open arms and a bed to rest in.

"I love you," Alice whispered as the cab pulled up to the train station - Edith waited on the platform with Addy's carrier at her feet, the cat bundled up in her arms.

"I love you too, Almost Doctor Harvey."

"Mrs. Lawson… just for a little bit longer."

He kissed her and heat flooded her veins, "Mrs. Lawson."

It took little time to get her and Edith's luggage readied, the nurse went ahead to secure a cabin for them and the little spitfire Matthew was currently soothing in Alice's arms.

"You'll be taken good care of, sweetheart, I promise… I can't have you in danger," Matthew kissed the top of Addy's head as she (loudly) let her disapproval be known.

Alice smiled and scratched Addy under the chin as Matthew's shoulders drooped further, "If we didn't just get married, I'd say you love her more than me, dearest."

The look of shock was worth the teasing as she leaned up to kiss him.

"Only teasing, Matthew; I know we both have special places in your heart… and there's plenty to share."

He pulled her into his arms even as Edith waved for them to hurry it along, "You wound me, Alice Harvey Lawson… I love you."

"I love you too… come home to me, Matthew."

"God will have to take me himself."

She held onto him as long as she could, until Matthew gently pushed her onto the train himself; Alice leaned out the window of their cabin as he leaned up to kiss her one last time, and wipe away her tears.

"Courage, sweetheart," he smiled as she clung to his hands.

"Courage… and faith."

"I'll write when I get back, I promise."

"I know you will."

She continued to lean out of the window and watched as the train rolled from the station; Matthew stayed until she could no longer see him - waving the entire time with tears in his eyes.

'I wish the war was over,' she thought as Addy crawled into her lap.

"You'll see him again, Allie."

Alice couldn't answer, she just held Adelaide close as the tears fell.

*ala T'Challa in Black Panther* As you can see, I am not dead

life got SUPER BUSY y'all, I'm so sorry lmao. I've been trying to finish this chapter since probably September; between the internship, the retail job, and my last year of grad school it's just been a LOT, but thank you for your patience, and hopefully it will not be this long between updates (seeing as we won't have prose chapters again for awhile, it should be easier!). - Dee