Alice was sure that she was forgetting something.

The last hours were spent tidying up the apartment, clearing the small dinner table, and lighting candles. Sure that something was out of place, despite the perfectly placed silverware and plates, fitted into place onto the table with grace. The smell of chicken floated in the air around her, the steady bubbling of pasta in a pot filling Alice's ears as she slipped her apron from over her head and smoothed her skirt over her thighs.

The fluttering in her chest was inconsolable, unable to help the ache of longing that flowed through her bones as she waited. If all had gone well, Ford and Stan would have picked up the twins from the bus stop and Ford would be on his way to her apartment. Her fingers twisted into each other, eyes staring helplessly at the clock as she tried to soothe the anxiety in her chest.

And yet, Alice still felt like something was missing. 

Her hands fluttered over the table, she'd indulged in a bottle of champagne for the night but that was in place. The chicken was settled on the stove, low heat keeping it warm, light music played through the apartment, and there was everything she needed for the perfect night.

So what was missing, besides her guest of honor?

The knock was so quiet, that Alice almost missed it. Her head whipped toward the door, and before Alice could stop herself, she was reaching for it. Pausing, she made sure she was collected and calm, smoothing her hair over the back of her neck and brushing off her blouse.

Her hand shook as she pulled the door open, smiling wider than she had since that first time Ford had kissed her. Alice leaned against the door, her hand shaking behind her back and she smiled up at him.

"Hey you," She said, voice soft, unable to form any other words.

Ford smiled at her, calm and collected as ever with his hair smoothed and his shirt straightened. She devoured every detail, from the light scruff on his face to the soft flush that erupted over his ears, and the sparkle in his eyes.

"Hey," He replied, his voice just as soft as he reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. "You look beautiful, as always."

"And you look dashing," Alice breathed, resisting the urge to lean into his touch and melt there. "Come in. Dinner's ready."

She took a step back, her skin crying out as she pulled away from his touch, gesturing him into the small apartment. Ford stepped into the apartment, his eyes taking in the surroundings. He breathed in as if tasting the air, taking in the scent of the chicken and the sound of the soft music.

"You cooked?" He asked, turning his attention back to his, his gaze lingering on her face. 

Alice let out a breathy laugh, shutting the door and crossing her arms over her chest. The music was soft enough that Alice could still hear the sounds of tires on the roads outside the window and the sound of her heart thudding in her chest.

"I wanted to do something special for when you got back," She confessed, her fingers twisting nervously in the sleeve of her blouse. "So I made chicken piccata."

"You didn't have to go through so much trouble," Ford smiled, taking a step toward her and taking her hand in his, gently uncurling her fingers from around her sleeve. Alice sucked in a breath as he guided her knuckles to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to each one.

"Well..." Alice managed, feeling the blush cross her face as he lowered her hand, fingers still grasping hers. "You are well worth that trouble."

"Is that so?" He asked, stepping close. Alice could feel the heat radiating from his body, sending shoots of electricity up her body as his thumb ran over the top of her hand. "And what if I said you were worth even more trouble?"

Alice let out a breathy laugh, her fingers twisting neatly into the slots between his fingers. His hands were rough compared to her, years of writing and work added to the time spent out on the sea. Pushing away thoughts she couldn't bear to think about now, Alice met his gaze.

"I guess we both went through trouble for each other," She whispered, her free hand rising to brush across his cheek, fingers catching in the stubble along his face. Ford's eyes fluttered shut, his face turning into her palm and pressing a gentle kiss to the center.

"I missed you," He murmured, his voice low as he pulled her closer, his arms encircling her waist as she leaned into his chest. Alice basked in the feeling of his chest pressed against hers, her fingers lacing into his shirt as she breathed in the scent of the ocean on his skin, mingling with the familiar smell of old books.

"I missed you," She confirmed, her voice no higher than a mutter against his chest. Her arms wrapped around his neck, gently pulling him to her level as she held him, ignoring the aroma of the chicken. "More than I thought I would."

Ford hummed, burying his nose in her hair. His hand brushed across the back of her neck, fingers tangling into her hair.

"Can I admit something?" He asked, his voice muffled against her head. Alice leaned into his fingers, unable to deny herself the feeling of his touch on her skin.

"Of course," She muttered, closing her eyes and leaning her head into his shoulder. "Anything."

"I thought about you all the time," He confessed in a hushed tone. He took a moment, breathing in as his arms tightened around her back. "Not a single day went by where I didn't think of you. When I was alone at night, lying in my bunk... I wished you were there."

Alice drew in a breath, her eyes fluttering open as she turned to meet his gaze. Her finger slipped along the nape of his neck, trailing to his jawline and cupping his face in her palm. She didn't know what to expect, the confession in the air between them was thick and longing, if she had the words to describe how much she'd missed him, she would have.

"Bee," She whispered, a smile fluttering across her lips. "I knew you were a poet with a pen, but I'm glad to know you are with your words."

Ford chuckled softly, his eyes locked onto hers as he leaned into her touch.

"Only with you," He murmured, his voice low and soft in her ears. "Only ever with you."

Alice felt her face heat, her hand falling to rest against his chest. His warmth and touch, the way his eyes caught hers. Ford made her feel like a teenager, despite not having been one for years.

"Good," She muttered, tearing her gaze from his and pushing her hair behind her ear with her free hand. "Because I might get jealous if I have to share your poetry with anyone else."

Ford smiled, his gaze still focused intently on her face, as if he couldn't help looking at her. The scent of chicken and spices filled the air, an almost crisp smell wafting past Alice.

"I think dinner is burning," Ford commented, turning his attention to the stove, a small smile on his face.

"Oh, shoot," Alice breathed, collecting herself and releasing him. 

She swept into the kitchen, turning off the burners and waving her hand over the cloud of steam that formed over the chicken. Muttering under her breath, Alice lifted the pan in one hand, the pot in the other, and brought them out, setting both on the trivets at the center of the table.

She sighed, tipping her head back and glancing at Ford, "Dinner's ready."

He chuckled, rounding the table and sliding one of the chairs for her. Alice sat, watching as he settled into his and rested his hands on the table.

"It looks delicious," He said, gaze flickering between the food and her face. "You never cease to impress me, Dove."

Alice laughed, shaking her head and settling her hands on her lap. 

"Let's just say I'm glad I know how to follow a recipe," She commented, brushing her hands on her skirt. "I would have been hopeless without it."

She waved her hands at the table, a small smile crossing her face as she gestured to the meal.

"Dig in."

Ford chuckled as he helped himself, piling food onto his place. Alice followed suit, her stomach grumbling quietly as she heaped pasta and chicken onto her plate. She settled back in her seat, eyes flickering up as Frod took a bite, closing his eyes and savoring the taste.

"This is amazing..." Ford said, his words muffled by his chewing. "You've really outdone yourself."

"I'm glad you like it," Alice beamed, reaching across the table and gently uncorking the bottle of champagne, pouring half a glass for herself. "Champagne?"

"Sure," He replied, pushing his glass to her. "You certainly know how to set a romantic scene, Dove."

Alice chuckled, steadying her hands and she took his glass and poured the bubbling liquid gold drink into his glass. She slipped the bottle back on the table and leaned back in her seat, lifting her glass to her lips and taking a light sip.

"What else could I do?" She asked, smiling past the rim of her glass. "You spoiled me with beautiful letters and birds, I had to treat you."

You didn't have to do anything," He said, voice soft as he took a sip from his glass. "Just your presence alone is enough to make me feel... special."

"You are special," Alice insisted, setting her glass on the table and reaching her hand across, slotting her fingers into his. "Anyone who thinks otherwise is an idiot."

"I could say the same about you," He replied, his fingers twisting around hers, thumb carving circles over the back of her hand. "Anyone who doesn't see how special you are... They are missing out."

Alice smiled, leaning on the table and holding his hand. It felt right, being in the dimly lit apartment with him, dinner finished on the table, the light music capping the perfect scene.

"Do you want to dance?" She asked, tipping her head toward the radio. The dim light of the room cast stark shadows across his face, but she could see the smile playing across his lips.

"I'd love to," he said, pushing back his chair and standing. He crossed the small space between them and held his hand to her. Alice linked her fingers with his, her thumb pressing gently into his palm as she stood and pushed in her chair.

The apartment was small, the living area doubling as a dining room, Alice's couch taking up more space than she would have wanted it to. With a quick bump of her hip, Alice shifted her couch forward, giving them enough space despite the cramped quarters.

The space was tight, but it made the entire experience far more intimate.

Ford pulled her gently against his chest, his arms wrapping around her waist as he began to sway with her to the sound of the music. Alice lifted her arms, draping her hands on his shoulders, and leaned into his chest, the steady thrum of his heart in his chest relaxing as they swayed.

It was less dancing than it was shifting in place, but Alice didn't mind, not when she could enjoy the feeling of his warmth against her. Ford's lips brushed across her forehead, his arms shifting to pull her tighter to his chest.

"This is perfect," He whispered, his voice content and soft.

"Better than research?" She asked, a hint of a tease, as she smiled up at him. He chuckled, lips curving into a smile as he leaned closer.

"Definitely better than research," He muttered into her ear. "But don't tell my books, they might get jealous."

Alice giggled, her hand slipping around his neck and playing with tufts of his fading brown hair. Closing her eyes, Alice leaned into Ford's chest and let out a sigh.

"Good," She muttered, swaying with him in time to the music. "I'm just glad I get you to myself tonight."

"You have me all to yourself," He assured her, his voice low and soft as he pressed another kiss to the top of her head. "And I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm all yours, Dove."