Chapter 1:
It took time to love him. When I first met him, I didn't think that it was true. I thought that I had fallen in love at first sight. I remember it clearly, almost like it was yesterday.
I was on the terrace overlooking the city lights from my home. My sisters were throwing a party, and while I love to socialize, I didn't want to be social today. I remember as I looked out, I heard the glass door open, but thought it was just Angelica convincing me to go back inside and take shots or something. I was wrong. The person who joined me was Alexander. I remember he just came over to me, put his arms on the railing and said, "You know, if you're thinking about jumping, I will advise you not to, but I will not tell you what to do."
I replied to him, "I just needed some fresh air, too much booze clogging my senses. But thank you, for trying to be concerned."
That's when I looked up at him, I looked into his eyes and saw not fake care, but genuine concern for me, "I wasn't trying, I truly am."
"I see that now. My name is Eliza, my sisters are Angelica and Peggy."
"Alexander Hamilton, it is a pleasure to have your company, Eliza."
"And same to you, Alexander." At that moment, Angelica comes out on to the terrace to get me.
"Eliza, Thomas Jefferson is doing a butt chug, you have to come see it!" She drunkenly pulls me away from the terrace.
"I'll see you later, Eliza. It was a pleasure standing here with you, maybe we can do it again sometime soon…" He called after me as I was being sucked into the social hell that is my sister's parties.
When he said that, I knew deep down that he would be my person, and he was. We have been married for 16 years, and I am beyond in love with him. I never thought that I could love him more. Our first date was amazing and I will be honest the first time we did anything together was amazing. We have 4 kids, together. I love them all, they are all perfect products of him and I.
I woke up next to him everyday, and today was no different. It was just like normal, I woke him up with a kiss. His eyes fluttered open as I pulled away from him.
"Good morning, Betsy." He groggily told me.
"Good morning, Alexander."
"What is the plan today, my love?"
"Breakfast, taking care of the kids, and some personal work."
"Ok, so breakfast, helping you with the kids, and then government work."
I giggle, "Sounds like a good plan to me. Let's get up and get started."
I topple over him out of bed and to the closet. I throw on a light blue button up blouse and a pair of royal blue skinny jeans. I put in some hoop earrings and clasp a silver heart necklace around my neck, the one that Alexander got me on our first date together. I slip on my black flats. Alexander hasn't even left bed. "I'm starting my hair and makeup, you better get up."
"I will. I'm up, just not up." He mumbles from the bed.
I chuckle a little and walk into the bathroom to get ready. I brush my hair and straighten it. Then, I take my time doing a neutral eye-shadow look with some mild winged eyeliner. I pop on a neutral lip and add a light lip gloss to make my lips pop. I leave the bathroom and enter back into the master bedroom where Alexander has fallen back asleep.
I rub his arm, "Alex… you have to get up. Big meeting with Mr. President today…"
He jerks awake, "Oh my gosh, you're right."
He gets up and begins getting dressed. As he starts doing that, I go to wake up Philip, Angie, Alex Jr., and James. I wake the same way I wake Alexander, except I use breakfast instead of the president. They each take their time getting ready which gives me time to make breakfast. Alexander joins me in making eggs and bacon for my kids. We all eat in silence. The kids run off when they are done, Philip begins practicing piano and Angie is singing the song that her brother plays. James and Alex Jr. sit in the playroom playing with Fisher Price toys. I clean up their plates, rinsing them off. Alexander comes up behind me, wrapping his and around my waist, his hand sliding up my shirt and rubbing the soft skin right above the waistband of my pants, "Did I ever tell you that you are the best cook ever?"
I lean into him as he kisses my cheek and down my neck, "Maybe you mentioned it once or twice…"
"Well, Betsy, you are the best cook in all of New York."
I turn around and face him, "Well, thank you. You should get to work. I'll see you for dinner, or are you working late today?"
"Working late today. I'll be back around 9:30, okay?"
"Okay."
He leaves me so I can finish cleaning up. I watch him pull his coat on and walk out the door. I go into my home office and start working on some design projects for Peggy, she requested that I redesign her living room, and I really think this would be some good sister bonding time. Just as I pull up Google, my doorbell rings. I take my time walking over to the door. I look through the peephole quickly, it's Thomas Jefferson.
I pull the door open, "What Thomas?"
"Well what a pleasant greeting from you. Hello to you, too. I'm doing well thank you for asking. Mind if I come in?"
I pull the door open, "Sorry that my manners have left me. I am just extremely busy helping out my sister. So, what are you doing here? Not to be rude, but you don't visit often and even when you do, you are here for Alexander, not me."
"It's fine, doll face. I am here to talk about your husband, actually."
"What about him?"
His face changes from smugness to sympathy, "Nothing good I can assure you of that."
He hands me a check stub, "What is this, Thomas?"
"Why don't you sit down first, then we'll talk." His hand pushes me to my couch in the living room. I am beyond terrified of what he is going to say next.