February 1784

Eliza sat down in Alexander's office. She flicked through the household accounts. She looked at the date.

"Oh. Oh shit", she didn't mean to swear. Alexander looked up at her. Her hand rested on her stomach.

"Are you okay?" He knealt down beside her. She looked into his eyes. Philip has his eyes.

When was the last time she had a bleed? She shook her head.

"I think I might be with child", she thought back to how sick she has felt the last 2 weeks. It was morning sickness. Alexander grinned.

"Really? I haven't heard better news since when you granted me with a son", his hands rested on her stomach. Could they afford another child? They already owed John and Angelica 5000 New York dollars.

"I'm not sure. I don't know, it's been 3 months since I last", she didn't feel comfortable finishing that sentence with a man. Even if it was her husband. There was a moment of silence between them.

"Should I call for a doctor?" He asked her. He had been away last time she was pregnant. Eliza placed her hands over his.

"No, I'll contact a midwife. They should be able to confirm the pregnancy and tell me when it's due", she told him.

"What does it feel like?" He asked her. She couldn't feel the baby yet, if there was a baby there.

"Right now I just feel sick everyday and my appetite is gone. For some reason the only thing I can eat is fried potatoes. I've been eating them nonstop", she smiled at him. He kissed her before returning to his work.

"I'll go visit the midwife tomorrow", she told him. He nodded.

"Should I go with you?" He asked, glancing up from his work. She frowned.

"No", she wouldn't be comfortable with him there. Men don't get involved with maternity care.

July 1784,

Eliza read the letter that Alexander sent her from Albany. He was staying with her parents. He had work to complete with her father that was easier to complete in person. She would like to be with him but the journey would be too much for her with the pregnancy. Her father wasn't in great health, knowing Alexander was there helped her anxiety. She was to sell the house. They were offered 2100 dollars for it. She was not to accept less. They could afford to move since the opening of the bank was successful.

Eliza ran her fingers over the pencil markings in the door frame of Philips room. They had measured him at 6 weeks, 2 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. She wiped a tear from her cheek. There were so many memories in this house. Philip wouldn't get to use the swing she built the first week they were married.

Philip ran into her.

"Mommy! Look at this", he jumped forward then jumped back. She clapped for him. His first steps happened in this very room.

"Wow", she smiled at him. He did it again.

…

Eliza sighed with relief once everything was packed. Alexander wrapped his arms around her from behind as they looked at the house.

"Here's to new memories at our new home and pleasant farewells to our old home", he toasted. She leant into him. She smiled.

"I'll miss this house", she smiled, thinking back to when he carried her over the threshold.

Alexander helped her into the carriage before handing Philip to her.

"Wave bye to the house", Eliza waved with Philip.

"Bye house", he said as he waved. He was too young to understand that he wouldn't see the house again. Too young to even remember it.

Alexander fiddled with the key. Philip was under her dress, nursing.

"I can't wait to see it", Eliza commented. He glanced out the window before looking at her.

"I hope you like it", he said as they pulled up.

"Hold on", she said as she lifted her dress up. Alexander took Philip from her. His eyes were drinking her in.

Peggy and Stephen met them at their new house, they needed the help lifting boxes, etc. The house was closer to his office in New York. He could be home more often.

"Hello little baby, it's your aunt Peggy", she placed her hand on Eliza's stomach. Eliza laughed.

"Can this wait until we get inside", she smiled at her enthusiasm. Peggy smiled, nodding. Alexander opened the door, placing Philip in the parlour.

"Alexander told me to not let you in yet", Stephen stopped her from going in. What was he planning? Alexander grinned as he came outside.

"Welcome home", he picked her up, martial style. Eliza screamed. She was a lot heavier than she was when they got married. Being 7 months pregnant would do that. Her arms clung around his neck.

"Whatever you do, do not drop me", she warned him. It would kill the baby. Please put me down. She smiled at him, covering her worry. He laughed as he placed her down carefully.

Eliza felt her muscles relax once she was on solid ground.

"You couldn't have looked more terrified", he took her hand and showed her the house. This time it didn't need work done. They just had to unpack their things.
Thanks for reading x