Chapter 38 – New Family
They walked into the White House, in love and carefree. When the shit hit the fan two days ago, they vowed to still have the wedding of their dreams. They were still over the moon at how spectacular their wedding day had gone despite everything.
Alison wore a pale pink suit, very Jackie Kennedy style. Her hair down falling over her shoulders like dark silk. Liam dressed in a navy suit with a white shirt and tie that matched Alison's dress. She beamed at him and he smiled back at her. The laughed as they made their way off the elevator. They rounded the corner and the screaming stopped them in their tracks. There was Eliza on the hallway floor throwing a massive tantrum. Jason standing over her, "Stand up! Eliza! We are going to be late. You need to get off the floor!"
Alison looked at her brother in shock, "Jason, yelling at her is so not the way to handle this."
"Well, she is being unreasonable. We were at the swing set for an hour. She needs to go get dressed and get to brunch. Claudia already took Hope in and to get Stevie. Instead of getting up she is just lay….."
He looked down and Eliza was smiling up at Liam and getting off the floor.
"You have got to be KIDDING me!" Jason said, running his hand through his hair. Oscar, the White House butler burst out laughing.
Eliza was now happily in Liam's arms as they all entered the residence as Alison wiped her tears.
"What happened?" Elizabeth walked out of the residence now dressed in a gray short sleeve dress with a high princess waist. She took her granddaughter out of Liam's arms. Eliza cuddled into her now tired from the hour of play and the ensuing meltdown.
Alison gave that grin knowing she could throw her brother under the bus. "She wanted to go back to the playground and Jason couldn't handle it!"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "I'm going to get her ready. Stevie is in the shower. She might be a little late."
"How'd it go?" Liam asked, his voice low.
"About as horrible as it could have gone. But, I think she will be okay. I still haven't gotten word yet. I agreed to let Talia be there and then she'll be on her way. Stevie just needs time and a lot of extra time before greeting others this morning." Elizabeth answered.
"Mom, she doesn't have to do this. If she wants to stay here, she can." Alison offered.
"No she wants to go. Besides Andrew is going to be there." Elizabeth grinned.
Alison's mouth dropped as she looked at Liam, "Mom, how do you know?"
"Tradecraft," she answered and whisked Eliza into the master suite to dress her.
Twenty minutes later, the family walked into the ballroom for a much smaller post-wedding brunch this morning. Stevie got herself together and made it in time. She didn't want to seem singled out walking in later. Elizabeth insisted to Blake that they not be introduced. She wanted it to be casual since this was mostly family and close friends.
Stevie chose a black dress and her hair was swept up into a messy bun. As she entered the room, Eliza dropped her hand and ran ahead. Stevie thought for sure she was headed for Blake but she went straight for Andrew. The moment was not lost on her parents who looked at her and she glanced back at them, a hint of blush pink on her cheeks. Alison who stood beside her sister whispered, "Busted."
They all sat down as a family to eat. Elizabeth had asked Liam's parents to join them. Liam's mother sat next to her with Alison next to her. Jean-Pierre, Liam's Dad sat with Henry as they talked the arts.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Amèlie, spoke in French to each other. Elizabeth always loved using her French any chance she could. Of course, she spoke it fluently and with her voice the world's most romantic language became even more soothing. Elizabeth adored Amèlie because they always talked about everything but politics. They talked about the kids, having grandchildren together. They talked about the first family's upcoming trip to London and then Paris. Elizabeth had meetings in London and Paris scheduled for Annie's spring school vacation. The family would spend half the week in London to allow Annie to visit Sophie's family and also attend a meeting with the Queen and then to Paris for the rest of the week. It would bring everything full circle. This trip would be joyful and not cut short.
Alison watched her parents and now in-laws and could not be happier. They had truly become friends over the past two years. The four of them were so pleased to be sitting together, just chatting away like all eyes weren't on them even though they were.
Just as they finished eating, Blake came over and placed his hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. He whispered in her ear, "It is done." A cue that let her know Dmitri had passed, but she looked to Henry. Hiding the cue, they stood and along with Liam and Alison made their way around the room thanking their family and friends for coming.
For Elizabeth and Henry, working a room was natural. Alison was not as skilled as her parents and Stevie, but she was quickly learning by following her mother's lead. She took the questions asking how Stevie was doing and when her due date was in stride. Those were not as frequent as her next design projects. Many were surprised that once she got back from her honeymoon, she would already begin working on gowns for the Oscars. Liam took to being "the man beside the woman very well." He explained to others he would go back to teaching at NYU and focus on the redecorating plans for their new home in Manhattan.
The brunch ended. Guest left and the very, very busy weekend was coming to an end. Elizabeth and Henry now dressed casually in jeans and t-shirts said goodbye to the newlyweds and Liam's parents. They were headed to the airport in a motorcade. A private jet would take them to Europe and the happy couple would be headed on to their honeymoon for the next two weeks.
Elizabeth turned to Henry hoping to head upstairs for a nap since it was a rare day off for her. But, they heard the giggles of the girls. She glanced at Henry and they headed up towards the playground and soccer field. Annie and Eliza were playing with the soccer ball on the field. Stevie was helping Annie to teach Eliza how to kick the ball. She had fallen on it many times with Annie laughing louder each time. The first couple took a seat on the grass next to Will and Melanie. The four of them sat there happily watching the girls. Not to let a moment be too perfect, a sly smile came across Will's face as he said, "Jason and Claudia went back to Georgetown. ALONE!"
Elizabeth turned to him with her eyes open and one eyebrow up. Henry turned, "Babe, he's old enough. Let it go."
Henry and Melanie stepped on the field to play with the girls. Will and Elizabeth sat there each leaning back on their hands her left hand crossed with his right behind them, their long legs stretched in front of them. Will glanced a look at her. "Did you make up your mind yet?"
"About what?" she didn't look at him, just stared straight ahead watching the kids.
"C'mon, don't act like you don't know what I am talking about!" he tapped her foot with his.
"Trying to get through one crisis at a time, Will. Can't we just enjoy this moment? Besides, I haven't made up my mind yet." she answered still not looking at him.
"Why?" he asked now looking straight ahead.
"You have to ask. Will, this job has taken a huge toll on our family!" now she was staring at him.
"Lizzie, you have the highest approval rating of any President like ever. Your second term will be much smoother. Trust me."
She stood up, "Do I have to remind you how much I don't trust you?"
She reached her hand to him, he took hers and she lifted him up. They walked onto the field and a family game broke out.
