"Do you, Alexander Hamilton, take Elizabeth Schuyler to be your lawfully wedded wife?" The minister asked in a booming voice. He surveyed the audience as he spoke, though it was not a very large one.
Alexander did not hear the rest of the words being said. He could not think of anything other than the two perfect dimples on either side of Eliza's smile. He thought of the first time that he saw that smile. He could not believe that he, the lowly dockside clerk, was actually marrying this lovely, charming, wonderful woman.
The minister stopped speaking after a moment. He looked at Alexander pointedly.
"I do." Alexander said without hesitation.
He did not need to think about whether he wanted to marry Eliza. He knew. He had known since he first saw her walking around the city with Angelica.
"And do you, Elizabeth Schuyler…" The minister continued, turning to look at Eliza.
Alexander allowed himself to refocus his own attention on Eliza.
He could scarcely believe that Eliza had agreed to marry him, even after the scandal that Maria had created. She had not asked him any questions about it. She said that she had trusted him all along; her father had been the only force which kept her from sitting by his side during the trial.
"I do." Eliza had not even allowed the minister to finish speaking.
She locked eyes with Alexander. Her smile deepened. Her eyes were sparkling. Alexander was certain that he had never loved her more.
"Then I now pronounce you husband and wife." The minister proclaimed.
There was polite clapping from the audience. Among them, Angelica and Peggy Schuyler clapped the loudest. John and Hercules were shaking their heads, just as incredulous about the union as Alexander was.
Alexander took Eliza by the hand. It was soft and warm. He gave it a gentle squeeze before leading her back down the aisle as a couple.
"I love you, Alexander Hamilton." Eliza said.
"I love you, too." Alexander whispered back.
His name had never sounded as good as it did coming from her lips.
End
Sorry about the short chapter, but I figured this was the only way to end this story! Thank you to all of those who continued to read, even when some chapters were messes and the plot got a bit wonky. I'll be posting the first chapter of a new story next Saturday...feel free to check it out if you're so inclined!