Note: This is when things are really taking a change from the story. I hope you all don't mind! Also, this is my longest chapter yet, I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 4

My Dearest Angelica,

I have not written for many months and I apologize for my absence. The war has caused me to be busier than ever. I hope you and your sisters are doing well. Unfortunately, a slight mishap has cause me to become injured. My general and good friend Washington has commanded me to take a break from the battlefield and return to a place I can be cared for. I have no place to call home except for the tents I reside in beside my comrades. It has been suggested to me to stay in your residence. I sincerely apologize for the short notice but I am likely on my way as you read these words before you. If you have no desire to welcome me into your home, politely decline me at the door, it will do me no harm.

My sincerest apologies,

A. Hamilton

Angelica clenched the letter in her hands and bit her lip softly. Countless emotions raced through her: excitement, nervousness, fear. It had been four months since Alexander had stayed in their home. Four months since Eliza had told him about Angelica's feelings. Alexander would be arriving soon and she had no idea what to do. She turned on her heels and floated up the stairs softly and lightly knocked on her sister's door.

"Elizabeth? Are you in?"

"Yes, come in," came the effervescent response.

Angelica turned the latch and stepped inside to be greeted by Eliza sitting on the foot of her bed, an open book placed beside her. She paused, then spoke carefully. "I have received a letter from Alexander."

"Oh?" Eliza's voice was brimmed with curiosity mixed with confusion.

"He was injured in a fight."

One of Eliza's hands flew to her mouth. "He is alright, isn't he?" She paused for a split second. "Please tell me he's alright!"

Angelica nodded. "He says he's doing fine, but he needs a place to stay. He has asked to stay here with us." She waited for a response from Eliza.

"Oh."

"He should be here in a few days time. Is it alright if he stays?"

Eliza seemed to think about her answer carefully as she delivered her answer. "Yes, I suppose that would be alright." She turned back to her book and stared at the pages, but Angelica knew she wasn't reading. Giving up on trying to get her to speak on how she actually felt, she swiveled and made her way back down the stairs. She wasn't sure how this visit would go, and it didn't help because of her not knowing how long Alexander would even be staying. She would have to wait it out, and that was something she hated to do.

A light knock at the door cause Angelica to rush out of the kitchen towards the door. She smoothed out her dress then took a breath before unlatching the door. The familiar face of Alexander greeted her. She smiled.

"Alexander, it's a pleasure to see you again."

"Likewise," he responded with a toothy grin. "Have you decided if I may stay here?"

Angelica nodded. "We have prepared a room for you to sleep, come this way." She stepped aside so he could make his way through the door frame. It was then when she noticed he used a cane to step inside. He had a terrible limp. As he leaned back to pick up his bag, Angelica quickly stopped him. "N-no, let me get that for you." She hauled the sac onto her shoulder and shut the door.

"I apologize for my inability," Alexander started, but she cut him off with the raising of her hand.

"No need to apologize. Let's get you settled in."

After placing his bag on the floor, Alexander sat tiredly on the bed and sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Is… everything alright?" Angelica questioned, concerned.

"Yes, yes, sorry." He flashed his charming smile but Angelica could see the fatigue through his eyes. "Everything is perfect."

"Would you like a meal? Perhaps a drink?"

"No, I'm fine-"

"I'll get you some soup and some water, then." Angelica turned and disappeared out of the room then returned a few minutes later only to find he had fallen fast asleep. She left the water on the bedside table and took the soup back into the kitchen. They would have to catch up in the morning.

The beams of light from the sunrise fluttered through the window and woke Angelica. She swiftly got out of her night clothes and into a casual dress and made her way into the kitchen. After quickly putting a kettle of water on the stove to boil, she tiptoed carefully to the guest room where Alexander was staying and tenderly knocked on the door.

"Come in," came the optimistic response of the handsome man inside. She opened the door and took a step in.

"I was wondering what type of tea you would-" Alexander was sitting up, shirtless in bed. Angelica quickly averted her eyes. "...that… you w-would want?" She could have sworn she heard him chuckle.

"Regular is just fine." He started to get out of bed.

"N-no, no, I can bring it to you, just wait here!" She hastily departed from the room and back into the kitchen. She could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment. While waiting for the water to boil she made her way to the second floor and invited herself into Eliza's room. "Alexander is awake, if you want to speak with him."

Eliza's eyes seemed to widen for a second, then she looked away. "No… I am going to be much too busy today."

Angelica raised her eyebrows. "Oh, doing what?"

"Doing…" Eliza fidgeted with her hands. "I need to shop. For groceries."

Angelica sighed. She was hoping Eliza wouldn't try to avoid Alexander while he was here. "Alright then." She gave up and stepped back down the stairs and into the kitchen. She prepared Alexander's tea and brought it back to his chamber. He was wearing his shirt now. "Your regular tea." She handed it to him carefully, making sure none of the hot liquid inside spilled on him. Angelica daringly looked him in the eye. He smirked.

"How've you sisters been? We have fallen behind with the letters unfortunately."

"We have both been well," Angelica replied, tucking some of her curly hair behind her ear. "I am glad you were not injured more than what you have been."

Alexander half rolled his eyes. "I shouldn't have had to get injured at all, really."

"If you don't mind me asking, how did you get hurt?" she asked, innocently curious. She sat at the end of the bed.

"Amusing you ask," Alexander started. "Don't be fooled, it's not a heroic war story."

Angelica felt a smile itching the corners of her mouth. "I am intrigued, do tell."

Alexander began in a storytelling voice. "A man who goes by the name Charles Lee was put into command of many battalions. I knew he was trouble, but my general, Washington, must have been blind to it. After becoming second in command he began to show his cowardliness as a leader. As we would go into battles he would almost pull back immediately. We lost many men because of him."

"Were you injured in one of the battles he was leading?" Angelica inquired.

Alexander shook his head. "No. After proving he was not fit to lead, a good friend of mine, Lafayette, a soldier from France, took his place. We left Lee behind without a pot to piss in, but then he started to speak ill about Washington. He began to spread rumours and cause people to lose faith in him. Washington told us to ignore it and that history would prove him wrong, but I had enough of his foolishness. Another friend of mine, Laurens, agreed we had to do something about it him. I challenged Lee to a duel."

"A duel?"

"We took ten paces and fired our guns at each other. I struck his ribs, he struck my leg."

Angelica stared at Alexander, agast. "Your general allowed this to happen?"

Alexander laughed. "No, it was against direct orders. Which is partially why I was sent away. It's my punishment."

Angelica shook her head. "You crazy buffoon." She looked him in the eye. "Coming here isn't much of a punishment, is it?" She couldn't help but smile.

Alexander winked. "Don't tell the general."

"Let me see the wound," Angelica ordered softly. Alexander began to unwrap it, revealing a swollen bullet hole. "The bullet was removed, correct?"

He nodded. "It mostly just needs cleaning and time."

Angelica stood and made her way to the door. "I'll get some fresh bandages." As she left the room the two made eye contact. He smiled as she lost sight of him. Her heart skipped just like the time she first laid eyes on him. She once again realized she had the choice. The universe, perhaps God, has given her another chance. Her heart twisted and her sister's voice echoed in her mind.

"This one's mine."

Angelica ran a hand through her hair. Perhaps once, just this once, she would get what she so desperately desired. Eliza walked past her, about to leave the house to go to the market. As their eyes met, Eliza's expression only said one thing.

"This one's yours."