....by Leslie
Chapter 9-"The Engagement"
Cameron couldn't believe what he was hearing and seeing.He and Amanda had been through so much in the past that he thought they wouldn't be able to get past it all.But Amanda proved him wrong.Their love WAS strong enough to get them through anything.
"Cameron?Cameron?…Tell me what you're thinking!" Amanda asked.
He still was having difficulty saying the words.He was so overwhelmed with emotions,and love for this beautiful woman standing in front of him.
Amanda did not let this touching moment go by. She walked over to where Cameron was standing. She gently wiped the tears away from his eyes.She pulled him close to her,and began to slowly kiss his forehead,his eyes,and the tip of his nose, his chin, and then his soft lips!
After what seemed a lifetime of missed chances, Cameron pushed Amanda away from him and then drew her close once again.
"So Princess..How long have you had this planned? Was Gary in on it too?"
"Oh no!No one knows about this .Just you and I….Now as for the question I asked you…"
"So Miss Cory..What was that question again?"
"You know very well what that question was!! I asked you to.." Before she had a chance to hear his answer,Cameron swept Amanda up in his arms and swung her around the room.
"I have wanted to marry you from the first moment I saw you.I never thought this would happen to us again,after Boca Lynda and the baby.But you love me.You really love me!And I love you with everything that I have-everything that is me! Of course,I will marry you!"
"Well Sinclair,then I think it's about time I had that ring back on my finger,don't you?"
"Your wish is my command,Miss Cory!" Cameron reached into the pocket of his pants and pulled out a small,velvet pouch.Inside was an engagement ring,but not the same one he gave her before.This one was more beautiful…
"Cam,what happened to the first ring?I loved that ring."
Cameron took Amanda's left hand in his and slipped the ring on her finger.He brought her hand to his lips and kissed each and every finger slowly.That made Amanda shiver.
"Amanda,that ring was about the past.This ring is about our future.I knew..rather I hoped that we would eventually find our way back here and we did.I knew that if I was lucky enough to get you back in my life again,I would not let you slip away.I also wanted to get you something bright and new…like you are to me now and always."
Now it was Amanda's turn to cry.She looked at Cameron and saw the love in his eyes and knew that from now on,he was her past,her present and her future.
"Well then,Miss Cory..Don't you think we should do something to celebrate?"
"What did you have in mind,Mr.Sinclair?"
"Oh I think you know!"
"Here? Now?"
"Here and now!!"
"But Cam,there is no place to…."
"Then let's go somewhere we can talk!"
"All we're going to do is talk?"Amanda asked playfully.
"Talking" is one of the things I do best….."
"And the other?"
"You'll just have to wait to find out, won't you?" Cameron responded.
Amanda remembered that her family was going to be gone for the evening,so she suggested they go back home to "talk."
"Lead the way,my lady!"
They walked out of the apartment complex,holding onto each other and not wanting to let go.Cameron opened the door for Amanda and walked over to the other side to get it.Before he could sit down,Amanda pulled him over to her side and gave him a passionate kiss on his neck.Cameron didn't think he could wait to get to the Cory's to "talk",but a car wasn't the place for this..Not now….
Cameron tried like crazy to concentrate on his driving but Amanda was making in extremely difficult.She began by running her hand around his ear,down his chin.on his neck,his body and then stroking his thigh.It took all the strength he had not to make love to her right then and there,but he wanted this time to be special.And Amanda deserved better than being in his car to "talk."
They made it back to the Cory's in record time.Cameron was surprised he didn't get stopped for speeding! They walked in the door and could see all the lights were out, except for 2 small candles in the family room. Cameron took this opportunity to take Amanda in his arms and began to kiss her neck,over and over again.He knew this drove her crazy and he liked that he had this effect on her!Just as he was about to slip her dress off her shoulder,Rachel came walking down the stairs.
"Amanda….Cameron……did you have a good evening?"
"As a matter of fact we did mom.Cameron and I have something to show you."
Cameron tugged on Amanda's dress,just his little sign that he didn't want anyone to know about the engagement yet,and he also wanted to get upstairs so they could finish what he started.
"What is it honey?"
Amanda put out her hand and Rachel saw the gorgeous ring there.She saw how happy Amanda was and turned to say something to Cameron.Before she got the words out,Cameron started to speak first.
"Rachel,I know you may have some reservations about me..especially after all that has happened between us.But I want you to know…I want all the Cory's to know…that I love your daughter.I love her more than life itself.I will not disappoint her again.She is my reason for living and I will love her for the rest of my life!"
"Cameron,that's good to hear.I think my daughter's intuition about you has been right from the start! She knows her heart."…Rachel reaches out to shake Cameron's hand and give Amanda her blessing.
"Honey,you are lucky to have found a love like this in your lifetime.Don't ever let go of it.Ever!"
"I won't mom.Cameron is my heart….He always has been I think.Right from the beginning."
Rachel gives Amanda a kiss on the cheek,and Cameron a hug.
"Now I think it's time for me to say goodnight and to leave you two alone." With that,Rachel leaves.Cameron and Amanda turn to look at each other.
"I think we've waited long enough."Cameron whispered.
"I think so too."
He grabbed her hand and they walked up the stairs.He knew they couldn't go to his room so he stopped outside of Amanda's.
"Are you sure about this?"
"As sure as I am of my love for you!" Amanda said. "But..can you give me a few minutes to get ready.I want to make things just perfect for you."
"You are perfect for me."
Amanda pushed Cameron towards his room and went inside hers.He went into the bathroom to clean up a bit,to put on the shirt Amanda loved so much and some of that after shave that drove Amanda crazy.
After what seemed like much too long,Cameron left his room and walked back to Amanda's.He saw the door was open slightly and pushed it further.The room looked beautiful.It was filled with candles everywhere. A warm breeze was blowing in the window.
The bathroom door opened in Amanda's room and Cameron turned around as if in slow motion.There she was-his Amanda.She was dressed in a pale light violet negligee'. Her hair fell down around her shoulder in a prefect line.She was an angel.
"You are beautiful…..My Amanda!"
"You clean up nice too,Sinclair!"
He took her hand and kissed each finger one at a time. Amanda felt this tingling feeling like she never had before.
"Now," as Cameron nibbled her neck then her earlobes…"You aren't really going to make me wait until June 5th to marry you,are you? Don't you think we've waited long enough?" He continued the nibbling on her body…one inch at a time…and he knew the effect he was having on her.He could tell by the longing in her face.
"OOH..wwhhhat??"Amanda was caught up in the moment."No.I knew we couldn't wait until June.I just had this one printed to show you.It was all part of my plan."
"Your plan?How long have you been working on this?"
"That's for me to know and for you to find out."
"You're driving me crazy Amanda."
"That was part of the plan too."
"I love you Amanda."
"You are my world Cameron Sinclair."
"So when are we getting….."Cameron couldn't get the words out before Amanda had another wedding invitation in her hand.Cameron took in and found out the date..This Saturday…2pm..On the hill…..This is when all his dreams would come true.Amanda would be his.Now and always.
"Does this fit in to your busy schedule,Miss Cory?"
"I think you have the wrong person sir.The name is…will be…Amanda Sinclair..!"
"That sounds just perfect.Like you."
Cameron pulled Amanda close.She could feel his warm breath on her face as he gazed directly into her eyes.
"I will NEVER let you go again."
"You won't have that chance!" Amanda pushed Cameron down on her bed. And as the sounds of the night sky were heard throughout the house, the only sounds Amanda and Cameron could hear were their own voices groaning in ecstasy as they made love over and over and over again!
Chapter 10-"A Cory/Sinclair wedding!"
Cameron awoke with a big smile on his face.He was finally at the spot he wanted to be in his life and he was not going to let anyone or anything ruin his relationship with Amanda again.He could hear the birds chirping outside her window and felt a soft,warm breeze blowing in.As he turned over to pull Amanda in close,he found out she wasn't there!He heard the water running in the shower and knew then that he wanted to surprise her. Cameron walked quietly into the bathroom.He dropped his robe, and slowly opened the shower door.He was doing his best to be quiet,but she knew he was there, looking at her. "And are you in the habit of sneaking up on a girl,sir?" "Just this girl and ONLY this girl,and you know it!" "Well could you do a girl a favor and wash my back for me? I have a breakfast date with my fiance' this morning and I want to look perfect!" "From where I'm standing you already are!" Cameron took the vanilla shower gel,a sponge which was nearby and began washing her back,her shoulders and her neck.He turned her around and was not surprised by the look on her face.He knew what she wanted and he was not about to disappoint her. "Your fiance' is a very lucky man,you know!" "And I'm not about to let him forget that!"Amanda said. She pulled Cameron in close to her. Their bodies were touching; they could feel the hot water running between them. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her passionately. Amanda could feel his heart beating faster. She took her hand and placed it behind his neck and started to caress him, making Cameron jump a bit. Amanda knew, too, the effect she was having on him. She liked it. She took his hands and placed them on her hips.He gently kissed her neck,her shoulders and gradually made it to her sweet mouth.They made love then and there.It was heaven! Cameron helped her out of the shower and Amanda took this long,blue towel and wrapped it around both of them. "So what's the plan for today?"Cameron asked. "Well first we need to get dressed. Then we have breakfast!I have a lot of things to do before Saturday.I'm getting married you know." "Yeah I know. And I can't wait. Need me to do anything?" "Just be here for me.And don't forget you need to pick a best man." "I know.You think Matt would say yes?" "What about Gary?You don't want him to be a part of this?" "I don't know.Things are finally getting back to the way they were and ….I don't know." Amanda could tell Cameron wanted to do the right thing and ask Gary but he was afraid of being rejected again. "Why don't I go with you?We can ask him together. Then you can help me with a few things." "Sounds like a plan to me." "Ok then! Let's get dressed!" "But I like being here like this with you…I can think of a lot of things I'd rather do that eat food." "Cameron Sinclair,you nasty man! I will deal with you later.Now get dressed!!" "Is that a promise?" "That is a promise!" After breakfast, Amanda had a lot of errands to run.She had to see about the flowers,the catering of the wedding dinner,the music she wanted played and her dress…this was going to be a dress that would Cameron melt at the sight of her in it! Cameron said he would take care of the honeymoon,and she knew she could count on him to pick the perfect place! Anywhere with Cameron would be perfect! She met up with Cameron in the park on their hill. "So did you take care of all those girly things?" "Yes I did.And what about you?The honeymoon all set?" "You bet." "So where are we going?What kind of clothes do I need to bring along?" "You know better than to ask me that. And there isn't anything you can do to me that will make me tell you where we are going." In her funny Russian voice, Amanda says,"I have ways of making you talk, you know that." "Yes I do, but my lips are sealed on this subject!" "And what about…..this one?"Amanda took this opportunity to nibble at Cameron's neck,his earlobes and his chin.Until he stopped her. "Don't EVEN try that!You will find out on Saturday and not a day sooner!!" "Amanda did not accept this defeat at all, but she was willing to give it up, until later. "Then let's go over and talk to Gary.Do you know what you want to say to him? "I haven't been able to think of anything else.Let's go!" Cameron grabbed her hand and they walked to his car.He opened the door for her,being the gentleman he was.He got in and they drove over to Sinclair/Sinclair-private investigators. "Hey Gar,you here?" "Open your eyes,little brother.I'm right behind you." Gary was pulling some files on a case he was working on.He went back to his desk,which was piled with paperwork on top of paperwork! "So what can I do for you?" It was then that Amanda entered the room. "Oh I see we have company! Good morning Amanda!" Amanda walked over and gave Gary a kiss on the cheek. Cameron piped in,"That's enough of that. It's my fiancée' you're kissing there!" "Your fiancee'? When did this happen?"Gary jumped out of his seat, gave Amanda a bug hug and shook Cameron's hand. "Last night. Amanda proposed and I figured I should say yes." "Of course you should,you goof! So when's the big day!" "Saturday.In the park-on the hill where we met." "Oh,how romantic!" "Actually that's what we-I mean-I came to talk to you about.Gar..I know these last few months have been hard for you,and I'm sorry for the part that I had in it.But I couldn't think of getting married without having you stand beside me.What do you say,bro?Wanna be my best man?" "I am the best man…but for Amanda,you have always been the best man! Of course I will. And Amanda?" "Yes Gary?" "Teach this guy everything you know about manners and stuff,ok?" Looking at Cameron with that sultry look in her eyes, she said,"Gary, I think he could teach me a few things. In fact,he has already done that..And more." All three of them laughed.Cameron thought how good this felt.He wanted his brother to be a part of the happiest day in his life and now he would. "Well Gar,I hate to talk and run,but this little lady has more things to do for Saturday,and all I'm going to do is sit back and watch her move." Cameron walks around Amanda checking out the "merchandise". "That's what you think Sinclair.I am not in this alone!" She grabbed his hand and headed out the door,but not before saying goodbye to Gay and giving him one of the wedding invitations! Cameron drove Amanda all over town that day,and surprisingly enough, finished everything they had to do.They collapsed once they got back to the Cory's around 6! "So" Cameron said,while putting his arms around his fiancée' "we have anything else to do here, cause there is something I definitely want to do....upstairs!!" Amanda began to answer when her mom and Paulina came into the room. "Honey, I'm so glad you're home. We have a surprise for you." "What's that mom?" On Rachel's signal, everyone that Amanda knew and loved came into the room. Rachel and Paulina had planned a bridal shower.Amanda looked a bit surprised,but no one was more surprised than Cameron,who had other plans for the two of them. Rachel began ushering Cameron out of the room."Now go on Cameron.Matt and Cass are taking you out tonight. Gary will be there too.This time is for Amanda and the girls." "Can I say good-bye to Amanda first?" Cameron made his way over to Amanda and pulled her to the patio. "Did you know about this?" "Of course not. We'll meet up later.Keep this close to you heart and you'll be fine." "Keep what?" Amanda didn't care who saw her.She gave Cameron a sweet, loving kiss that he felt right down to his toes.He didn't want to leave her, but no one messes with Rachel Cory Hutchins and gets away with it.He said good-bye to all the ladies, blew a kiss to Amanda and went off for his evening with the boys. Amanda had a great time,opening all the gifts and sharing stories about the men in their lives. Cameron was having some fun, but he wanted to get back to Amanda. When he arrived back at the house,it was dark. He made his way up to Amanda's room.He knocked but there was no answer. He pushed the door open slightly and found her asleep.He smiled knowing that in just a few days,she would be his. He brushed his lips against her cheek,said goodnight and went to his room.He was not disappointed he couldn't spend the night with her,because he knew that after Saturday,they would spend all their nights together. The next few days flew by.Before they knew it,the wedding rehearsal was next. Everyone could tell the excitement and the love when they looked at Amanda and Cameron, and heard them rehearse some of their vows. Cameron walked Amanda up to her room. He stopped just short of the door, and leaned in for a kiss. "Just think, tomorrow at this time, we will be Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair…." "I like that.Can you say it again?" "Mrs. Cameron Sinclair." She started to cry and Cameron took his handkerchief and wiped the tears away from her eyes. He kissed her again and said goodbye. "Goodbye?Aren't you coming in?" "I think it's better that I stay with Gary tonight……I want tomorrow to be special for us.You're not mad are you?" "Yes I am.." she said laughing just a little."But I'll deal with you tomorrow night!" "I am counting on that." He took Amanda's hand and kissed the palm and then the top."Goodnight my Princess.Until tomorrow." "Tomorrow." Saturday finally came. Cameron was up by 5am,pacing back and forth.He wanted to make sure he had everything ready.He went over his check list.Tux?Check! Shoes?Check! Socks?Check! Wedding ring?…wedding ring?? He couldn't locate the ring until Gary who couldn't sleep any longer because of Cam's paving. He got up and gave him the velvet pouch that held Amanda's ring. It was inscribed" To my Princess-with all my love, Cameron"…. And the date. Gary fought like crazy to keep Cameron calm, but it was almost impossible. "You got the plane tickets little brother?" "They're right here,Gar!" "What would you do without me today?" "Don't know Gar!Glad I don't have to find out!" Cameron gave Gary a quick bear hug and went into the other room to change. Dealing with Amanda that morning wasn't any easier. She was flitting around the room,looking for her hosiery,her necklace,the garter..and of course,the little surprise she had for Cameron and their wedding night.It took all of Rachel's,Paulina's and Alli's strength to keep her nerves calm.They did their best.That's all they could do. At 1:00,all parties made their way to the park and the hill.Rachel had arranged for a small quartet to be playing while guests arrived. Amanda looked beautiful dressed in an off the shoulder off-white dress, with her hair cascading down her shoulders. She wore a necklace Rachel wore when she married Mac! Cameron was off to the side and couldn't see Amanda.He looked so handsome in his tux.Gary did too. "So little brother.This is the best thing you could ever do. Marrying Amanda." "It's also the smartest thing.That woman believed in me when no one else would.I love her so much.Wish mom could have known her." Looking up to the stars,Gary said,"I think she does." At 2pm,all the guests were seated and Rachel gave the signal for the trees to be lit.They were brilliant.The lights seems to shine brighter than the stars. The music began,and Cameron and Gary took their places near the minister. First came Allie.Then the wedding march came and all eyes turned to Amanda and Matt.Cameron couldn't help but get teary eyed when he saw her. She was the most beautiful person he had ever seen. And in a few minutes,she would be his,and he would be hers. Matt took Cameron's hand and shook it.He said,"You're getting a pretty special lady here.Take good care of her."Cameron shook his head in agreement and put Amanda's hand in his. The minister began the ceremony.It was time for Cameron and Amanda to say their vows.Amanda and Cam had written their own vows and each sounded more beautiful and special. "Amanda,I can't believe I have you in my life.You have put the light back in my darkest days.I thank God that I will wake up every morning and have you sitting across from me at my breakfast table.I thank God that every night I will be able to pull you close to me and tell you whatever is on my mind,knowing you are not there to judge me,but to love me. I promise to be true to you,to love only you from now until the day I die.You are my life Princess.I love you very much!" Rachel wiped the tears away from her eyes as she remembered saying words like that to Mac and to Carl.Amanda was lucky to have found this once in a lifetime love. Then it was Amanda's turn. "Cameron,you are my life.You bring me so much love and make me feel like I am the only person in the world when we are together.I promise to love you and be with you always.I will support you in everything you say and do.You are the only one who makes me feel like a princess. I love you Cameron Sinclair. I always have and I always will,until the day I die." The minister blessed the rings and Cameron put the ring on Amanda's finger. "With this ring,I thee wed." He looked up at Amanda and mouthed "I love you." Amanda put the ring on Cameron's finger."With this ring I thee wed." Then the minister said that Alli asked to speak. Cameron and Amanda looked at each other, surprised. Alli stepped up in front of the guests,and said,"Mom,Cameron..I know I haven't always been very supportive.But I've learned,thanks to grandma,that Cameron-you're a good man.You love my mom and have treated me better than I treated you. I want to give you this poem grandma gave me and now,I want to give you.Hope you like it!" With that Alli began, "Now you will feel no rain…for each of you will be shelter to the other. And now you will feel no cold,for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no loneliness, you are two bodies,but there is one life before you and one home. When evening falls,Mom….you'll look to Cameron,and there he'll be. And you'll take his hand and he'll take yours,and you'll turn together and look at the road you have traveled to reach this-the hour of your happiness. It stretched far behind you,and your future lies ahead-a long and winding road where every turning means discovery,all the hopes,new laughter,shared tears…. Your adventure has just begun." Cameron looked at Alli with pride.He took her hand and hugged her."Thanks kiddo." Amanda couldn't help but cry at her daughter's thoughtfulness. Alli sat down and the minister continued."As much as Cameron and Amanda have pledged their lives to each other which you have witnessed with the blessing of rings and the saying of vows,I now pronounce that they are man and wife. Mr.Sinclair,you may kiss your bride." Cameron said,"With pleasure." He looked into Amanda's eyes and said"Nice to meet you Mrs.Sinclair." Amanda couldn't help but smile."And it's nice to meet you, Mr.Sinclair!" She gave her new husband a kiss that would last them a lifetime. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce for the first time…. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Sinclair!!!"