Chapter 11-"A Celebration!!"

After the minister pronounced Cameron and Amanda husband and wife, the Cory family descended on those two rather quickly. Rachel gave her daughter a tender hug and kiss.

"Honey," Rachel began as she glanced over at Cameron,"you've found yourself a keeper there. He certainly loves you enough.I can see that and feel it everytime he looks at you.You are very lucky to have found a love like this in your lifetime!"

Amanda knew in her mind that she wouldn't be able to hold back any tears today.From the moment her mom started to speak,Amanda started crying. She knew she wouldn't be able to let up at all today…..especially after hearing Cameron's vows!

Next Rachel turned to Cameron.He attempted to pull out of it, but Rachel would have none of that! She gave her new son-in-law a loving hug, welcoming him into the Cory family!

"So..Now I have to put up with all you Cory women at once?" Cameron chimed.

"Don't you know it!" piped Alli.

Rachel spoke to Cameron's heart.

"Cameron,you take care of that daughter of mine.She is one of the best things that happened to me,and now..to you too.She knew in her heart that this day would always come.I wasn't too sure,but I can see in your eyes that you love and respect Amanda like she has never been before.Both of you are very lucky to have found each other."

"Thanks Rachel.But I think I am the luckiest one."Cameron answered while looking over at Amanda.By this time,Gary had made his way over to her.

"Does this mean we have to add another Sinclair name to "Sinclair-Sinclair,private detectives"? Gary wanted to know,kidding Amanda.

"Well,not quite yet.But I would be an asset to your firm!"

"You would be an asset to any firm! As for being an asset to my brother,that is a definite YES!! You are, Amanda, the best thing that ever came into his life."

Amanda and Gary laughed. "Gary,I think I am the lucky one here.That brother of yours never gave up on me or our love!How can anyone argue with that?"

They nodded in agreement.Gary took Amanda in his arms and gave her a brotherly hug and kiss,which didn't escape the loving gaze of her new husband!

"Wait a minute here!Are you trying to run off with my wife,Gar?" Cameron grabbed Amanda and gave her a tender kiss on the cheek, leaving her wanting more."She's mine now,you know…officially as of 20 minutes ago!"

"Yeah,yeah,yeah!! I know it and everyone else knows it too.We heard you,loud and clear.Now when's this big party gonna get started?I am starving!!"

Cameron took Gary by the arm and pulled him off to the side.

"So where's the limo,big brother? How are we going to get back to the Cory's? We are NOT riding back in your car,are we?"

Gary punched Cameron in the arm..nudged him a little and pointed in the direction of the side drive.There stood a horse drawn carriage.Two beautiful white horses stood at attention in the front.The carriage had blue velvet seats. Dangling from the back-of course-was the sign.."JUST MARRIED…"

Cameron was certainly surprised.No one was more surprised than Amanda.This was a dream of hers when she was a little girl.To be married to the man of her dreams and to go off into the world in a carriage, just like Cinderella. Only this time, she was Cameron's Princess. She ran over to Cameron and kissed him.She then hugged Gary and then kissed Cam again!

"How did you know?" Amanda asked.I never told anyone except…..she glanced over to Matt.That's it.It was him.

"Amanda," Matt began,"I knew you always wanted this from the time we were kids. You deserve all the happiness in the world.I know Cameron wants to give it all to you…but this is from me…just me."

Amanda and her brother hugged for a log time.She and Matt didn't always agree,but she couldn't help but know that he knew her heart back then…just like Cameron knew her heart now.

"So Gar..are you the dude who put all the lovely cans and junk on the back?? You're going to make everyone stare at us."

"Listen,little brother..driving around town with that gorgeous wife of yours..people are bound to notice,no matter what you drive in.So why not make it an occasion."

Thanks,Gar!! For everything!" Cameron and Gary shook hands,then pulled each other close for a hug.

Amanda grabbed Cameron's hand and began to walk over to the carriage, when Alli stopped them.

"Mom…can I talk to Cameron alone for a minute.Please?"

"Sure honey..but don't take too long.We really have to get home."

Amanda walked over to where Rachel.Matt and Lila were talking.She kept glancing over in Cameron's direction….she didn't want to let this husband of hers out of her sight EVER again.She didn't know she could feel this kind of love for anyone other than her own daughter-the kind where you would sacrifice anything to take care off and be with this person.Now she had that kind of love with Cameron.

Cameron listened closely to what Alli had to say.

"God..I didn't think it would be this hard for me.But after everything I did and said to you-"

Cameron stopped her right there!

"Listen Alli.There is no need for any type of apology.You were only protecting your mom. Not that I can't handle that on my own,but I'm happy to have your help once in awhile."

Alli smiled.She never knew Cameron's eyes seemed to sparkle when he talked about her mom,but she saw that now.He loved her-she's sure of that!

"Cameron..can you and mom ever forgive me?"

"That's already a given! I never could be angry with you too long. You are so much like your mom. Beautiful and stubborn like all getout!"

They both laughed.By the time Amanda made her way back to her daughter and her husband(this sounds so good!), both Cameron and Alli were giggling like kids.

"Now what is my family up to? No good I'm sure of that!!"

That sounded so good to Cameron-his family.He never had the kind of love before where people depended on him and loved him for just who he was…not until now…He and Amanda were married now, and Alli…well…things were definitely looking up.

"Hey kid..that poem was really nice.Thanks." Cameron said.

"No problem…..DAD!"

Now the three of them were laughing out loud….this is what Amanda wanted all along.

Cameron took Amanda's hand and helped her into the carriage.She straightened out her dress,and waved to everyone.

"We'll see you all in a bit…my husband wants to show me the sights of the city."

"And probably a few other sights too!"Cameron whispered in her ear.

The driver gave the signal and the carriage pulled away.Amanda and Cameron waved to everyone while Alli was telling all the guests that now was the time to throw the rice.

The night air was a bit crisp but nothing seemed to bother Amanda and Cameron.They hung on to each other tightly so there was no room between them.He took her hand in his and sweetly kissed it. She put her head on his shoulder and asked him to say it again…her new name….

"That would be Amanda Cory Sinclair."

"No no no!! That will not do."

Cameron looked puzzled.They had never discussed whether or not if she were to keep the Cory name.

"Cameron.I am a Sinclair now.Just like you.I am proud to be your wife and carry your name. I want to be called Amanda Sinclair.Plain and simple!"

"Nothing about you, Princess, has ever been plain and simple…"

They noticed that they were getting closer to the Cory's and for the next few hours,they would be busy..eating and talking and not having much quiet time alone together.

"Amanda,what would you say now,if I wanted to.." He bent in close and whispered something in her ear that made her blush.

"You're even more beautiful when you blush,Princess!"

Amanda wasn't startled.She loved Cameron when he was this way-aggressive and oh,so sexy.

"Cameron..we're in a moving vehicle!!!How could we…"

Cameron put his hand up to Amanda's mouth to stop her from talking. Just as he was about to pull her in close, the carriage stopped. They were on the edge of the Cory property.

"Foiled again!" Cameron whined.

"Only until later!"Amanda responded in a seductive chant.

Everyone was waiting to welcome the Sinclair's to the reception…..No one more so than Alli!!

"Mom..Cameron…can I introduce you?? Please??"

Cameron wondered what she was talking about.Amanda quietly told him that this was something that happened at most wedding receptions when the bride and groom entered. Although he really wanted to get out of there as soon as they could,he smiled at Alli and shook his head "yes".

Alli tried to rush everyone into their seats behind the house,near the garden.It was a beautiful night,full of promises yet made.

"Everyone,can I have your attention? It is my pleasure to introduce my mom and her husband…. Cameron and Amanda Sinclair."

Everyone stood up and clapped.Cameron and Amanda made their entrance and headed to the table decorated for the bridal party.Gary was already there,sitting next to Rachel.He pulled out Amanda's chair for her,and gave his brother a loving shove.

The waitresses brought out the meal.Cameron watched as they placed a covered plate before Amanda.He wondered what was under that,and when he saw shrimp and all that sort of food he didn't like,Cameron winced a bit.But then his plate was there.He gingerly picked up the cover knowing what he would find-or so he thought.Cameron's smile grew bigger when he saw a nice,thick T-bone,with mashed potatoes and gravy.

"AHH!! I see food is the way to your heart,Sinclair!!"Amanda said.

"Not any more,Mrs.Sinclair.Not any more!!"

The reception went off beautifully.The 5 piece orchestra Rachel was rather good,Cameron thought.But he couldn't stand it anymore.He wanted time alone with Amanda.But she was dancing and having a good time.He didn't want to spoil it for her.

Amanda saw Cameron standing off to the side,drinking a club soda.She pulled him onto the make-shift dance floor and held on tight as they played "Endless Love." She looked into Cameron's eyes and could see all the love he had for her.She also could tell he wanted to get out there and begin their life together.

They said their goodbyes to her mom and Alli.Then it was over to Gary and Matt,where they seemed to be involved in a discussion of who was the better baseball team..the Yankees or the White Sox!!

The butler was trying to signal Cameron that he had a phone call.The pilot was on the phone, telling him they were grounded till at least morning.

What was he going to do now? He didn't want to disappoint Amanda.He had the perfect trip planned and now..it had to be delayed until tomorrow.

Cameron motioned for Gary.Then he and Gary went out into the hall for quite sometime.Gary came back,alone!

"Where's Cameron? The photographer wants to take pictures!"

"Amanda,he forgot he had something to take care of.He'll be back before you know it."

"What's he doing..it's not dangerous,is it?" Amanda was worried.

"Amanda,the man is not crazy.You just got married today.He's not going to do anything to screw that up. Don't worry…he'll be back within the hour. You'll see." Gary took her hand and led her to the dance floor,where Amanda found herself and Gary doing some country line dancing. They both laughed, but Gary could tell she was still worried.

Right on the dot,as if Cameron knew when his hour was up,he appeared at the patio doors and sauntered his way back to his new wife.

"We ready to go yet? I am starving…and I don't mean I need food."

"Let me say goodbye to mom.Then we can leave.."

Amanda walked over to where Rachel and Matt were and Cameron signaled to all the other guests that the Sinclair's were leaving.When they walked out of the front door,everyone was there throwing rice and birdseed again……this time,though,a limo waited for the happy couple.

Amanda waved back and got in the car. Cameron turned around to shake Gary's hand, but Amanda pulled him quickly into the limo.

"I thought you were in a hurry, Sinclair!"Amanda said playfully."So, where to now?"

"Well….We were going to fly somewhere tonight. But,the airport in Bay City is fogged in.So we have to do the next best thing."

"Don't tell me we are going camping again?I don't want any creepy,crawly things climbing all over my legs!!"

"What about me?"

"I don't think of you as a creepy,crawly thing!"

"Good answer!"

Cameron took a bottle of champagne,opened it and poured it into two glasses.He and Amanda toasted each other,while linking their arms-then drinking from the other's glass. Cameron saw a trickle of champagne dripping down Amanda's chin and gladly took care of it for her,in a husbandly fashion.

Before they had a chance to finish their drinks,the limo stopped.Amanda looked out the window and was puzzled.

"Cameron, why would we stop in front of your new apartment? Aren't we going on our…honeymoon??" She huddled in as close to him as she could get.

"Well…you know we're fogged in.So we needed a quiet place to stay before we leave tomorrow.Here we are!"

"But you have no bed.And I will NOT sleep in a sleeping bag! I thought we already went through this."

"I took care of everything.Actually,Gary and I did…with help from your family!!"

"What are you talking about?"

Cameron helped Amanda out of the car.He grabbed their bags-or at least the ones they would need for tonight-and carried them into the building.When they got to his apartment,he put the bags down and opened the door. Amanda was ready to walk in,but he stopped her.

"Haven't you forgotten something?" Cameron asked her.

Amanda thought she didn't and tried to go into the apartment again,but Cameron grabbed her,picked her up and carried her inside.

"I had to carry you over the threshold thought you,being a Cory,would remember that tradition!"

"I am a Sinclair now..and I did remember.I just thought you didn't!"

They got inside and there,before them,was a table set for two.On top of the table was another bottle of champagne chilling,with two glasses. Next to that was a rather large bowl of strawberries with some whipped cream on the side.

"Hmmm" Cameron said as he nuzzled in closer.."I'm not really hungry for that now.Are you?"

"Well..no..not really.But I would like to go into the bathroom and freshen up.If you don't mind."

"Just don't take too long. We've only been married for a few hours now..and I don't want to ever let you out of my sight."

"Be right back.I promise." Amanda picked up her bag and went into the bathroom. Cameron walked over to his balcony. The stars were shining brighter than anything he had seen-until that afternoon when he saw Amanda walking down the aisle. He closed his eyes and thanked God for bringing this woman into his life.She brought back the magic he lost when he was a young buy.He believed,again,in miracles.And marrying Amanda was the biggest miracle of them all.

He turned around when he heard the bathroom door open.He was not prepared for what he saw.

There stood Amanda.In her hair,was something that appeared to be a plastic shower cap.(A Cory,in plastic?) She was wearing a red flannel robe with big,fuzzy bunny slippers. On top of her head,on the shower cap,was one of those contraptions people wear over their eyes for sinus headaches or to keep the light out-he wasn't sure what.

"What …how…..why are you dressed like that?" Cameron was not amused.Amanda knew that.

"Well…It's time you saw the real me when I actually do sleep.And I am beat.Let's go to sleep!!"

"SLEEP????YOU WANT TO SLEEP???Cameron could not believe he was hearing this.

Amanda went into the bedroom,expecting to find sleeping bags on the floor and a lantern for light close by. What she found only made her love Cameron more.

Inside was a beautiful poster bed,just like the one in Key West.Satin icy blue sheets covered the bed.Flowers were placed on either side…and the room was lit by the presence of only 2 candles. It was so romantic.

Amanda felt bad..the way she looked and what Cameron had done.She turned around slowly and walked over to where Cameron had stopped..right outside the door of the bedroom.

"Come on in!!I don't bite!"Amanda had to tug on his hand,until he came into the room.

She handed him a note. It said,"Open your present."

Cameron looked around the room. There was no box,no wrapped present. That was until he noticed that around Amanda's neck was a bow…attached to that was a small card which said" For my husband..with love….your wife."

"Amanda.. this isn't funny any more…..And I thought you were tired." Cameron walked over and sat on the bed.

"Ok,if you're not going to play..then I'll have to open your gift for you!!"

Amanda slowly-as if on purpose-pulled the tie, which held the robe in place, from her waist.The robe, dropped to the floor.Cameron could not help but stare at her.

She looked amazingly more beautiful than he had ever seen her before.She wore an ivory teddy.At the top of her thigh,was a garter.

Cameron walked over to Amanda and pulled off the plastic shower cap.Her hair fell around her shoulders as if they were caressing them. Cameron took one look at Amanda and picked up his left foot, tapping the door closed!

"My wife..My very beautiful wife…Amanda!"

He took her in his arms and loved her like she always wanted to be loved. This was just the beginning.

Chapter 12-A Sinclair Honeymoon

Cameron after tapping the door closed with his foot, turned around to pull Amanda in close. But she had already escaped the warmth of his arms and wandered over to the window. He found her here gazing at the stars. He wrapped his arms around her waist and moved in close from behind. No matter how many times he touched her, she felt electrified…..just like with his first touch and every touch after that.

"What has Mrs.Sinclair so interested out there?" Cameron whispered.

"Oh…those stars!I can never get enough of them…" Amanda said…and as she turned around,finished saying.."or of you!"

Cameron leaned in for a gentle kiss. Amanda responded just like he hoped she would.

"Have I told you today how much I love you…and treasure you…and want you!!"Cameron panted.

"Actually no….not in the last 10 minutes or so!" Amanda answered while walking out of the room.

"And just where do you think you're going??" Cameron tried to ask her but she was out of sight quickly. Amanda returned carrying the champagne, glasses and even managed to bring along the strawberries.

"A feast fit for a king…."Amanda said while placing the tasty morsels on a table next to the bed.

"And his princess…."

Amanda picked up one of the strawberries and ran in across her lips. This sight was not lost out on her new husband who desperately wanted to taste the strawberry kiss….she took a small but precise bite.The strawberry was too juicy and a trail slowly made its' way down Amanda's lips and her chin.

"Cameron…." Amanda started to say, but she didn't need to finish. Cameron gently moved closer to Amanda, took his finger and ran in along Amanda's lips and chin, catching a small taste of the strawberry's juice. He placed the finger in his mouth and licked it off. Looking at Amanda,he knew that this simple gesture was driving both of them crazy.But he wanted to take things slowly.

"Very tasty, Mrs.Sinclair.You make this dish often?"

"Only for my husband.He likes sweet things,don't you know!"

"Yes, as a matter of fact I do!" Cameron took his finger again and repeated the gesture, running his finger along her chin. This time, Amanda grabbed his finger and placed it in her mouth, licking off the sweet juice.

"Mmmmm….Just like I like it…..…"Amanda responded. She didn't think she could wait any longer. This husband of hers was making her body react and strongly!! And he liked that. He wanted Amanda that way!

Cameron took Amanda's hands and brought them in close..he placed them on his chest,where she could feel the beating of his heart…it was going faster and faster…

"I never thought this moment would come.Never thought I would be this happy.I knew from the first moment I saw you-there-on the hill…that you were the woman from my dreams..the one I knew in my mind and heart!"

"For a man who is often at a loss for words, you certainly know the right things to say, my darling!"

"That's because you make it easy for me, Amanda.You've never judged me.All you've ever done is love me….and I love you…today,tomorrow and always…with all my heart and soul!"

"Oh Cameron Sinclair…you are my heart..and my life…and I treasure you."

He leaned in and as his lips covered hers, Amanda let out a gasp…. she knew this would last a lifetime…she pulled him closer to her so that there were no empty spaces between them.They slowly and carefully fell onto the bed and celebrated their first night as husband and wife.

Morning came too quickly for Amanda.She felt cozy,warm and safe in Cameron's arms.She looked over at him and saw this grin on his face. He looked content and happy…

Amanda made an attempt to get up but was pulled back rather quickly.

"Hey there…don't I get a good morning or anything??"

"You get a good morning and EVERYTHING!!" She leaned in for a passionate kiss which didn't stop there!

"OOH…are you trying to have your way with me? Aren't you a married lady? What will your husband say?"

"My husband will say nothing……did (kissing Cameron's forehead)..anyone ever (going down to his cute nose)..tell you(over to his right ear and neck)..that you(now to the left side) you talk too much??"

After their morning fun. Amanda got dressed with Cameron's help..although he made it rather difficult..trying to undress her any time she added another piece of clothing.She wasn't sure how to dress for this trip of theirs,but she knew wherever they were going,she would love it….like she loved him!!

"So are you going to tell me now where we're going?I didn't know what to pack!"

Cameron, with that sinister look on his face.leaned in closer to Amanda and said…"No need to pack much. I think we'll have a lot on indoor activities when we get to…." He stopped himself before telling Amanda anymore. He placed a finger on his lips.keeping their honeymoon a secret.

Amanda tried to get it out of him on their way to the airport,but Cameron remained strong.He loved playing with Amanda this way.This is how their romance started….playing with each other.She thought he had this attitude..and he thought she was spoiled. Now he wanted to give her everything!

They boarded the Cory jet and the captain cleared his flight plan with Cameron.Amanda tried to listen,but she couldn't make anything out.The plane was cleared for take-off,so Amanda took her seat next to Cameron.She placed her hand on top of his,and their fingers linked…

The flight was about 2 hours long. Amanda spent most of the trip looking out the windows and wishing her father had met Cameron.He would have liked him. Strong,independent and feisty…didn't take much of Amanda's guff, and she rather liked that.

Cameron spent the flight keeping his hand close to Amanda's..he watched her as she gazed out the window..he wanted to memorize every hair on her head,every beautiful line in her face…everything about her….

The plane touched down around noon.The pilot came out and Cameron thanked him for the smooth flight.Before they had the chance to leave the place,Amanda grabbed Cameron's hand and pulled him in to her.

"Don't you think it's about time I knew where we were??"

"Good things come to those who wait. Haven't you ever heard of anticipation?"

"That described my life until early last year when I met the man I have been waiting for my entire life….but that's not here or there..Where are WE??"

Cameron spun Amanda around so she wasn't looking at him. He pulled out a blindfold from his back pocket and tried to place it around Amanda's eyes,but she stopped him.

"Not again….."

"You trust me Princess?"

"With my life..you know that.But is this really necessary this time?"

Cameron nodded an emphatic yes and placed the blindfold over Amanda's eyes.He led her out the plane and she could smell the fresh spring air.She felt the warm breeze and suddenly,she knew where she was….she smiled but kept the secret to herself.

He led Amanda to the car, which was waiting for them.The sexual tension between them was rising.

They sat silently for the 20-minute ride. Cameron held Amanda's hand and gently rubbed his thumb over her palm.Even this little gesture of his drove her mad!

The car stopped.Cameron got out and led Amanda to the door.He opened it,and carried Amanda inside.Her put her down and took off the blindfold.She knew immediately she was right.She turned around and gave Cameron a quick kiss,before she looked around the room.

They were back in Key West-where they had spent their first night together.The room was alive with the scent of Amanda's favorite flowers. The candles were placed on the table in the sitting room and on the nightstand.It gave the room a romantic glow….

"Oh Cameron…this is so sweet!!I LOVE YOU MY DEAR HUSBAND!!!" She whirled around the room, not believing she was really back here.She stopped at the door of the balcony.

"Come here..look at the storm outside.The sky is beautiful..just like the last time we were here!"

"From where I'm standing,the view is just as gorgeous..and beautiful!!" Cameron said while placing down their bags…

"And how did you know I'd want to come back here?"

"Oh..I just knew..I know everything you're thinking.I can read your mind,you know!"

Amanda raised her eyebrow.She laughed a bit but inside she knew she wanted her husband right then to take her in his arms and love her again,and again and again.But she was willing to play this game for a little while longer.

"So…what am I thinking now,Sinclair?"

Cameron looked over at Amanda and could see the love in her eyes,and privately thanked God for bring Amanda into his life.

"Hmmmm…I think you'd like to take a walk outside.It's rather hot in here don't you think??"

"And it's about to get hotter.." Amanda said seductively.Before she had a chance to do anything, Cameron tugged on her hand and pulled her outside to look at the sky.

It was bright with the lightning that flashed there.Every second there was a clap of thunder,each one louder than the next.Amanda huddled close when that happened and Cameron rather liked that.He wasn't about to let anything happen to her.

It wasn't raining,so Cameron and Amanda took a brief walk along the shoreline. The waves came in fiercely, hinting that a storm was coming up.Before they had a chance to get back inside,the downpour began.

They ran as fast as they could,with Amanda tripping just once.Before they got back to the house,Amanda and Cameron were drenched. But just as quickly as it began,the storm moved over the water. The world looked fresh and crisp.

Before she had a chance to say anything, Cameron scooped Amanda up in his arms and hugged her tight.

"Are you ok, Princess? You look a little wet!!"

"Very funny Sinclair.Very funny….I'm ok,as long as you're here with me!" Amanda felt good-incredibly good-to have him taking care of her like this.

"Well then,I think it's about time we got out of these wet clothes,and relaxed a bit.Up for that?"

"I'm up for anything mister.You know that..come over here.."

Cameron hesitated but moved in closer.With speed he never knew she had,she removed his clothes in no time….He was standing there,in just his silk boxers! Amanda walked all around him and smiled.

"Cameron Sinclair…you certainly know how to melt my butter!!" She ran a finger along his chest that he felt clear down to the bottom of his feet..and then some!!

"Now it's my turn…come over here,little girl!!!."

"With pleasure!" Amanda stepped in closer and Cameron helped her out of her clothes.She shivered some,because she was cold.Cameron grabbed the robe which was laying on the bed and wrapped her in it…holding tight to what he knew what was now his….then and forever!!

Amanda looked into Cameron's eyes and saw the love there that she had longed for her entire life.No one had cared about her like Cameron did…not Sam…certainly not Grant….no one, until Cameron!

"This is nice!" she mumbled as her lips covered his. After what seemed likea long moment,she pulled up and said," You are my world.Cameron Sinclair.Always have been. Always will be."

Cameron thought he would never be happy like this..ever!And yet,here he was..a new life..a beautiful wife…he has it all!!

"You are the light in my soul,Amanda. I love you like no one I have ever known!"

Cameron led Amanda to the bed,and as the lightning and thunder traveled more into the distance.he showed her all through the night just how much he loved her.

CONTINUE