....by Leslie
Chapter Four Cameron and Amanda just looked at each other for a long time.He memorized every little thing about her face-the way her eyes lit up at his touch,the softness of her skin,the curled up grin she had just now.As for Amanda,she could only hope that what she was seeing and feeling right now was real.For she had been with a few men in her life who treated her like they "thought" she wanted to be treated-like a princess.They were wrong-all wrong! She wanted to be loved for who she was,not for the amount of money or power her family had in town. At the same time,both Cameron and Amanda seemed to move slightly away from each other.No one wanted to speak first.But Cameron made the first move. "I am sorry,Amanda.That was very forward of me.Please forgive me." Amanda looked up into Cameron's eyes.She could see the promise that was there-the promise between them.They both felt it.But neither one wanted to rush it. "Cameron….there is nothing to forgive you for.You have been most kind to me.No one has ever treated me with the kind of respect that you have.It is rare these days.Very rare." Cameron blushed a bit and that sight did not seem lost on Amanda,for she blushed too.She could not believe how easy it was to open up to this man she had just met earlier.How he so reminded her of her father,Mac. "Amanda,even though I would very much like to stay here with you,it is probably time for me to escort you back
Again,Amanda blushed.It brought a beautiful rosy color to her cheeks,Cameron thought.
"Yes,that would be lovely.But my family is coming to the town's 4th of July picnic here,around noon.Would you like to join us?There will be all kinds of things to do.Games.Food."
"Thank you for the offer.That is the perfect way to spend the day.Shall I come by and pick you up or will you be coming to town with your family?"
"My mother and the children are coming early.I have some work to do for my brother,Matthew.I shall ride in with him then.Shall we meet here around 12:30 perhaps?"
"That sounds perfect.And Amanda?"
"Yes,Cameron?" Amanda said.At that moment and looking into her eyes,Cameron knew she was the one.He knew.
"Thank you for spending this time with me.I had a nice evening!"
"I did too.!" Amanda smiled and they took off for the Cory place.
Once they arrived,Cameron got out of the buggy,walked around to the other side,and helped Amanda out.He walked her to the door,took her hand,gave it a kiss,and said his good-byes.She just stood there and the sight of her in the moonlight was the last thing he saw before leaving.
It took Cameron about a half-hour to get back to his wagon.He walked inside,and sat down for awhile-just thinking.He pulled out his pencil and his look book and began writing.
"July 3rd-spent the evening with Amanda Cory.In all my life,I never believed in this "love at first sight" business.But she lights a fire in my soul that I have never known before.Is it possible? Have I really found her?"
He was set to write more but there was a knock at his door.It was Cindy/Cinnamon.
"So…you're finally back?Get what you wanted out of that little rich girl?"
"It's not like that Cinnamon,and you know it.She is different."
"That she is,sweet thing.That she is.Is she worth all this time and trouble?"
"You mean worth it more than you were?Definitely!"
"I am not trying to be snippy or that,darlin'! I'm just concerned about you.Don't want to see you get hurt."
"That's not your intention and you know it.It is over between us.You get that?OVER!! Maybe Amanda is the one,maybe not.But if she is,I need to give us a chance to find that out.And I will NOT let you ruin this for me."
"Fine,darlin'.But don't say I didn't warn you."Cinnamon left.She walked away from Cameron's wagon but turned around and under her breath,mumbled,"It will NEVER be over between us,sweet thing.EVER!!"
Cameron was ready to turn off the lantern but before he did,penned a final line in his entry for July 3rd….
"She is the one.In my heart I know that.In my mind I believe that.In my soul I feel that!"
The morning sun and the sound of her brother and sister running around in the hallway woke Amanda up from her peaceful sleep.Even though it was early and she was not used to getting up at this time,she was not tired.She felt more relaxed than she had felt in quite some time.Her life for the last few months had been all work.Her mother had graciously extended invitations to some of the men in town for dinner and an evening of pleasant conversation,but either Amanda said no,or when the guests actually came,her mind was not in it!Maybe now…maybe this time….
Amanda put on her robe and went downstairs to eat some breakfast before her slew of business meetings with Matthew.She wanted to get them over before the picnic.Her mother was there drinking some coffee and eager to hear about the events of the previous evening.
"Good morning sweetheart.Sleep well?"
"Yes I did,mother.Thank you for asking?Mmmm.What's for breakfast today?I am famished!!"
"Hungry are we?You must have had a grand time last night with Mr.Sinclair."
"I did,mother.Really I did.He is so different than the rest of the men in this one horse town.He is a real gentleman."
"Gentleman,meaning…?"
"Meaning that he helped me in the buggy,that he gave me his coat when I got cold…meaning…well…you know."
"I am pleased to hear that.I thought he was a nice young man when I met him in town yesterday.Perhaps you should invite him to the festivities in town today."
"I have already done that,mother.He will be meeting me in town about 12:30,once I finish the meetings with Matthew."
"Do you two honestly have to have those meeting today?"
"Mother,you know the men in the mines have been working long hours and under some dangerous conditions.All they want..all we want..is to make things safe and secure so another accident doesn't happen."
"Ok,darling,ok! Just don't take too long.A good looking young man such as Cameron won't go unattached for long."
"MOTHER!! Are you suggesting…?"
"All I am saying is that he seems quite taken with you,as I can see in your eyes that you are with him.Please treat each other well-that is all I ask."
"I will Mom.."Amanda gave her mother a kiss on the cheek,and went upstairs to get dressed before the meetings later that morning.
On the other side of town,Cameron was just waking up to the noise he had heard every day for the last 2 months.The sounds of the Wild West show.He had hated getting up every day.Each day was just like the one before.Go to a new town.Do your own thing.Maybe get some applause.Maybe meet a girl.
Today was different.He had a reason to get up today.A reason to smile.
Cameron wanted to look good today.He would be spending the time with Amanda and her family.His family had been split apart for so long;he wasn't even sure where his brother Gary was.All he knew is that he was alive.
All the clothes Cameron had seemed old and ragged.He couldn't have Amanda or her family see him in these.Then he remembered something he had put away.Something his mother gave him.
He went to the back of his closet and found a green shirt that his mother said brought out the light in his eyes.This was it-the right one.Cameron cleaned himself up,shaved,brushed his hair and got dressed.He was feeling great and looking good too.
Of course,leaving without incident was near to impossible with Cinnamon hanging around.
"Oooh….my my my!!Cinnamon said,as she was walking around Cameron and checking out what he was wearing."Someone looks inviting today.What's the occasion?"
"I'll let that remark slide by, Cinnamon.I'm on my way to meet Amanda and her family."He tried to get away and Cinnamon wasn't through yet.
"What?You're not going to spend the 4th with me?You know how we like to spend the 4th…all those fireworks and all!"
"Cindy…look! It is over between us.All the holidays.All the dinners.Everything.It's done.And this-it's gotta end too.You understand that?"
"Sure thing,sweetie.I hear you."But she didn't.Not really.Cinnamon had plans for Cameron---and for Miss Cory too.
Cameron got on his horse and rode to the place where he and Amanda had agreed to meet.The lake and the area around it was already buzzing with activities.Games for the children were keeping them occupied.Some of the town's older men were playing horseshoes.The women were setting up the food.Some brave souls had wandered into the water,intent on only getting their feet wet.But the water fights they were having were much more fun.
Cameron didn't have to wait long for company.Rachel saw him waiting and wandered over for a quick chat.
"Good morning Mr.Sinclair.My daughter told me that you will be joining us today."
"Is that all right with you Mrs.Hutchins? "
"That is perfectly fine with me,young man.Amanda has been excited about coming here all day.She won't keep you waiting long!"
"I'll wait as long as it takes,ma'am."
"I'm sure you will.Please come by as soon as she gets here."
"We will ma'am."
Rachel walked off to find the twins.Carl was chatting with some of the town's elders,smoking a cigar and discussing the latest happenings with the Cory mines.
Cameron did not have to wait for Amanda long.He watched as Matthew and Amanda drove up in the buggy.He had never met Amanda's brother before.He walked over to Matthew's side of the wagon and shook his hand.
"Aren't you going to help a lady out of this buggy,sir?"Amanda asked.
"Be right there!"Cameron answered back.He walked over to where Amanda was seated,and was amazed. Each time he saw her,she looked more beautiful than the time before.She had her hair swept up into a French braid,with a few wisps of hair cascading down the sides of her delicate face.She was wearing a blue and red dress to commemorate the holiday.She looked spectacular.
"Well thank you sir.It is good to see you again,Cameron."
"You too,Amanda."Then,they both heard Rachel calling to them.
"Amanda,Cameron…come over here.They are ready to start the races and I've taken the liberty of entering you two in one of the sack races.Hope you don't mind."
Amanda and Cameron looked at each other and laughed.Neither could picture the other in a sack race,but they were willing to give it a try.
They watched as the other towns folk got involved.Each race was funnier than the previous one.Someone would get just so far and fall down.Everyone would laugh and then it was time for another race.Then it was Cameron and Amanda's turn.
Amanda got into the sack first,with a little urging by her mother and some help from Cameron.Then he got in.They lined up with the others,and waited for the signal to begin.Ready-set-go!!
Off they went.They were far ahead of the rest when it looked like Amanda was running out of breath.But Cameron put his arm around her and propped her up.She regained her strength enough for them to finish in first place.
Cameron and Amanda were so excited that they lost their balance and fell over when they were announced as the winners.Amanda landed on top of Cameron and it wasn't until she caught her breath that she realized just where she was.Those eyes of his were even greener than she thought.They were looking right through her.It startled her.
Rachel helped both of them up and they were presented with the blue ribbon for first place.Then it was time to feast on all that delicious food that was prepared.Everything tasted so good,Cameron thought.The chicken Rachel bought was mouth watering.The potato salad was tasty too.The lemonade quenched everyone's thirst.
Everyone was done eating and just relaxing by the lake with its' cool breeze,when Rachel noticed the children were not anywhere to be seen.She called for them but no response.Cameron and Amanda helped her look but they couldn't find Cory and Elizabeth either.
They were still looking for the children when one of the older boys let off a firecracker and rolled it under the Cory's wagon.The loud pop-pop-pop scared the horse enough to make him run off.It was then that everyone saw the children in the back of the wagon.They had been playing hide and seek and started to scream when they saw what was happening!
Rachel was worried.Carl came over and asked what was going on.Amanda screamed too and yelled at someone,anyone to do something!! Cameron grabbed his horse's reins and took off after the wagon.It didn't take too long for him to catch up,but he didn't want to scare the children anymore than they already were.He steadied himself and his horse and made a leap to the one leading the wagon.Cameron almost lost his footing but was able to grab the reins and slow the horse down to a trot and then a stop.Cory and Elizabeth were crying and Cameron tried to calm them down but it was not working.
He led the horses and the wagon back to the lake where all the town folk were waiting. Rachel ran up and hugged her children, making sure they were ok. Amanda and Matthew came running too.They were relieved to find out that their younger brother and sister were fine,only scared,but fine.
It was getting dark by that time and everyone was settling in to watch the fireworks.Amanda and Cameron had walked off by themselves and settled on a blanket not far from her family,but in a more quiet spot.
"You really were something today.Thank you!"
Cameron asked,"For what?Anyone would have done what I did.I was just closer."
"I don't think that was the only reason,Cameron.I mean..look at you.You do all those stunts in the show.You saved my family.You are NOT afraid of anything!"
"Not afraid?Amanda,there are a lot of things that frighten me.I wasn't sure I would get to your brother and sister in time.I think sometimes that someone will get hurt watching the Wild West show and that scares me."
"But Cameron…"
"Wait,Amanda..Let me finish!!!. Cameron took a deep breath,and gently held her hand in his……..."Most of all,I am afraid of walking away from here, and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you!"
Chapter Five Amanda sat there still and quiet for what seemed to be a long time. Here was this man, a relative stranger to the town and to her, and he was pouring out his heart to her. No man in her past had ever done that. She wasn't sure what the right words were, but she needed to say something. She was about to speak, when Cameron put two fingers up to her lips. "No words!" Then he leaned in and gave Amanda the sweetest of kisses. They stayed close, with their foreheads touching for some time. Cameron, then, spoke up first. "Amanda, I know this may seem forward of me and I certainly don't want to rush you or put pressure on you.I respect you too much for that. But this time I have spent with you…with you and your family…has shown me that a woman can think of me as more than a damn rodeo hand. I apologize for using that language here." "No need to apologize Cameron! I do understand. I have gotten into a few scrapes with my mother over my un-ladylike activities!!" "Do tell!" Cameron responded. They both laughed, Cameron because he could not picture Amanda as a troublemaker, and Amanda at the fact that this man made her feel quite comfortable. Before either had the chance to say another word, Matthew called Amanda over to join the family to watch the fireworks. Amanda got up, smoothed down the edges of her dress and was about to walk away until she turned around and saw Cameron on her heels. "You are joining us, are you not, Mr. Sinclair?" "That I am, Miss Cory!" The townsfolk didn't have to wait long for the fireworks to begin. Their stomachs were settling down after the fine meals they all had.The kids were nestled in close to moms and dads, comforted by the fact that loud noises would not hurt them. Cory and Elizabeth sat huddled next to Rachel, with Carl giving them soothing pats on the back. Rachel and Matthew seemed involved in a lengthy conversation about the goings on at the Cory mine. Amanda and Cameron sat down next to Rachel. Amanda looked at her mother with pride because she finally was truly happy. Since her father passed on, her mother walked around in a daze, going through daily activities just for the sake of doing them. Her heart held no spark until the day Carl entered her life and that of Amanda and Matthew's. It wasn't that they didn't trust Carl, but no one could take their father's place. Cameron felt at home here, just like he said to Amanda earlier. He looked over at her and saw that spark in her eyes like she was up to something and he liked that. She made him feel special. The fireworks began with a loud bang and a thunderous boom. Each one was more beautiful than the next, and louder too for that matter. The children were oohing and aahing over and over again, and the parents were applauding in approval. This went on for at least one-half hour. Then it was done. Time to go. The families wrapped up their little ones in blankets to keep them warm, and placed them in the backs of the buggies or wagons. Cory and Elizabeth were no exceptions. They had fallen asleep during the fireworks, even with all that noise, and it was time for them to be at home and in bed. Rachel covered them both and she and Carl stepped into their buggy. "Amanda, are you riding with us or with Matthew?" Amanda had not given it much thought. She wanted to stay here, with Cameron, but would that appear too forward to him? "Amanda, I'm sorry but I am beat. Would you mind riding home with your mother. I need some sleep before tomorrow's show. May I call on you again, please?" It's as if he had read her mind. He didn't want to appear forward either. This was a lady who deserved to be treated well. "Yes, Cameron, that would be fine. Thank you for the company this evening. I had a wonderful time." "I did too Amanda. Thank you for inviting me. Thank you too Mrs. Hutchins." "You're most welcome Mr. Sinclair. And I suspect, by the look on my daughter's face, that we will be seeing much more of you in the next few weeks!" "MOTHER!!!" Amanda answered. Cameron smiled some, but not so Amanda or her family could see. "I will see you then tomorrow, Amanda. Have a safe trip home, Mrs. Hutchins." "We will Cameron. We will. Goodnight then." The Cory/Hutchins family drove off into the darkness. Cameron stood there until he could no longer see their buggy or hear the wheels in motion. He walked back to his wagon and plopped himself down on his bunk. He undressed slowly, remembering all the events of the day in great detail-especially that kiss. He took out his look book and wrote these words….. July 4th:Momma…you'd like Amanda. She's so much like you. Beautiful. Full of life. I think she's the one. You always said I'd know. And I do. The next day town activities were back to normal. The kids were running through the street on their way to the Wild West show. Mr. Comstock was loading up on his fresh vegetables and canned goods, all of which the women snatched up quickly. Jake's Place was getting ready to welcome a new singer to town. The posters advertised her as "The Siren from Sacramento". Her name and picture also appeared on the posters-Savannah McAllister. Hair with golden ringlets. Eyes as blue as the sky on a clear day. And a voice that could only be best described as listening to the angels sing. Matthew had risen early and already started on some mining paperwork when his mother joined him. The twins were sleeping in. They were exhausted from the 4th of July activities. Amanda came down a little bit after her mother did. "Isn't this a glorious day? The sun is shining! The birds are singing. And I am feeling wonderful…!"She was spinning herself around the room until Rachel stopped her. "My word child! Settle down. Now what has you feeling all chipper this fine day? Or should I say whom?" "Mother….nothing in particular. I just love my life right now. You know what Friday is, don't you?" "How could I not, my sweet daughter? It's your birthday. Have you thought any more of what you'd like to do that day?" "Yes I have. I would like to have a party. A big party. With all of my friends. Here." "Cameron too?" Rachel said shyly. "Cameron too. May I mother? It would be so grand if I could." "Go ahead. But you must plan it.Down to the last detail.I will find something for the twins to do that day. Will you be having dinner and dancing?" "That sounds heavenly.I must get to planning it right now….after I eat breakfast!" Amanda sat down and gobbled up all the food she could handle.Rachel was pleased with her daughter's change of heart.For some time,she did not want to have anything to do with birthdays or celebrations of any kind.This year was different.Was it because of the handsome stranger that came to town and captured her heart,perhaps? Amanda made her way upstairs and started out with the guest list.Surprisingly enough,Cameron's name was not the first name on her list.That place belonged to her oldest and dearest friend through school,Madeline Kingsley.Amanda and Madeline had become close during their elementary years and continued their friendship through the later years and even onto Madeline's college days,when she went out to venture into the world of medicine. Planning her birthday party took up most of Amanda's morning.That is,until Cameron came to call on her.He thought a nice picnic lunch would be fun.Amanda agreed.While on the ride there,she told him all about her birthday and the party. "You will come,won't you?I'd be awfully disappointed if you didn't." "What do you wear to this party then? You know all I carry with me are the bare essentials of cowboy life. I don't really have any fancy eating clothes!" "I'm sure whatever you wear will be just fine.I want you to meet all my friends.My best friend from my school days will be there too.Her name is Madeline." "If she is anything like you,I'd be happy to meet her.I suppose I will have to bring you a gift too." They arrived at the spot in the park that Cameron had picked out for their picnic.He helped her out of the wagon.Amanda carried the picnic basket full of all sorts of delicious surprises. "Of course you have to bring me a gift silly!!That's what birthdays are for!!"Amanda said while setting up the picnic for her and Cameron. "But what do you give a girl who had everything?" "I don't have everything.You may think I do,but I don't!"Amanda lowered her head a bit.That sight wasn't lost on Cameron. "When is this party of yours?"Cameron asked. "Saturday.Late afternoon.You will be able to make it,won't you?" "Sure can.The show is over early that day. What time?" "About 5.Then I can count on you?" "You know you can.Always." He leaned in to take her hand in his and kiss it. Their picnic was soon over,much too quickly for them both.Cameron helped Amanda into the wagon and drove her back to the Cory's.It was back to planning the party for Amanda,but for Cameron-his mission was different. "What am I going to give her?I don't have nearly enough money to buy Amanda something she really deserves.Wait.Maybe…I have the answer."Cameron found his way back to his wagon,and putting his pencil to paper,penned the words he knew only Amanda would understand… I was unaware of the daily struggles going on inside of me. Not sure of where I was headed or what I would do when I got there. Knowing I had to do something….to put the light back in my soul and the wholeness back into my heart. I tool a chance and ventured out of my world and into one I had never seen before. Then I saw you.My life was changed forever changed. In your eyes I saw a fire that was missing in mine. In your heart I saw a genuiness that I had lost and maybe now had found. Taking that chance brought me to your world.A place I would like to call my own.