Cameron stood up and Gary came over to give him a big bear hug. Of course, Madeline was not pleased by this turn of events. She was hoping this person she met in town would help further her plans to rid Amanda of this "vermin" in her life, and quickly too. Looks like it would take longer than she originally planned.

"Gar….what are you doing here? And why did you bring HER?" Cameron said, pointing at Madeline.

"Don't worry, Mr. Sinclair! I'm leaving. But I'll be back….Amanda, you're looking rested. I'm glad." With that last remark, Madeline left.

"Oh pardon my manners, Amanda. Gary, this is Amanda Cory. Amanda, this is my brother, Gary Sinclair." Gary walked over to where Amanda was now standing and took her hand in his. His soft touch made her think how alike he and Cameron were. Then he also gave it a kiss and she knew they were both gentlemen.

"I have had the pleasure of meeting him once or twice before in town, Cameron. He was here on business. He had dealings with Matthew."

Cameron looked puzzled. He was curious as to what Gary had been up to since they last saw each other…back home…where the beatings from their father and the constant crying of their mother kept them awake at night.

"Yes, little brother. I'm a wheeler-dealer now. Actually, I'm an attorney. I work in Denver mostly but have found this little town quite appealing and was thinking of relocating my practice here. However, that is not why I came to find you. By the way, who WAS that woman who brought me here? She obviously has something against you. Not that she isn't beautiful, but I wouldn't want to get on her bad side!"

"She's a friend of mine from school days!" Amanda piped in;"but lately her actions have been questionable. I don't particularly enjoy spending time with her anymore. I'd much rather be here with your brother."

Cameron got a tad red in the face and this didn't escape Gary in the least. He gave him a teasing shove and continued to tell him why he had come to Colorado Springs.

"You remember ma's Aunt Harriet? The one who we would visit when we could get away from Pop? Well, she passed away a while back and left ma some money. Since ma isn't around, we were next of kin. Here!" Gary took out five hundred dollars and gave it to Cameron. Cameron couldn't believe it! He had never seen this much money all at one time before. He kept counting and counting it, until it sunk in. He put it in his pocket and took Amanda back over to the blanket to sit down.

"Gary, would you please join us? We're having a delightful lunch here. The scenery is beautiful, don't you think?" Amanda asked.

Gary was puzzled and gave Cameron one of those looks. Gary had heard briefly what had happened to Amanda and he wondered why she had made reference to something she couldn't see. Amanda cleared that up rather quickly.

"I know I may not ever see again, but the smells here remind me of a place I always escaped to when I was a little girl. I always felt safe here. Close to things that were important to me…….like your brother is now! So please understand if I say things like that, would you?"

"Sure thing, Miss Cory." Gary answered.

"Amanda. Please call me Amanda."

"Well, Amanda. It looks like you and my brother have things well in hand. So I won't disturb you. But Cameron, we must talk later. There are other matters regarding Aunt Harriet's estate that we need to go over. Would tomorrow be a good time?"

"That sounds fine. The show is over about 5. I plan on bringing Amanda into town for dinner. Can we do it then?"

"Oh Cameron…not into town. You know I don't want to go there."

"Amanda, it's time. You've been putting off having people see you like this for too long. Please try. Would you?" Cameron pleaded.

"I'll think about it. That's the best I can do."

"That's good enough…for now." Cameron ran his fingers across Amanda's cheek, sending a chill through her. Cameron put Amanda's sweater over her shoulder. Amanda knew the reason she got a chill was not from being cold.

"Then I'll say good-bye for now." Gary shook Cameron's hand and did the same with Amanda's. After he left, things between Cameron and Amanda were quiet for awhile. That is, until Amanda spoke her piece.

"That brother of yours. He's quite the gentleman, don't you know. Good looking too. And he smells devine!" She knew this last remark would send Cameron over the edge, but she wanted to distract him from taking her into town. She didn't want the townsfolk to take pity on her, which is exactly what they would do!

"Oh, so you've taken a shine to my brother have you? Well, I can take a hint!" Cameron got up to "leave" prompting Amanda to frantically call out to him.

"Cameron…. Cameron…. don't go. Where are you? I can't make it back to the house without you. Where are-" Cameron stopped her in mid-sentence.

"I'm right here Amanda. I was just playing with you. You knew that didn't you? …. Like you were just playing with me, right?" Cameron almost sounded like he was pleading with her. He wanted to know if he had a place in her life and in her heart, a very special place.

"Sorry. I was just teasing you. You know how important you have become to me, don't you?" Amanda reached over and took Cameron's hand in hers. She gently stroked it, sending the same chill that raced through her before, now racing through Cameron. "You are here for me every day. I cry and you're still here. I scream and you never leave. I sleep and you sleep by my side. I am a lucky woman, Cameron Sinclair. My life changed for the better the day you walked up to me, and I will always remember that day too. The look in your eyes-those stunning green eyes, is one I will not soon forget."

Cameron was getting embarrassed over the attention Amanda was giving him. He was certainly not used to being complimented by anyone. When he was a mere child, his father always told him he'd amount to nothing and that no woman in her right mind would ever give him a second thought. Yet, here he was-with Amanda. And he knew, awhile back, that she was the one. Just like his mother said. He knew it.

"Enough about me. What about dinner..in town…tomorrow….with Gary. Would you consider it, please? For me?"

"For you I would do anything!"

"It's settled then. Now let's finish our lunch so I can get you back for a nice long nap." Cameron gave Amanda something cool to drink, but she managed to put it down somehow.

"Not until I have my dessert first!" Amanda pulled Cameron closer and leaned in for a passionate kiss that neither of them soon would forget.

****************************

Madeline could not believe her luck. Here she thought this stranger…this handsome stranger…would be able to help her rid Amanda of Cameron's influence for good. No, she didn't really know Cameron well. She didn't care to. All she knew about him was that he had taken a place in Amanda's life that was Madeline's. Amanda used to tell her all her hopes and dreams for the future. They shared everything. Now, Madeline had to rely on word of mouth to even find out how Amanda was doing. She hated Cameron for doing that to her. Of course, she did not take any of the blame for what had happened to Amanda. That was all Cameron's doing. He would pay. He would definitely pay for that.

Madeline was walking slowly down the main street in town and would have run smack dab into Gary had he not startled her.

"Oh it's you!" she said, trying in vain to get away. But this Sinclair would have none of that.

"Hold on a minute, little lady. You're not going anywhere. Not until you tell me what you have against my brother."

"He doesn't deserve Amanda. Never will."

"And who are you to judge him? From what Mrs. Hutchins and Matthew tell me, you're no prize either!"

Madeline was aghast that a man would talk to her like this…and someone she hardly knew too. She had enough and was about to leave when Gary stopped her.

"Hold on a minute there. Madeline, I apologize. No one deserves to be spoken to like that. You are Amanda's friend, and she needs all her friends right now!"

"Friend? HA! I can't even get within a mile or two of the house without Matthew finding out and sending the dogs after me. All I've ever wanted to do is to take care of Amanda, like she did for me when we were younger….but now…" Madeline started to cry. This tough lady, the one who constantly was giving his brother and his lady love grief, actually had a soft side. (Hard to see but she did have one!)

"There, there. Don't cry. "Gary reached in his pocket and pulled out his handkerchief to give Madeline. She dabbed her eyes and felt a little better. Thanks to a Sinclair, no less.

"Would you care to join me for dinner tonight? I know this is short notice and I would ask you for tomorrow, but I am having a business meeting with my brother and Amanda."

" That would be lovely. Thank you. Pick me up at the hotel around 6:30?"

"Sure thing!" Gary took Madeline's hand in his and gave it a kiss. Madeline blushed. Gary smiled. Madeline thought…"Hmmm….at least THIS Sinclair has some finer points to ponder!"

****************************** 

Amanda woke up quite rested from her afternoon nap. Her younger brother and sister were outside laughing and giggling. She loved waking up to happy sounds….sounds that made her feel safe and wanted. Cameron had done that for her. No matter how she felt, no matter what she wanted or didn't want to do, he was right there, by her side, during all of it. Her mother had told her that Cameron was there during her entire stay in the hospital, when they didn't know if she would survive, when she was unconscious…through all of it, he remained there. Nothing could have forced him away. Not even Madeline's behavior.

Amanda sat up in bed, brushed the hair away from her eyes and was about to walk over to the door and call for someone when she tripped over a chair which was moved near the door. The loud noise sent her mother and Cameron running from downstairs.

"Amanda…Amanda….are you all right?" Rachel helped her to her feet. Cameron tried to soothe her by rubbing her back gently.

"Yes I'm fine. Please don't feel like you have to be right here every moment. I have to learn to get along by myself somehow." Amanda answered.

"We know, darling. We know. Now, can I get you something to drink? Cameron-anything for you?" Rachel wondered.

"A glass of iced tea would be wonderful, thank you Rachel."Cameron said;"Amanda, would you like some tea also?"

"That would be lovely. Thanks mom."

Rachel left Amanda's room to go downstairs and get them some iced tea. This left Cameron and Amanda alone for a bit. What Cameron didn't notice until Rachel left, is that Amanda had steadied herself and was standing near the window, "looking" at him. He knew she couldn't see, but it seemed like she could see right through him.

"Amanda, what's wrong? What are you thinking?"

Amanda rubbed her eyes, and looked over towards Cameron again."I don't think anything is wrong, Cameron. Just the opposite. I think everything is wonderful!"

"And why is that? Cameron asked, wandering over to Amanda, wrapping his arms around her like a warm blanket in winter.

Her next move made Cameron shiver. She looked him right in the eyes and asked him, "Did you know you have the most beautiful green eyes I have ever seen anywhere?"

Cameron was taken aback. "Amanda…..are you…are you telling me you can SEE me? Amanda is it true?" Amanda started to cry and at that point Rachel came back into the room.

"Honey…what's wrong?? Cameron…what happened?"

"Rachel….I don't know. Amanda was just standing there, staring at me…. I knew she couldn't see…or I thought she couldn't….when she told me I had green eyes!"

"What I said, mother," Amanda interrupted, all the while glancing over at Cameron, "was that he had the most beautiful green eyes I had seen anywhere! And he does!"

"Amanda, darling…can you see? Is it true? Have all my prayers been answered?"

"Well, mother, I CAN see. Not too clearly, but I can see."

"Then we should take you into town and see what the doctor says. Or perhaps I should get him on the phone and ask him to stop by. You will sit with Amanda until I return, won't you Cameron?"

"Do you have to ask that, Mrs. Hutchins?"

"Cameron?"

"That's right. Rachel. I will always be here for Amanda. Please…go call the doctor."

Rachel left to go into the study and see if she could get a hold of the doctor. This was too important to wait until Amanda could get dressed and back into town. She wanted the doctor here now!

Amanda turned around to look outside…at the birds..the trees…the sunlight…everything! She hadn't been without her sight for a long time, but it was long enough to make her realize that life was too short to let things and people who mattered to her pass her by. She would not allow that to happen, not now..when she was this close to having everything she ever wanted or needed.

She wasn't standing alone for long. Cameron came up behind her, sliding his arms around her small waist, and pulled her in close. He laid his head on her shoulder.

"I am so happy for you Amanda! I was so worried about you. I couldn't sleep much. As for eating, I'd be lucky to get half a sandwich past these lips!"

"Well, there is something I would not let get past those lips again!"Amanda whispered.

"And what might that be?"

Amanda swirled around and said, "This!" She linked her arms around Cameron's waist, and pulled him in so that their foreheads were touching. She was all set to kiss him, but it was that moment that Rachel decided to come back into the room. This, however, did not seem to interrupt Amanda and her mission.

Cameron spotted Rachel out of the corner of his eye and gently moved Amanda away from him. He could tell by the look in her eyes that she was not done with him yet. That was fine with him, but not here!

"I'm sorry you two, for interrupting you. But the doctor will be here in less than a half-hour. Cameron, could you leave my daughter and I alone for a moment or two while she gets dressed? We'll be right down!"

Cameron left the room, slightly embarrassed. Amanda went over and grabbed her robe, sat down and began combing her hair. Rachel came over, took the comb right out of her hand, and started combing Amanda's hair.

"That young man seems quite taken with you."

"He is?" Amanda acted surprised.

"Don't be flip with me, young lady. You know he is. And I can see you feel the same about him, do you not?"

"I do mother, I really do. Cameron believes in me mom. He is the first man, other than daddy, to make me feel like I am not this foolish girl who is only there to stand in the background and look pretty. He makes me feel good about myself. That's important, isn't it?"

"Yes it is, my dear." Rachel leaned down and gave Amanda a loving hug, then left the room so she could get dressed.

The Cory's and Cameron did not have to wait long for the doctor to arrive. He took Amanda into the study where he examined her eyes. He put them through a battery of tests, gave her some drops and examined the eyes again. After the 45-minute exam was over, both Amanda and the doctor emerged from the study looking quite pleased.

Amanda's sight was back. She did, although, have to be careful and use patches when her eyes blurred and use eyedrops at night before retiring.

Everyone was pleased. Matthew wanted to have a party but Amanda declined. She wanted to rest, then spend some quiet time alone with Cameron. Cameron, of course, did not mind spending any time alone with Amanda. Rachel agreed that the couple needed time off by themselves. Cameron agreed to come back later, after dinner and take Amanda for a nice, long ride down to Lake Myers, where they had spent the 4^th of July holiday with each other and her family.

Cameron rode through town feeling better than he had in weeks. Amanda was getting better and his life was on track for once. Everything was falling into place.

Cameron neglected to see his brother Gary's wagon parked outside the hotel. He was there to pick up Madeline for dinner. She was ready and looking fine, Gary thought.

They had dinner at Jake's. Not only was it a saloon, but it also had the best steak dinner this side of the Mississippi! Madeline and Gary spoke little while they ate, her picking at her food and he devouring it and anything else in his path.

"My! You are certainly a hungry man, aren't you? Do all Sinclairs have such perfect table manners?" Madeline thought the remark was funny, but Gary did not.

"What is your problem, Madeline? From the moment I rode into town, you have done nothing but insult and ridicule my name, most especially my brother's name. Now as far as I can figure out, he has done nothing to you. He cares for Amanda, and I understand from her family that she cares very much for him. Now unless you are prepared to go through the rest of your life without your best friend or without a pleasurable eating companion such as myself, you had better just get over it! Move on!"

Madeline had about enough of people telling her what to say or what to think. She knew, somehow, that Gary was right. But she did not feel like admitting that now. Madeline took a glass of water that was on the table and threw it at Gary, completely covering his face and sending the water running down his shirt. Gary just stood up, grabbed the linen napkin that was next to his plate and wiped himself off. He put money for the dinner down on the table, and walked out of Jake's after Madeline.

He saw her hurrying down the street back to the hotel when he yelled," Does this mean no candlelight dinners for us then?" Gary laughed at his comment and meandered back to the boarding house where he was currently staying. This one would be quite a challenge. But talking Cameron into doing something he didn't want to do…..now that would be another story!

**************************** 

Lake Myers was beautiful in the early evenings and tonight was no exception. Cameron brought a blanket and placed it right under the tallest oak tree closest to the lake. He took the picnic basket from the back of the wagon and put in right next to Amanda. This only piqued her curiosity and when she wanted to look inside, Cameron slapped at her hand playful, shaking his finger "no".

"Please? Can you tell me what's inside? What delicious treats have you brought for us tonight?" Amanda pleaded with Cameron to tell her, but he was not talking.

"You'll just have to be patient, for a little while longer. There's something I'd like to do first."

"And what is that?"

Cameron was nervous. He had never, ever spoken these words to any woman before, but here was Amanda, right in front of him, and he had to tell her what was there, in his heart.

"Do you realize what meeting you that day in town has done to me?"

"No! Tell me!" Amanda was feeling playful, but she could tell Cameron had something serious on his mind. She best not interrupt him again.

"No matter what I do, no matter where I am, you are always on my mind. I fall asleep and you're there. I open my eyes and I can see your face, that sweet face, right in front of me. When you were hurt and in the hospital, I was going out of my mind worrying about you. If you would be all right. If I'd have the chance to talk to you again. To tell you what's here." Cameron took Amanda's hand and placed it on top of his chest, right over his heart. He rested his hand on hers.

"Cameron, I don't know what to say."

"Please let me finish. I need to say this to you, tonight." Cameron took a deep breath and looked into Amanda's eyes.

"Amanda, I never knew what it was like to love someone and have them love you back. My childhood left a lot to be desired. My mom loved Gary and me, but my dad treated us like dirt. I never thought I was good enough, or smart enough, to have a woman care about me…like you do. Now I see that shining face, (he takes his fingers and runs them down her cheek over to her chin), and I know what my mom meant….that I would know when I met the right one….the girl I would like to…."

Cameron was interrupted by the sounds of horses' hooves rapidly approaching. He looked up and saw Gary frantically waving his arm and trying to catch Cameron's attention. Not now, Cameron thought. Not when he was about to ask Amanda an important question.

"Cameron, I'm glad I found you. Hello Amanda. I went to the show and Cinnamon told me you were with Amanda. So I rode out to the Cory's and Mrs. Hutchins told me you two were here. I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"

"As a matter of fact, you.." Cameron didn't have a chance to finish. Amanda cut him short.

"I'm sure we can get back to it later. What did you need Cameron for, Gary?"

Gary knew the reaction he would get out of his brother but he had to tell him. He needed his help.

"Cameron……I need you. We have to go back there. We have to go home. Tonight!"

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