Chapter 1

Cameron paced. His entire body ached. It even hurt to breathe. The physical pain was mild compared to the unbearable ache in his heart. He closed his eyes willing himself not to give in to despair. Still a lone tear slid unheeded down his cheek settling in one of his wounds. He didn't wince. He deserved the pain.

Cameron laid on his bed gently easing himself onto the mattress. All of it flooded back. All of the chaos that had erupted at the Corys' just a few short hours ago flooded into his head. He thought he had prepared himself for such a scene but nothing in his wildest imagination had prepared him for that.

Cory Mansion - 5:00 P. M.

The wedding party was gathered in the living room. Cameron smiled and tugged at his collar. He couldn't believe Amanda had talked him in to tails. Suddenly the world around him disappeared when Amanda walked into the room.

Surely he had died for there was an angel standing just a few feet away. There had been so many times when he had seen her look beautiful but those other times paled in comparison to this vision of loveliness. She was shining just like the stars in the heavens. Cameron and Amanda stared at each other saying everything with their eyes and their smiles.

Matt broke the spell by taking Amanda's hand. It was a signal for everyone to make their last minute adjustments before the ceremony began. That's when the plan had broken down. They were halted by a shrill "wait!"

All eyes were on Alli who had run into the room. She had refused to be a part of the wedding or attend the ceremony yet here she was.

"Alli, please!" Amanda implored.

"Mom, you can't! You don't know what he's done."

"Stop it, Alli! This is our wedding day."

"I can't let you do this! Mom, your 'hero' got his brother's wife pregnant. Josie is carrying Cameron's baby!"

No one moved. There was a stunned silence. Amanda looked at Cameron. Gary looked incredulous. Then he saw the guilty looks on the faces of his brother and his wife.

"That's ridiculous!" Gary yelled.

Josie began to gasp behind him. Gary turned quickly and saw the truth but still could not believe it.

"I'm sorry, Gary. I'm sorry," Josie cried reaching for him.

In the blink of an eye, all hell broke loose. Gary's fist connected with Cameron's chin. It took both Matt and Joe to get Gary off of him. Paulina and Lila were on either side of Josie who had collapsed screaming in pain. Amanda ran from the room without looking back. Rachel stopped Cameron from running after her. Alli stood to the side looking very smug about the mayhem she had caused.

In less than thirty minutes, he had lost everything. Amanda was gone. Gary hated him. Josie had miscarried the baby and he couldn't even go to the hospital. A weighted guilt was hammering in his head.

Cameron was in the very place he had been when he'd come to Bay City almost a year ago. Except then he had resigned himself to his life. He knew what the future held for him. He had no one. All of that had changed the moment he laid eyes on Amanda. He had known that the flame that he thought had died within him was very much alive after just one look.

Cameron was suddenly alert. All thoughts of the earlier events were shoved aside when he heard a faint shuffling. Amanda. He didn't dare breathe her name for fear the beautiful apparition standing beside him would disappear. The apparition kneeled beside the bed placing a gentle finger on his battered lips.

"I'm here, Cameron."

Chapter 2

Cameron's Apartment - 2:00 A. M.

Cameron inhaled the scent of her perfume. He sat up quickly then fell heavily back onto the bed just as fast. His head was spinning.

He jumped when a cool, wet cloth touched his mouth. Soft fingers gently probed his swollen eye and the cut on his cheek. Amanda kissed his forehead, the only uninjured place on his face.

"Amanda," he breathed. She stroked his hair and smiled.

She continued exploring his injuries. She slowly, carefully unbuttoned his bloodstained shirt. She gasped at the dark bruises on his ribs.

"You need to go to the hospital!"

"I........"

"Shhhhh!"

Cameron smiled despite his pain.

"Why are you smiling?" she demanded with a frown.

Cameron smirked and raised his eyebrow over the eye that wasn't blackened.

"Did anyone ever tell you that you are one pushy broad?"

"Only the man I love."

Amanda leaned toward him and Cameron met her half way. He ignored the needles of pain shooting throughout his body. Everything disappeared as they kissed and their souls were joined as one.

When Amanda finally leaned away from him, her eyes were sparkling and her mouth remained slightly upturned. She touched his face caressing his cheek.

"I wish none of this had happened."

"What is it they say? The best laid plans....."

Amanda didn't smile. She couldn't. Her mind drifted back to the scene in her living room earlier. It had been torture watching Gary hitting Cameron over and over. She had finally run from the room unable to watch anymore knowing that she could do nothing. Josie's screams of anguish still echoed in her ears. Even the sanctuary of her room could not muffle the sounds of the events below.

"Nothing went as planned."

She began pacing the small room. Cameron managed to sit on the side of the bed. He watched her for a long time. He could see the demons she was wrestling. He felt her inner turmoil.

"It's dangerous for you to be here," he reminded her.

"I couldn't wait any longer. I had to see you. I had to know if you were all right. It's two in the morning. Even Jordan Stark has to sleep some time."

Cameron wasn't convinced. They were playing a dangerous game. Amanda sat down beside him on the bed and laid her head on his shoulder. She wrapped her arms around his waist. She loosened her grip when she heard his sharp intake of breath.

"Sorry."

"Have you talked to Alli?"

Amanda nodded, "She refuses to tell me how she found out. I find the timing of this revelation a little too convenient. There is no way she came up with this one on her own."

"Maybe she overheard. . ."

"No. Do you think Jordan Stark got to her? Do you think he did something to her?"

Cameron heard the deep concern in her voice. They were valid questions.

"Knowing the things we do about him, it wouldn't surprise me."

That wasn't what Amanda wanted to hear. Her head was about to explode. She closed her eyes trying to focus.

"I should send her to Sam where she'll be safe."

Cameron leaned back forcing Amanda to look him in the eye.

"I think we can both agree that sending her away was necessary a year ago but it is also part of the reason we are where we are now."

Amanda said nothing. Alli's presence had only brought turmoil. She blamed herself. Trying to protect Alli had only alienated her. At this moment, she didn't even know her own daughter. She kissed Cameron's cheek then buried her face in his neck.

Cameron ran his fingers through her hair stroking, soothing, reassuring. He could feel her smiling.

"You're supposed to be heartbroken," he laughed.

Amanda sat up quickly fixing her eyes on him.

"I remember the plan."

Chapter 3

Cameron continued wrestling with the truth about the baby. He could hear Josie's warnings over and over. His heart was torn. He didn't want anyone to be hurt. But he always came to the same conclusion. If he truly loved Amanda, there could be no secrets between them. He couldn't continue to lie to Amanda. It wasn't fair to her. He loved her too much.

They had just professed their devotion to one another. Loving her was the deepest, most honest feeling he had ever had He couldn't lose that. He couldn't lose her. Cameron and Amanda were walking toward the door. He couldn't wait any longer even if it meant the end to their relationship, Amanda deserved his honesty.

"Amanda, wait."

Amanda turned to him, the smile dying on her face. She could see the seriousness in his face. There had been something bothering him for so long. He thought he was hiding it from her but she could tell by the change in his body language, the crease in his forehead. She knew him so well. She braced herself for the worst.

"What is it, Cameron?"

"Before I tell you, I just want you to remember how much I love you and that I would do anything, anything to protect you."

Cameron led her to the front of the chapel. They both sat down. Cameron took both of her hands in his own. Looking to Heaven, he swallowed hard then looked Amanda straight in the eye.

"I've tried to tell you this a million times. You've asked me about it more than once and I have been less than honest with you. I wanted to protect you even when I knew that you would only be hurt in the end. The baby Josie is carrying is mine."

Amanda tried to pull her hands away from his but he held on tightly. She turned her face away from him trying to hide the tears in her eyes.

"I was wrong. I let Josie convince me time and time again that I couldn't tell you or anyone else. She made me believe that it would destroy everything you and I have together. And there were all the times that you told me how you could never do what Sofia was doing when Lila was pregnant. I was a coward and I was wrong."

Amanda looked at him. The tears were glistening in her eyes. Cameron felt the tears in his own eyes. He couldn't bear to see the pain, the anguish on her face.

"I'll leave you alone. We'll call off the wedding and I won't bother you anymore."

Cameron stood up and began walking out of the chapel. He squared his shoulders and looked straight ahead trying to block out the pain just as he had done all of his life. But this time he couldn't. He was trying to be brave. He felt the agony from the very depth of his soul. His lip trembled as the tears ran freely down his cheeks.

"You're not going anywhere. You're not going to leave me. I've got plenty to say and you're going to listen, " Amanda cried.

Cameron stopped in his tracks. He turned to look at her and wished that he hadn't. Her face was streaked with tears and she was angry. Cameron steeled himself for her words. He deserved whatever she had to say. He deserved her contempt and disgust.

"Damn it, Cameron!! How many times have I told you that I'm not some shrinking violet? You don't have to protect me from everything. For the man who professes to love me, you don't know me at all. I got through the Boca Lynda mess. Didn't you think that I could get through this?"

"I should have been honest with you from the beginning but. . ."

"There's no 'but'. I asked you twice, Cameron. And you lied to me twice and I knew that you were lying. I knew it."

"You knew?"

"How stupid do you think I am? But maybe part of it is my fault."

"Nothing is your fault, Amanda. I did it."

"Hush! Maybe I made it easy for you to lie because even though I knew the truth in my heart, I didn't want to hear it."

"What?" Cameron questioned confused by the conversation.

"You were only telling me what I wanted to hear. I ranted on and on about Josie over and over. I did go on about Lila, but that was a different situation. God, Cameron, I love you."

"Amanda, I'm confused."

Amanda moved so that she was standing just a few inches from him but far enough away that they weren't touching each other. Cameron wanted to reach out and touch her but he didn't dare.

"I love you, Cameron Sinclair, unconditionally. Any problems we have. We face together no matter how painful those problems might be."

Cameron was stunned. He'd pictured this scene a million times but he'd never pictured this.

"Are you saying that you forgive me?"

Amanda glared at him, "Don't think you're off the hook. I'm furious with you but like I said, we will face this together because that's what two people who love each other do."

He wasn't sure who moved first but they wrapped their arms around each other. Cameron held her tight fearing that she might run away at any minute. He was still in shock. This just wasn't real. Amanda sighed heavily keeping her arms locked around him.

"I love you, Amanda Cory. I love you more than words can ever say. I don't deserve to have such a beautiful gift."

Amanda leaned back. She didn't smile at him. She was still angry with him. And it was an anger that she wouldn't get over any time soon but she knew her anger was more frustration and disappointment than anything. It hurt her deeply that Cameron still didn't feel he could trust her after all this time.

"One of these days, Cameron, you are going to see the strength of true love. If I have to show it to you with my last breath, I will show you our love is stronger than anything or anyone."

 Cory Living Room

Amanda and Cameron walked toward the house hand in hand. They were both very quiet and they knew that there was a lot of healing to do. They knew that the healing would be done together. There were no secrets between them. They paused on the terrace. They looked at each other in question. Through the French doors they could see Cass, Lila, Rachel, and Matt. Their voices were raised.

"Should we go in?" Cameron asked unsure of whether they should interrupt a situation that was obviously escalated.

Amanda frowned, "I don't think we've got a choice."

Cameron and Amanda walked in the living room startling the other occupants. All of the doors to the room were closed. All eyes were on the two of them.

"Good, the two of you are here. You need to hear this."

Cameron and Amanda listened in stunned silence as Lila enumerated all of the things Jordan Stark had done and had asked her to do.

"More recently he has become very interested in breaking Cameron and Amanda up. He sent the airplane ticket to Alli in Switzerland. And he is working on a way now to make sure that the two of you never get married," Lila told them.

"What does he want from us?" Amanda asked astonished by Stark's interest in their relationship.

"I don't know what he wants. I just know that there's something he wants from this family and he will do whatever it takes to get it."

Cameron sat silently. He could feel the anger bubbling inside him.

"What are you thinking, Cameron?" Cass asked him.

Cameron fixed Cass with a cold glare, "I think it's time we found out exactly who we're dealing with."

"Good luck, " Cass said.

He told them about the research he and Jake had done on Jordan Stark and Lumina. He also told them about the book that was nothing but ashes when they opened the package.

"We have to find out more. We have to find out why he's so interested in the most intimate details of this family, " Rachel told them as she paced. "This has to be a united family operation and it has to be a plan that is only known by the people in this room. We tell no one else."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"I think the first thing we have to do is postpone this wedding," Cameron told them.

"No," Rachel said, "I think we need something more dramatic than that. In order to find out what Jordan Stark is up to and to protect this family in the process, we have to make sure certain things appear to happen."

"What do you have in mind?" Matt asked.

For two hours, they discussed how they would move forward. Lila didn't tell the whole group what Stark had told her about Josie's baby. She still couldn't bear to hurt the two of them.

"So phase one of this plan occurs on the day of our wedding, " Amanda began. "We all gather in the living room before the ceremony. The groomsmen go to the chapel. Lila takes me to the side showing me a note that has arrived. I run out of the room. Mom follows me. Then she goes to the chapel and tells everyone that there will be no wedding."

"You know this means that you and Cameron have to stay away from each other. Stark can't have any idea that we are setting him up," Rachel reminded them.

Amanda looked at Cameron. She still couldn't believe everything she'd heard tonight. Her family was in danger. There was no choice. They had to do these things.

"We'll sit back and see what happens next," Cass said.

"That's what Stark has to think we're doing but I'm going to be digging up everything I can," Cameron told them. "He's not going to mess with this family."

"Our family, Cameron. This is your family, too," Rachel told him making sure he knew exactly where he stood.

Cameron nodded. Yes, this was his family, too. He'd never truly admitted it to himself but he knew the truth. And he would do whatever he had to do to protect all of them.

"Then we are in agreement. The Corys have declared war on Jordan Stark."

Cameron's Apartment - 6:30 A. M.

Cameron opened his eyes. The sun was just starting to rise. Amanda was snuggled against him. He smiled. He loved waking up next to her. But something was wrong. Then it all came rushing back. They had fallen asleep. Cameron quickly looked at the clock.

"Amanda!"

Amanda slowly opened her eyes. She looked at Cameron. When she finally could focus, she saw the frown on his face. That was not what she wanted to see when she woke up in the morning. She would just have to do something about that. She moved slightly and pressed her lips against his. They kissed slowly, hungrily until Cameron pulled away much to her disappointment.

"Amanda, you've got to go. We fell asleep. It's morning and you shouldn't be here. I should have made you leave last night."

Amanda smirked, "Well, good morning to you, Cameron. I love you, too."

Cameron tried not to smile but failed. He shook his head and sat up. Sleep had not eased his physical pain. He'd have to get by on aspirin because he had a lot to do today.

"Amanda, it was dangerous for you to be here last night. It's dangerous for you to be here now."

"Everything we're doing is dangerous. I'll be careful."

Amanda got up. She found her coat and tried to smooth her hair back into place. She looked at Cameron. His wounds didn't look any better in the morning light but she'd keep those thoughts to herself.

"Where did you park your car?"

"It's at the Herald."

"You walked over here from the Herald at two o'clock in the morning? Amanda. . ."

Amanda put her hand over his mouth, "It's too early for lectures, Cameron. I was careful."

Cameron kissed her hand and removed it from his mouth. He studied her fingers. Her engagement ring sparkled at him.

"You shouldn't be wearing that."

Amanda knew he was right but she didn't want to take it off. There would be questions asked if she kept wearing it. Cameron walked to his chest of drawers. He came back to her with a small velvet pouch in his hand.

"Here."

Amanda took the pouch from him. She turned it over in her hand then dumped its contents. It was a long silver necklace. The chain was beautiful. It wasn't what you would call delicate. It looked more sturdy, practical.

"What is this, Cameron?"

"After our conversation with your family, I started thinking about all the details of what we would have to do. And I realized that you couldn't wear that ring on your finger. So I was passing a jewelry store and I saw this chain."

He pulled the ring from her finger and unclasped the chain. He slid the ring on the chain and clasped it. Amanda watched him wondering what he was up to. He slipped the chain with the ring over her head.

"This way you can still wear the ring but only you and I will know that it's there."

Amanda smiled, "I like the way you think, Sinclair. The ring will be right next to my heart."

"Today you should have been Mrs. Sinclair."

"I am Mrs. Sinclair just not legally. I meant what I said in the chapel. As far as I'm concerned, you and I are already married."

Cameron still couldn't believe that she loved him. His heart was so full. He'd never, ever had such a feeling.

"You've really got to go and you better take the fire escape."

Amanda nodded. They shared one last kiss. Then she was gone. Cameron looked around the apartment. It was time to swallow some aspirin and get to work on bringing Jordan Stark to his knees.

Cory Mansion - 7:30 A. M.

Amanda walked through the front door. She was surprised to see her mother and Alli sitting in the living room. Alli came running to her.

"Mom, where have you been? I went to your room to check on you and you were gone. I was so worried."

Amanda's anger with her dissolved for a moment, "I went out for a drive."

"All night?"

"I had to do something," Amanda told her and walked on past her into the living room.

Amanda's eyes locked with Rachel in silent communication.

"Alli, why don't you go ask Helen to make us a pot of tea and bring us some muffins?"

Alli nodded at Rachel and left the room. Rachel got up and quickly closed the doors to the foyer.

"How's Cameron?"

Amanda shook her head and smiled, "How did you know?"

"I know you, Amanda. And I know you were worried."

"He looks horrible. He can barely move. I hope he rests today but I know that's not going to happen."

"You already knew about the baby."

Her mother always got right to the point. Amanda wasn't offended by her statement. She had to know the whole story. Amanda swallowed hard and told her about Boca Lynda.

"That's a lot to deal with, Amanda. We all make mistakes. I've certainly made my share. You seem to have resolved yourself to all of it. I see how much he loves you every time he looks at you. That's really all I need to know. The love you share is strong enough to deal with anything."

Amanda nodded. She was glad that her mother understood.

"You don't find that kind of love every day, Mom. We have to face things together."

"I agree and I understand. Why don't you go upstairs and rest for a while? People are going to expect you to be isolated right now. You've got to play the part."

"You're right, but I've got to do some leg work on Stark."

"You can do that later. I've arranged some things for Cameron to begin on. I need to talk to him. Go on upstairs and I'll give him a call."

Amanda hugged her and left the room. Rachel heard the doorbell ring. Who could that be? It was barely 8:00 A. M. She could hear Claudia talking with someone. Claudia had an almost irritated tone with the visitor. Rachel decided she needed to investigate.

"Mrs. Hutchins, Mr. Halliday wants to see Amanda."

Rachel looked at the man. She had the oddest feeling about him.

"I..I..don't believe we've met, Mrs. Hutchins. I'm David Halliday."

He extended his hand to her. Rachel took it. He pumped her hand vigorously. Rachel felt the hair standing up on the back of her neck.

"Mr. Halliday. . ."

"Oh, call me David, please."

"David, it's nice to meet you but Amanda is not seeing visitors today."

"I. . . I heard what happened yesterday and I just wanted to see if she's all right."

"That's very kind of you, David, but obviously Amanda needs some time alone."

"Of course, I'm sorry. I'll be going. It was nice to meet you Mrs. Hutchins."

"Yes."

Rachel frowned. He was certainly an irritating man. And there was something about him that was familiar. His face flashed in her mind. And his voice had a unique tone to it. Oh, it wasn't worth dwelling on. She had more important things to attend to like making sure Jordan Stark's plans didn't succeed.