The Harbor Club

Cameron stood in the corner sipping a glass of champagne. It didn't bother him that he was alone. He had a perfect view of the room and the most wonderful view of his wife. She was absolutely glowing. It was amazing what could happen in the span of two weeks. Amanda's stomach had grown noticeably. She had agonized over her dress. She was beautiful no matter what she wore and tonight was no exception. The strapless, black dress fit her perfectly and almost concealed her swelling abdomen. Her hair was upswept and small locks of hair framed her face. Her only jewelry were her rings and a slim gold necklace with the tiniest diamond tear drop.

Amanda was working the room. She glanced over at Cameron every once in a while sharing a secret lovers' smile. This was her big night. The first issue of Brava had hit the stands that morning. Tonight was Cory Enterprises' celebration of the new Brava.

Cameron was brought out of his silent admiration of his wife as Felicia grabbed his free hand. He smiled slightly as she took his arm and they began walking together as they talked.

"Well, I see that you still only have eyes for Amanda."

"Always."

"Have you seen Gary?"

"Actually, I was hoping that he might show up here tonight."

"Really? I think Gary is avoiding the world, Cameron. Why would he come here when he doesn't even come to work?"

"I thought he might do it for Amanda. He's forgiven her."

Felicia raised her eyebrows and looked at Amanda, "She's glowing."

Cameron smiled, "Yes, she is."

"You wouldn't have anything to do with that would you?"

Cameron did something very uncharacteristic and very spontaneous as he leaned forward and kissed Felicia on the cheek.

"Absolutely," he whispered in her ear as he walked away.

"Well, somebody's in a good mood tonight," she said with a smile.

As Cameron swaggered across the room, Amanda's eyes never left him. God, he was so beautiful! She could feel her goosebumps rise as she watched him. He had no idea what he could do to a woman. He looked so handsome in his new black double-breasted suit and snow white shirt. She knew he was uncomfortable, but that man could wear a suit. Cameron stopped at the end of the bar and leaned up against it. Their eyes locked. Amanda licked her lips and started to excuse herself, but Matt stopped her.

"Come on. It's time for the big speech," Matt told her as he pulled her to the edge of the room and stepped up to the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention? We are here tonight to celebrate the launch of the new Brava by Cory Enterprises. I am very honored to introduce to you the Editor of Brava, Amanda Cory Sinclair."

The whole room erupted in applause as Amanda stepped up to the microphone. She smiled out at the crowd then looked at Cameron. He winked at her in a gesture of reassurance.

"I am very honored to be the editor of the new Brava, a magazine that my father, Mac Cory, began publishing 20 years ago. 1999 marks an important anniversary for Brava, and we celebrate that milestone with a special issue. As the world of publishing has evolved, so has Brava. Brava is a new beginning for Cory Enterprises as we strive to provide information and in-depth articles to a whole new generation. It is our intention to know our readers on a personal level by forming focus groups and inviting our readers to write guest columns in every issue. We will also have investigative articles on issues that we feel are of educational importance. I cannot and do not publish Brava alone but rely on an extensive staff of talented writers, photographers, and technical assistants. Please give them a hand."

The gathering of people clapped loudly and gave Amanda the opportunity to catch her breath before she continued. She looked at her mother as she began to speak.

"I want to thank my mother, Rachel, for having the confidence to trust me with this new venture. Without family, there is nothing. On that note, I must thank my brothers, sister, their families and my daughter, Alexandra, for always providing the support that I need. And finally I thank the person who is my foundation, who knows my heart and my soul and always knows the things to do to make my world right. You are my world. My husband, Cameron Sinclair. Thank you. I appreciate the support that each one of you is showing Cory Publishing and Brava by being here with us tonight. Thank you all."

Amanda's eyes locked with Cameron's. He felt the pride he always felt for her. There would have been a time when such a public announcement and the ensuing attention would have bothered him, but not now; not since he had married this woman.

"You don't believe that, do you?"

Cameron swung around and hugged his brother, who had that mischievous twinkle in his eye. He punched him in the stomach before turning back around to watch Amanda.

"I'm glad you made it, man. Amanda will be happy to see you."

"Something told me that my little brother might need some company tonight."

Cameron laughed and faced Gary. Gary was in a good mood. You could see it written all over his face. What had brought this on? He wasn't going to complain, and he wasn't going to ask. He hoped this was something permanent.

"Quit distracting me from my wife."

Gary laughed and ordered a mineral water from the bar.

"She sure looks beautiful tonight."

"Yeah, this is her big night, Gar. I can't tell you how many dresses she went through before she chose that one. Then she went on to the shoes. I never knew one woman could own so many pairs of shoes."

"You just sit there and smile and nod, don't you?"

"Are you kidding? My neck is sore from all the nodding I did."

Gary and Cameron laughed together. Cameron didn't want to break this spell. He liked this kind of easy conversation between them. It had been too long since it had last occurred. It was killing him not to ask what had brought about the change in him.

"What are you two laughing about?"

"Amanda, look at you. At least one of the Sinclairs cleans up good."

Gary took her hands and made her spin around slowly. Then he kissed her cheek and enfolded her in a hug. Amanda put her arms around his waist and hugged him back. She winked at Cameron over Gary's shoulder. Cameron shook his head at his brother while his back was turned.

"I'm so glad you're here, Gary."

"This is your big night, Amanda. I wouldn't be anywhere else."

Amanda smiled at him and before thinking asked, "What has put you in such a wonderful mood?"

Cameron squeezed her elbow in a silent "Why did you say that?". Amanda closed her eyes realizing what she'd done.

Gary laughed, "I filed papers to divorce Josie today."

Amanda and Cameron stared at him not knowing what to say.

"Oh, come on, you had to know it was coming. Don't look so amazed."

Amanda placed her hand on Gary's cheek in a gesture of concern.

"We're just worried about you. Are you sure?"

"It's time to move on with my life. I've done a lot of thinking these past few months, and I've made my decision. I hope you'll support me."

Cameron moved closer to Amanda, "You know we will and we do."

"This probably isn't the place to discuss it. This is your night, Amanda."

"No, Gary, you're family and whatever you need to say, say it."

The three of them moved outside to the canopied terrace. Cameron encircled Amanda's waist and pulled her against him as they watched Gary gather his thoughts.

"There are a lot of things I understand. I even understand Boca Lynda, in a way. But the lies. . . I just don't understand all of the lying, and she convinced the two of you to lie with her. . .for her. I've seen a different side of Josie. I know from talking to her that she manipulated the two of you into lying. The woman I fell in love with was nothing like that. Maybe some way, somehow, I'll see things differently, but for now I've got to break free of this darkness. You're probably wondering why I seem to be so happy. It was like the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders when I gave those papers to Tyrone. I'm closing the door on that part of my life. For the first time in a long time, I'm looking forward to the future."

"Gary, you're my family and I'll always, always be here for you. I regret my part in all of the deceptions, and I'm sorry for causing you pain," Amanda told him as she left the circle of Cameron's arms and walked to Gary.

"Amanda, I've forgiven you. We're past that."

Amanda smiled at him and hugged him, "I probably need to get back to the party. I'll leave the two of you to talk."

Amanda kissed Cameron's cheek as she walked back to the terrace doors. She turned back to them as she opened the door. At Cameron's slight nod, she disappeared back to the party.

Cameron walked toward Gary. Gary was standing at the edge of the terrace looking out over the calm waters of the bay.

"So does this mean that I've got my partner back fulltime?"

Gary laughed, "You never sugarcoat things do ya, Cam? Yeah, that's what it means. I'm sorry that I haven't been there for you."

Cameron shrugged, "I gave you space. That's what you needed. You forget sometimes that I've got the same genes. I'm really glad that you've decided to come back to work."

Gary narrowed his eyes in suspicion, "Why's that?"

"I've got a job for you, and you can start tomorrow."

Cameron continued to look at Gary seriously. Gary returned the gaze with narrowed eyes.

"Oh, yeah, what is it?"

"Tomorrow is moving day, and you've just volunteered to help."

"Moving day? You've got that place ready?"

"It's amazing what Amanda, Paulina, Alli, and Rachel can do when they put their heads together. "

Gary slapped Cameron on the back, "Welcome to the wonderful world of women."

"Yeah, Cory women."

"Come on. Let's get back to the party."

Gary and Cameron walked back into the room at the Harbor Club. Cameron quickly found Amanda in the crowd. An older man with gray hair was approaching her from the side. He narrowed his eyes as he watched the man trying to gain her full attention. There was something about him that he didn't like. He was across the room in three long strides.

"Ms. Cory, I'm George Weston. My secretary told me that you had called several times and had said that I could contact you here tonight. I believe my client, Dr. Hale, is willing to talk with you."

Amanda started to smile at the lawyer when she glimpsed a quick movement of black out the corner of her eye. She turned sharply and looked into the blazing, angry eyes of her husband.