....by Leslie
This is the start of a somewhat "new" tale of Amanda and Cameron.I'll be sure and not lose what made them what they are.I have to thank Sharon for helping me come up with the idea for the story,and Kelly for helping me name it!!After that,my imagination got hold of it and took root.Enjoy!!
Chapter One
Cameron and Amanda relished in the time they had together.Their jobs kept them quite busy. If it wasn't a crisis at the magazine, then Gary had him chasing down some lead that couldn't wait. So,when they actually had a quiet evening at home-just Cameron,Amanda,and little Ryan,they cherished it like they would gold.It was rare! Cameron thought they should have dinner at home this time.Amanda seemed to agree,but grimaced at the thought of making something even simple.When Cameron said he was having take-out delivered from Carlino's,Amanda thanked him the best way she knew how. "Have I told you today how much I love you?" Amanda questioned. "Not in the last 10 minutes or so-no.You're falling down on the job,my dear wife. My wife! Do you know how incredible that sounds to this day?Do you know how lucky I am?" Cameron pulled Amanda in closer so he could wrap his arms around her waist. ""I think we are both lucky….to have found each other again after everything that happened to us…but most of all….to have our son here to share our life with! " Amanda gave Cameron a quick peck on the cheek but he would have none of that.He made sure she knew how deep his love was for her at that moment. Just as things started to heat up between the Sinclairs,the doorbell rang and Ryan woke up from his nap.Of course,Cameron and Amanda couldn't finish what they were doing,but he told her that this wasn't over-not by a long shot! Cameron went to the crib and picked up Ryan.Amanda went to the door.Sure enough-Carlino's delivery.This time,they had a special delivery person-Paulina!! "Where's that nephew of mine?I haven't seen him in a long time!"Paulina squealed,as she grabbed Ryan from his father's arms. "Paulina…you saw us at mom's today? Your godchild is fine.Just fine!Right,daddy?" "You got that right,little mama!Our son is perfect-just like you!" Cameron took the food from Paulina's free arm and set it out on the table.They asked her to stay and have some dinner with them,but she had to close the restaurant tonight.Joe would be home late from the precinct and she wanted to be there for him.Paulina left and the Sinclair's sat down for a nice,quiet dinner,just the three of them.(Alli was gone for the night.) The food was delicious,as always.Amanda cleaned up in the kitchen and Cameron went into the bedroom to get little Ryan ready for bed.He was trying to make cooing sounds now,and both mom and dad loved to tease the other that he was trying to call them! "That sounded like da-da to me..I heard it! Listen again.Don't you hear that?He's smiling at me too.He knows I'm his pop!" "Honey", Amanda would always start out,"Ryan is too young yet to say anything! As for smiling at you,I think he's just passing gas.But when he gets to know his daddy,he'll be smiling at you all the time,just like his momma does!" Amanda finished in the kitchen,cleaned off the table and wandered into the bedroom.She was going to help Cameron with Ryan,but he was finished.Ryan had these cute little bunny pajamas on…with tiny blue slippers Gary had bought him.He looked so precious in this outfit.Cameron was looking out their bedroom window and pointing out the stars to his on. "See that one,little man….that is Orion! See his tail??Pretty long,isn't it? Well,I won your mother's heart while talking about the stars.Maybe one day,you''ll be lucky enough to win some young lady's hand too…but you cannot date until you're 25 at least!!" Amanda laughed out loud at that last comment."Cameron Sinclair,you know darn well you dated before you were 25!Are you going to tell our son that he can't date while he's in high school?That he can't gain the wisdom of your experience?"She giggled again,only this time it wasn't loud enough for Cameron to hear. "I never thought of that.No matter.He's much too young to start thinking of girls now.Let's turn on the TV and watch that western I've been hearing about!"Cameron turned on the TV and put Ryan on his chest,where he seemed quite comfortable. They weren't watching the program for more than ½ hour when Amanda asked him if he wanted something to drink.When she didn't get any response,she looked over to where Cameron was laying,and she saw something much more valuable than money.There they were,the two most important men in her life,and they were both asleep.Ryan was laying with his head on Cameron's chest,fast asleep.Cameron had his hand on his son's back,and he-too-was fast asleep. "My men.How lucky can one person get?" Amanda turned off the lights and got ready for bed herself.She got into bed and was going to give Cameron and Ryan a kiss goodnight,but didn't want to disturb their peaceful slumber.She did notice that smile on Cameron's lips and thought he must be dreaming again.Little did she know how right she was! (Cameron's dream) The sunrise on that hot summer day was a sign of another day in the 80's in Colorado Springs in the 1800's.The town was quiet now,but things would pick up around noon,when the Wild West show was due to arrive in town. The townspeople were looking forward to some happy days now.After the Army came into town and riled up the Indians,no one was safe.No one. Amanda Cory arrived with her mother quite early in fact.They were running the booth for the preservation of the Indian burial grounds.While the townfolk may have not appreciated the fact that the Indians were close by,they grew to accept their presence. Rachel Cory Hutchins was a beautiful woman.She had long,cascading hair that she kept up in a bun.She had two young children that were being home schooled,since she did not trust the teachers the governor had sent to school the town's children.She could afford it-she came from one of the richest families in the area. Amanda Cory,on the other hand,was simply gorgeous.Her long blonde hair framed her delicate face.She was a bit of a rebel,which didn't please her mother much.She was willing to bring Amanda to town with her,on the condition that she would behave herself.Amanda promised to do just that. Right on time,the Wild West show rode into town.Twenty-three wagons with cowboys and sharpshooters galore rode past Rachel and Amanda.She screamed with delight at the prospect of meeting some new and exciting men from the show…she thought the gentlemen her mother kept wanting her to meet were dull and boring! That's when she noticed him-the one who seemed to be looking right through her.His wagon stopped about 5 feet from where Amanda was standing.Her mother had gone into the general store to get some writing tablets and some cans of beets. The wagon was covered in pictures of horses and bareback riders.Everywhere she looked,Amanda saw one after the other-some very beautiful animals and the men riding them looked handsome too.Then she came upon the picture of the man she noticed on the wagon.Just at that moment,he came around the corner and she could feel him staring at her. Amanda looked up and saw the most piercing and beautiful green eyes she has ever seen.This man,this cowboy standing right in front of her,had short brown hair,a flawless complexion and a smile to die for. "Good morning Miss.I see you're admiring the horses.Do you ride?" "Sometimes,yes."Amanda wasn't so sure she should be talking to this stranger.But for some reason,she felt very at ease with him. "How long have you been doing this……bareback riding.You do it for a living?" "Yes ma'am! Since I got out of…...since I was young,I've always wanted to work outside…..in the fresh air and sleep under the stars. I feel safe there." "You must…"Amanda said. She heard Rachel calling to her to come so they could go to the fairgrounds. She had to excuse herself from this new prospect,this delightful companion of a few minutes. "I didn't catch your name!: Amanda said,looking the stranger right in the eyes. "I didn't throw it!!" he chanted back. "WELL!!! How rude!" Amanda yelled back.She started to walk away until the stranger grabbed her arm. "Hey little lady.Don't go off in a tizzy! You know a place where this man can go to wet his whistle?" "Down the street.Jake's.You won't miss it!"With that comment,Amanda turned and walked away.The stranger smiled deliberately,because he knew he had her attention.He would see her later.He was sure of that. He tipped his hat to her-although she didn't see it. "The name's Cameron!Cameron Sinclair.And you'll be seeing me again little lady,real soon.I guarantee it!!"
Chapter Two (The dream continues…) The Wild West show rolled into town, with the young boys following close behind. They were hoping for ride on one of those powerful horses, pretending to be a cowboy on the range, rescuing the young maidens from harm. Rachel had finished her business in the general store after speaking with its' manager, George Comstock. "Thank you again,George.I know just where I have to come to get the freshest vegetables!" "Mrs.Hutchins…there really is no need to thank me." "George.how do you do it?Every time I come here,I find just what I need.I must have you and Louise out to the house for dinner soon." "Dinner is not necessary.Your thanks is good enough for a humble man like me!" Rachel shook George's hand and left the store with a bag larger than she had intended.She looked around for Amanda and located her across the street,gazing into Auntie Barbara's candy store.Amanda was a little kid where candy was concerned and she had her nose pressed up against the window like all other kids did.Even though her family had the money to probably buy the candy store,it never occurred to Amanda to act any other way,or for Rachel to expect anything less. Rachel was about to lose the contents of the bad she was carrying.That is,until Cameron came by and quickly grabbed the bag from her. "Why,thank you young man.Thank you very much!" "My pleasure ma'am.May I carry it to your buggy or carriage?" "That would be very nice of you. Thank you so much!" As they walked a few feet to her buggy,Rachel couldn't help but notice his eyes and how emerald green they seemed to be. "Did you come into our fair city with the Wild West show,young man?" "Please ma'am.Call me Cameron.My name is Cameron Sinclair. I am happy to meet you." "Well,Cameron,it is my pleasure.You have been so kind.I am Mrs.Hutchins.I would introduce you to my daughter,but she seems to be across the street admiring the candy in the store window." Just as Cameron and Rachel looked across the street in Amanda's direction,a horse bolted from one of the riders,and made a startling move toward Amanda.Cameron dropped the bag he was carrying and ran quickly across the street.He swept Amanda up in his arms and pulled her out of the way just in time.The horse had been startled by some loud gunshots and had broken away from his owner's grip.Just as quickly as Cameron grabbed Amanda,the owner was right there,seizing the horse's reins and settling him down. Amanda looked at him with a new sense of respect.He didn't seem to want to put her down,until she made him. "Thank you.But I could have taken care of myself. I am NOT a little girl you know." "I can see that miss.You are definitely not a little girl.But you need to be careful.Next time you may not be too lucky!" Rachel huried over to see if Amanda was all right. "Honey,are you o.k.? Thank you Cameron,for being there to help my daughter. Have you two met?Cameron Sinclair,this is my daughter-Amanda Cory!" "We've already met Mrs.Hutchins.Outside the general store.Amanda was admiring the pictures on the wagons for the show.Will you be able to come this evening?I'd love for you-both-to come." "Amanda?Would you like to go?" Amanda looked over this man that was standing in front of her.She looked him up one side and down the other.She did like what she saw.Those eyes.That curve in his smile……Those muscular arms. "Mother,will we be able to? After all,the booth and all.Remember?" "Oh my dear.That will be closed early.We will have time to attend.Thank Mr.Sinclair for extending such a polite invitation." Amanda looked at Cameron again.Only this time,he was staring right back at her.His gaze left her breathless,like he could imagine what she looked like in her night clothes.It unnerved her…yet left her feeling very exhilarated. "Mr.Sinclair,my mother and I would be happy to attend your Wild West show.What time does it begin?" "6:00.Right on the dot,and not a moment later.I must leave you two now.I am looking forward to seeing you later." Cameron shook Rachel's hand and when Amanda extended hers for the same,he took it gently in his,brought it up to his lips,and kissed it.Then he left. "My,that is a gracious young man isn't it?"Rachel asked her daughter. Amanda could not speak.No kiss had ever had that affect on her-not one on the hand or the lips.This man,the one who just blew into town not more than a few hours ago,had already made an impression on the oldest of Rachel's children. That impression would stay with Amanda for a long,long time. Amanda and Rachel made their way home,and had a quiet supper with the rest of the family before changing clothes and heading back to the Wild West show.Of course,the twins would not let their mother leave without taking them.Matthew didn't want to go.Her hand just spent all day at Cory Mining Company,in negotiations with the miners and was in no mood for a good time. Amanda took her good natured time getting ready.While she combed her hair and looking at herself in the mirror,she couldn't help but wonder if this stranger she met this afternoon would like what she was wearing. "Oh that's silly.He probably had met so many women on the road.What's one more?" She finished combing her hair and grabbing a wrap for her shoulders,she left her room to go downstairs. "Finally!What took you so long? Are you hoping Chandler Littlefield is there?I know he's had his eye on you for quite some time!" "What??…Oh mother,you know all Chandler is interested in ,is his bank and the prospects of making more money with his investments." "You could do worse,my dear.Let's go.I hope we can meet Mr.Sinclair again.He seemed taken with you too." "MOTHER!!" Amanda just laughed as Rachel closed the door. On the other side of town,in his wagon full of clothes and things for his horse,Cameron was getting ready for tonight's show.He took some time and was writing down the day's events in his "look book." His mother had kept a diary of their adventures and Cameron wanted to do the same.Except for the fact that "diary" sounded too much like a sissy name.He thought look book sounded better. Cameron wrote carefully…..Saturday,July 3rd…..Arrived in Colorado Springs today. One town looks just like the other.Or so I thought. Until I saw her.Amanda.She's the one. I know it.I pray that I am right.
Chapter Three
Amanda, her mother and the twins arrived at the Wild West show approximately 5:40pm. Amanda tried to look around for Cameron (without appearing obvious!) but couldn't find him. She took Elizabeth for lemonade and some cotton candy, then took her place next to her mother. Just like Cameron said, the show started promptly at 6pm on the dot! They had never seen so many trained horses in one place at one time, but there they were-one right after the other! Then, Amanda saw him. Cameron saw her too. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. Even with her hair messed up by the winds blowing through Colorado Springs that day,she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid his eyes on. She had on a hunter green dress that just seemed to make her eyes light up and dance. Her hair was pulled up by a golden comb on one side and framing her face on the other. When she smiled,she made him feel things he had never felt before. Riding his horse past Amanda and her family,he tipped his hat and smiled at her. Amanda couldn't help but blush because she knew everyone there knew he was looking only at her. She was the lucky one today! "Well… well…well! Looks like Mr.Sinclair has found himself another little filly to tame." Amanda looked towards the woman sitting next to her and asked, "Excuse me madam, but are talking to me?" "You're certainly a cute one, I must admit. And a feisty one too, I'm sure. He'll have his hands full with you!Let me tell you this, sweet thing…his hands are only one of his better features!" "May I ask just who you are and how presumptuous of you it is to say these things to me? "Amanda questioned her. "Oh. pardon me. I have neglected my manners here. My name is Cinnamon Parker,but my friends call me Cindy. And you see that gorgeous thing out there on that horse? I count him as one of my special friends. I watch out for my special friends." "Ohh…..I see…..I'm Amanda Cory. This is my mother Rachel Hutchins and my brother and sister. We are here for the show-Mr.Sinclair invited us!" "Pardon me then, ma'am…and you too Miss Cory. "Cindy just shook her head and sat down two spots away from Amanda and her family. The show began and each event was much more exciting than the next. The clowns made the children in the crowd laugh. Then it was time for the bareback riders. Each of the cowboys came out and did all sorts of tricks.The crowd cheered loudly every time. The it was Cameron's turn. He rode out on a stallion called Easy Goer. Easy Goer was chestnut brown with white markings on his back.Cameron led him around like he owned him. No trick seemed too hard. The crowd showed their appreciation for such skills by standing and stomping their feet and cheering. Cameron and Easy Goer stood in the center on the ring,bowing to their fans.But Cameron's gaze never left Amanda's face, and he could see she was one of his biggest fans…..until he saw Cinnamon sitting close by her. "Please, Cinnamon…don't open your mouth on this one..not her..not now!" The show went on for another hour or so, until the sharpshooters finished their acts. The crowd dispersed rather quickly.Rachel and the children were walking back to their wagon.Amanda was tailing them, because she wanted to see Cameron before they left..but he was nowhere to be found. Or so she thought.Suddenly,there he was…right in front of her. She could see the sweat dripping down his forehead and running down his cheek. He looked so rugged…and quite irresistible too, at this moment! "Mrs.Hutchins, did you like the show?" he asked, his eyes never leaving Amanda's face. "Yes we did, Mr.Sinclair. Thank you for asking. The children had a most agreeable afternoon. But now it's getting late and they still have their baths to take. I must bid you good-bye now.Amanda,are you coming?" "Mrs.Hutchins, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to escort Amanda home please. Would that be all right with you?" "Mr.Sinclair, that is something you must ask my daughter. But yes,she may stay out with you if she so chooses. Thank you for asking me. We don't find much of that around anymore." "What?" Cameron asked. "Manners,sir…manners.Goodnight Mr.Sinclair.Amanda,are you staying?" Amanda looked over at Cameron and blushed slightly when she saw the look in his eyes."Yes mom, I'll be staying with Cameron. I won't be home late." "Have a good evening then. Mr.Sinclair. Thank you again for the invitation." "You're most welcome, Mrs.Hutchins." Rachel and the twins rode off, leaving Amanda and Cameron standing there-waving good-bye. Then it seemed like an eternity before Cameron or Amanda spoke. "Did you like the show, Amanda?" "Yes, very much. Thank you. Now what do you have planned for us this evening….asking my mother first before asking me. That's rather rude isn't it?" "I apologize. I just wanted you to take a ride with me down by the lake,if you would. I haven't been around town long, but I heard the view is just breathtaking." "I would have to agree with you. Yes,that would be lovely." "Before we go, I must take a shower first. A lady such as yourself should not be seen with someone dressed like this!" Cameron said, brushing himself off. Amanda answered back but not loud enough for Cameron to hear…"You look handsome to me.Just perfect." "What was that? "Cameron said turning around while walking back to his wagon. "Oh nothing. How soon will you be back? "Amanda said shyly. "Sooner than you think! "Cameron ran the rest of the way back.Amanda giggled. She hadn't felt this way about anyone in a long time. She walked around the wagons,admiring everything there.Then Cindy appeared again. "Well, Miss Cory, I presume. Slumming now,are we?" "I am waiting for Cameron. We're taking a ride down to the lake,as if that is ANY of your business!" "My my my!!! The little lady has a temper, does she now." Cindy answers. Before she has a chance to respond, Cameron appeared. "Cinnamon, I see you're causing trouble again. Amanda is my guest and it would be best if you treat her as such." "Sure, darlin'. Anything you say. "Cindy gave Cameron a quick peck on the cheek and walked back to her tent. "Who is SHE? "Amanda asked. "An old girlfriend. The only thing is….she doesn't think of it in the past tense." "That's good." "What did you say? "Cameron asked. "Oh nothing. Can we go now?" "Sure thing, Amanda!. Your carriage. "He pointed to the buggy he had borrowed that afternoon. He helped Amanda into her seat and walked around to the other side. He got in the wagon, and with a swift grasp of the horse's reins, they were underway. Amanda kept looking over to where Cameron was. She was certainly impressed with his skills this afternoon, but didn't realize just HOW handsome he was until now.His green eyes glistened in the moonlight.He was dressed in all black: shirt,vest,pants,boots and hat.Mighty fine cowboy sitting next to her,Amanda thought.. The ride to the lake was quiet, except for the sounds of the night animals. It didn't take long and then they were there-at Lake Myers. A beautiful evening it was. The moonlight shined down on the lake,making it appear to be like a plate of glass. The breeze was very slight-just enough to notice. Amanda grew a little chilly and Cameron did the gentlemanly thing and grabbed his coat from the back and graciously wrapped it around her shoulders. He helped her out of the wagon and walked down closer to the water.Cameron laid out a blanket, and took Amanda's hand to help her sit down. That one solitary touch was enough to get both of their minds and hearts racing.But neither of them wanted to make a move. "Amanda, would you care for something to drink? I brought a few beverages here for us." "No thank you,Cameron. I just want to look out at the water. It's so warm tonight. The water sure is beautiful, isn't it? "Amanda asked, while playfully tossing her hair back over her shoulders. "I've never seen anything like it in my life. EVER!" Cameron answered. Cameron knew he wasn't talking about the water. So did Amanda,for that matter. "It almost seems to be calling you in…come closer-it says!" Cameron took off his shoes and socks and went walking in the water. "Come on in Amanda. The water feels great. Come on!" Amanda made Cameron turn around. She lifted up her skirt and pulled her stockings down and off. She waded into the water too,and let out a scream because of it's temperature. "That's cold. I'm getting out. "Amanda tried to leave, but Cameron grabbed her hand. She stayed put. "Let's walk a bit. Just down to that marker and back ok?" "Ok. "Amanda said.She never let go of Cameron's hand,and he never let go of hers either. It felt right being there. After a few minutes, they got out of the water and put their shoes and socks/stockings back on.Cameron picked up and folded the blanket. He put it back in the buggy and was getting in,when he lost his footing and fell off the edge. Amanda laughed out loud. "Here he is..the great bareback rider. Can do all sorts of tricks but can't get into a simple wagon. "She laughed again until Cameron pulled her in closer to him. So close she could smell his aftershave on him. So close. Close enough to kiss if she wanted.