PART 1

Amanda stared out the window of the plane. Although in her present state of mind she didn't even notice the twinkling lights of Chicage below. She jumped with a start as the voice of the captain came over the intercom "Ladies and Gentlemen, we're beginning descent and will be landing at O'Haire shortly. Please fasten your seatbelts."

She was almost home. Home. Her trip to see Allie had been wonderful. From the moment she'd talked to her on the phone after Boca Lynda Amanda had known that she had to see her daughter in person. That a simple phone call wouldn't be enough. She had to touch her, to hold her, to reassure herself that she really was all right and safe after the nightmare of the kidnapping. The days they'd spent together in Switzerland were priceless! They'd hugged a lot, laughed a lot and just enjoyed being with each other. Allie really was her "best friend". They'd "grown up" together just as she'd told Cameron once.

Cameron! There he was again. As he always was. In almost her every thought. Her every breath. She'd read his beautiful letter over and over until she had it memorized. Last night at the hotel she'd read it one more time and knew what her future had to be. Cameron! He was her life and she couldn't deny that any longer. Yes, she had to tell him that he could stop running. That he could finally rest with her. No matter what had happened she knew now that she couldn't live without him. She still felt the anger and the hurt but knew she had to get past it and get on with forgiving him.

She loved him! Loved him more than she had ever loved anyone in her whole life. Even more than Sam. And that was saying a lot because she'd thought that Sam was the love of her life. Now she knew that wasn't so. There had never been anyone like Cam. Never!

She looked out of the window again and this time she had no doubts in her mind. Yes, it was time to start the healing process between she and Cameron and she knew just how to do it.....

PART 2

When the driver dropped her at the Cory house, Amanda felt as if she were starting her life all over again. When she walked through the door everything would change. Hopefully, for the better. It all depended on Cameron. She had so much to do before she saw him!

She opened the door and saw Rachel in the living room. She ran to her mother and they hugged. Rachel said,"Oh honey I'm so glad you're home. How was your time with Allie? I was afraid that you might stay away longer because of the way you've been acting. We've all been so worried about you. Especially Cameron. He's been here every day asking when you were coming home. He's driving us crazy!" Amanda couldn't help but smile picturing Cameron. Yes, he could drive you crazy, but what a way to go!!!

"Mom,", she said, "Can you do me a favor?"
"You know I'll do anything for you" said Rachel. "What is it?"
"Could you call Cameron and ask him to come over? Tell him that you need to discuss business but DON'T tell him that I'm home. Okay?"
"Of course, honey. Do you have a special reunion planned?"
"Oh Mom," Amanda said with a sly smile, "he's not going to know what hit him, believe me."

PART 3

Everything was ready. Or at least Amanda hoped it was. She couldn't think of anything she'd forgotten but that was the problem. She could barely think at all! She was as nervous as if this was her first date.

She kept remembering the last time she saw Cameron and how he'd begged her to listen to him "because I know you love me. You do! Please don't do this". And when she wouldn't listen he'd finally just said "Have a nice life" and walked out the door. She could feel her heart breaking as the door closed behind him. She started to go after him but her pride wouldn't let her. She never regretted anything so much in her entire life! Now the only thing she was sure of was that if she had her way she would be back in Cameron's arms tonight. She felt her body shiver just thinking about it. Their bodies so close. Their lips touching so tenderly. She had to shake herself back to reality.

"Let's see, I have the candles, the wine, and I even prepared the meal myself. Cam would get a good laugh out of that. His "Princess" cooking. He'll never believe it! I just don't want to share this night with anyone else in any way. I want to do it all myself. Just for Cameron. For us.

Downstairs, she heard the doorbell and listened as Rachel let Cameron in. She told him that she had to go to get some papers that she needed and she'd be right back. This was Amanda's cue. This was it. The moment she'd been waiting for. As she walked down the stairs and into the living room, she felt like she was moving in slow motion. All of a sudden, there he was. He had his back to her - looking out onto the terrace. When she spoke his name, he turned as if someone had slapped him. As they looked at each other all the love was right there in their eyes. Amanda's heart turned over and at first she couldn't speak. Finally, she managed to say "Cameron, aren't you going to welcome me home?"

"Amanda, when did you get back?"
"Just this afternoon", she answered.
"How was your trip? I'm sure it helped to see Allie. How's she doing?"

"She's fine, thank God. And thanks to you and to Gary and Joe and I have to admit even thanks to Josie. I'll never be able to thank you enough for what you did for Allie and I. We owe you our lives".

"Amanda, you don't owe me anything. I love you with all my heart. I'd give up my life for you. You must know that by now."

"Yes, I DO know that Cameron. It finally sunk in. I had a lot of time to think in Switzerland. Lying in my bed at night - alone. I believe you when you say there was never an affair with Josie. That what happened in Boca Lynda was a big one time mistake. Not that it makes the pain any less but I guess I let my feelings of hurt and betrayal rule my head. That's why I wouldn't listen. But seeing Sam in Switzerland with Allie reminded me of the big mistake I'd made. It brought it all back. As I told you, I'm no saint. I ruined my marriage to a wonderful man who loved me by having a sleazy affair with Evan Frame. Not just a one time thing like you. My sin was much greater and caused Allie such pain. I thank God every day that she still loves me and forgives me. I thought of all the things that you and I have been through. From that first night on the hill, to the horror with Scott, and now this. We've come through so much and I'm not going to throw it all away."

"Amanda, are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"Yes, I know now that no matter what happened on that beach, I love you. I did from the first moment I looked into those beautiful eyes and I will forever. Nothing can ever change that."

Cameron came to her and held her in his arms like he'd never let her go. They kissed with so much passion it left them both breathless. When they could finally bear to separate Cameron said, "I can't believe you're finally saying these words to me. I've dreamed about this moment every night since we met. I just had given up hope of ever hearing them for real."

"Amanda, my life has been a living hell. There's so much that you don't know. I never intended to tell anyone. But I promise you that I'll tell you everything very soon. There are things that happened in my past that made me the way I am. I know now that you'll understand and that it won't change the way that you feel about me. I was so afraid of that because I loved you so much."

"I've never loved anyone before and I thought that no one would ever love me or trust me or believe in me. But then you came into my life and everything changed. I wasn't expecting that when I came to Bay City. That's why I could never leave no matter how many times I said that I wanted to. I couldn't leave you. Loving you made me want to change. I never felt that way before. I was always angry and defensive and would never let anyone get close. I built a wall around my heart that I thought no one would ever break down. But here you are and with you that wall is finally gone. I feel so blessed to hear the words, "I love you" from you."

"And I'll say them every day for the rest of our lives, Cameron. You'll get tired of hearing them", Amanda said.
"Never. I'll never get tired of hearing them or saying them to you. I love you, Amanda. You're my whole world. Now and always."

He took her in his arms and they kissed and touched until they were both dizzy with wanting each other.

Finally, Amanda said, "Cam, I have a surprise for you. Come upstairs with me."

She gently took his hand and led him up the stairs......

PART 4

As they climbed the stairs Cameron wondered where she was taking him. When they didn't stop at her bedroom but kept walking it hit him. She was leading him to his old room. The room where he'd watched her from the window. Where he'd dreamed about her and written her that letter. Where they'd had so many arguments. Even then he'd loved her. And this was also the place where they'd shared that first incredible kiss. He thought his heart would burst when he'd finally kissed her. Tasted her sweetness. He'd wanted to since he first tied her shoe in the park.

From that moment he knew there was no turning back for him. He would love her for the rest of his life. There would never be anyone else. Ever. Only Amanda. And now here they were. Back in that room.

When Amanda opened the door, he saw that she had set up a beautiful table with candles and wine and a wonderful meal.

"Did you do all of this by yourself?" he asked with a grin.
"Yes," she said, "every little detail. Including the food".
"Oh Boy! Am I going to survive?"
"Oh I assure you you'll never forget this night, Cameron Sinclair. But it has nothing to do with food."
At the sexy tone in her voice, Cam''s heart started to pound. He'd waited so long for this.
Amanda walked over to him and put her arms around his waist and held him. Slowly, she started to kiss his neck and nibble on his earlobe.

His whole body was on fire. He'd never felt like this before. "She's mine", he thought. "She's really mine. She does love me. Does she realize what she's doing to me right now? Then he smiled. "Yeah, this is my Princess and she knows exactly what she's doing". She was driving him out of his mind. He could barely breathe with wanting her.

"Are you hungry, Cameron?", she purred.
"I'm starving Amanda. You must know that."
"Well," she said in a husky voice, "dinner is served".
She tipped her face up to his and they kissed until they could hardly see straight. Cameron knew he couldn't take much more of this torture. Slowly, they began to undress each other. One piece of clothing at a time.

Finally, Cam said "you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, Amanda. I want you so much. Please let me make love to you."

He gently laid her down on the bed and began to kiss and caress every part of her. They're hands were everywhere. They couldn't get enough of each other.

Their first time making love (and the time after that, and the time after that!!!) was more wonderful than any of their fantasies ever were. It was perfect!!!

And when they were finally satisfied they lay in each others arms and felt such peace and contentment.

"I love you Cameron", said Amanda as she stroked his chest.
"And I adore you, Princess. Don't ever leave me again. Promise?"
"I'm not going anywhere. I'm here forever. No matter what happens we'll face it together. I'll never leave you. Never."
Amanda wasn't the only one who had "come home" this day. Cameron had, too. For the first time in his life. He and Amanda had "come home" to each other.

Just the way it was always meant to be. Right from that first night on the hill!!!!!!!!!