....by Susie
Part Five
*June 25th* Amanda turned over the paper in her hand and stared at it again. She had read and reread this invitation so many times over the last month that she could now recite it. Amanda Davis Cory And Cameron Franklin Sinclair Request the honor of your presence As they announce their love to one another At their marriage On Friday, June twenty-fifth Nineteen hundred ninety-nine. Amanda smiled as she remembered the first time she had seen the invitations… ~*~ Cameron grinned as he walked into the Cory house; "I picked up the invitations." "Did they turn out OK?" Amanda asked reaching for the box that Cameron held. "I haven't looked yet. I thought we'd look at them together," he carefully opened the box and pulled out one of the invitations, "NO, he didn't!" Cameron shoved the card back into the box. "What's wrong, Cameron? Let me see." "No." Cameron hid the box behind his back. "I knew I shouldn't have let Gary take care of the invitations." "Why? Cameron?!" Amanda reached behind Cameron's back and wrestled the box from him. She took an invitation out and slowly read it, "Franklin?" she asked, holding back a smile. " I never knew your middle name was Franklin." Cameron glared at Amanda, "Remind me to hurt Gary." Amanda sat in thought for a second, "Cameron Franklin…Frank Cameron…I get it now." "You're quick," Cameron turned his back on Amanda. "Oh, come on, Cameron. Stop pouting. It's not that bad," Amanda wrapped her arms around Cameron from behind and rested her head on his back, still trying not to laugh at how childish he was acting. "But, you're laughing at me." "I'm not laughing. I think it's cute." "Really?" ~*~ Amanda took a deep breath and turned to face the mirror. She fixed her veil and ran her hands over the sides of her dress, then turned to the side to admire her slightly enlarged stomach. "Mom," Alli said entering the room, "you look beautiful, so stop fussing." "Did you see Cameron?" "Yeah, he's about to wear a hole in the carpet." "He's that nervous?" "Not a bit." "Cam! Cameron! Hey, would you slow down a little," Gary asked grabbing his brother by the arm. "What?" "You're pacing again." "Sorry. I can't stand waiting." Matt checked his watch, "Only a few more minutes left. You think you can wait that long?" "We'll see." The priest entered the room; "We're ready for you now." Cameron and Gary rook their respective places in the front of the church, while Matt went to look for Amanda. The wedding march began just as Matt entered the bride's quarters. Lila followed him in, "That's our cue, Amanda," she smiled. Lila was the first to walk down the aisle, holding a bouquet of daisies. Alli followed. Then the crowd rose to their feet as Amanda appeared in the doorway on Matt's arm. Cameron stopped breathing when Amanda stepped onto the carpet. Tears formed in his eyes as she began towards him. For a second, when his eyes met hers, there was nothing left in the world but the two of them. Amanda made her way to the front of the church and stood beside Cameron. The priest began, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of God to unite Amanda Cory and Cameron Sinclair in holy matrimony. If any man can show just cause why these two should not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace," the priest looked up from the pulpit and when he saw that there were no objections he continued. "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" Matt looked over at Amanda and smiled, "Her mother and I do," he then took his place as one of Cameron's groomsmen. "I have been told that you have written your own vows," the priest said. "Amanda, you may start." Amanda smiled at Cameron and turned to face him, taking his hands in hers, "Cameron, the road that we decided to take was kinda bumpy and dark at times. And there were times when both of us were ready to give up. But then we realized that alone we are lost, but together, we can get through anything. I love you, Cameron, with my whole heart and soul and I promise to love, honor, and cherish you for the rest of my life." Cameron smiled and took a deep breath, "Amanda, I knew from the very first time I saw you on that hilltop that you were the one for me. We've been through some tough times, but we got through them together. And I believe that in some ways, the tough times made us even stronger. We've fought hard to get to where we are right now and I love you even more for it. And I promise to love, honor, and cherish you till death do us part." "Can we have the rings, please?" the priest asked. Cameron and Amanda exchanged rings and the priest continued, "What therefore God has joined together, let no man put apart. Now that Amanda and Cameron have consented together and have given and pledged their love to each other, and declared the same by the giving and receiving of rings and by the powers vested in me and the state of Illinois, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Cameron, you may kiss your bride." Cameron kissed Amanda as the priest announced, "May I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Sinclair." Gary raised his glass in the Cory living room, "As best man, it's my job to propose a toast. So everyone get a glass and gather round." Some of the family took glasses of champagne, while others opted to drink the sparkling cider that Amanda had requested. Gary began his toast, "Cameron, you are one lucky man, don't ever forget that. Amanda is a wonderful woman, don't ever let her go. And Amanda, you are one tolerant woman. If I recall correctly, not too long ago you were sure that Cameron was just a stubborn, arrogant jerk. Now, I'm sure that as you've gotten to know him better, you've come to the conclusion that first impressions are usually correct." The crowd of friends and family laughed, while Cameron playfully punched his brother in the arm. Gary continued, "Seriously, though, the two of you have overcome a lot to get to this point and I foresee many, many happy years ahead of you. So, to true love." "To true love," the crowd repeated and the clinking of glasses echoed through the house.
Part 6
The guests had cleared the house and Cameron and Amanda had retreated to the airport to catch a flight to Key West for their honeymoon. Rachel stood in the living room, looking around. After cleaning up most of the decorations, she had decided to give the maids the night off, and shortly after decided that she was too tired to take down the rest decorations that night. So, she lay down on the couch and in a short while, she fell asleep… ~*~
10 year old Jasmine Cory and 12 year old Elizabeth Hutchins ran screaming into the Cory house. Rachel, Felicia and Donna stood in the living room. "Jasmine! Elizabeth!" Rachel scolded, "Keep it down, please." "Morgan, please, go put that thing outside." "I got one, too, Grandma." 9 year old Cameron Jr. proudly held up his frog. "CJ, get that thing out of my house, please!" "Uh-oh, what did you do this time, kid?" Cameron asked walking into the room. "Daddy!" 6 year old Andrea Sinclair exclaimed running into the house and holding her arms up to Cameron. Cameron bent to pick up his daughter; "There's my little princess." "I found a frog," CJ showed his capture to his father. "See, Andi?" he held the frog up to his younger sister's face. "Me too." Morgan piped in. "Did I just hear something about a frog?" Lila entered the room with Cass and 20 year old Charlie following close behind. "Look, Mama." Morgan held up the frog. Lila cringed, "That's nice, sweetie. But Mama doesn't like things that are creepy and crawly and slimy, OK? Daddy might like it though." Morgan held up the frog for Cass, "See, Daddy?" "Wow! That's a big one!" Cass ushered the boys out the door. "Let's see if we can find some more." "I don't know who's worse," Rachel smiled at Lila, "the kids, or that husband of yours." Lila laughed, "I know. I'm afraid that by the time Morgan's 10, he'll be more mature than his father." Cameron sat on the couch with Andi on his lap. "Cameron, you've been so quiet, I almost forgot that you were here. Where's Amanda?" "She went to pick up Alli. They should be back soon." "Getting the whole family together to celebrate your tenth anniversary was a great idea." "It was Amanda's," Cameron confessed. "But, there's no place else I'd rather be." "Will Gary be coming?" "He should be here any time now…and Josie, too." "Grandma Rachel!" 13 year old Dante ran into the room. "Dante!" Rachel hugged him. "Where's your mom and dad?" "Talking to Remy and Nick in the foyer." Paulina and Joe entered the room, followed shortly by Nick and Remy with 6 year old Paul-Michael Hudson holding tight to Remy's hand. "All the boys are outside playing with Cass if you want to go," Rachel told Paul-Michael. "Can I go play, mommy?" He asked. Remy nodded and he ran off. "Mom!" 12 year old Cory bounded down the stairs. Rachel quickly hugged him then ushered him outside. Cameron sat on the couch, in complete awe of the family he had acquired. 21 year old Steven and 17 year old Kirkland had now come into the house. Jake, Vicky and 8 year old Bridget McKinnon followed. Vicky excused herself went outside when she spotted Cass. "Hey, Cass." "Vicky." "I got a call from Marley today." "Really? How's China?" "Good. She made it a point that I tell you that Tyrone says hi and that his new business is doing ok, but it's nothing compared to Winthrop and Montgomery." "Well, next time, you talk to them, tell them that I say hi and that I send all my best wishes." Inside, Cameron got up from the couch with Andi in his arms; "You wanna go outside and wait for your mom and Alli?" Andi nodded her head and Cameron took her the front door. Andi sat beside Cameron on the front porch, "There's a lot of people here, daddy." Andi nodded, then jumped up and ran towards the car coming in the driveway yelling, "Mommy!" Cameron grinned when Amanda stepped from the car. "I was starting to wonder if you'd ever get here," he said taking Amanda into his arms. "Hey, Cam!" 25 year old Alli exited the car, "Happy Anniversary!" "Thanks, kid." Cameron smiled as he hugged her. "So, how much longer?" He asked placing his hand on her bulging stomach. "Any day now." Alli answered. "And she hasn't stopped kicking for the past week or so." "SHE?" Amanda asked. "Well, we're not certain, yet, but I just have a feeling." "I bet that husband of yours is excited." "I'm thrilled," 27 year old Justin Halliday stepped out of the car. "Hey, Justin! I didn't expect to see you here. I thought you had to work." Cameron shook his hand. "I called off. It's easy to do when you work for your father." "I imagine. So have you two picked out names for the baby yet?" "We like Abigail Ada…Abbi for a girl. We're still undecided on a boy's name, but we're thinking maybe Samuel David." "Samuel David?" Cameron smirked, "I like it." "I didn't know you were here yet." Cameron nodded as 10 year old Jason waved. "Well, this is our newest foster child, Anthony. He just came to live with us last night." Cameron bent down to talk to 7 year old Anthony, "Hey, Anthony. My name is Cameron." "Hi," Anthony answered shyly. "Listen, my son, CJ, is out back playing with a bunch of the other kids. If you go find him, I'm sure he'll show you around." Anthony smiled, "Thanks. Come on, Jason, let's go." The two boys ran around the back of the house. "Thanks, Cameron. He was a little nervous about meeting everyone." Josie smiled. "Amanda! Matt's on the phone." Rachel called from inside. Amanda ran in the door and picked up the phone. "Matt?" "Yep, it's me," Matt answered. "How's Italy?" "I love it here. But I miss you, of course." "Of course. How's Sofia?" "She's great." "So, when will I get to meet that niece of mine?" "Yesterday. She's beautiful, Matt. And Jasmine can't wait to meet her. She absolutely loved spending Christmas with you and she told me that she wished she could've stayed until the baby was born. But, Matt…" "I know, I know, and I talked to Sofia, and we both agreed that living on two different continents is no way to raise a child. As soon as Rosie's old enough to fly, we're moving back to Bay City." "Really?" "Really. And Happy Anniversary, Amanda. Can I talk to Jasmine?" "Sure. I love you." Amanda walked outside. "Jasmine, honey, your daddy's on the phone." Jasmine ran to the phone, "Daddy?" Amanda exited the room and went back to find Cameron. He was still standing on the porch, in the exact spot she had left him. "Finally," she whispered pulling him close, "we're alone." "Mommy! Daddy! Grandma says to come inside," Andi shouted to them. Amanda smiled and shook her head, "Well, that didn't last long. Tell me, whose idea was it anyway to celebrate our anniversary with the whole family? Cameron laughed, "Some pushy blonde made all the preparations. I tried to talk her out of it, but she's kinda stubborn." "Anyone I know?" Amanda smiled. "Mommy! Daddy!" "Coming! We're coming!" Cameron and Amanda walked into the house where all of their closest friends and family were waiting. Champagne was poured for some of the guests and sparkling cider was passed to everyone else. "I'd like to make a toast," Rachel raised her glass. "To Amanda and Cameron and many, many more years of happiness. And to friends and family." "I'd like to say something, too." Cameron said. "Other than Gary, all of you are the only family I've ever known. And I'd like to thank each and every one of you for being here with us today. And to you, Amanda…What can I really say? I love you. You've given me the 10 happiest years of my life, and 2 beautiful children, and I will thank you every day for the rest of our lives." "Cameron…" Amanda wiped the tears from her face. "I love you, too. I can't imagine ever loving anyone else this way. It's so consuming, so fulfilling. I--" "Mom!" Alli yelled, placing her hand on her stomach. "I think my water just broke." "Oh, my. I think you're right, Alli," Amanda took her hand and led her to the couch while Cameron ushered everyone outside. "Hey, Cameron. Can you call an ambulance?" "I've already got it covered," Rachel answered from the next room. "Cameron, can you go get some towels for me?" Amanda asked. "Sure," Cameron ran out of the room and returned shortly with an armful of towels. Amanda now had the phone on her ear and the 911 operator was giving her instructions. Alli was screaming in pain and holding tightly to Justin's hand. "I'll go now," Cameron said, setting the towels down and turning to leave. "No, Cameron," Alli reached up to him, "please stay." Cameron smiled and took Alli's other hand, "Anything you want, kid." "Oh, Alli. I can see a head. Push." Amanda instructed. "OK, the shoulders are out. And here comes the belly. It's a girl, Alli. I've got a granddaughter!" Amanda wiped the baby off and wrapped it in a towel. *KNOCK. KNOCK* "That must be the paramedics. I'll get the door." Rachel turned and headed towards the door. *KNOCK. KNOCK* "I'm coming!" Rachel got to the door and opened it, but no one was there… ~*~ The knocking continued, waking Rachel. She looked around at the empty house and heard one of the twins crying from upstairs. She smiled remembering her dream, "If only it could be that way." *KNOCK. KNOCK* "I'm coming. I'm coming," she said getting up from the couch. " I wonder who would be knocking on my door this late at night." *KNOCK. KNOCK* "Yes. I hear you. Now, please, stop knocking. You're waking my children." She swung the door open and gasped when she recognized the man standing before her, "Carl!" THE END
"Of course I do. I love everything about you."
"Nope. He's not nervous at all. He's very excited, he can't stand waiting much longer. He wants to finally get you to that altar. What about you? Nervous?"
"But…but…" Jasmine began, out of breath. She turned and pointed to her 7 year old half brother, Morgan Winthrop II, who was smiling proudly and holding a large frog in his hands.
"I know. And you know what? You're related to them all in some way or another. Isn't that crazy?"
"Hey, Cam!" Gary appeared behind Cameron, followed by Josie and two young boys.
"We just pulled in. You remember Jason, right?"
"As soon as we're sure she's old enough to fly. Did you get the pictures I sent you?"