Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 17

"McCartney had a great concert here, but I think we'll have a much bigger crowd," predicted Charlie. "They love you guys here in Russia, and that was before we agreed to build a new hospital here. I'm betting Red Square will be packed for our show. Let's be sure we give them their money's worth!"

"Since we aren't charging them anything, that shouldn't be too difficult," observed Stephanie. "However, this concert is going to be on pay-per-view. They told me that it looks like they'll sell more tickets to this concert than anything else they've ever broadcast, so you'd better make it good. We want to sell a lot of tickets for the one next week in Kiev, too."

Thursday evening as Gwen, Jordan, Charlie, and Steve climbed to the stage, they heard the crowd begin to roar. By the time they walked to the front of the stage, the cheers, whistles, and applause was deafening. Steve looked over the crowd in amazement. Red Square was packed and many of the streets leading to it were also filled with people!

He began his introductions once the crowd quieted somewhat. Then he told the huge crowd that Gwen wanted to speak to them. Gwen smiled and briefly told them how much of an honor it was to perform in Red Square. Then she spoke about how much the new hospital would benefit the young and the poor. By that time, it became apparent to the crowd that Gwen was able to speak Russian! Murmurs were heard from the audience and soon it became loud approval of Gwen's linguistic skills.

As the cheering let up, the driving drum beat for 'We Will Rock You' began and once again, Gwen was strutting to the front of the stage, singing strongly and urging the crowd to join in. It quickly became obvious that many in the crowd spoke English, or else they were just very familiar with the song.

For whatever reason, the crowd seemed to especially enjoy 'Sharp Dressed Man'. Many in the crowd danced any place there was room as Charlie and Steve drove them to a fevered pitch with their guitar performance while Gwen and Jordan danced and shimmied all over the stage.

As had become their custom, the friends sang several songs in Russian, much to the delight of the crowd. Since Gwen now spoke the language, she was more comfortable converting more songs from English to Russian. She had practiced them all week and delivered them flawlessly. The concert was a huge success. The group performed several encores before they were finally able to leave the stage.

Steve and Gwen sat with the Novokovs the next day during the May Day parade. Steve was careful to be polite, but to not act overly impressed with Russian military equipment. President Novokov understood perfectly and was often seen grinning at Steve's neutral appearance as the troops and weaponry paraded past the stage Steve and Gwen had performed on the prior evening.

Steve was relieved when the parade was finally over. It lasted for hours that seemed like days to Steve and Gwen. They barely had time to freshen up before reporting to St. Basil's Cathedral for the wedding rehearsal. Vlad and Anna's ceremony would be one of the times when it would be used by the Russian Orthodox Church, rather than utilized as a museum. President Novokov was allowing more religious freedom as one of his government reforms and Anna's family members were practicing Orthodox Christians.

Rehearsal went well. President Novokov was in a very good mood as his only son prepared for his nuptials. He invited the wedding party to attend a private dinner in the Kremlin. He spent a lot of time speaking to Steve and Gwen. His delight in Gwen's command of Russian was evident. He beamed when he first heard her speak in his native language and spent much of the evening introducing her to his friends and family. Steve was not totally ignored, as many of the ladies present flocked around him to ask about his movies and recordings. He and Gwen exchanged glances and occasional shrugs as they did their best to be good guests.

The wedding itself was a very formal affair. The bride was stunning in a white gown, but Steve couldn't help but wonder if she regretted asking Gwen to be her bridesmaid. The reason he wondered was how stunning Gwen looked! She wore a red gown designed by a Russian woman known for her classic lines and traditional designs. All of the bridesmaids looked very attractive, but Steve could see that Gwen really stood out with her natural beauty.

He was extremely proud to escort Gwen down the aisle as the ceremony began. For her part, Gwen marveled at how very masculine, yet handsome Steve looked in his tuxedo. Those attending, as well as everyone tuned in on television, watched in awe as the couple preceded the bride and groom down the aisle. Their personalities and physical presence dominated the nuptials.

Once the lavish ceremony was completed, the bridal party was transported to a five hundred year old castle a short distance north of Moscow. There was going to be a small reception for the wedding party prior to the main reception. An even dozen photographers were capturing the moment for posterity. Drink was flowing and everyone was having a great time.

Gwen was in front of Steve as she stepped up to a carving station for a slice of filet mignon. She heard a loud yell. Then her server suddenly grabbed the front of her gown and pulled her forward as he swung his carving knife toward her heart!