Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 21

"I'm Denise Williams and this is my brother Kyle. I'm going to be the most popular woman there! Promise you'll only dance with me and my friends?"

"I will be your escort and treat you like a lady, but I won't be making any rash promises. I don't know who your friends are, and you may have some superior officers that want a dance. Would you refuse to allow me to dance with them?" responded Steve.

"I hadn't even thought of that! You know more about this stuff than I do. I'll be happy just to be seen on your arm when we walk into the ballroom. Anything after that will be icing on the cake," gushed the young Marine.

Later that evening, Gwen called Steve to chat with him. "Charlotte showed me a Youtube clip today. It seems that you found me a date for the Marine Corps Ball. I have to fight off guys trying to get into my little thong every day and you go and set me up with a Marine that's been overseas for a year? I love it! We'll have a lot of fun and show the military that we really appreciate what they do for us."

"I didn't think you'd mind. I should have asked you first, but the sister totally surprised me when she asked. I didn't want to go without you, so I somehow managed to find a guy willing to go the dance with you," teased Steve.

"Yeah, I know how difficult that can be," agreed Gwen with a chuckle. "I'll be watching you guys on TV tomorrow night. Stephanie told me that Becky's movie turned out pretty good. She thinks it'll do quite well."

The next evening was a huge success for the foursome promoting their movie. Steve convinced Naomi to sing with him. They performed 'Unforgettable' live. They enjoyed an easy chemistry and the performance was surprisingly good. Then Steve and Becky sang the old Sinatra tune 'Something Stupid'. Once again, the audience was surprised at how well they did. Steve chose that song so Becky wouldn't feel alone or have to carry much of the load and she loved it.

Pete begged off on any singing, stating that he couldn't carry a tune to save his life. He did do well in the interview part, especially when he recounted how he and Becky met. He cleaned up the language considerably, but the story remained interesting to the audience.

Steve answered a few general questions about the recent kidnapping of the high school girls, but refused to discuss the actual shootings. The host quickly took the hint and switched the discussion to the Marine Corps Ball dates that Steve made with the siblings on the recent flight. The four left the taping confident that they had done a good job promoting the movie.

The following weekend, Lady in Red held the premiere of 'Singlehandedly' in Los Angeles on Friday evening so Gwen was able to attend more easily than if it had been on the East coast. She and Charlotte flew in from Stanford as soon as their lectures were concluded. The following evening, they were in New York City for another premiere.

By the time the dust settled Sunday night, the movie had grossed just over a hundred million dollars and was considered a huge success. Becky and Pete received great reviews for their acting. Lady in Red Productions increased production of Becky and Pete action figures as a direct result of the movie's popularity.

The smoldering love scene between Naomi and Steve drew a great deal of attention. Whenever they were interviewed, they were frequently asked if there was any kind of romance going on between them.

Steve gave pretty much the same answer every time. "Naomi and I are very good friends, but we'll never be lovers. We respect Jared and Gwen far too much to ever even consider anything like that. We don't cheat on loved ones and we never will. We're sorry to disappoint you, but Gwen is the only woman I'm romantically interested in, and I'm so in love with her, it hurts."

The movie continued to draw large crowds through October. Lady in Red planned on releasing Jordan and Charlie's movie at Thanksgiving and Gwen and Steve's at Christmas.

The weekend before the elections on November 8th, Lady in Red went on the road to perform in Los Angeles and Orlando. Vince Rosen's campaign had reserved two hours of broadcast time for each night. Friday's concert in LA was being broadcast on CBC while NBS would carry the Saturday evening concert in Orlando.

The broadcasts would feature music most of the time, but with banners crawling across the bottom of the screen urging voters to consider Vince Rosen's candidacy. The candidate himself would speak for a minute every twenty minutes. His appearances would be live, not some taped speech. It was hoped that a large viewing audience would turn to watch Lady in Red and would consider Vince Rosen's request for support. The campaign was very close with Rosen leading by three percentage points. That was within the margin of error in every poll.

As the day approached, Charlie called Steve to give him the bad news. "The doctor doesn't want Jordan to travel. She's having some problems carrying the baby and he feels bed rest is the best thing for her. I don't feel that I can leave her alone at this time, so it looks like we'll both be missing in action for the weekend concerts. I'm truly sorry about it."

"Don't give it a thought," assured Steve. "The health of your baby and your wife is the most important thing in the world right now. I'd be disappointed if you didn't follow the doctor's advice, or if you left her alone to appear in the concert. You've been given a wonderful gift and you need to take care of your family. We'll miss you big time, but we'll manage. Vince will understand, so don't worry about it. Just take care of Jordan."

Steve and Gwen managed to find a couple of excellent studio musicians to fill in for Charlie. They also decided to feature Jodie Lane and her saxophone more. She was a real talent and the audience always responded well to her performance.

Gwen and Steve took the stage at the Hollywood Bowl a few minutes before eight to a thunderous reception. The Rosen campaign had given the seventeen thousand tickets to Rosen supporters to make certain that there would be no embarrassing incidents, protests, or signs and placards for the opposition. Gwen enjoyed the smaller venue. The crowd was very enthusiastic and she and Steve brought their best effort.

They did all of their hits, but concentrated on ballads and love songs, as requested by the campaign committee. Steve mostly played the piano while the hired musicians did a very good job handling the other instruments.

Steve and Gwen gave Jodie Lane the freedom to play her sax whenever she felt it would add to the quality of the performance and she displayed an excellent understanding of her craft. Several times during the broadcast, Gwen would stand next to Jodie and sing as Jodie delighted the crowd with her sax skills.

Steve and Gwen added two songs by Springsteen in their repertoire for the evening. Gwen altered the lyrics slightly for 'I'm on Fire'. She had the males in the audience groaning as she sensually delivered the lyrics as Jodie accompanied her on the sax. Right after that, Steve performed 'Dancing in the Dark' with Jodie assisting again. The crowd loudly cheered its approval once again.

Once the two hour show was over, Vince and Cynthia Rosen rushed up to thank Gwen and Steve. "All the reports we're getting are telling us that we had a huge TV audience! My advisors are delighted with the preliminary results. We don't know how many people left to get a beer or potato chips during my little speeches, but there had to be some viewers that stayed to watch and listen to me."

Saturday evening was pretty much a repeat of Friday and Gwen and Steve performed at the Amway Center in Orlando to twenty thousand loyal supporters of Vince Rosen's candidacy. They had become very comfortable performing with an outstanding saxophone player backing them. When the ratings were in the next day, Saturday evening had even more TV viewers than Friday. The last poll before the election was released Monday and showed Vincent Rosen with a six percent lead on his rival.

On Election Day, Gwen was declared the winner in her district as soon as the polls closed. The networks felt that their exit polls pointed to a landslide victory. The Red Lady had reserved the large ballroom at their hotel for the victory party. Gwen and Steve mingled and greeted people all afternoon and evening. They were extremely pleased to see a large number of citizens from their congressional district made the journey and they made sure to welcome them warmly.

Everyone in the ballroom kept an eye on the several large TV monitors to follow the presidential race. It was almost midnight when the first network projected Vince Rosen as the next president of the United States. More than a few people in the ballroom cheered and clapped at the news.

Shortly after that, every major network and news outlet declared Rosen the winner. His victory speech was brief and humble. He thanked his supporters, his family, and his staff. He congratulated his opponent on an excellent campaign and promised to uphold the constitution and serve all of the people of the country.

At twenty minutes to one, as Steve and Gwen were bidding goodbye to everyone that had come to celebrate Gwen's re-election, the next president of the United States and his wife entered the ballroom. Applause rang out as the Rosens smiled to the crowd as they approached Steve and Gwen.

Vincent Rosen hugged Gwen while his wife wrapped her arms around Steve and kissed his cheek. Then Vince shook Steve's hand while Cynthia and Gwen embraced each other briefly.

"We wanted to congratulate Gwen on her resounding victory and to thank you for your support in a long and difficult campaign," stated Vincent Rosen to Steve and Gwen in the now quiet room. "Many of my aides have suggested that I may not have been elected without your support. We think they could be right. Consider this an invitation to be with my family at the inauguration in January. Thank you both."

"You had sound ideas and presented them well. That's why you won," insisted Gwen. "You and Cynthia must be exhausted from months of campaigning. Steve and I are going to take a short island vacation just before Christmas, when my classes are done for the year. The Duke and Duchess and a few other friends will be there. Would you like to join us?"

"It would be nice to have a few days off and soak up some sun," admitted Cynthia Rosen. "I hope you'll bring Billy along so I can push him into a pool or something. Let us know the dates and what island and we'll do our best to be there. Vince really should get to know the Royals a little better anyway. Thanks for asking us. You both have been wonderful to us, even after Steve and Vince started out on the wrong foot."

"It didn't take Steve long to show me the error of my ways," laughed Vince Rosen. "I have to admit I was pretty pissed for a couple of weeks, especially when President Hanson dismissed my complaint so easily. I've tried to be more polite, but direct since then and it seems to have paid off."

As the two couples engaged in conversation, different reporters recorded the scene for later broadcasts. Although they could not hear the conversation, it was evident that Steve and Gwen were on very good terms with the next president of the United States. Photos of the four made every newspaper and internet news outlet across the nation.

The next morning, Steve was once again in Senator Chatham's office listening politely as she spoke of her concerns. "I honestly don't know how this situation will play out. You're my aide, but you're also known to be on rather friendly terms with the next president. You and President Hanson seemed to get along very well, but when Rosen assumes office, you'll be on a first name basis with your commander-in-chief. I was never in the military, but I know human nature. Many of your superiors are going to resent that although they outrank you, they won't dare piss you off in any way."

"I've been thinking about the same thing," admitted Steve. "I'm pretty much convinced that my time in the military is nearing an end. I have no desire to put my superiors in an untenable situation, or cause Vince any embarrassment. I've been checking my options. It's looking more and more like I'll leave the service by the end of July. That'll be my eight year mark. Please don't pass this on yet. I'm not certain, and I don't want to make the last few months of service a media circus."

"You know I won't tell anyone without your approval," responded Chatham. "Are you going to concentrate on your music and movie career?"

"My friend Jared and I have been receiving some feelers from an NFL team, so we may try playing there. I'm going to be pretty rusty and slow, so I may not make the team, but I'll always wonder about it if I don't try," answered Steve.

"Please tell me it's the Titans," blurted Senator Chatham. "The two of you could get us back in the play-offs!"

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, but we were both drafted by the 'Skins', so unless some sort of deal is made, or we're cut by Washington, this is where we'd play if we made the team."

"Are you kidding? I could probably play as well as some of the guys on that team," laughed Senator Chatham. "You'll be playing on Sundays next fall if that's what you want. I've never seen anyone able to achieve goals the way you do. Your discipline and determination are amazing. I'll be at the games, cheering you on, except when you play Tennessee, of course."

The conversation was interrupted when Naomi was shown into Chatham's office. "I'm sorry to bother you with personal things, Senator, but I wanted to tell Steve that I'll be going to the Marine Corps Ball, too. A good looking Marine asked me last night at Gwen's party. I told him that I'd have to speak with my boyfriend first.

"Jared just emailed me that's he's fine with it as long as I don't get too far from you. For some reason, he thinks I'm safe around you and you'll stop those good looking Marines from taking advantage of us little girls," chuckled Naomi. "Of course, he hasn't seen the video yet of me naked on your lap when we played that trick on Sybil."

"I'm not even going to ask," laughed Senator Chatham. "I just wish I had been fortunate to have good friends that I could trust so completely. I admire how well you all get along and enjoy each other. I know you'll have a good time at the Marine Corps Ball."

Valhalla was completed two weeks before Thanksgiving, so the extended family had an early afternoon dinner in the new hall. The dining room was huge, as was the commercial kitchen with every possible upgrade. It featured a walk-in freezer and walk-in cooler. There were several large commercial refrigerators and four big double ovens and a twenty foot length of stove top.

The women in the family refused to have the meal catered, even with the substantial number of people that had been invited. "This is really great!" exclaimed Lisa as she and the others prepared the meal. We all have room to work as well as ovens and stoves to use. I'm glad that we're the first to utilize this amazing kitchen. Our Valhalla is fit for a king and queen!"

"And they'll probably be visiting us here before too long," added Paula. "I never dreamed that my family would vacation with the Duke and Duchess, but in a few short weeks that's exactly what we'll be doing."

"I think maybe the real king and queen of Valhalla are already in the building," ventured Charlotte. "Billy mentioned a few times that Gwen is much like the queen in those wonderful movies we made. Steve is obviously the warrior, and together they've created their empire. We've all helped in various ways, especially Jordan and Charlie, but the driving force for Lady in Red, in my opinion, is a certain couple that started it all at a benefit dance."

"Charlotte, you're a great friend, but all of us have contributed to this company's success. You embarrass me with that comparison," revealed Gwen.

"Sis, I really was referring to you and Steve," admitted Lisa. "We've all done some pretty cool stuff, but Steve is 'the man', and you are 'the woman' in this company. We're not jealous about it or anything. You guys have carried us along and allowed all of us to grow and learn. Now we're all pretty accomplished, but you and Steve are the straws the stir the drink."

"I agree," stated Jordan as she waddled through the entrance. "Charlie and I discuss it all of the time. You're the reason we met, the reason, I'm sober, married, and close to giving birth to a beautiful little girl."

"Didn't we tell you to rest?" demanded Gwen as she moved next to Jordan to take her arm. "We can handle this. At least sit down and just watch. You can join in the conversation, but absolutely no work for you today."

"I just hope I get through the premiere tonight without my water breaking," laughed Jordan. "I really appreciate that our new movie is opening here in Sparta so I can be at the premiere."

"We wouldn't have it any other way," insisted Stephanie. "You did a super job in that movie. It made me cry, laugh, and get horny at different times. I love the title that we finally decided on."

"I agree. 'Jurisprudence' is a pretty cool word and it's a pretty cool movie," pointed out Kate. "I think it'll be a blockbuster."

"Thanks, Kate," replied Jordan. "And thanks for suggesting the title. Law school is paying off already!"

With friends and family, thirty-four people were gathered around the three large tables when Ted gave the toast. He recounted the accomplishments of his family since the last Thanksgiving. He gave thanks that Steve had recovered completely from the wounds he received foiling the kidnapping. Then he mentioned how much joy little Theresa had brought to the family and how much everyone looked forward to loving and spoiling Jordan and Charlie's new baby. More than a few tears were shed during Ted's lengthy toast.

The meal was a great success and the conversation flowed as friends and family recounted their experiences and memories from years past and their hopes for the future. After a few hours to digest the meal, everyone prepared for the premiere of 'Jurisprudence', which was slated for six PM.

Steve and Gwen drew an enthusiastic round of applause as they stepped out of their limo and waved to their Spartan friends and neighbors. They nodded and spoke to quite a few of the locals as they walked the red carpet. It endeared everyone in the town to the couple. The movies made in Sparta provided good jobs for many residents, but to be mentioned by name by major movie stars was huge to the hometown folks.

Last to walk the carpet were Charlie and Jordan. Everyone watched as Charlie carefully helped Jordan out of the car and up the red carpet. Once Jordan had gathered herself and began smiling and waving, the crowd opened up a thunderous applause. Jordan looked beautiful as she carried the glow of an expectant mom.

Once again, Lady in Red Productions had a huge hit on its hands. The reviews were excellent and talk soon started about possible Academy Award nominations. Over the long weekend, the movie grossed over two hundred million dollars in the US and around the world!

The Sunday morning after the opening, Jordan gave birth to a seven pound healthy baby girl in the very hospital for which Jordan had worked so hard to raise funds. It was later in the afternoon when Gwen and Steve were shown into Jordan's room to see the baby.

Gwen made all of the appropriate noises as she held the newborn in her arms and smiled from ear to ear.

"Unless, I miss my guess, Gwen's going to want a few of her own before too long," suggested Charlie. "You'd better get your sleep in now, because everyone says that once you have kids, you never get enough rest."

"When you guys need some rest, or alone time away from this precious little girl, just let us know," responded Gwen. "We'll take little Ruth Cindy anytime!"