Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

It was after eleven when the Andersons pulled into their driveway. Laura had been dropped off at her car in the hospital parking lot, and Steve had agreed to spend another night in Gwen's bed, without the pleasure of Gwen's presence. Steve had just nicely crawled into bed when he felt someone sit on the mattress near his head.

"Gwen? Is something wrong? Your dad wouldn't like you being in here. What is it?" asked Steve with concern.

"You're my boyfriend and I don't know anything about you. I just learned that you were in Afghanistan, and in a shootout with Taliban. I never dreamed you could've been in anything like that. I need you to tell me everything about your life. Will you be totally honest with me from now on?" asked Gwen quietly.

"Yes, I will. I realize that I've kept things to myself. It's a habit I've gotten into the past year or so. I've been alone a lot. I didn't know how you'd feel about that war story and kept putting off telling you, replied Steve. "I don't think this is a good time, or place to go into my life story. Your dad has some strong feelings about my behavior toward you. Having you alone in a bedroom with me, in the dark, at midnight sure doesn't fit with what he expects."

"You're not really afraid of my dad! You're way bigger and stronger than he is. That night he socked you, it looked like you hardly felt it. Why do you pretend to worry so about my father?"

"I don't pretend to worry. I do worry. He's your father. That means he deserves my respect. I would never go against him physically, no matter how many times he struck me. I like him, his way of caring for his family, and his love for his wife and kids. Your dad is the head of the family, even if you girls run all over him. That's because he allows it. If something serious came up, your father would take full control of the situation. You have a wonderful family, Gwen. Your mom and sisters are the best, but never sell your dad short. He's a man that takes his responsibilities seriously. I fear his anger, as well as respect his authority."

"Wow! I wouldn't have ever guessed that you thought my dad was such a good guy," admitted Gwen. "He sure put you through the wringer that first time you came to pick me up. Mom said later that if a boy is serious, he'll put up with almost anything the girl's father throws at him. I guess you must be very serious. I'll just give my boyfriend a goodnight kiss and leave. It's hard to believe that I'm really your girlfriend."

"It's hard for me to get my head around it, too. You're amazing. Give me that kiss and go dream about me; like I will about you."

Gwen leaned down and held her lips to Steve's for a few tantalizing seconds. "Time for bed, Young Lady," came Paula's voice from the dark doorway. "And that means Lisa's bed tonight. Good night, Steve."

Gwen drove Steve to the hospital the next morning and assisted Laura in preparing Steve for the needed stitches. Then she watched as Laura carefully sewed Steve's cuts closed. "You both understand that this really should have been done a couple days ago? However, having the state title in Sparta required that we postpone it. That was a great game. People are still all excited about it.

"Notice how close together I'm making the sutures. We don't want Steve to walk around like Frankenstein or something out of the 'Walking Dead', do we?" asked Laura rhetorically. "He should be totally healed in a few weeks with very little scarring, if any. Compared to the bullet holes here in his arm and hip, they'll look great.

"You kids have done a wonderful job promoting the hospital fund. We're getting calls about it now. We're setting up an account for the donations, and we'll acknowledge that they are a result of the senior class' efforts. You'll be able to add them to your class total. I'm becoming a minor celebrity just from being near you two. Do you think Coach Watkins would go to the Governor's Ball with me?" blurted Laura.

"You need to ask him, but I'd think he'd be delighted to attend an important even with a beautiful, single doctor on his arm," replied Gwen. "You're an M.D. Don't tell me that you're shy?"

"I'm not shy, but I've had some less than successful relationships. I want to do better than I did and I worry that asking the guy out will make me look desperate. It's not good for a woman to look too needy. Can you help me, Steve?"

"Sure, I'll see him today and plant the seed. He'll think it was his idea and be delighted when you accept his request for a date. I'll get him to ask you out on a date and let it take its natural course from there to a romantic night in the state capitol after the Inaugural Ball," grinned Steve.

"Do you think yelling at him to get his head out of his ass will make a difference," questioned Laura. "I was a bit harsh."

"Are you kidding? He's a football coach. You were speaking his language. If anything, it'll help your cause!" laughed Steve.

Sparta decided to hold a victory rally Sunday in the relatively safe confines of the school gym. When all the bleachers were extended and folding chairs set up on the floor, there was seating for several thousand. By noon Sunday, the gym was packed. Upon their arrival, Steve and Gwen were ushered to a small stage set up at center court. Most of the football team was already there and those they weren't, soon filed in. The festivities began shortly after noon with the principal leading the Pledge of Allegiance. He then turned the microphone over to Coach Watkins.

"Thank you everyone for coming out to show your support for the State Champions! The first order of business; however is to give the microphone to Edward and Barbara Tucker. They have something they'd like to tell us," stated Coach Watkins as Ed and Barbara Tucker worked their way to the stage.

"Everyone here knows what happened the other day," began an emotional Ed Tucker. "Our two kids were in a car submerged in the icy waters of Emerson River. They could have died. They would have died if not for the heroic efforts of Steve Hammer and Gwen Anderson. What they did was incredible! We have no wish to embarrass them with all kinds of praise and promises, but we, my wife and I, are indebted to them. We will never forget that. If our kids grow up to be like them, we'll be the happiest couple on the planet. Thanks, guys!"

The couple then walked over to Steve and Gwen and embraced them as the crowd cheered and whistled. Gwen and both Tuckers frequently wiped tears from their cheeks as they waved to the crowd. Steve somehow managed to keep his composure.

"Thank you, Ed and Barbara Tucker! That was an afternoon that none of us in attendance will ever forget. Now I want to introduce to you the person that was awarded the game ball for the Sparta State Championship game. This is awarded to the person the team feels did the most to help the team win the game. This vote was unanimous. The game ball goes to Gwen Anderson!" announced Coach Watkins as he held the ball in the air and waved Gwen to the microphone as the assembled fans hollered their approval.

"Thank you!" shouted Gwen to the wildly cheering crowd. She repeated it several times until the crowd began to quiet. "I've been given this tremendous honor because I helped the real hero of the game out of a tough situation last Thursday. He's the guy that led the team on 'The Drive', and threw 'The Pass' in the last seconds of the game. I'm just a girl that wasn't willing to give up her first boyfriend without a struggle."

The crowd roared with laughter at Gwen's remark. "Thanks so much for this honor. I realize how much it means to the team. Believe me when I tell you it means a great deal to me as well. What's most important is that those kids are okay, and that Steve is doing fine. Winning the state title is icing on the cake. Way to go, Sparta!!"

It took a few minutes for the coach to quiet the crowd down. He called each team member's name and asked if they wanted to speak. Several players advanced to the microphone to say a few words. Many were intimidated by the size of the crowd and said very little. Tyler Smith was a different story. When asked if he wanted to speak to the crowd, he strode forward to the front of the stage. Then he slowly raised his shirt so all could see his stomach. Just above his navel was a round purple looking bruise about as big around as a baseball. It took a few seconds for the crowd to realize what they were looking at before cheers and whistles erupted anew.

"Don't try to tell me that was an easy play!" hollered Tyler to the crowd. "If anyone here ever wants to try catching a Steve Hammer bullet pass, I'll help set it up for you!"

Finally, Coach Watkins asked Steve to come to the front and say a few words. Steve grinned and waved as the fans once again sounded their approval. He gathered his thoughts for a few seconds and then began.

"When I came to Sparta last summer, my goal was simply to get to play football on a regular team. I never had that chance before. I've played a lot with friends of my father's, and other service kids, but never in a real game with uniforms and equipment," admitted Steve as he considered his past. "Eventually, I came to realize that I was really hoping to find here was something entirely different. I wanted a hometown, a place I can tell people that I'm from. I wanted to be able to know kids, teachers, and parents. I wanted to be a normal kid with a normal life. I especially wanted to make some friends, some people with families that would accept me and make me part of their families. I didn't want to be alone anymore. This town, this school, these guys on the team, these teachers, and these students have been great to me. I feel like I've finally come home! Thank you Sparta! Thank you Billy and Gwen for pulling me out of that river Thursday. Thanks to everyone that's allowed me into their lives, and into their families. It means more to me than I can ever say."

Steve quickly wiped his cheeks with the back of his hands and moved to go back and stand beside Gwen. Gwen rushed into his arms and hugged him as the crowd once again cheered loudly. More than a few players on the stage found their eyes watering. Most of the ladies in the crowd and more than a few of the men had to blow their noses and dab at their eyes.

"That pretty well concludes our festivities here today," announce Coach Watkins once the din had lessened. "I'm proud of these kids and this school. No one thought we had a chance to even win the league, but we went all the way! Thanks everyone for all of the support throughout the season, and especially in the championship game. You're the reason we were able to do it! Thanks, and as you leave, check out the trophy case in the lobby!"

As the crowd began to leave and the players climbed down from the small stage, Steve approached his coach. "I have it from some pretty reliable sources that the single, and very attractive, Dr. Laura Masters would love for you to repay her efforts for the team with an expensive dinner at a nice romantic restaurant. If you want her to help next year, you'd better treat her right, Coach. Here's her phone number," added Steve as he handed a small slip of paper to his coach. "Call her soon, or she'll be all over my case."

"Thanks, Steve!" was all a stunned Coach Watkins was able to manage as Steve hurried away. Steve had seen his Uncle Joe in the last row of bleachers! He had never been able to get him to leave his apartment for more than a few minutes and was shocked to see him sitting in the gym.

"Uncle Joe!" called Steve as he hurried up to join his uncle. "I didn't think you'd come, but I'm so glad you did. What did you think? Did you see my girl? She's a beauty, isn't she?"

"Yeah, she sure is, Steve, and she's standing right behind you," chuckled Steve's uncle. "I kept seeing all this hullabaloo on TV. She's saved your ass a time or two and I wanted to meet her, so here I am. If you aren't too ashamed of me, would you introduce us?"

Before Uncle Joe could complete his sentence, Gwen had flung herself into his arms and hugged him tightly. Joe was taken by surprise, but soon found himself smiling as he patted Gwen's back.

"Girl, you sure make an old man feel good. I'm Steve's uncle and I've been watching you on TV. I had to meet you to thank you for saving Steve the other day. For a boy with the Navy in his blood, he didn't swim as well as he might have. I don't know what I would have done if something happened to that boy. I've grown pretty fond of him over the past few months."

"Uncle Joe, I'm so glad to meet you. Steve told me that he had an uncle, but that you didn't go out much, so I never thought to insist we go meet you at your place. I'm so sorry! You deserve to be treated a lot better than what we've done. Will you come to my parent's house for Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday? You can bring your nephew, too."

"Ah, Miss, you don't want some old man ruining your dinner. Steve can go and I'll stay home and watch football on TV," replied Joe.

"Then we'll get some pizza or something and have dinner with you! We're not going to let you be alone on Thanksgiving, are we, Steve?" demanded Gwen.

"You see how she is, Uncle Joe. I can't argue with her and you won't have any more luck than I do. She's stubborn, headstrong, and thinks she's always right. Ever know a girl like that?"

"Your mother comes to mind," revealed Joe. "This lass reminds me of her. Not so much her looks, though your mom was a beauty, too. The way she carries herself and her personality is so much like Jen's. I can see why you picked her out at that mall that day, Steve. This girl's a 'stayer'. She doesn't have any quit in her; just like your mom."

Gwen wrapped her arm around Joe's and began to lead him from the bleachers. "Uncle Joe, maybe you can tell me a little about Steve's parents and his childhood. He isn't one to talk much about himself."

Steve shuddered a little as he followed Gwen and his Uncle down the bleachers. He knew how his uncle loved to tell stories. Gwen would charm him until he told her everything he knew and he'd even make up a few things to improve the tale.

The following morning at school was a memorable one for Gwen, Steve and Billy. The local volunteer fire company had requested a brief assembly first thing in the morning to honor the trio for their daring rescue of the Tucker twins. Steve, Billy, and Gwen were awarded medals and made honorary members of the company. When the fire company finished, the principal gave a brief speech about how the school had benefited from good publicity in the past few weeks. The school and its students were making state and national news for positive accomplishments. That was every school's goal and Sparta was doing it far better than any other school in the state.

When Steve and Gwen walked past the school trophy case, they had to stop and stare in surprise. The game ball with Gwen's name printed on it perched on a small pedestal. Hanging on the back wall of the case was Steve's football jersey with the number 12 barely discernible because of the blood that had soaked through it. Next to the jersey was a placard that simply stated "Spartan Blood".

Steve arrived at the Andersons' home shortly after noon on Thanksgiving Day. As he guided his uncle up the driveway, he counted the cars in the drive. "There's going to be quite a few people here today, Uncle Joe. Don't let it bother you. They're all friends and some of the best people I've ever met. Mrs. Anderson is a fantastic cook. You'll have a great time."

"I hope you're right," replied Steve's uncle. "I don't like crowds very much. You know that. If that sweet talking girl of yours hadn't made such a big deal of it, I'd have stay home. I go out once to see my nephew after he wins the state football title and the next thing you know, I'm a regular globe trotter."

"We're only a few miles from home. Gwen and her family would've been really disappointed if we didn't come. Try to have a good time. I know you'll love the food," promised Steve.

When Steve rang the doorbell, the door was opened by an attractive woman in her sixties. "You must be Mrs. Anderson's sister. I'm Steve and this is my Uncle Joe Hammer. We're invited, Ma'am," added Steve as the woman stood in the doorway without indicating they should enter.

"Mrs. Anderson's sister? The girls told me you had were a smooth one, but you're better than I expected. I know Gwen told you her grandmother would be here. You know that's who I am. What you may not know is that I'm not as shy as my daughter. Give me a hug!"

Steve hugged the woman and picked her off her feet and swung her around. "Ma'am, you've got the best looking family I've ever seen. Your daughter's a beauty and your granddaughters are incredible; and it looks like they all get their looks from you!"

"No wonder Gwen's so wrapped up with you! I've never seen a stronger, better looking, more discerning young man in my entire life. Call me Caroline. Now come right in and meet everyone, including my husband. He's the man green with jealousy, over by the TV."

Steve made the rounds introducing his uncle to everyone he knew and being introduced to those he didn't know. Lisa greeted him with a solid kiss on the lips. Kate jumped into his arms and showered kisses all over his face. Paula smiled as she hugged him and then kissed him on the cheek.

"Gwen, your sisters seem to be awfully pleased to see your sweetheart here. Are you going to greet him properly or are you willing to let one of them steal him away?" chided Caroline.

Gwen stepped up to Steve and kissed him quickly on the lips. "Now girl, Lisa and Kate did way better than that. I saw you kiss him better on the national news. You were just telling me that he's your first boyfriend and how you worry about some other girl stealing him away. That little kiss isn't going to get the job done, is it Kate?"

"No, Grandma, it sure isn't. I think Gwen's a little shy in front of you. I've seen her do a lot better. Maybe she should watch Lisa and me again for pointers," suggested Kate as Steve marveled to himself at how much Kate was like her Grandmother, physically as well as in their attitudes.

"Okay, Grandma!" muttered Gwen as she pulled Steve down for a long, slow kiss.

"Mom! Look what you talked Gwen into," complained Paula. "That's no way to greet any man in a public place. Gwen, go to the kitchen and mash the potatoes or something. Mom, you go help her! Kate, stay away from Steve. Dad, can't you do something about your wife?"

Dinner was served on a huge table that expanded to seat around twenty. Paula's sister, Diane, and her family had been invited, along with a couple aunts and uncles. Steve kept a close eye on his uncle for the first half hour or so. It wasn't too long before Joe and Gwen's great uncle Howard struck up a conversation about the old days that seemed to last the rest of the afternoon.

"Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Anderson, I just want to tell you both how much Uncle Joe and I appreciate your hospitality. You've been very good to me since the first time I picked up Gwen for that dance. You know that Joe is all the family I have and it's a great feeling to have Thanksgiving with a close family like yours, where everyone respects and loves each other. Thanks," concluded Steve.

"You must have forgotten how Dad made you promise to preserve Gwen's honor that first night, and how he had to pop you on the chin another night," laughed Kate. "Mom told us that if you kept coming back after all of that, you had to be serious about Gwen. And you've kept coming back."

That caused questions to fly and soon Kate was telling the story of Steve's first date with Gwen, how Ted had cautioned him against everything fun, how she had opened the door on Steve and Gwen as they were preparing to kiss, and how Steve brought Gwen home one night in such a state that Ted flew off the handle and popped Steve on the chin. The stories prompted more questions and a great deal of laughter from everyone, young and old. Steve was a bit embarrassed by it all, but at the same time, felt a sense of belonging and family that had eluded him for some time.

"You want to know what's really weird about all of this?" asked Gwen during a break in the conversation. "The other night, Steve told me how much he feared, and respected Dad. He said Dad's a great father and he's raised a wonderful family. He has every right to expect Steve to follow his rules! What kind of boyfriend sticks up for a girl's father?"

"A boyfriend that's in it for the long haul," responded Gwen's grandmother. "That's one sign of a young man with proper upbringing. He respects your father's authority. That tells us a lot about your young man."

"Steve and I are going to take a walk after we clean up and the men start watching football. I haven't had much alone time with him and I want to have him to myself for a little while. I can't be fighting off my sisters, cousins, aunts, mother, and grandmother all the time just to talk with him."

"Don't be gone too long," cautioned Paula. "We're going to be watching videos of you two at half time of one of the games. I want you both here to watch them with us."

A short time later, Steve and Gwen strolled down the sidewalk away from her house. "Steve, I haven't been alone with you very much in the last week or so. It was just a week ago that you dove into Emerson River to save those two kids."

"And you pulled me out in the nick of time. I'll always be in your debt. If you ever need something, or help with something, just let me know. I'll do just about anything for you, Gwen."

"I'll take you up on that. You'll have me around a lot, so save my life sometime and we'll be square. Saving lives seems to be a habit of yours anyway."

"Hello, Kids!" called Mrs. Henderson from her doorstep as the couple passed in front of her home. "I hope you're not going for another swim, Gwen! Is this handsome boy the one you saved last week? I'm Cynthia Henderson, and you've got to be Steve Hammer. Would you please come in for a minute and say hello to my family? They've heard all about my neighbor's daughter being the 'Heroine of the Emerson River Rescue". I kind of bragged that I knew you pretty well, Gwen. Please come in and meet my family."

Gwen looked at Steve and he shrugged as if to tell her it was her decision. "Okay, but only for a couple minutes. My family is expecting us back pretty soon."

As soon as they entered the home, they were besieged with well wishers. Steve answered questions about the football game, while Gwen covered the river rescue as quickly as she could.

"You're 'The Lady in Red'!" gasped a middle aged lady sitting in a recliner. "I love that video. You two look so vibrant, and in love. I've watched it a few dozen times. I didn't realize that you kids were the same ones from the river and the football team. I heard that you danced at the fire company's casino night. I wish I had known that you would perform. I'd have been there for sure. When do you think you'll be dancing again? I'd love to be able to see it."

"Actually, Steve and I'll be dancing at the Governor's Ball in January. Mr. O'Leary invited us the other day. It seems that Steve is a pretty good friend of his. I'd be willing to bet that it'll be on YouTube shortly afterwards," predicted Gwen. "Thanks so much for the hospitality, but we need to get home for dessert and football. My boyfriend loves his football!"

Gwen and Steve made it by two more houses before some kids from school trotted down the sidewalk to chat with them. "Come on in and meet my parents and aunts and uncles," coaxed a girl Steve knew as Sue. "They're dying to meet the guy that threw 'The Pass' and danced with 'The Lady in Red'."

Gwen and Steve soon realized that their walk was destined to be more of a tour, than a stroll. By the time they returned to the Anderson home, they had been invited into five homes to meet relatives and friends, besides the many people that greeted them on the sidewalk.

"What were you two doing for so long?' demanded Paula as she hustled the couple into the living room. "We expected you back an hour ago. Do I dare ask what took so long?"

"Mother! We kept getting invited into people's homes to say hello to friends and relatives. We never made it past Hickory Street. It took an hour to get that far and another forty minutes to get back. Everybody wanted to meet the guy that led 'The Drive' and threw 'The Pass' and saved two kids from drowning in the icy waters of Emerson River."

"I thought they were all asking to meet 'The Lady in Red' and "The Heroine of the Emerson River Rescue'. It seems that Gwen Anderson has become a source of great pride among the residents of this development," responded Steve, before he added. "Actually, the whole town loves their heroine."

"Well, I'm not surprised," stated Paula's mother. "She's just beginning to show her potential and you're helping a great deal with that. When I was here last Thanksgiving, Gwen insisted on going to her room to study after dinner. I was concerned about her being so reserved and introverted. Then I turn on the TV the other day and see her strip down to her bra and panties and dive into icy waters to help save two children and a very brave young man. I was amazed at how she's blossomed. Let's watch the videos and I'll tell you all about it."

The family was just finishing the videos when Paula asked Steve to help her serve dessert to everyone in the living room. Once she had him away from the others, she quickly let him know the actual reason she wanted him alone with her.

"Steve, I've watched the girls of mine when they're near you and I have a serious favor to ask of you. Please promise me that you'll try to never cause a rift between them. I'm afraid they're all falling in love with you. I worry how that could affect how close they are to each other. I've always been proud of the girls and how they supported each other and protected each other. Please don't give Gwen reason to resent Lisa or Kate."

Steve was dumbfounded. He blushed as he sought the right words to respond to Paula's request. "Mrs. Anderson, I've never tried to mislead the girls. Gwen is my girlfriend. I respect her. Kate and Lisa are absolutely beautiful, but Gwen is the daughter I want. I'll never do anything to harm Gwen in any way. I can promise that."

"I know you haven't misled them, but they're drawn to you like nothing I've ever seen before. I see how Lisa and Kate kiss and tease you. Gwen has to see it, too. Don't let their enthusiasm and beauty cause you to slip up. It would destroy Gwen and possibly this family," finished Paula.

"Mrs. Anderson, I promise that I'll not betray your trust, nor will I ever do anything to harm your daughters in any way. Kate and Lisa are like sisters I never had. Gwen is all I want. It should help relieve you to know that she told me that I could be her boyfriend, but there would be no sex. There's no danger there," assured Steve.

"I have your word. That's all I ask. You haven't learned when a girl says 'no' she often means 'yes'. You're an extremely handsome, desirable male. My daughters are all falling in love with you. Kate and Lisa love Gwen and they'll try to be good sisters to her, but I know the temptations they face. If you're very careful to show them boundaries, they'll probably respect them, but it won't be easy for them," worried Paula. "You're a wonderful young man and I couldn't be happier with the way you've helped Gwen. You're part of the family. I'm just not certain how big a part you are, or will become. Thanks for listening to a worried mom," finished Paula as she hugged Steve warmly.

"Mom! Is that why you needed Steve to help with the pie?" asked Kate as Paula quickly stepped back from Steve. "Next time, I'll bring in the dessert with Steve and you can listen to Grandma tell everyone what a heartbreaker she was way back when. I was kidding, Mom! You know that, right?"

Paula had left the room as Kate spoke. Kate looked after her and then swung around to Steve. "What was that all about? Did you say something to Mom to hurt her feelings?"

"Kate, your mom was just asking me to not hurt your feelings, or your sisters' feelings. She thinks that maybe you like me too much. You can understand her concern. It would be really bad if something should ever come between you and your sisters."

"Something like a big, handsome stud? I admit that I flirt a lot with you, but I thought you were safe since you love Sis so much. I like you an awful lot, but I know better than to expect you to fall for me. Do you want me to stop flirting? I will if you ask, but I really like being honest around you. I've never felt so free around a guy before. A lot of it's because you're Gwen's boyfriend. I think you'd cut off your arm before you'd hurt her."

"Kate, you're right about how I feel about Gwen. As long as you know that I'm truly falling in love with you, but like a beautiful little sister, we'll get along great. Be sure that Gwen understands our relationship, and maybe try to explain things to your mom a little better. She's afraid that I'll hurt you, or Gwen, or Lisa, or all three of you. I admire how much you three love each other and I'd feel terrible if I ever messed that up."

"Gwen knows how I feel, and how you feel. She's real smart. As long as you love her and always show her that you do, she'll never worry about me. A girl can hug, love, and tease her big brother, can't she?" asked Kate as she hugged Steve. "Gwen and I'll always be close and you're just making it better. I'll talk to Mom and have Lisa and Gwen do the same. She still thinks of us as little girls."

"So that's why we haven't been served our pie!" laughed Lisa as she came into the kitchen to find Kate in Steve's embrace.

"Mom told Steve that she's worried about him breaking our hearts, or even breaking up us sisters. I was telling him that as long as he loves Gwen, there'll never be a problem. She knows how much we like him. She also knows that we sisters stick together and he's safe with us, except we're going to hug and kiss him like a brother. Actually, not quite like a brother, but more like a sexy brother-in-law."

"Kate's right! We think the world of you, but Gwen's our sister. Mom should know better. You're Gwen's boyfriend. I've never seen anything like the way you two belong together. If you love Gwen like I think you do, Kate and I could never come between you, and we'd never want to. That said, I want some of that hug!" laughed Lisa as she moved under Steve's left arm to join Kate in Steve's strong arms.

"No wonder we're not getting any dessert!" came a calm voice from the doorway. "I leave you guys alone with my boyfriend for a few minutes and you're all over him. To think I was going to blame Mom for keeping him in the kitchen. Where is Mom?"

"Remember when Dad gave Steve 'The Talk' the first night you two went out?' asked Lisa. "Steve says that Mom just gave him another version of 'The Talk'. She's worried that this handsome, athletic, dancing, life saver will cause us sisters to argue and bicker and maybe even split apart the family. Mom seems to think that Kate and I will try to steal him away, or jump into bed with him or something. We were just telling Steve that we think the world of him, but you're our sister and we'll never do anything to ruin our sisterly bond. We told him that you're fine with us kissing him and hugging him as long as we all understand that he's your boyfriend. Why have such a handsome man in the family if we can't take advantage of him?"

"Mom was worried? About you and Kate liking Steve too much? About us having a falling out over him? I thought she understood us better than that. Listen to me, Steve.

"My sisters mean everything to me. I love them without reservation and I think they feel the same way toward me. It makes me feel really good when they show how special they think you are. It helps reinforce my faith in my judgment. They'll never have sex with you as long as you're my boyfriend, or mean something to me. I know that. They know that. It doesn't mean that they can't love you. We'll all love each others' boyfriends, husbands, significant others, or whatever they're called at the time. That is unless one of us falls in love with a jackass; then the other two sisters will let her know that fact immediately. We need to explain this to Mom."

"You just did, Sweetheart," sobbed Paula from the back door. "I was worried about you girls, but you're miles ahead of me. I'm sorry, Steve, for making a big deal out of something that was only a problem in my head. Let's get that dessert out before my mother shows up looking for us."

As the others enjoyed their dessert, Gwen revealed the schedule for the following day. "Amber O'Leary called a few minutes ago. She wants us to travel to the capitol tomorrow and plan on spending the night. She wants to get all of our measurements, including Steve's. Amber plans on having at least two new gowns for each of us girls for the Ball. She has the designs pretty well done but they need to be sure of our sizes, and then make the clothes. The hope is that her people will have at least one outfit done for us to try on Saturday, just so she knows she's in the right ballpark with cuts, colors, accessories and make up. Steve's tuxedos will be coordinated with my gowns, which should look incredible."

"Aunt Diane, could you work with Steve and me on a dance we can do at the ball?" asked Kate. "I don't want to be the ugly step-sister that sits around like a bump on a log. It would be cool if he and I had a special dance, if it's okay with Steve."

"I was thinking the same thing, Kate. Each of you should have a number that you can do at the dance that will be your own. We don't have much time and since you all have the same partner, you won't be able to practice together. Are you willing to work a lot of over time for this, Steve?" questioned Diane.

"Football is over so I have a lot more time now. If long hours holding the Anderson bombshells in my arms and dancing with them will help humanity, I'll give it my best shot. That's the kind of sacrifice I'm willing to make."

A bit later, Gwen's grandmother asked Steve to carry some dishes out to her car. "While I have you out here, I have a favor to ask. Paula's daughters are beautiful, confident young women. I don't have to tell you that. I'm worried about Diane's daughter. Stephanie is a lot like how Gwen used to be; only even more reserved. I watched her look at you with Gwen, Lisa, and Kate. She's feeling pretty lonely, ugly, unloved, unnoticed, and ignored. I can tell. I tried to get Diane to talk to you about it, but she felt it was unfair to you.

"Could you make it a point to notice Stephanie more and to make her feel more involved in everyday life, at least when you're around her? God knows that I don't need another granddaughter falling head-over-heels for you, but it doesn't seem to be hurting Gwen or her sisters, even a little bit. I'm not asking you to romance Stephanie or anything, but a few little actions on your part could make a big difference to her. Would you do that for the grandmother of your little harem, or whatever it is you have going with my granddaughters? It's hard to believe that I'm asking you to bring another granddaughter under your spell, but I worry about her."

"Ma'am, I don't know that I can be much help, but I promise that I'll make an extra effort to include Stephanie in things when she's around. I apologize for ignoring her. There's no excuse for rude behavior. I'll do my best."

"Young man, if I were forty years younger, you'd be in trouble! No wonder Paula's girls love you so much," praised Caroline as she hugged Steve and kissed his cheek.

"Pretty much what we suspected, isn't it, Sis?" observed Kate to Gwen as they came down the walk. "Grandma, it looks like you've joined the Steve Hammer Fan Club. Can you tell us what flimsy excuse you used to hug and kiss our guy?"

It was a little later that evening when Steve and his uncle were saying goodbye that Steve asked Diane, "Would it be okay if Stephanie and I worked on a dance we can do together? I hope to see her at a lot of affairs the next few years and I'd like to fool people into thinking I know what I'm doing. Since she lives with you, it shouldn't take too much scheduling. She could even fill in for one of the other girls if they couldn't make a practice. That way, I'd still be able to work on my steps. That is, if Stephanie's okay with it. What do you say, Steph? Will you help me learn a dance or two?"

Gwen and Lisa broke into huge grins while Kate's jaw dropped. Diane worked to keep a straight face as the women turned to look at Stephanie. She sat with the 'deer in the headlights' look for a few seconds.

"Well, I'd be glad to help you learn the dances, and it'd be cool if we had one we could do together. I'm not beautiful or big chested, but I can dance pretty good. I'll be able to help you out now and then with their dances as long as mom lets me watch you work with them," conceded Stephanie before another thought came to her. "Will I get to kiss and hug you all the time like Kate does?"

Steve was pleased with Stephanie's response, but surprised at her last question. "Don't you have any mirrors in your house, Diane? I thought I just heard Steph say she wasn't beautiful. Maybe she needs eye glasses? As far as hugging and kissing me like Kate does, I'm all for it, but Gwen may be jealous. Your folks might have an objection as well. Ask them."

"Stephanie, you're like a sister to us and you can hug and kiss that guy as much as you dare. I don't blame you. He's hard to resist! How about you, Aunt Diane? Are you willing to allow Stephanie to make a spectacle of herself like Kate does when Steve's around?"

"That's a tough question, Gwen," responded Diane with a smile. "Stephanie has to promise to not steal Steve away from you and to not be quite as exuberant as Kate. Other than that, she's free to torment him anyway she chooses."

"Are you kidding?" demanded Kate. "Stephanie doesn't have the nerve to kiss and hug Steve. She'll probably shake his hand or something. And I don't make a spectacle of myself, do I?"

Steve strode over to where Stephanie was seated on the couch, leaned down and easily plucked her from her perch. He held her up and gently spun her around and set her back down, only to have Stephanie jump back into his arms and hug him fiercely.

"I like when you call me 'Steph'. Thanks for asking me to dance and for making me feel like a regular part of the family," whispered Stephanie as she hugged Steve before loudly declaring. "Let me the first one to give you a goodbye kiss!"

With that, Stephanie gave Steve a resounding kiss on his cheek. Then she smiled at everyone and kissed him on the other cheek. Then she laid her head against his chest and clung to him.

"Stephanie, we all need to say goodbye to Steve," laughed Lisa. "Whose idea was it to introduce another beautiful girl into this mess, anyway? You have to let the guy go so the rest of us can say goodbye properly."

"I didn't know how strong he feels and how good he smells!" admitted Stephanie to the laughter of her family. "I'm going to love dancing with him. Thanks, Gwen!"​