Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

Paula had to smile as she hugged Steve. Lisa wasn't the only female in the family that enjoyed teasing. To his credit, Steve remained very still as her breast pressed against his hand.

"Gwen, you can't begrudge everyone the opportunity to hug this fine young man. Who knew that he could play the piano and sing like he did? He's a very handy man to have around, don't you think?"

"Mom! I know what you're doing and the joke you're making. Now let him go, so we can get home," insisted Gwen.

"Just a minute, Sis. You're not going to try to stop me from getting my hug, are you," laughed Lisa as she stepped into Steve's arms. "You're right, Kate! This guy is very fresh. To think he did this to Aunt Diane, Mom and even Stephanie. Gwen, your boyfriend has been copping feels of the entire family!"

"That's what I've been saying. I hear you enjoyed putting his tie on for him earlier. Well, I'll be the one taking it off tonight. Quit squirming against him and let go. Look how red his face is," pointed out Gwen. "You might put him back in the hospital if you don't release him pretty soon."

"Lisa, let me give the guy a hug. As his doctor, I'll be able to determine if he needs another transfusion," suggested Laura as she stepped in against Steve when Lisa released him. "No problem, Gwen. His blood supply and pressure seem to be excellent. If anything, he may need a little pressure relief. His hand also seems to be working quite well. Steve, I have to insist that you release that little nubbin right now."

Steve's determination to not let the ladies get his goat dissolved as Laura made her joke. He stepped away and turned his back on the grinning ladies as he willed his cock to go soft. He wanted to reposition it, but dared not try it with so many eyes on him.

"That's a job for his care givers, isn't it, Laura? We need to get him home and change his bandages and give him some relief. I'll take the first turn since it's so late and Gwen looks as tired as Steve. By the way, I don't even know how to tie a tie like that, so it wasn't me. But I'll be more than happy to remove it."

Gwen turned to look at her mother who just smiled and shrugged her shoulders. Diane, Stephanie, and Kate were off to the side whispering and laughing as they kept looking at Steve.

"Mother, I'll speak to you later! Lisa, I am NOT that tired and I will be Steve's primary care giver, with emphasis on primary to the point of being the only care giver. Believe me when I tell you that I can handle it all, I mean all of it. I mean I can take care of him!" laughed Gwen.

Steve didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the ongoing bantering directed at his expense, so he hobbled to the car and carefully climbed into the back seat as Ted sat behind the wheel.

"What's taking them so long?" wondered Ted. "Why's everything such a big production with women? How hard is it to get into the car and go home?"

"How about I sit on Steve's lap instead of getting in that little seat in the back?" suggested Kate as the women opened the car doors to climb in.

"I don't think that would be safe right now," grinned Lisa. "He's shown us how well he can play the piano, even with an injured shoulder. He has amazing hands, as we all can verify. He's also under a lot of pressure, so we need to be careful with him. If sitting back there is so repugnant, I'll sit on his lap."

"Lisa, he's been shot, practically in the groin. No one will be sitting on his lap," admonished Paula. "It's time to settle down and give Steve some consideration."

"The two of you singing together was incredible. We've been too busy kidding around to tell you how great you both sounded. People were crying, they were so moved by your performance. I was one of them. I'm so proud of you kids and the amazing things you've accomplished this year. Everyone keeps telling us that they've never seen anything like it. You keep surprising people with new talents and skills. I never dreamed that Steve could play the piano, let alone sing like a cross between Elvis and Paul McCartney."

By the time Steve limped into the Anderson home, he was sore and exhausted. He turned to go into Kate's bedroom. He was using hers so he would not have to navigate the stairs. Kate was doubling up with Gwen.

"I'll be in to change your dressings once I get into something more comfortable," promised Gwen as she headed up the stairs.

Steve closed the door and unbuckled his belt. He allowed his trousers to drop and stepped out of them. With some effort, he bent over and picked them up and laid them on a chair. Then he managed to remove his sling with his good arm, smiled as he untied his tie, and unbuttoned his shirt and removed it. Clad only in his boxers, he gazed into the mirror. His chest was tender but appeared to be okay. The bandage on his right leg was red from blood, as was the right leg of his boxer shorts. This concerned him.

There was a rap on the door and then it opened. "I see you're ready for us to work on your bandages. Uh oh, it looks like you're bleeding some. I hope your artery isn't leaking again," worried Paula as she spread an old towel on the bed.

"Sit on that towel and let me take a look. I'll have to remove this bandage first and..."

"Mom! What are you doing here? I'm perfectly capable of taking care of Steve. I insist that you leave us alone," demanded Gwen.

"Gwen, calm down. I understand your desire to take care of Steve, but this is pretty important and I feel absolutely compelled to make sure he is healing properly. He's under our roof and I don't want any problems with his recovery. I'll help you a time or two and then leave you alone, if you insist."

"You're right, Mom. I'm sorry for being so selfish. Look! He's been bleeding again. Sit down so we can get this bandage off. I knew you shouldn't have been walking around. Hugging every woman in town didn't help any, either."

Gwen carefully cut away Steve's dressings while Paula observed. Once they had the old bandage off, Gwen carefully cleaned the wound the way Laura had shown her. Steve was using his good hand to hold his genitals up and away from the injured area. Paula then handed Gwen the necessary pads and gauze to rewrap the wound.

"That's a nasty injury. I can only guess how it looked when Gwen first tried to stop the bleeding after you were shot. It looks to be healing okay and the blood was from the tissue and not the artery. That's a good thing. Gwen, you did an excellent job. You'll make a very good doctor. Now let's work on that shoulder."

Twenty minutes later, Gwen put the finishing touches on Steve's shoulder bandage and turned to her mother. "Now you have an idea of what Steve went through for the rest of us. Those were bullet holes, Mom. He could have been killed. His chest is still discolored from where that bullet hit the locket I gave him. He came very close to dying!"

"You're right, Gwen. This was an eye opener for me. You did a very good job on his injuries and I feel comfortable letting you take care of him. I want both of you to remember that you're in Ted's and my house, so don't do anything foolish. Just be careful and use common sense, and remember that Kate's door doesn't lock since she and Stephanie broke the latch over a year ago. Someone can walk in at any time. Good night, kids, and don't stay up too late. Steve needs his rest in order to heal."

After Paula left, Gwen leaned in and kissed Steve tenderly. "God, Steve, you do things to me! I've seen you almost die twice, and both times you were helping save the lives of others. You have to be more careful. I don't know what I'd do if I Lost you."

"Kate suggested while you're taking care of me I should tell you how much I love you, Gwen. The problem is that I can't tell you how much I love you because I have no words for that much love. You mean everything to me. I love you as much as a person can love another, and maybe a little more."

"Oh!" gasped Gwen as she leaned in to kiss Steve again. "I love you, too. I can't believe I feel this way. I've never felt like this before and it scares me, but I trust you, Steve, to not ever hurt me. I couldn't stand it if you ever stopped loving me."

Gwen was kissing Steve again when they heard a voice. "I had to get my toothbrush and comb and stuff. Don't let me bother you, as if I could. Remember that I'm the one that's supposed to be sleeping with you, Gwen. Don't come to bed real late and wake me up, unless you want to tell me everything you were doing. Lisa asked me about catching you guys making out the night Mom took Dad shopping. She said that you told her. I was keeping it a secret. You guys want to watch a movie or something?"

"Kate! It's after eleven and Steve's tired."

"Gwen, let's watch one. I can see the TV good from right here and you girls can sit next to me. It'll be good to unwind after that memorial. I haven't seen Kate much this week and I've missed her. Kate, please put a movie on. Gwen, come over and snuggle close to me."

Paula woke up around 1 AM and decided to be sure that Gwen was in bed with Kate. She noticed a light coming from the room Steve was using and went down to investigate. She was only slightly surprised to find two daughters, Kate and Gwen, fast asleep. They were crowded on the queen size bed with Steve sleeping between them. Kate had an arm over Steve's chest and Steve had his good arm draped around Gwen with his hand resting on her breasts. Smiling, Paula turned off the TV and returned to bed.

Kate was the first to stir the next morning. She woke in her own room, but felt someone next to her. Remembering the previous night, she opened her eyes to find Steve still asleep. Her right hand was resting on his chest. Then Kate noticed Steve's left hand was clutching Gwen's left breast through her pajamas. Kate leaned over and kissed Steve on the cheek. His eyes slowly opened.

"Good morning! I finally got to wake up with you in my bed! That was awesome. How about a little kiss for me, Big Guy?"

"How about some breakfast, if you girls can pry yourselves away from Steve," offered Paula from the doorway as Gwen began rubbing her eyes. "You'll probably have to release Gwen, Steve, or she won't be able to get up."

Steve and Gwen both looked down to see her left breast firmly grasped by Steve's left hand. Steve quickly released the handful of female charm and tucked his hand behind his back while he blushed. Gwen let out a small chuckle and leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

After the kiss, Gwen whispered in Steve's ear, "I love you!" and then kissed him again. Steve remained still as he waited to see Paula's reaction. She obviously had seen him holding Gwen's breast.

"Girls, get upstairs and get dressed. Steve needs some privacy. And hurry because breakfast is almost ready and I've got plenty. I hope you like bacon, eggs, pancakes, juice, and sausage, Steve."

Steve was on his second helping when the Anderson phone rang. Kate got up to answer it and then called Gwen into the next room. Gwen returned a few minutes later with tears in her eyes.

"That was Jane Booth's father on the phone. He asked if we would sing 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters' at her funeral today. I could tell that he was trying not to cry when he asked. I told him we'd be honored to do that for Jane. I hope I didn't overstep my boundaries, Steve, but I just couldn't refuse him."

"You know I won't mind. We were going to go to the funeral today and pay our respects to our friend and classmate. We'll just plan on doing that song. You do such an incredible job with it; I'm not surprised he asked. You were great last night."

So it came to pass that Steve was seated at the old piano in the Methodist church with Gwen standing behind him. She held a microphone and Steve had one placed in front of him. He nodded to Gwen and began playing. Gwen delivered an extremely moving rendition of the song. He joined her for the chorus, the part that he sang solo the previous evening when Gwen became too emotional to continue.

As he finished playing, Steve realized that Gwen had been absolutely unbelievable. Those in attendance were totally silent except for the many sobs that echoed in the church. It was a fairly large church and almost every Sparta high school senior was in attendance. It was actually slightly awkward because many felt that they should applaud but were unsure if that would be appropriate at a funeral.

Jane's parents rose and came forward to embrace a teary-eyed Gwen, and then Steve. "Thank you so much!" sobbed Mrs. Booth as she hugged Gwen. "Jane admired you and spoke of you often. What you've done for this community is beyond description. Keep up the good work."

Steve and Gwen had very little down time before they had to drive several blocks to attend Len Collin's funeral. Gwen cried openly on Steve's shoulder as the minister spoke of Len's life and tragic death. After the service quite a few people thanked Gwen and Steve for their actions that fateful day.

"You kids saved my daughter's life. She's a sophomore and was right above the gym when everything hit the fan. I can't even imagine the pain this community avoided because you two were so level headed and capable," praised a middle aged man with tears on his cheeks. "The Spartan Nation, as we now call it, owes you both a huge debt. Thank you both so much!"

His feelings were echoed by others as Gwen and Steve moved toward the exit. People were grieving for the dead, but were extremely thankful that so many were spared.

"Tomorrow is Tim's funeral," sobbed Gwen as they slowly made their way to their car. "I can't believe how difficult this is. It's breaking my heart, Steve. What would have happened to me if you had died on that gym floor? I wonder if I would have survived. How do we go back to school Wednesday knowing we have friends that we'll never see again? How about going back into that gym? I don't know if I can do it."

"Life is so precious because it ends. We can't change that. We have to live our lives the best way we can and that's all we can do. You'll go back to school, and even return to that gym. The other kids will be watching you, looking to you for guidance and strength. You have to be strong for them. It's a lot of responsibility, but you've earned it with your ability to think and act clearly and decisively in emergencies. For better or worse, you're the face of the Spartan Nation, the unofficial leader."

"If I'm the leader, then what are you, Steve? You're my rock, the source of any strength I may have. I follow your lead and people know that. Before you came to Sparta, I was nothing special in any way. You made me whatever it is that I am. You're the face of the Spartan Nation. I know that."

"Gwen, I didn't make you anything. You were brave, strong, smart and beautiful before I came to this town. You already had a great voice and were trained in dance. All I did was give you the chance to show how you could shine. You're the product of a loving family that gave you great genes and opportunities that you honed into the woman you are today. You don't need me to be great. It's inside you and it's being drawn out by circumstances beyond your control. I watch how you are with people and marvel at your skills. You're amazing!"

"Let's compromise then," suggested Gwen. "Together, we're doing pretty well. We complement each other very nicely. You're brave, tough, smart, decisive, and compassionate. You help fill in the voids and inexperience I have. We're at our best when we're together, and don't you forget it!"

"Excuse me?" politely asked a man that had worked his way through the crowd to speak with Gwen and Steve. "I'm Tim Reynolds's father. I heard you perform at the memorial last night and again earlier today at Jane's funeral. Would it be too much to ask that you sing that 'Let it Be' song tomorrow at my son's funeral? We're Baptist and sing a lot of hymns and spirituals, and that song would fit right in. It's a mostly black church, but you'd be welcome for sure."

"Sir, a black friend saved my life in that attack. He took two bullets intended for me. Steve told him that they're brothers now. We have absolutely no concerns about attending a mostly black church or function," assured Gwen.

"I'm a military brat," added Steve. "Growing up, many of my friends were Hispanic, black and even Muslim. I learned long ago to judge a person by their words and actions and not by race or religion. We'd consider it an honor to play at Tim's funeral, and we're deeply sorry that this tragedy ever occurred. He was a good guy."

"Thanks! You've no idea what this'll mean to my family. My wife insisted that I ask you. She was worried that you'd be uncomfortable in a black community church. What you two managed to do the day of that attack was incredible. I see how you limp when you walk and that your shoulder's in a sling when you aren't playing the piano. I know you were hit pretty hard a couple times that day, yet you managed to kill those men that killed and hurt innocent students and teachers. I'm praying that I'll be able to forgive them someday, but right now, I'm just glad that they're dead."

Lisa was the only one at home when Gwen and Steve returned to the Anderson's. She immediately picked up on how saddened Gwen and Steve were.

"I have to leave for school in a little while. I took a couple days off to see if I could help you guys through a tough time, and to be sure Steve would be okay. When I heard you were shot twice in that attack, my heart just about stopped. When I saw Gwen on television rallying the Spartan Nation to donate blood, my heart almost burst with pride. You are both incredible individuals, but together you're absolutely amazing.

"Steve, go get undressed and Gwen and I will redo your bandages. Wait a minute and I'll undo your tie," teased Lisa as she stepped close to Steve and began fumbling with his tie.

"I know what you're doing, Lisa. I was the one that tied it this morning, although I almost had to fight mother for the chance. You seem to be taking an awfully long time, and you're not even wearing a bra! Steve, can you find it in your heart to forgive my sister?"

"I'm sorry, Gwen. Were you talking to me? I'm having trouble concentrating, and I feel light headed," grinned Steve.

"Well no wonder! You've sent what little blood you have away from your head, your big head, that is. You'll need another transfusion if Lisa doesn't back off pretty soon!"

"Sis, I'm getting the impression that this guy doesn't have a little head! He has a big head and a bigger head. You're such a lucky girl! There, I'm done. Now go get undressed and we'll be in to take care of you."

Steve was once again stripped to his boxers as he waited for the sisters. He felt some concern that Lisa would tease him too much and embarrass him, but knew he had to be a good sport regardless of her words. He loved her. He knew that. He also knew that Gwen was the sister he loved and wanted the most, and that would never change.

He was quite surprised when the girls came into his room wearing bikinis. "I've spent some time in hospitals lately and I've never seen nurses dressed like that. Is that supposed to raise my spirits and help me heal?"

"I'm thinking that we'll raise something. Call it spirits if you like," responded Lisa as she glided into the room. "Gwen, is he allowed to wear those boxers? I thought we'd have to have him naked to do this right."

"I think it's best if he keeps them on. I trust him and I trust me, but you get a little goofy when you're around Steve. Sit down Steve and we'll cut the old bandages off. I don't see any blood this time, so that's good."

Steve once again sat with his left hand holding his package out of harm's way as Gwen removed his dressings. Lisa watched with amusement as he made a serious effort to keep everything hidden.

"Why don't I remove the bandages on his shoulder while you work down there," suggested Lisa as she suddenly dropped her top and moved closer to Steve as Gwen concentrated on his leg. "Here, Steve, hold these scissors while I get some new bandages."

Lisa held the scissors out to Steve. His right arm wasn't working well enough to take the scissors, so he instinctively released his genitals to hold the scissors. Lisa laughed when she heard Gwen gasp.

"What's wrong? Did you cut him with the scissors or something? Is it bad?"

Gwen was staring at Steve's boxers and the erect cock they barely contained. "What just happened? How come you moved your hand, and why are you so big? Lisa! Why are you topless? No wonder this guy is so aroused. That's a cruel joke."

"I don't hear Steve complaining," laughed Lisa. "Now are you going to help the poor guy relieve the pressure, or should I? It looks like he's pretty worked up. In fact, I've never seen a guy so worked up."

Steve immediately put the scissors down and placed his hand over his privates once again. "I'm sorry, Gwen! Lisa did this on purpose. She asked me to hold the scissors and she took off her top and you were so close down there! I'm only human and you girls are gorgeous. I wasn't trying to embarrass you or anything."

"I understand what's going on here. Lisa has a deviant sense of humor," chuckled Gwen as she watched Steve try to cover back up. "We will not be relieving any pressure, Lisa. I think it may be against the nursing code or something. But I will, however, make myself more comfortable while we work on him."

Gwen stood, unhooked her top, and tossed it on a nearby chair. "I guess I have to fight fire with fire. Now let's get back to work before Mom and Dad get home. They may not appreciate our healing efforts, although it sure looks like Steve does!"

Steve alternated between embarrassment and lust as his nurses worked with surprising efficiency on his bandages. Within a matter of ten minutes they were putting their tops back on and leaving his room. He could hear them laughing all the way up the stairs. He pulled on a pair of sweats and limped to the kitchen where he took a soft drink from the refrigerator and sat down at the table. He had just managed his first swallow when Kate entered the room.

"It looks like you have fresh bandages already! I thought I was going to help this time. People were talking about you and Gwen at the store this afternoon. They were saying that you guys made everyone cry when you sang that song at the funeral. No one can believe how good you are. I like when you walk around without a shirt!"

"Young lady, you're not supposed to notice things like that," warned Paula as she carried a bag of groceries into the kitchen. "You just never had any brothers, so you're not used to seeing powerful, good looking, bare-chested men."

"So, Mom, are you saying the same thing I was, but in a round-about way? You like having good looking guys with their shirts off in the kitchen?"

"I'm saying that we're used to girls, but have much less experience with males in this house. Steve can go shirtless anytime as far as I'm concerned. I'll just have to endure it since I want to be a polite hostess.

"Did I hear today that you and Gwen will be performing at the funeral for Tim Reynolds? This singing you two are doing seems to be very popular. Kate already told you that a lot of people stopped us to say what a great job you did at the funeral today and the memorial last night. The fact that you are so good at singing and dancing seems to go against the fact that you're the star quarterback that led the team to the state championship. No one ever expects a so-called jock to be so good in the performing arts."

"My mother spent a lot of time trying to instill an appreciation for the fine arts in me. She was a very good musician and singer. She wanted me to balance sports and the arts, so we worked hard on dance and music."

"I think your mother would be very proud of you! I do wish I could have met her. She sounds like an exceptional woman and mother."

"She really was, but I don't think I appreciated how exceptional she was until she died. I just wish I had told her more often how special she was to me. I really miss her at times like this."

"I can only imagine how it feels, Steve, but you've got us for family now," assured Kate. "We all just love you to pieces. I never had a brother, but if I did, I'd want him to be just like you!"

"Thanks, Kate. It's sure great to have a family, especially with so many beautiful women. I'm always very proud to be seen with you, or to have people know that we're close. It especially helps in sad times like this."

Lisa walked into the kitchen with a small suitcase. "I'm heading back to school. I hate to leave now that Steve's moved in, but I have classes tomorrow. I already missed too many when I hurried home to be sure that Kate, Gwen, and Steve would be okay. I'm so glad that Kate and Gwen were unhurt and Steve only got shot twice. That's hardly worth mentioning for a tough guy like him. Now for a goodbye kiss!"

Lisa leaned over and gave Steve a gentle kiss on the lips as she draped her right arm over Steve's good shoulder. Then she stood back up and ran her hand over Steve's face as Paula and Kate looked on.

"Get well, Steve. Take care of Mom, Kate, and Gwen. You've already saved every woman in this family but me, and I know if the time comes when I need help, you'll be there. I can't tell you how good that makes me feel, and how I love Gwen for sharing you like she does. She really loves. You know that. Just love her and take care of her and I'll be your friend for life. When I heard that you'd been shot, it felt like my heart stopped. I can't imagine how Gwen must have felt seeing you take those bullets. Still, she kept her head, and kept you alive and that's another reason for me to love her. You two are perfect. Good-bye!"

Kate watched as Lisa backed her car out the driveway. Then she turned to Steve and said, "She really does love you a lot. You know that, right? I think she loves you even more than I do. I hope that Jason guy turns out to be the real thing because she needs someone to take her mind off you," observed Kate. "I probably do, too. You're Gwen's guy."

Steve looked at Kate and then to Paula, and then back to Kate. "I love Lisa a lot. I love you a lot. I just love Gwen so much it hurts. I'll do anything that I can for any of you girls, but Gwen's the one for me. I can't change that, nor do I want to."

Kate and Paula saw Gwen step into the kitchen behind Steve as he was speaking to them. He had no idea she was there. She quietly stepped up behind him and gently wrapped her arms around his torso and hugged him.

"Talking behind my back? About how much you love me? To my mother and sister? You've got some nerve, Mister. Mom. Kate. I want you to know that I really love this guy. There! Now they know how we both feel."

"Yeah, like that's a big surprise," laughed Kate. "I saw you were in deep that first day at the mall. You tried to act like you didn't really care, but you fell in love with him as soon as you saw him, didn't you?"

The next morning Steve managed to finally take a shower after Gwen cut his bandages off. He had been relying on sponge baths and felt like he was becoming quite grungy. He gingerly soaped everything he could with his good arm while keeping the water stream from landing on his wounds. He spent more time in the shower than usual as a result of his limitations. As he stepped out of the shower, he picked up the towel and began drying what he could with his good arm.

"Here, let me help you," offered Gwen as Steve almost feinted. "You'll never be able to dry yourself with that bad arm. Just stand still and let me take care of everything."

"Gwen! What about your mom? You'd better get out of here before you get caught! We'll both be in trouble. She'll be mad at me. I promised that I'd behave in her home."

"Mom's the one that suggested that I help you. We've been talking a lot and she's beginning to see how much we love each other. She's going to let me go on the pill. Mom is your biggest fan, so don't worry about her being upset," replied Gwen as she toweled off Steve's back.

Steve stood very still as Gwen moved down to dry off his ass and legs. He was extremely nervous when Gwen slowly moved around in front of him. She smiled as she gently worked the towel over his injured shoulder and then over his chest and stomach. She looked is his eyes and smiled broadly as her hands slid the towel down his body.

"My! It seems like there is a lot of pressure built up here! I'm not experienced in relieving it, so what should I do?" mused Gwen as she ran her towel covered hand over Steve's very hard cock.

Steve suddenly gasped and placed his good arm on Gwen's shoulder as he visibly trembled. Gwen's smile broadened as she instinctively slowed her hand movement. Steve's breathing quickly returned to normal, but his face was flushed and he appeared nervous.

"Gwen, I'm so sorry. I couldn't stop it. I can't believe how fast I came. I hope you don't think I'm some kind of pervert or something."

"Are you kidding? I don't have much practical experience, but I read a lot. I read that if you came quickly the first time we're together, it would indicate that you aren't real experienced either. I love you no matter what, Steve, but I really like that we're learning together. You've been all over the world and could have had a dozen girls by now."

"Gwen, you're my first girlfriend and that was the first time I ever had a girl do that for me. I was pretty quick, to say the least. Can I do anything for you in return?"

"That's what I hoped to hear! If you want to do something for me, you can go lay on the bed naked and let me bandage you. I love looking at your body. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!"

Half an hour later Gwen and Steve emerged from Kate's room and sat at the kitchen table. Paula was busy at the stove, but when she brought the bacon and eggs to the table, Steve became fidgety and nervous. He felt guilty and it bothered him.

"Steve, you have to relax. Gwen must have told you that she's going on the pill and that we approved. I still want you to be careful about pregnancy and disease. Lisa simply went on the pill without asking, but Gwen feels that would be disrespectful. We're not giving permission so much as we're accepting the inevitable. I don't think it would be possible to keep you two apart much longer.

"I don't think any normal young woman could be around you and not want to have you make love to her. It's up to the both of you to decide what this will mean. Will you be exclusive? What will you expect from each other? What will you owe each other? What are you committing to, if anything? I never would have believed this situation would arise a few short months ago, but I have to accept that you two have done some incredible things and have shown amazing maturity, well beyond your years. We trust you both to make good decisions. We know better than to try to stop what the Gods have created with you two."

"Ma'am? Paula? Did you say 'we' as in you and Ted? Gwen's dad knows she's going on the pill?" asked an obviously agitated Steve.

"Ted and I always make the big decisions together. I would never allow Gwen to go on the pill without consulting Ted. He's her father and loves her like no other man ever could. So, to answer your question, Ted knows about Gwen wanting to go on the pill and has agreed to it. That would indicate that he knows your intentions, Young Man. Are you going to have a problem with that?"

"Well, yeah! He's Gwen's father and I don't want him upset with me, or think I'm some kind of sneaky guy that's trying to get into his daughter's pants. Maybe I should go back and stay with Uncle Joe."

"Don't be silly, Steve. Ted is treating you like a man, so just act like a man. He knows that all his daughters will fall in love at some point. He only wants them to be safe and happy, like most fathers want. Treat Gwen with love and respect, which you've been doing quite well, and Ted will treat you like a son. Of course, I don't recommend hurting her in any way. Ted would not be pleased about that."

"I won't! Not if I can help it. I love her. I'd do anything to keep her from being hurt. If I ever hurt Gwen, I'd want Ted to work me over because I'd deserve it."

"What am I missing?" asked Gwen. "You're way bigger than Dad. Why are you so afraid of him? Both you and Mom act like he'd kick your butt if you screw up. Dad won't ever try hitting Steve again."

"What you're missing, Gwen, is that Steve respects your father. He honors him like a son would. Ted could take a club to Steve and he'd never lift a hand to protect himself, especially if he felt that he deserved it. His love and respect for you makes him love your family and respect your father. Of course the way you and your sisters keep kissing him and rubbing up against him helps a little, I'm sure."

"I guess I have to get my head around the fact that Steve is so nervous about Dad. He keeps telling me that he is, yet I'm always surprised at how serious he is about it. It tells me that Steve would make a pretty good father himself. How many kids do you want?"

"That is not even going to be discussed right now! After medical school, you can give us as many grandbabies as you want, but don't even think about it before then, Young Lady!" warned Paula as Gwen laughed.

Steve and Gwen sat together at the piano as their turn to perform approached. Steve had been very impressed with the singing skills of the choir, especially of a couple of the ladies that had sung solos. He had been deeply moved by the emotions of the speakers and performers. When their turn came to sing, Steve gave it everything he felt. Gwen would join him at times, and take over the singing at other times. Then they'd sing together. At first, the choir simply hummed in the background, but by the middle of the rendition, they were backing up Steve and Gwen with tremendous emotion. By the end of the song, tears were flowing freely and Steve was sweating profusely. Once again, Gwen was sobbing as she sat on the bench hugging Steve.

Tim Reynolds' parents were in tears as they embraced Gwen and Steve after the funeral. "That was the best possible tribute our son could have been given. You kids are special. You made this gathering feel the love, and the pain we all have with Tim's passing. Thanks so much!"

Once again, it took the young couple a long time to reach the car. People kept stopping them and offering thanks and praise for the decisive action they took the day of the attack and for the incredible performance they delivered in tribute. As they prepared to climb into the car, a well dressed man approached them.

"Kids, I'm Clyde Davis. Young Tim was my cousin's son. I attended the memorial the other night, as well as the funerals of the three kids. After I heard you at the memorial service, I took the liberty of setting up some good sound equipment in both churches in which you two sang. I spent most of the night splicing together a video to go with the 'Troubled Water' song and I think I have something special. Would you be willing to stop at my brother's place just east of Sparta? There's where I'm staying and where all the equipment is."

Steve looked at Gwen and then spoke to the stranger. "Sir, I think we'd like to see what you created. We'll follow you there right now, if that's okay."

An hour later, Steve and Gwen were sitting in stunned silence. "May I take it from your reaction that you like what I did?" asked Clyde. "You just saw what I worked on last night, but now for the rest of the story. I want to rush this video out and release that song. I'll send it to radio stations and make it available to download for a small fee. If it does half as well as I think it will, you kids will make a good buck."

"Mr. Davis, we aren't concerned about making money for ourselves with this. Right, Steve?" stated Gwen rather than asked, as Steve nodded agreement. "Whatever our share would be should be donated directly to the local hospital fund. We should probably get a lawyer to be sure everything is above board."

Clyde Davis gave a broad smile as he listened to Gwen's response. "Young lady, I've been in the business for forty years and never cheated anyone. I assure you, as a United States Marine, I'll honor your wishes and be certain this agreement does not harm you, or your future in any way. I want to have a long and mutually beneficial relationship with you two."

"You were a Marine?" asked a surprised Steve. "Give us a fair contract that gives our share of any proceeds from that performance to the hospital in Sparta and we'll sign."

"Actually, I'm thinking of a two song deal. I have some ideas for that song you did this morning at Tim's funeral. I'll release it after your first hit begins to lose momentum. I know how this all works after forty years. It isn't vinyl anymore, but music is still music. I'm hoping that after you see how well I market and promote your first two efforts that you'll agree to work with me on some more projects I have in mind."

Gwen and Steve had just arrived at Gwen's home when Paula called Gwen to the phone. Steve sat down at the kitchen table as he related the happenings of the day to Ted, Paula, and Kate.

"You guys are going to have songs out? He even made a music video for the song? How did he do that without you guys having to go someplace and do some acting or something?" asked a dubious Kate.

"He used footage from the Emerson River Rescue and spliced it in with the video he took when Gwen sang that song at Jane's funeral yesterday. Gwen makes this song and the video special. She's an incredible singer. Her emotion in that song was almost tangible. I just play the piano and look dumb while she shines like you won't believe. I'm embarrassed to even be mentioned. It's all Gwen, and she's unbelievable!"

"I just can't believe how you guys keep doing amazing things. I thought it was something when you danced so well together. Then you saved those kids, Gwen saved you, you won the state title, got invited to the Governor's Inauguration, started a line of gowns and swimsuits, saved a school full of kids and teachers, got shot twice, sang at a memorial and funerals, and now will have hit songs and videos. Did I forget anything?" asked Kate sarcastically.

"Amber said the Macy's is launching the 'Lady in Red' line next week! They'll be advertising heavily in this area and they want us to be at their store at the Sparta Mall on the eighteenth of this month. We're supposed to model the outfits, sign any autographs that may be requested, answer questions, and generally promote the product line," stated an excited Gwen as she entered the kitchen.

"I guess that answers my question. You guys are going to be famous for all kinds of things. Remember to mention your little sister to all the handsome hunks that ask you out when Steve isn't looking," joked Kate.

"You'll have to tell them yourself. When they see you in those bikinis and evening gowns, you'll have to beat them back with a stick," laughed Gwen.

"You mean they want me there, too!" screamed Kate. "They want me to model the stuff I wore for those pictures? All the kids in school will see me! They'll be so jealous! I wonder if anyone will ask for my autograph."​