Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

An hour later, the group was seated at a local burger joint when Gwen's cell phone rang. She stepped outside to be polite, but soon returned to rejoin the others.

"Guess what? We've been invited to perform at the grand opening of the stadium in Sochi! The state department just relayed the request to Mom and she accepted the invitation for us. We're going to play to our biggest live audience ever, and it'll be in Russia! We'll wrap this movie up tomorrow and head out Friday. That'll give us a week in Russia to prepare our songs and to get accustomed to the time and climate changes, and do a little sightseeing. This is going to be telecast all over the world, so we'd better get it right!"

"That's great news!" cheered Jordan as she hugged Charlie. "We'll be able to add Russia to our musical resume. Charlie and I were talking last night about how our lives have changed since we met Gwen and Steve. Our careers have taken off, we've fallen in love, and we've made some great friends. It looked a little shaky when Steve washed my mouth out with soap the first day we met. Then he carried me topless to his hotel room a couple weeks later, but look how it all turned out. Charlie and I'll never be able to thank you two enough."

"My life was circling the drain a few months ago," interjected Ashley. "I had a badly depressed sister who had recently lost a hand. I had a complete inability to find and date a decent man. I even had to go on an antidepressant because I felt like such a failure. I thought I was in love with one of my students and he didn't even know I existed. Now I feel like things are working out for me. And my sister is doing great. Who do you think I should credit for that turn around?"

"Did you just say that you 'thought' you were in love with a student?" questioned Gwen. "Does that mean that you no longer feel that way?"

"If you must know, it means that I've come to realize that I am very much in love with the guy, but he's not my student any longer. I realize that he loves me in a special way that allows me to find someone of my own that will think that I'm pretty amazing. Want me to make it even plainer? I love Steve dearly, but he's yours and I'm able to accept that. I feel confident that I have a lot to offer to the right guy and I won't settle for anything less than an honest, kind, hard working man that is totally devoted to me. I see that it's possible. Jordan found a great guy. Lisa found a great guy. I will, too."

"I did find a great guy, didn't I?" agreed Jordan with a big smile as she again hugged Charlie. "Thanks for reminding me, Ashley. Gwen and Steve introduced us. Charlie never cared about my past mistakes. He just made me want to do better, so I wouldn't disappoint him. He's been a godsend."

"Mom also said that they plan on releasing our movie over the Labor Day weekend. Usually, a movie is in post production for months, but Clyde told Mom that he felt it should be released as soon as possible to take advantage of all the publicity we've been getting lately. Since there are no special effects, they just have to edit it, promote it, and release it.

"A song and video from the movie is being released tomorrow. Mom had to choose which one to release first. They're planning on releasing a couple of the remakes we did first, and save 'Midnight Lights' and 'Half-Hearted'. One will be released a week or so before the movie comes out and the other will be a couple weeks later to try to maintain interest in the movie. They think those two new songs will be extremely successful," added Gwen.

"Which song will they release tomorrow?" asked an excited Jordan. "I bet it's that 'Can't Live' song you sang so well. That song was amazing."

"It seems that Mom made the decision, so she naturally showed favoritism with her pick," grinned Gwen. "It's 'The Glory of Love' that Steve and I sing together. Mom said the video Clyde put together for it will bring tears to the eyes of every woman that sees it. She thinks Clyde underestimated how well it'll do. She said if it isn't a big hit, she'll resign her position. That's how sure she is."

"Steve and Gwen really sang the hell out of the song and we did a pretty good job with the arrangement and music," observed Charlie. "I bet your mother is dead on with this one. It'll be a big hit before we leave for Russia. In fact, we'd better brush up on it so we can play it there. The fans in Russia will see it on the web and want you guys to sing it in concert."

"That reminds me of a subject I've been thinking about," began Steve calmly. "I know it won't be easy, but it would really go over good if we sang a few of our songs in Russian. I was thinking I could split songs, doing both English and Russian versions, just switching back and forth. We'd have to practice because the band would have to be able to adjust to the phrasing that may be longer or shorter than the English version. I could teach Jordan and Gwen the lyrics for a few songs, if they're willing to try."

"Just when I think I know what's going on in your head, you come up with something new," marveled Gwen. "I think it's a great idea! I heard that Abba didn't know English very well when they sang their songs. Maybe we could do 'Dancing Queen' in Russian, along with a few others!"

"Deal me in!" added the excited Jordan. "By the time we leave Russia, the whole country will be eating out of our hands. I know they'll appreciate that we made the effort to learn some songs in Russian and they'll love Steve! He'll be handling the introductions since he's fluent in the language. This'll be the best concert they've ever seen in Mother Russia!"

"When they see and hear Jordan Quick, Gwen Anderson, and Steve Hammer live and in person, they'll have to be impressed," insisted Charlotte. "I've seen how you three affect the audience. You give a great show, you're sincere, and you love what you're doing. That's what makes you three so special."

The group managed to schedule a couple days back home to rest up and pack for the trip to Russia. Friday morning saw The Anderson family, Charlotte, Ashley, Billy, Jordan, Charlie, Steve and the band board a plane for Washington. Amber Stahl made the same flight and was positively ecstatic about the trip. They planned to meet Steve's family, and Jason, in Washington for the flight to Moscow.

Jason was the first to join them at their gate in Washington as they waited for their connecting flight. Lisa ran to him and he swept her off her feet in a bear hug. After the other travelers greeted Jason, he turned to Steve and shook his hand as he clapped him on the back.

"The guys can't believe I'm going to a state dinner in Russia with your group. Heck they can't believe Lisa's my girlfriend, never mind the rest of this. I never realized that pulling your frozen ass out of a snow bank would reap such rewards," laughed Jason. "You'll do, even if you are Navy."

"Look! There's Jen and her mother and grandparents," called Kate as she rushed to hug Jen. The group chatted with Kate for half a minute before they all walked toward Steve.

Gwen could easily tell that Steve's grandmother was visibly upset. This was a very difficult reunion for her. Gwen found herself wondering if older woman had mellowed in her attitude. That question was soon answered.

"Young man, uh Steve, I was wrong. I treated your mother poorly and I repeated the same mistake with you. I will take my regrets to my grave. I understand that you must dislike me. I have been less than loving to you, and I drove your mother away from her family. Knowing all of this, your young lady insisted that I be included in this trip of a lifetime. I don't know what to say to you both."

"How about a simple 'thank-you' and a hug?" responded Gwen as she embraced the older woman. "You're Steve's grandmother. That makes you family, and that means a great deal to Steve and me. You'll love Steve when you get to know him. You have an amazing grandson, Mrs. Patterson."

"That's what I keep reading, and seeing on the news and internet," responded Steve's grandmother as she returned Gwen's hug. "I also see and read a great deal about you, Ms. Anderson. You've saved Steve's life a few times. You have hit songs, TV shows, a line of swimwear and gowns, and recently completed a movie with Steve and Jordan Quick. You're a remarkable woman. You're his lover, and you're quite proud of it."

"Steve and I are in love, and we're lovers. Do you have a problem with that fact, Mrs. Patterson? Am I not good enough for your grandson?" demanded Gwen as her temper flared. "I'd give my life for him. You have no idea how much we love each other!"

"Perhaps not, but I'm beginning to get an idea. I meant no disrespect when I mentioned that you're his lover. You remind me of his mother, my daughter Jennifer. You're smart, beautiful and quite headstrong. You don't need my approval, my dear. I've forfeited any right I may have ever had for input into Steve's life years ago. Truthfully, I need your approval. Jen, Janice, and William have taken great pains to explain to me that without your blessing, Steve will never accept me in any way."

"I'm sorry I was so abrupt. I had prepared myself for a possible conflict and I was probably expecting it, so I was rude. If you love your grandson, you have my blessing. If you hurt him again, we'll have a real problem," promised Gwen as she turned to Steve. "Your grandmother has apologized to you. She's waiting for your response."

Steve wasn't overjoyed about the situation, but had no illusions as to Gwen's expectations. He stepped closer to his grandmother and gently hugged her.

"You can do better than that!" insisted the older woman as she wrapped her arms tightly around Steve while tears streaked her cheeks. "Jen tells me that you're the strongest boy she's ever met. Please hug me, Steve."

Steve was surprised at how the woman's words affected him. He gathered in his arms and lifted off her feet as he hugged her to his chest. He felt, rather than heard, the sobs that wracked her body. Not knowing what else to do, Steve simply held his grandmother as her shame and anguish controlled her emotions. He held her for well over a minute before she regained control.

Steve gently placed her back on her feet and turned to Gwen. He swept her into his arms, crushed her to his chest, and buried his face in her long hair. Gwen could feel his emotion as he struggled with his feelings. Eventually his breathing returned to normal as he slowly relaxed his hold.

By this time, Kate, Ashley, Jordan, Lisa, Charlotte, and Paula were gathered near Steve and his grandmother. "Wow! Steve's really choked up!" observed Kate. "He always hugs Gwen when he gets that way. I bet he kisses her next."

Even as Kate spoke, Steve brought his lips to Gwen's and kissed her gently. "Grandmother Patterson, you've managed to break Steve's reservations. He's feeling quite emotional," managed Gwen when Steve released her. "This is going to be a great trip!"

Soon all the women were welcoming Jen, Janice, and Janice's mother, Mrs. Beatrice Patterson, to their group. Steve shook hands with his grandfather as they watched the women interact. "Thanks, Steve, for being so kind to your grandmother. She was so afraid that you'd reject her. She would've done that to you if the shoe had been on the other foot. She's having great difficulty dealing with the fact that you and Gwen can forgive her and accept her as family, especially when she was so unwilling to show your father that same courtesy."

Just as the reunion activities settled down, a young couple approached Gwen and Steve as they stood chatting with their friends. "Excuse us, but we were wondering if you'd sign our copy of Maxim? We're returning from our honeymoon. I just bought the new issue because I saw Gwen Anderson on the cover. Then as we were walking toward our gate, we saw you both waiting for your flight, so we thought we'd take a chance and ask for autographs."

"The magazine is out? Can I look at your copy?" asked Gwen as she studied the cover photo. "It's amazing what they can do with Photoshop. Look how smooth they made my skin and how big my boobs look. That little shirt doesn't cover much does it?"

Gwen and Steve not only signed the magazine, but they posed for pictures with the couple. Kate volunteered to take some photos of them all together with their camera. Soon other passengers began to gather around and ask permission to take pictures. Many of them wanted Gwen to sign their Maxim magazines, which they had quickly purchased at the airport newsstand.

"You're Steve Hammer!" gushed a couple of teen girls that had been waiting at the gate with their families. "That new song, 'The Glory of Love' is unbelievably good and the video made us both cry. It was so romantic. It's the best video ever!"

By the time they boarded the large aircraft; Gwen and Steve had signed dozens of autographs, and posed for hundreds of pictures, mostly with other travelers waiting for the flight to Moscow. Jordan was also kept busy by fans. Once they were boarded and airborne, most of the group leaned back to catch some sleep.

It was a long flight. They arrived in Moscow shortly before noon, which arrived ten hours sooner than usual for the travelers from America. The members of the band remained at the airport. They were going to accompany their equipment to Sochi and start preparing for the show. Once the Americans passed through Russian customs, they were shown to a small bus that transported them to their hotel.

"Let's get a lunch after we check in and then take a two hour nap," suggested Paula. "It worked pretty well when we arrived in Paris. We'll still have a few hours to see some of the sights. This city is amazing!"

As the group entered the ornate luxury hotel the state department had booked for them, security formed a path through the crowd to use to approach the front desk. Beyond the security personnel, other guests turned to see what the fuss was all about.

As Steve gazed at the hotel guests beyond the security detail, he saw a blonde girl standing with several friends, looking back at him. Steve smiled and stepped between two of the security men and quickly walked up to the blonde girl. As he approached her, she launched herself at him.

Steve grinned as he easily caught the girl and carefully swung her in a tight circle. "Nadiya Misko! It's great to see you again! You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you," praised Steve as her friends watched wide-eyed.

"So the big, famous American hero remembers the little girl from the Ukraine? I was wondering if you would. I was telling those girls that we had danced together in Paris, but I don't think they believed me. I think they do now. You have made my day!"

As soon as Steve placed Nadiya back on the floor, Gwen embraced her. "Nadiya! It's so good to see a friendly face here in Moscow. Will you be at the state dinner next weekend?"

"Yes, I will! This is all so amazing. You two are so famous and successful and you treat me like a long-time friend. I am so proud to be considered a friend to Steve Hammer and Gwen Anderson. It's so good to see you again! I have followed your new adventures since we last spoke. You've made a movie and once again prevented terrorists from killing innocents. I will be at your concert in Sochi as well. You two are amazing!"

"Do you have some free time? We're going to have a lunch and then go to bed for a couple hours. We'd love to have you come with us," offered Steve without giving his words much thought.

"I would be delighted to have lunch with you and very happy to sleep with you, but is Gwen okay with it?" responded Nadiya as she struggled to hide a smile.

"What? Oh, no! I didn't mean that. Gwen would never go for that. I was asking about lunch. I'm sorry if it sounded like I was asking about, uh, you know."

"If we were going to invite any beautiful blondes to join us, you'd be on the list," laughed Gwen as Steve blushed. "However, we've reached an agreement that we'll remain exclusive for the next 60 years or so."

"I thought as much," grinned Nadiya. "Steve is not the kind of man to share his woman, and you'd be crazy to share him. The ladies would be lined up for blocks."

"Let's get some lunch and catch up," suggested Steve as he made a concerted effort to change the subject. He placed an arm around each woman and led them back to his group.

Gwen made the introductions to the many members of the group. "You travel with so many beautiful women," marveled Nadiya. "Gwen's sisters are incredible, your cousin looks like a female version of you, your 'teacher', as you call her, is gorgeous. Jordan Quick is, well she's Jordan Quick. For a man in a monogamous relationship, you keep some very exotic company. Gwen must be very secure."

"I was going to tell her the same thing when she said that you'd be joining us for lunch," responded Lisa. "With your beauty and grace, you could intimidate any woman. Jason's eyes have been bugging out since he saw you with Steve and Gwen back in Washington."

"Charlie isn't much better," laughed Jordan. "At least he's met Nadiya before, but he still has trouble pulling his eyes away. Let's get checked in and get some good Russian cuisine!"

Gwen noticed that Steve was quite attentive to Nadiya at lunch and engaged her in a lengthy political discussion. When they retired to their room, Gwen began asking questions.

"I know she's a stunning woman, but you don't usually ask anyone so many questions. In fact, you're usually pretty quiet. Why were you so interested in the politics of the Ukraine? Did you learn anything? Are you up to something?"

"This is like a chess game, with several players. I'm just trying to get the lay of the land. It appears that The Ukraine would like to do more trade with the US, but Mother Russia is leaning on them to stay in the fold and deal mostly with what was the Soviet Union. Information like that may come in handy."

"I'll tell you what would 'come' in handy," teased Gwen as she ran her fingers over Steve's crotch. "On second thought, you're a smart guy. Try to figure it out."

Steve had no problem solving Gwen's little riddle, but it cut their nap time down by an hour. He felt like he had just closed his eyes when Kate began banging on their door and yelling for them to get up. Gwen finally staggered to the door and opened it.

"One thing you need to learn about Russia is that the walls aren't very thick and sound travels right through them," revealed Kate. "It's a good thing that Jen and I have the room next to yours and not Mom and Dad. It would be really embarrassing if they heard you, especially if Dad got Mom screaming like you were!"

When the group gathered in the lobby to begin their sightseeing tour, Lisa tugged on Gwen's sleeve and whispered to her. "Thanks for getting us going. We were tired and almost asleep when you started making those loud moans, and then a few screams. Next thing I knew, Jason was all over me. We hardly got any sleep, but it was worth it!"

"I didn't know you were in the room next to ours," admitted Gwen. I know Kate and Jen are on the other side of us."

"We aren't next to you. We're in the room next to Kate and Jen on the other side. Sound really travels through these walls," added Lisa.

"Uh, oh. I wonder who's got the room next to us on the other side," worried Gwen. "I hope it's Charlotte and Billy."

The group climbed into a small bus that had been hired for them by the state department and began their tour. Gwen had an aisle seat while Steve sat looking out the window. Paula sat across from her with Ted next to the window on his side.

"I suppose I should thank you, Young Lady," whispered Paula quietly so that neither Steve nor Ted could hear. "I haven't seen your father so romantically inclined in some time. We didn't get much rest, but we certainly spent the time wisely. Just think about Ted's age before you two try doing it six times. His heart may not be able to stand it if he tries to keep up. Did you notice how sound travels through the walls? I may have to move Kate and Jen to a different floor."

Steve and Gwen were surprised at the attention they attracted when they stepped off the bus to tour some of the more famous landmarks in Moscow. People crowded around them, took pictures with their cameras and phones, and more than a few asked for autographs. Most of the younger ones spoke English and were quite polite. At the second stop, Steve found a copy of 'The Moscow Times', which was printed in English. He showed it to Gwen.

"Wow! They really gave us a lot of print. No wonder everyone recognizes us. Our pictures are plastered all over the paper, as well as the fact that we'd be arriving today. I don't think we have fans this excited to see us back in the US. It looks like we should put a few butts in the seats at that Fisht Stadium."

The entourage returned to their hotel well after dark. They had jammed as many stops into the afternoon and evening as they could. After a very enjoyable dinner, they drifted into the lounge area where an excellent pianist was playing and singing quite well. Gwen and Jordan both mentioned how odd it felt to recognize the music, but not the lyrics.

Everyone danced with their partners for a few dances. Then Steve, at Gwen's strong suggestion, asked his grandmother for a dance. "Dancing with my grandson in a luxury hotel in Moscow is far more than I ever even dreamed of. You're a wonderful dancer, like your mother. I regret so much what I did to her."

"Grandmother, that's all in the past. It all worked out. If things had been different, I might not have been born, or I might not have met Gwen, or who knows what may have happened differently. Don't dwell on the past; let's make this a trip to remember."

"You're absolutely correct. Judging from the sounds coming from your hotel room, you'll have a great deal to remember. Your young lady certainly is vocal in her encouragement and appreciation of your efforts. She's a wonderful girl, and she's so in love with you. I know it was her idea to invite me along on this amazing trip. I'll spend the rest of my life thanking her for her generosity."

Steve blushed at his grandmother's reference to his hotel room noises. He promised himself that he's be more careful the rest of their stay. Steve danced with Ashley and Lisa before Kate grabbed him and led him onto the floor. She drew as close to him as she could for their dance. Steve wondered if he would have to pry her off when the music ended.

He soon learned that he needn't have worried. When the song ended, Kate stepped away and whispered, "He's all yours, Nadiya," as she gave his hand to the beautiful Ukrainian girl.

"You have so many beautiful women with you, and they are all in love with you. Does it not bother Gwen that so many of her family and friends are so smitten by you?"

"Gwen and I have an understanding. She's the only one for me, and I'm the only one for her. I love all of the women with us, but Gwen is the one I want. I'll never risk losing her, or hurting her in that way. She knows that."

"Then she won't mind this?" chuckled Nadiya as she moved in very close to Steve. "There are many countrymen here that know me and I want to make them a little jealous. Is that awful? Am I a bad person?"

"Not from where I'm standing," replied Steve graciously. "I can't imagine how you could be any better."

"No wonder all of these women are in love with you! You are not only strong and handsome, but you are such a gentleman. My friends are taking pictures of us. Would you mind if I took you over and introduced you to our trade delegation? It would only take a few minutes."

"I'd be delighted," responded Steve as he danced Nadiya toward her group. When the song ended, she began introducing him to her delegation, including her father. He was a large man with a very firm handshake. Steve liked him immediately and they chatted in Russian for several minutes, while Nadiya stood close by and beamed.

After about five minutes, Steve excused himself and went in search of Gwen. He found her dancing with a tall man a few years older than she and Steve. The man was making a serious effort to draw Gwen tighter to his body while Gwen was attempting to maintain a little distance. The man's hand kept dropping down to Gwen's ass and she kept pulling it up to her back.

Ted started toward them when Steve placed his hand on Ted's shoulder. "Let me handle this," was all he said, but Ted nodded and returned to his seat.

The song had ended, but the tall man did not release Gwen. He appeared to be waiting for the next song as he kept his arms around her. It was apparent that Gwen was not happy with the situation, but they were in a foreign land and she did not want any trouble. She had no doubt that Steve could kick the tall man's butt, but that scenario worried her. They did not want to be involved in any bad publicity.

Meanwhile Steve approached the man playing the piano and quietly spoke to him. The fellow grinned at Steve and began a new song. After a few chords, Steve walked onto the dance floor and began singing.

"Tonight it's very clear, as we're both lying here, there's so many things I want to say." Steve made his way directly to Gwen as he sang. Gwen quickly gleaned Steve's intent and gave him a huge smile. Then she sang the next line, just as they did in their music video.

By this time, the tall man was feeling very uncomfortable as everyone's attention was drawn to Gwen as she faced Steve and sang, "I will always love you, I would never leave you."

As Steve began the next line in the song while closing the distance to Gwen, the tall man dropped his arms and walked away. Gwen smiled again as Steve took her into his arms and began dancing with her as he sang. By this time, everyone else had vacated the dance floor and watched from the sides as the two American lovers entertained everyone in the lounge. There was thunderous applause when the two ended the song and bowed gracefully.

"Did you see that, Grandma?" squealed Jen as she clapped her approval. "Steve's so smart. He could have beaten that guy up, but he knew that would have repercussions. He found a better way to get rid of the jerk. Didn't they sing great?"

Steve escorted Gwen back to their table as people slapped him on the back and congratulated him. "That was a stroke of genius!" joked Kate. "You knew your singing would drive that creep right off the floor!"

"Excuse me, Sir," interrupted a swarthy man with hotel ID on his shirt. "The hotel would be very willing to upgrade your rooms, or make some other concessions if you and the lady would entertain our guests for another hour or so and again tomorrow evening. We seldom have such talented performers in our hotel. The publicity would be most beneficial."

"If that proposal includes Jordan Quick, we'd be happy to oblige," replied Steve immediately. "We'd like a room that either has soundproofing or is far away from any other guests. If you can arrange that, we'll get started right now."

Jordan, Gwen, and Steve spent the next hour and a half singing some of their songs and responding to questions in the comparatively intimate atmosphere of the lounge. Charlie filled in on the piano and the impromptu show was very well received. Word quickly spread in the hotel and the lounge was very crowded by the time the group finished for the evening.

When Steve and Gwen finally retired to their new hotel room, they found their luggage already waiting for them. "That was a great idea about changing our rooms. Mom, Lisa, and Kate all told me that they heard us take our 'nap' this afternoon. It was pretty embarrassing," admitted Gwen.

"Oh, yeah? Try having your strait-laced grandmother tell you how much your girlfriend seems to enjoy your lovemaking, if you really want to be embarrassed," responded Steve as Gwen's jaw dropped.

The group spent Sunday in Moscow sightseeing. That evening found Gwen, Jordan, and Steve entertaining a very crowded lounge. Steve and Charlie brought their acoustic guitars to supply some more background for the songs. Jordan played the piano and sang while Gwen sang lead on some songs and back-up on others.

"Paula, your daughter has an amazing voice," stated an obviously impressed Beatrice Patterson. "It's difficult for me to accept that I'm in Moscow watching my grandson, his girlfriend, and his lady friend, Jordan Quick, perform in a lounge in a luxury hotel. Next week we'll see them perform in front of thousands live and in person and millions on television. That's all before we attend a state dinner with the presidents of Russia, France, and the United States, along with high ranking diplomats and statesmen from other countries."

"It's been one adventure after another since Gwen met Steve at our local mall last fall," recounted Paula. "Steve's strength and love has allowed Gwen to blossom and reach her potential. When the two of them are together, anything is possible. It looks like someone important is going to meet with them right now."

"That's Vlad Novokov! His father is the Russian president," gasped Beatrice as she watched her grandson shake hands with the important young Russian.

"I have heard a great deal about you, as well as Ms. Anderson and Ms. Quick," began the Vlad Novokov in excellent English as he shook Steve's hand. "This lady at my side is my fiancé, Anna Chekov. We will be flying to Sochi with you tomorrow. My father wants to use this trip to demonstrate how safe traveling is in Russia. Terrorists are not in control."

"I have heard a lot about you, Mr. Novokov," responded Steve as he shook the other man's hand. "I had heard that you were engaged to a beautiful woman, but I never dreamed she would be this lovely."

"I can see why you have so many gorgeous women around you, Mr. Hammer, I mean Steve," joked Anna in excellent English. "You are very smooth. If you don't mind, we'd like to listen to you perform this evening and perhaps I might even manage a dance with you. I know Vlad would very much like a dance with the beautiful American ladies next to you."

"How could we refuse the opportunity to have a dance with such a dashing and handsome man?" teased Gwen as she first shook Vlad's hand and then hugged a surprised Anna. Jordan soon followed suit, but Anna anticipated that hug and returned it warmly.

Jordan and Gwen took turns dancing with Vlad while Steve managed a couple turns with Anna. As they danced Steve questioned her about the situation with the jailed Olympic spy.

"The man is a national hero! He was not spying on the French. What do they even have to spy on? They were just retaliating because Vlad's father refused to sell them natural gas. We have to provide for our friends in Eastern Europe and can no longer send gas to France. That is what this mess is all about. Russia will not be held hostage by France. We will find a way to return our Olympic hero in time for the Sochi games."

Vlad and Anna stayed until the group stopped performing at midnight. The next morning, they were on the bus hired to take Steve's group to the airport for the flight to Sochi. Steve sat next to Vlad on the flight to Sochi while Gwen chatted with Anna most of the trip.

Once again the group climbed into a bus to transport them, this time to the Olympic village. They were only a mile or so away from the airport when a blast shook the bus. Steve looked out the window to see fire pouring out of a building about a block ahead of the bus. He saw dazed people wandering away from the apparent site of the explosion.

Without conscious thought, Steve rushed to the front of the stopped bus and opened the door. He hit the ground running as he hurried to the scene of the disaster. As he approached a structure that was billowing smoke from doors and windows, he heard enough from the locals to know that the explosion had occurred in a small elementary school and children and teachers were still in the building.

Steve turned and entered the building. Jason, Charlie, Billy, Ted, and Vlad had hurried off the bus in an effort to keep up with Steve. As they rushed up the street, Vlad informed the other Americans what he was hearing from witnesses so that they would understand the situation. To a man, they all entered the doorway they had seen Steve use.

"Oh, no! Dad and Steve and the others have gone into that burning building! What should we do?" cried Kate as she watched her father disappear into the smoke.

"We need to start helping the wounded and get prepared for more. Those men will be bringing out injured people. Let's set up on that playground and start helping those that need it," reasoned Gwen as she led her friends and family across the street to a small playground.

As she walked, Gwen gathered up what looked to be a girl about seven that was bleeding from a head wound. She placed her on a small picnic table and looked around for any material to use on the wounds.

"Mr. Patterson! We need bandages for these people. Could you start making some from whatever clothes people can spare?" asked Gwen as she examined the child for any life threatening injuries.

Seeing Gwen act so quickly and calmly, the rest of her group began offering assistance to anyone that appeared to be harmed in any way. Charlotte soon had a small boy resting on a second picnic table as she examined his badly bleeding arm. Steve's grandfather had ripped his own shirt into strips, handed the strips to Gwen and Charlotte, and was gesturing for others to do the same. The locals caught on quickly and started offering articles of clothing to the American women as they worked to aid the injured.

Soon several Russian women joined in as more injured were brought to the playground. Then Steve suddenly emerged from the smoke and dust that was streaming from the building. In his arms was a woman. She clutched her bulging stomach and groaned as Steve rushed up to Gwen.

"She's having a baby! It's just started showing. Take care of her while I go help the others," insisted Steve as he gently placed the woman on the table, spun, and rushed back into the building.

Ted and Billie appeared a short time later, each carrying a small child. Jason followed with two kids in his arms while both Vlad and Charlie emerged carrying older women. Several local men also carried children from the building. Flames began shooting out the windows and the roof started to slowly collapse as the horrified onlookers stood and stared.

"Where's Steve?" called Jen as the side of the building began to crumble. Gwen turned to look at the destruction, even as she tended to the woman in labor. Smoke and dust billowed outward in a huge cloud as the two story building simply collapsed onto the ground floor.

No one spoke as the din of the building collapsing slowly died out. Only the flames licking at fallen timbers could be heard.

"There he is!" yelled Kate as the dust and smoke swirled away to reveal Steve on his knees in the street, clutching a thin blonde girl in his arms. Shaking his head, he regained his footing and started across the crowded street.

Emergency personnel and vehicles began arriving as Steve moved beside Gwen with the child clinging tightly to his neck. Gwen was tending to the woman when she yelled at Steve. "I need your shirt! The baby's coming!"

Steve quickly placed the child he was holding on the ground and pulled his shirt over his head. He shook it violently to rid it of most of the dust. Then he handed it to Gwen, just in time for the baby to make its grand entrance! Gwen deftly caught it in Steve's shirt and wiped it off as well as she could.

Suddenly she handed the now crying baby girl to Steve and quickly pulled her blouse over her head. She spread the blouse out, carefully removed the baby from Steve's shirt and placed it on her blouse. Then she meticulously folded the blouse around the baby and picked it back up.

By this time the small girl that Steve had carried from the burning building was back in his arms, clutching his neck as tightly as her tiny arms could manage. Her little face was pressed to Steve's as she and Steve both watched Gwen hold the crying newborn. Gwen smiled at the baby and then gently placed her on her mother's chest. The new mother smiled her thanks and clutched the infant lovingly.

Suddenly an almost hysterical woman rushed up to Steve with her arms out. The child in Steve's arms released her grip around his neck and extended her hands toward the frantic woman. Gwen listened as Steve spoke to the woman briefly in Russian. The young woman gave Steve a quick kiss on the cheek. Then she took the child and disappeared into the crowd that had formed.

Emergency personnel spread throughout the makeshift field hospital, replacing those that had been giving aid to the injured. The mother and baby were loaded into a waiting ambulance and driven away.

Gwen stepped up to Steve and wrapped her arms around him. He could feel her tremble in his arms and pushed her back slightly to look at her eyes. Then Steve saw what Gwen was focused on. Behind him and off to the side were four little bodies and two larger ones, all placed on blankets.

Steve took Gwen's hand and moved closer to the unfortunate victims. He dropped to his knees and Gwen quickly followed suit. As they mourned the victims, the rest of the American entourage knelt down on either side of them and bowed their heads. Seemingly from nowhere, and old man with a beard stepped in front of them and began what was obviously a Russian prayer. As he spoke, Steve softly translated it for his group. By the time the old man finished the prayer, dozens of people were kneeling alongside the Americans.

Everyone remained on their knees for another minute or so. Then Steve stood and the rest followed his lead. With his head bowed, he placed an arm over Gwen's shoulders and started back down the street to the bus they had so recently abandoned.

It was a somber group that climbed back onto the bus. Then they sat quietly as police directed the bus to a place it could turn around and backtrack a block. Then they resumed their journey to the Olympic Village. Gwen leaned her face into Steve's neck and remained silent as he once again curled one arm around her shoulders.

It was late afternoon by the time the group arrived at the hotel. They checked in and then gathered at the hotel restaurant for dinner and quiet conversation. Amber Stahl joined them twenty minutes later.

"I sent my video report back to the studio when I got to my room. As you can guess, the station was eager to air my report on the events of today. One of the reasons for the intense interest is the photograph that's on, or will be on, the front page of almost every newspaper around the world. I saw it on a copy of The New York Times online. It's just incredible.

"It seems that a couple from Nebraska was traveling here on a bus that was right behind ours. The wife snapped some pictures of the events today and sent them to her local TV station. They were shown on air, and then placed on the station's web page and social media links.

"The photo that's so remarkable shows Gwen holding the newborn baby. It's wrapped in her red blouse, with Gwen, Steve, and that adorable little girl that was clinging to him, looking down at it in Gwen's arms. Get this part. The sun was reflecting off a broken window behind Gwen and it looks like a halo around her head! Remember that she had removed her blouse to cover the baby, and her bra was strapless? In the photo, you see the baby, the top of Gwen's breasts with no visible clothing, and Steve standing bare chested next to her, clutching that cute little girl in his arms. The effect is breath taking! It's like a modern day nativity scene. No one's suggesting any divine intervention, but the viewers can make their own determination. The legend of the Lady in Red will continue to grow. That's for sure!"​