Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

When the man's face came into stronger light, Steve spoke in a challenging manner. "You'd better holster that gun, or use it."

"I don't need a gun to take you down, Hammer," replied the man as he tucked the handgun into his waistband. "How's Kate? Is she okay? I'm ashamed to admit that I was a little slow back there. Is she hurt?"

By this time Gwen was next to Kate, looking at the blood on her face and asking her questions, and listening to Kate's response. "Three men grabbed me. I went to the car to get a jacket and when I started back, they pulled me into that alley by the bakery. I tried to fight them off, but one guy slapped me real hard and another one yanked on my shirt and ripped it.

"Then this man came down the alley. He told them to leave me alone. One of the men attacked him with a knife, and he just grabbed the guy's arm. Then it looked like he made the guy stab himself. The two that were left let go of me and pulled out guns! He shot them both! I started running because I was so afraid, and he chased me. I knew if I could get to you, Steve, I'd be okay. I'm sorry if I put everyone here in danger. I was really, really scared!"

Steve once again pulled Kate close and rubbed her back as he spoke calmly to her. "Always come to me when you have any trouble. That's what brothers are for. You're not in any danger now. This guy's not only ugly, but he's also harmless."

"Those cartel guys didn't think I was too harmless when I saved your ass a week ago," replied the stranger as he flashed a dazzling smile. "Maybe I should've let them shoot you in the back. It would've served you right for staying behind without me!"

"Why am I beginning to think you two know each other?" asked Gwen as she looked from Steve to the stranger as understanding suddenly washed over her face. "You're a SEAL, too! You were with Steve in Colombia! How come you were in that alley when those guys attacked Kate? What about those guys? Should we call an ambulance?"

"Unless I miss my guess, they're beyond any medical help now," responded Steve as the man quickly nodded his head in agreement. "Chip wouldn't have left them breathing after they treated Kate like that. We do need to call the police and report it."

"Chip? This is Chip? The guy you talk about so much?" quizzed Gwen of Steve before turning her full attention on the man standing before her. "Tell me how you wound up in that alley when Kate was attacked."

"I was pretty pissed at your pretty boy here, when he dropped off the chopper and went back for those kids without inviting me along. I called in some favors to try to find out where he was and to see if he needed me back in there to save his sorry ass again. My cousin is married to a guy in ONI, so I asked her to find out what she could.

"They couldn't tell me squat about Steve, but he did tell me that three men that had ties to Flores had recently boarded a flight for the US. They were scheduled to layover in Dallas and then catch a connecting flight this way.

"I was waiting in the local airport when they got off the plane, rented a car and headed for Sparta. I followed them. Steve already had enough on his plate at the time. He was pretty busy in Colombia, while I had been given direct orders to NOT go there for any reason. I thought I might be able to best help him out by keeping an eye on his family. I've been in Sparta three days, following those guys around. They acted like regular tourists until just a few minutes ago when they attacked your sister.

"I did take the time the other day to stop at the police station and inform Chief Blanchard why I was in town, and that I was carrying. I showed him my military ID and my permit from home. He had no problem issuing me a permit here. He said that the police couldn't do much unless the three men broke the law."

"Were you sent here by the Navy, or the CIA, or somebody?" asked Jordan in amazement at the man's story.

"Naw, I had some leave coming, so I took a few days off and hotfooted it up here. If something had happened to one of you, I never would've been able to face Steve again. Plus, he's always bragging about how smart and beautiful his lady friends are, especially Gwen's little sister, Kate. I thought maybe I'd see for myself," admitted Chip.

"Steve told you I was beautiful?" reveled Kate. "I didn't think he ever even noticed me. Not with Gwen, Lisa, Ashley, Nadiya, and so many gorgeous women around. So you think I'm beautiful, Steve?"

"Is that all you took from Chip's story?" marveled Steve. "Because of me, men were sent here to hurt you and your family! You should be wishing you never met me."

"Oh, don't get all melodramatic," responded Kate. "You're the best thing that ever happened to this family, and this town. You're probably the best thing the whole country has ever seen, at least when you and Gwen are together. Where are your manners? Shouldn't you introduce me to my protector?"

"Kate, this pathetic little guy is Chester Martin. He might be Chester the third, or fourth. I don't remember. Chester, this lovely woman is Kate Anderson. She's way too much of a lady to be seen with a guy like you, so don't get any ideas."

"Little guy? He's well over six foot and two hundred pounds, not that I've noticed," blushed Kate as she extended her hand. "It's nice to meet you, Chester. Thanks for saving me in that alley."

"Everyone calls me Chip," insisted the red-faced SEAL as he glared at Steve. "He knows that. Please call me Chip."

Before the conversation went any farther, two policemen arrived and began asking questions. Chip was disarmed and interrogated thoroughly. More police were sent to the alley. As expected, they found that all three men were dead. The coroner was summoned, and then Kate was questioned extensively. At three AM, the local DA walked into the restaurant. He listened carefully as the investigators explained what they had learned. Satisfied that he had all the information available from the police, he walked to where Steve was sitting quietly with Gwen and their friends.

"I know you've had a long day, but we need to sort this out. It appears that three men traveled here from Colombia to do grievous bodily harm to one, or more of your friends, probably for a significant sum of money. Your Navy friend got wind of it and came here to protect your extended family while you were otherwise occupied.

"He also happens to be a Navy SEAL, trained in God knows what. Kate states that she was forced into the alley against her will. She was struck in the face when she resisted, and some clothing was ripped from her body. Your buddy stepped into the fray at that point. Those three alleged hired killers made the tactical error of trying to kill him, so they naturally wound up dead. You can probably see where this is going.

"Your friend will not get his gun back. He will not leave town until we sort this out to the satisfaction of my office, as well as the Navy and the Feds. Are you willing to vouch for the character and integrity of this man so we don't have to keep him in jail tonight? And will you give me your personal guarantee that he will avoid any further trouble during his stay?" finished the DA.

Steve glanced at Chip briefly before turning to face the DA. "Sir, I've served alongside Chip since I graduated the Academy. We signed up to be SEALs at the same time and trained together. We went through Hell Week together. I trust him with my life. In fact, I've already trusted him with my life, and he's come through. He came to Sparta because he was worried about my friends, and my inability to care for them while in Colombia. He saved Kate's life tonight. He's a man of character and honor. He's an extremely dangerous man when provoked, but honest, kind, and respectful to everyone that deserves it. I will unconditionally vouch for him!" declared Steve with some emotion.

"That's about what I expected," replied the DA. "You both appear to be cut from the same cloth."

As the DA left to speak to a one of the policemen, Kate showed her surprise at Steve's strong endorsement. "Wow! That was some recommendation! You must really trust Chip. There aren't too many people that you speak so highly of."

"Kate, I'm serious as a heart attack right now. If you ever have a problem, if any of you ever has a problem, and I'm not around to help, reach out to Chip. We've been through some situations that test, as well as reveal character. I've seen what's inside him. I trust him like I trust Billy, Charlie, Jason, and Jared."

"So if I find myself on his lap in a hot tub, he'll remain a gentleman?" teased Kate as she appraised Chip from head to toe before she had a sudden concern. "Are you married, or engaged, Chip?"

"Not at the moment, but you could change that situation at any time," answered Chip smoothly. "Just let me know when you want to pick out the ring."

"That's exactly what I was worried about," groaned Steve. "You're a lot more dangerous than those cartel men. Kate, stay away from this guy. He's no good!"

"That's not what you just told the DA. In fact, you made him sound like the best thing since sliced bread," pointed out Kate. "He's strong, handsome, single, and he just saved my life. Don't I deserve a hero like Lisa and Gwen have?"

"You're serious?" asked Steve with some surprise. "Chip and I have a running battle of insults and competition. That's a man thing and we understand it. We totally respect each other and there's nothing more important between men, than respect and trust. He's the real deal, but don't get all muddle-headed over one incident. Don't rush into anything."

"Do you mean like falling in love at first sight at a mall? Winning a football game just for a date? Explain what I shouldn't rush into!"

Steve was again surprised at Kate's passionate reaction. "Kate, you do what you feel will make you happy. I'll support you, and love you no matter what. You know that."

"That's the big brother I know and love! I'm not going to run off with the guy, but he looks pretty good at first glance and he's the first guy to propose to me, so that gives him a head start. Then there's the fact that he saved my life. That's another important factor, don't you think?"

As the subject of the debate, Chip blushed as he listened to his friend and the beautiful young woman discuss his merits like a prized bull.

"If I wasn't so tired, I'd be adding my two cents. But this night has already lasted about three hours too long," complained Gwen as she stifled a yawn. "I'm supposed to be sleeping in the desert tonight, with a billion stars all around. Right now, I'd settle for a comfortable bed and one handsome star all around me."

As everyone prepared to leave, Steve took the time to shake Chip's hand and speak quietly to him. "You know what Gwen and her family mean to me. I owe you, big time. If you ever need me, or anything I have, just let me know."

"Kate's a beautiful woman. All of these women are beautiful! I'm glad to help. You know you don't owe me anything, and I know you'll insist that you do. I'll never forget when you came back for me and pulled me onto that boat. I'll never be able to pay you back," insisted Chip.

Steve woke Gwen up later that morning as he made slow, gentle love to her. "That was exactly what I needed," sighed Gwen. "I'll give you a few minutes to rest and then we'll do it again, but next time we'll make it last."

"Did you forget that I'm supposed to be debriefed at ten? I need to get dressed. I just couldn't resist that luscious body of yours. You're an incredibly desirable woman. I can't begin to tell you how much I love you."

"You're not supposed to be able to resist me! That's how this all works. We can't resist each other; we stay very much in love, and we have a family. You wanting me is what leads to us having children some day. In the meantime, we practice so we'll be able to do it right when the time comes."

"Wow! Med school is really paying off," teased Steve. "You know so much more than when I first met you. It's amazing."

"That's true, Wise Guy. I know a great deal more about love, sex, family, relationships, Russia, France, and the Ukraine, not to mention death and suffering. I also know what a remarkable man you are. Was it pretty bad in Colombia? Do you want to talk about it?" asked a suddenly serious Gwen.

"Some of it was pretty bad. I hope those two girls aren't scarred from it. They were almost raped. They saw me kill their attackers with a knife because I couldn't risk shooting and attracting more men. We lived in the jungle for a week. They were so frightened from a large snake we encountered on the first day that they insisted on being with me all of the time. I don't mean in sight of me, but close to me. Then they were there that last day when I had to engage the cartel forces to save the girls and me. I killed a lot of people, Gwen. That doesn't feel good, regardless of how I justify it. Chip's going to be doing some soul searching today, too. He did what he had to do last night, but he'll be wondering if he did the right thing. If it didn't bother him, he wouldn't be the man he is."

"I'm here for you, Steve. You'll be seeing Lisa and Jason later today and that will cheer you up, and help you put everything in perspective. Lisa's baby bump is getting bigger and she positively glows. You saved her husband, the father of her unborn child. You saved those precious girls. You even brought back a sick child to be treated at the new hospital. These are the reasons you did what you had to do, and I'm so proud of you I can't stand it," praised Gwen as she gently kissed Steve. "We'll talk this out when we have time so we can get you all the way back to me. I know that it takes some time, but you're worth it, Sweetheart."

The couple showered and dressed quickly. They found Paula in the kitchen and heard Ted outside mowing the backyard. "Maybe you can tell me exactly what happened last night after Ted and I left for home. I'll make some breakfast while you two spill the beans. I watched the news this morning and had to go check on Kate in her bed to be sure she's okay. Who's this guy that helped her out last night? Is he safe to be around? The news made him sound pretty dangerous."

"Mom, have you listened to the reports about Steve and the things he's done? No one sounds more dangerous than he is. I doubt if anyone is, at least to bad guys. You know how impetuous Kate is. She may have just found her knight in shining armor, so I'd suggest you don't disparage this fellow in front of Kate, Steve, or me.

"He saved Kate's life. He took on three armed men that had come to Sparta to do harm to those of us close to Steve. Chip, that's his name, was worried about Steve, so he used all his connections to find out that three men associated with Flores were coming to Sparta. Then he used his vacation time and his own money to get here first. He followed the guys around to see if they were planning any trouble.

"They hit Kate and dragged her into the alley by the bakery. They ripped her clothes and must have had some terrible things in mind for her. Steve's friend, who just happens to be another Navy SEAL, ended what those thugs started. To answer your question, I'd say he's very dangerous to anyone doing harm to innocent women and children. He's almost as dangerous as Steve. Do you worry when you're around Steve? Does he make you uncomfortable, or frightened?" asked Gwen pointedly.

"Of course not! I know the kind of man he is. This Chip must have made quite an impression on you and Kate," observed Paula.

"It wasn't Chip so much as it was Steve. The DA asked Steve if he'd vouch for Chip. I've never heard Steve stronger in his support of any man. I rely on Steve's judgment when it comes to men, and he gives this guy top marks across the board. Kate was her usually emotional self and when she heard Steve vouch so strongly for Chip, she knew that he was the genuine article. She knows how Steve can pick out the posers in seconds. Chip's the real deal.

"If Kate accepts his proposal, he'll be your son-in-law some day, so you'd better get used to having him around. He was all doe-eyed around her. If she decides he's the one, he's got no chance at all," stated Gwen flatly.

"He proposed to Kate? When? While he was saving her from those horrible men? This is way too sudden. I'll speak to Kate," promised Paula.

"Sure, that'll really help. Tell her that you don't believe in love at first sight. Or tell her that she should find a dentist or lawyer since her two sisters went for the strong, silent, and extremely deadly type. Tell her that she's only twenty-two and isn't mature enough to make her own decisions, and explain why you let me sleep with Steve when I was eighteen."

"Oh, dear!" responded Paula as she considered Gwen's words. "I may have been overreacting a bit. I need to meet this young man and see how it all develops. I'd never try to stand between Kate and a decent man that she cares about."

"Then you'd better stay out of the way, Mom, because this guy might be the one for me," stated Kate as she poured herself a cup of coffee and sat at the table. "I dreamed about him all night, what there was of the night. I'm not worried whether you'll like him or not, or approve of him. He's like Steve and Jason, and that's pretty good company. You'll see."

A few minutes later, Ashley entered the kitchen. "There are news people all over town. Steve coming home was huge news, but after the attempt on Kate last night, it's a madhouse. I see you don't have the TV on. There are reporters camped at the end of your driveway, just waiting for someone to step out. I thought I might be able to help keep this from becoming an even bigger circus."

As Ashley finished speaking, the doorbell rang. "I'll get that! Don't worry, if it's a reporter I'll send them packing," promised Ashley as she marched purposefully to the front door.

Even from the kitchen, everyone could hear Ashley challenge the visitor. She demanded she be given some form of identification before she allowed the person to enter the house.

"This is Captain Neary. He's here to speak with Steve about some sort of vague situation in some unknown part of the world," introduced Ashley. "I tried to tell him Steve was kind of tired, but he insisted that he was expecting him."

"It's easier to get into the Pentagon than it is to get past this lady," chuckled the Captain. "She's the most attractive body guard I've ever come across. You can sit down, Steve."

Steve had come to attention when his superior officer entered the room. He sat back down when he was told that he could.

"Please have a seat, Captain," invited Paula. "We were having breakfast and I'd be more than happy to make some for you."

"Thanks, Ma'am, but I ate a few hours ago. I would accept a cup of that coffee that smells so good. As you all must know, I've been sent here to debrief Steve and to determine his mental state. I am not a psychologist. I'm a JAG officer and just happened to be the closest available one.

"I was told to tread lightly, unless there appeared to be a serious issue, and to not take up too much of your time. The bottom line is that the Navy wants a full written report of your activities in Colombia from the time the choppers landed there to the time you stepped off the helicopter at the hospital. They want it within four business days, which is Friday since Monday is a holiday.

"You are not to discuss anything that happened during the week you were away from your unit with the press, or civilians of any kind. I have asked for a complete medical report from the local hospital and have been assured that it will be forthcoming."

"Are we supposed to leave you two alone? I'm Gwen Anderson, Steve's girlfriend. We don't have many secrets, but if he's ordered to not tell me something he won't."

"That was my error!" blurted Ashley. "I should have introduced everyone. This is Gwen, Kate, and Paula Anderson. I'm Ashley Summers. I work for the family business."

"Your modesty is very becoming," responded Captain Neary. "I've seen you in movies and read about you on the internet. You're whatever the company or any of the inner circle needs you to be.

"To answer the question, no one needs to leave unless Steve has something he feels he needs to tell me right now. I watched the show last night and you appear to be holding up fine. Are there any issues you feel you want to discuss with me?" asked Captain Neary.

"Not really. It was a long week and some of it was pretty unpleasant. Be sure those girls get some attention. They held up real well, but they saw a lot of death, and they were almost raped. They seemed strong and pretty well adjusted, but we both know how these things can take a toll over a period of time, and they're great kids. Sam is a bit autistic, but not much. She's real quiet and doesn't warm up to people too fast. Roxie really watches out for her."

"Okay, now that I have the official business out of the way, I just wanted to tell you that I was at that bowl game in Arizona when Penn State was handed the game by the refs. I was about fifty feet away from you when you made that beer bottle catch. I still marvel at the memory. You saved that guy's life."

"Was that the first bowl game you played in? The one where everyone thought the refs cheated?" asked Kate.

Steve grinned at the way Captain Neary described the game. "At the end of the game, Penn State had more points than we did. That made them the winner. There was no cheating. The officials did their best, just like us players. Anyone can make a mistake. I sure made some in that game."

Steve thought back to his first year at the Academy as everyone around him continued to chatter about their memories of that first bowl game. His thoughts went back five years as he recalled the amazing experiences and how they all began.

After the huge come-from-behind victory over Ohio State in their first game, and the Labor Day opening of their movie 'Midnight Lights', Steve's status at the Academy was elevated considerably. There was simply no way that the other cadets could treat him like everyone else. He was a bona fide movie star and more importantly, the great quarterback they had been lacking for a very long time.

He began practicing with the first team as soon as he returned from California that Labor Day Weekend. He even spent extra time with the receivers after regular practice, working on learning their capabilities and limitations.

It was time well spent as Navy became a football force to be reckoned with. With a less than difficult schedule, they were able to avoid a single loss through the first eight games. They were known for a high scoring offense, but had a somewhat porous defense. They won by outscoring the opposition.

They traveled to San Jose in late October with a perfect 7-0 record. The team had developed a winning attitude, as well as a bit of swagger. As the guys prepared to climb off the bus from the airport, they noticed several girls standing outside their hotel, obviously waiting to welcome them.

"Look at that one on the left!" exclaimed Jeff Charles, the senior wide receiver and a self-acknowledged ladies man. "She's a stone cold fox. Watch me work my magic, Boys. This is going to be a great weekend."

He stepped off the bus first and confidently walked up to the beautiful girl and introduced himself. She politely shook his hand and smiled. Then her smile suddenly doubled in size as she rushed past Jeff and toward the bus.

"Steve!" was all she managed before she was in Steve's arms. She proceeded to kiss him long and hard before she finally released him.

"Guys, this is....."

"Gwen Anderson!" exclaimed about four teammates, just before Mel Phillips declared, "She's smokin' hot!"

Gwen and Steve both laughed at that proclamation before Gwen led Steve over to see the three friends that had accompanied her to San Jose.

"Cindy! How are you? Dakota, you look great! Audrey! It's nice to see you again, even with your clothes on!" joked Steve as he hugged each of the girls. "Thanks for making the trip with Gwen. You're good friends."

"Yeah, it was quite a sacrifice," deadpanned Audrey. "We rode all the way over just to get hugs from Gwen's boyfriend. You'd think he was Steve Hammer or something the way the girls wanted to ride with us. Luckily we only had room in the car to accommodate the four of us and our suitcases. We'll be cheering for you at the game tomorrow."

"Yeah, and I want to hear Gwen make those strange noises again tonight," added Cindy with a chuckle. "I'm still trying to get the ending down. I can do the rest of it pretty good."

"It's game night and we have curfew, plus rules against having girls in our rooms," so there won't be any funny noises tonight," responded Steve with a long face.

"Hey, Hammer!" called Jeff Charles. "Are you going to keep all of these ladies to yourself, or are you going to introduce them to us?"

Steve laughed and escorted the girls into the hotel where he spent an eternity introducing the girls to his teammates. Gwen laughed and joked with the guys as they all crowded around her. Many of them had their phones out and were taking 'selfies' as Gwen smiled and posed with everyone that asked. It wasn't until the next day as the team warmed up that Steve realized that seeing Gwen in person had raised his position with his teammates another notch.

He lost track of how many of the guys told him what a beautiful woman Gwen was and how lucky he was to have such an incredibly sexy, but down to earth girlfriend. In the short time she had spent with them, Gwen had made a tremendous impression on the team.

Steve realized that he had never given much thought to Gwen's skill with people. She joked and flirted with the guys on the team, but never misled any of them and never said or did anything inappropriate. She knew what position each guy played and even mentioned some of their more memorable plays from the season. She was beautiful, intelligent, and extremely personable. Even the coaches thought she was tops. Steve's appreciation of his girlfriend increased to an even higher level after the trip to San Jose.

When Gwen sang the National Anthem before the game, the guys were even more impressed, if that was possible. The game itself was a laugher as Navy scored early and often to win 42-21. On the plane ride home, Gwen was a bigger topic of conversation than the victory. That was when Steve realized that he needed to adjust his perception of how much effect Gwen had on men. She practically had his teammates bewitched!

The next week, Notre Dame came to town. They played the game in Landover, Maryland. Notre Dame was ranked seventh nationally. They were led by an explosive offense and a stingy defense. Steve passed for almost four hundred yards, but the Irish had too many weapons and crushed Navy 48-36. The score was actually closer than the game had been. A late touchdown made it look like Navy had been in it, but they had been thoroughly flogged, and the players knew it.

Rather than spend time worrying about the loss, the team increased its efforts, and won the rest of its games. The Army game wasn't even close. Army had no answer for the high flying offense of the Navy. When Navy received an invitation to play Penn State in one of the lesser bowl games, everyone on the team was ecstatic.

The game was scheduled for the Saturday afternoon between Christmas and New Year's. 71,000 fans filled Sun Devil Stadium to watch the most exciting bowl game of the year. Pregame hype focused on the Jared vs Steve showdown. It was well known that the two had gone to high school together and were close friends. Would they be able to put aside their friendship and play their best against each other?

The first play of the game answered that question. Steve faked a handoff to the running back and then turned throw a pass to the tight end. That was as far as he got before Jared hit him like a truck and flattened him for a six yard loss.

On the next play, Steve stepped ahead to pass only to find Jared jumping high in an attempt to block his pass. Steve simply double pumped and then rifled the ball twenty yards down the field to his wide out for a first down.

Navy began keeping the fullback in to help block Jared as no one on the Navy offensive line was able to contain Jared by themselves. The score seesawed back and forth the entire game. Navy found itself with the ball and down by five with just over two minutes left. They were on their own fifteen yard line.

Navy fans were on their feet, fully expecting Steve to lead the team down the field for the winning score. Navy did manage to march to the ten yard line with seconds left on the clock. On the final play of the game, Steve's pass was just beyond the outstretched hands of the tight end. When the replay was shown on the big screen at the stadium, a Penn State defensive was shown to have clearly held the jersey of the tight end, preventing him from getting to the ball. The Navy fans became extremely irate and vented their wrath on the officials.

Objects began flying onto the field in the general direction of the officials. Luckily, most of the items tossed there way were light and had little effect. Steve was disappointed at the outcome of the game and how the officials missed a critical play, but he had learned long ago that it was part of the game. They were simply men doing their best, but still prone to human error.

Steve made the snap decision to join the officials as they headed for the tunnel to their dressing room. He hoped that his presence would prevent the Navy fans from overreacting. He was trotting alongside a line judge when he caught movement from the corner of his eye. Instinctively, he turned his head in that direction as his left hand shot up and caught a half full beer bottle about a foot over the line judge's head.

A hush enveloped the fans in that part of the stadium as they realized what had just transpired. Steve had just saved the man's life. The bottle had been traveling directly for the man's head. With the distance covered and the weight and speed of the bottle, there was little doubt what the results would have been if not for Steve's speed and coordination.

The man Steve saved never saw the bottle and had no idea how close he had come to serious brain damage, or death. The officials kept trotting for the lockers while the fans nearby began clapping and cheering as Steve stopped running, and held the beer bottle up in amazement. The moment had been caught on camera and was soon being replayed on the huge screens on each end of the stadium as the players left for their lockers.

When Steve entered the locker room, he heard the expected bitching about being cheated out of the win by the officials and felt he had to say something. "I can't speak for you guys, but here's how I see it. We lost the game, not because the officials missed a call. I missed three passes in a row in the second quarter and we had to punt. I threw an interception that killed a drive. I was sacked three times and hurried a bunch more.

"Blaming men that have to be in on every play and are expected to be perfect on every play isn't what Navy football is about. Blame me. I wasn't in for every play like the refs were, but I made more mistakes than they did. We've had too great a season to have it end with us players acting like spoiled kids. This is the test. Anyone can be a gracious winner. We lost. How we handle that loss will determine what kind of a team we are and what kind of men we are. So if anyone asks why we lost, blame it all on me if you need someone to be responsible."

"I don't think that's accurate," stated the halfback as he studied his shoes. "I fumbled the ball on that long drive in the third quarter. If I hadn't dropped the ball, we would've scored."

"Hell! I missed at least three easy tackles. One was when the punt returner ran the ball back for a touchdown," declared Jake Dern, the big middle linebacker. "This loss is on me. We all know that."

By the time the players had showered and reported to the media room to answer questions directed at them by sports reporters, not one of them would blame the officiating for the loss. Each man would point out a mistake they had personally made that may well have cost the team the game.

When Steve made his way to the podium for the post game interview, he received more questions about his catch of the thrown bottle than about the game. It made the evening news as well as the highlight reels.

Lady in Red Productions had leased Sun Devil Stadium for the evening of the game as soon as it was known that Navy had accepted an invitation. Three hours after the game ended, Gwen, Jordan, Charlie, Steve and the band took the stage to perform. The game had been a sellout and the concert enjoyed the same success. All profits were donated to a local children's hospital. Lady in Red Productions' reputation for charitable works continued to grow.

"Hello! Steve!" called Kate as Steve's daydreaming was brought to a screeching halt. He shook his head to clear it and to bring his mind back to the present. He swept the memories of that first bowl game from his mind and concentrated on what Kate was saying.

"I guess I'm not all that interesting to you. I was telling Captain Neary that you still have that beer bottle stashed someplace. You did put it away somewhere, didn't you?" continued Kate.

Steve was about to respond when the doorbell rang. Ashley jumped to her feet and hurried to the door. She soon returned with Chip Martin following her closely.

"Paula, I'd like you to meet Kate's white knight. He's also the man that may be your future son-in-law. This is Chip Martin. Chip, this lady is Kate's mother, Paula. Tread lightly."

The young man stepped up to Paula and took her hand and brought it quickly to his lips. "Mrs. Anderson, it is truly a pleasure to meet you. It's obvious that your daughters inherited their beauty from you."

Paula's face reflected her surprise as she looked from Chip to Steve and back to Chip. "I understand that I owe you for saving my daughter's life last night, Chip. That and the fact that Steve speaks so highly of you makes you always welcome in our home. Is proposing to a damsel in distress after you save her part of the job description of a hero these days?"

"I understand your confusion. For half a dozen years, your beautiful daughter, Gwen, has been keeping company with a guy that's afraid of commitment. When one of your other beautiful daughters meets a real man that's willing to take the next step without fear, or need of persuasion, or a shotgun, you quite naturally experience surprise and suspicion. Not all men share Steve's fear of commitment. I'll take Kate and we'll go pick out a ring right now."

"I don't think that's necessary. Steve's never been anything but fully committed to Gwen. She's in medical school and he's in the service, so the time isn't right for them to take their relationship to the next level. I would suggest that you don't try to demean Steve to me or anyone else in this family. You won't be very popular if you do," cautioned Paula.

"What about it, Kate? Do you care if I run Steve down? He acts all high and mighty all the time. He wasn't there for you in the alley, and I was," reminded Chip. "You'd choose me over Steve any day, wouldn't you?"

"I hope you're kidding," responded Kate. "The truth is that no one is better than Steve as far as this family's concerned. Mom's right. If you made me choose between being Steve's friend or yours, he'd win every time."

Chip broke into a big smile as Kate finished speaking. "You folks have to be the best family I've ever seen! Steve kept telling me how beautiful, loyal, sincere, and intelligent the Anderson women were, but I found it hard to believe. I've never seen anyone like that, and I questioned if people like that existed. I apologize for teasing you like that.

"Steve and I have been through a few things together that forced us to depend on each other to survive. He saved my life during Hell Week. I don't forget things like that. You're right about him. He's the best man I ever saw; a lot better than I am," added Chip. "You backed the right horse."

"Why don't you sit down, have some breakfast, and tell me more about what Steve said about me?" suggested Kate. "Did he really tell you that all of us Andersons were beautiful?"

"Could I speak with Lieutenant Martin for a minute or two first?" interrupted Captain Neary. "I've been tasked with getting a report on the events of last night. I expect a full written report within forty eight hours. It will be precise and leave nothing out. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Sir!" responded Chip as he came to attention. "It will be on time and complete!"

"If I may change the subject, gentlemen," began Gwen, who had quietly listened to the various interactions of the morning. "Chip, do you have a dress uniform here in Sparta? Do you have one with you, Captain?"

"Okay," continued Gwen when both men nodded in the affirmative. "Tonight the hospital auxiliary is having a formal dance as part of the celebration of the grand opening of the new children's wing. I think that you two gentlemen should escort Kate and Ashley to the affair. You're invited to sit at our table. Our company will pick up the tickets and any other expenses that you might incur. What do you say?"

"Kate, would you be my date for the hospital dance this evening?" responded Chip immediately as he looked into Kate's smiling face.

"I'd be delighted!" answered Kate just as quickly.

"Ms. Summers, could I have the honor of escorting you to this evening's festivities?" asked Captain Neary as soon as Kate responded to Chip.

"If you call me Ashley, I would be happy to accompany you, Captain Neary," agreed Ashley with a slight blush. "That is if Steve thinks it would be okay."

"Please call me Mark," returned Captain Neary. "But, can I ask why Lieutenant Hammer has to agree to our evening?"

"The truth is, Mark, that I've made some bad decisions regarding men and dating in the past. Now I rely on Steve to help me determine if I should accept requests for dates. It's no reflection on you. It's all about my past mistakes and lack of sound judgment."

"We've discussed this before, Ashley," began Steve. "You're not the same young girl that you were years ago. You're very capable. You've already indicated that you'd like to go with Captain Neary. He's an officer in the U.S. Navy. His reputation is extremely important to him, as it should be. He'll make an excellent date, and he'll be a gentleman at all times."

"That's all I needed to hear, except for one other thing. You aren't married, engaged, or going steady with anyone, are you, Mark?" asked Ashley pointedly.

"God, no!" laughed Captain Neary. "I'd never accompany a beautiful woman like you to a function if I were in a relationship with another woman. It would guarantee the end of that relationship. Few women are as lovely as you, or secure enough to allow their significant other to enjoy your company for any period of time."

"Does the Navy have courses in courting women or something?" wondered Gwen out loud. "Every one of these officers keeps trying to outdo the other. It's the smoothest group of men I've ever been around. We'll have a lot of fun tonight!"

Later that day, Steve escorted Gwen into the Lady in Red Center, where the hospital auxiliary was holding its formal dance. They entered with Charlie, Jordan, Kate, Chip, Ashley, and Mark Neary. Steve was pleasantly surprised to find Lisa and Jason already seated at their large table with Paula, Ted, Steve's grandparents and Paula's parents.​