Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

Once they were out of hearing, Jong asked Steve to tell him what had just taken place. Steve explained how he noticed that the second man had not fired all of his rounds, thus causing Steve to be concerned. He remained close to the man and it was a simple matter to deflect his arm so the shot was high and wide. As Steve finished his explanation, Jong was smiling as he shook his hand firmly and promised the Duval family would be allowed to return with the American contingent.

Because of the attempt on his life, Jong had the city locked down while his advisors tried to determine who was behind the plot to kill him. The Americans were instructed to terminate their visit and leave as soon as possible.

Just before takeoff, the Duval family was driven out to the aircraft and allowed to climb onboard. It was a very jubilant group that took off for Washington. Steve was actually embarrassed at the way the two girls fawned over him on the flight home. Senator Mason had explained Steve's role in securing their release while the two girls stared at him with big moon eyes as they listened in awe.

Hampton Duval was very emotional as he shook Steve's hand and clapped him on the Back. Hampton Jr. was only slightly less demonstrative as he thanked Steve profusely. The mother and sisters cried as they hugged Steve and thanked him over and over. Steve realized how stressed the family was and graciously accepted their praise.

The reporters on the flight made certain that they recorded the touching reaction to the family as they expressed their gratitude. Representative Kasen made a feeble attempt to gain some time and interest from the reporters before he gave up in frustration.

Once things had settled down, Senator Chatham indicated she wanted Steve to sit in the seat next to her. "You came through for that fine family today, Steve. You made us all look good. I want you to know that President Hanson is quite pleased with my report. I even think our relationship with North Korea might improve. You saved Jong's bacon and he knows it. Hopefully, he'll be a little easier to get along with, but that remains to be seen.

"I've noticed you've developed a much tougher, less patient attitude toward your critics since the trouble Gwen had with the Ethics Committee. I was worried that you were going to throttle that idiot, Kasen. Is this change permanent, or just an aftereffect of the unfair accusations against Gwen last month?"

"Both," replied Steve as he formulated his thoughts. "I've come to realize that I can't keep turning the other cheek when someone comes after me. It's seen as weakness by many. I'll always try to be fair and polite to those that show me the same courtesy, but if anyone thinks they can run roughshod over me, they'll quickly find out that it won't happen. If someone attacks Gwen, I'll make certain that they regret it.

"We're public figures and subject to rumors, lies, innuendos, and insults. I understand that and accept it. I will not accept disrespect and accusations that demean or belittle what we've accomplished, or hope to accomplish. Kasen went on this trip simply for the publicity. I don't think he really cared if the Duvals were freed or not as long as he had his picture in the paper. I have nothing but contempt for people like that, and I really don't care to conceal it any longer."

Gwen received an email from Steve that evening before she went to bed indicating all had gone well and the Duval family was returning to the states. It wasn't until she watched the news the next morning that she learned just how instrumental Steve had been in the success of the mission. She chuckled to herself when she read his email over again. He wasn't one to brag, that was for sure!

Gwen and Charlotte had to work very hard and spend a great deal of time preparing for their finals. The school had been lenient about allowing time off for the international efforts they were involved with, but expected them to pass the same tests as everyone else. They finished their third year of med school the day before the annual Memorial Day Weekend concert in Sparta.

The day of Gwen's return to Sparta for the summer marked the day that the first issue of the company's quarterly magazine hit the newsstands. Gwen had not had time to preview it because of her studies. She had spent several hours showing her friends and relatives around her brand new four thousand square foot home that afternoon.

"I know it's a lot like Jordan's, Lisa's, and Mom's, but I wanted everyone to see it," admitted Gwen as she tried to contain her joy. "Having a new home with my favorite people living so close is a dream come true. I hope to have you all over hundreds of times in the next forty years. We have five bedrooms. I don't know if we'll manage to fill them all, but once we get married, we'll start working on it."

"At least you're going to marry a guy that changes diapers, although he may decide that he doesn't want too many kids after he changes enough of them," laughed Lisa. "When do you think you'll get married, anyway?"

"Steve knows that I expect a ring sometime after I get my M.D., and a wedding within a year of the engagement. I could be twenty seven years old by the time we're married! I hope I'm still able to have children."

"As an almost doctor, I can tell you about actual reports of women almost thirty years of age giving birth, if you can believe that," laughed Charlotte. "In fact, I plan on being one of them. Billy and I expect to be married within a year of getting my degree, too. We're a little concerned about how much time residency requires, but we'll make it work. I just hope I can land a position with the local hospital."

"If you can't, we'll shake the place up," assured Paula. "They always need good doctors, especially ones that worked so hard to raise money for the new wing. Pediatricians are always in demand and you'll be a good one. I'm sure of that."

"I can't wait to show Steve the house tomorrow. We'll be sleeping in our own bed in our own house," smiled Gwen.

"And we all know why you can't wait," laughed Jordan. "I'll never forget the day in Russia when we walked in on you and Steve. If I hadn't seen it, I never would've believed it. Do you have orgasms like that all of the time?"

"Not all of the time," replied Gwen thoughtfully. "Usually they're much more intense, but we were pretty tired that day, so we didn't give it our best."

"I call bullshit!" responded Lisa. "If you had them any more intense, you'd be in a coma by now. Every last one of us was stunned when your eye rolled into your head and you practically howled in ecstasy. I bet it'll be interesting living around here on warm summer nights when all the bedroom windows are open and eerie moans and erotic howlings echo across the hillsides and across the lake."

"Okay, that was one of our better moments, but we've had a few that surpassed it" revealed Gwen with a smile. "I think it's because I love that guy so much, he's so strong, and has such a big ..."

"Okay!" interrupted Paula. "The guy's a regular love machine. Let's change the subject. And I'd advise you to stop telling women what a great lover Steve is. All of the girls adore him already. You're just making the temptation worse for them with that sort of talk."

"Speak for yourself. Or are you?" asked Stephanie. "It isn't just us younger women that drool when Steve's around. We all know that Steve has a thing for you, and you're pretty crazy about him. Maybe you're having trouble with the temptation, too."

"Regardless, we need to change the subject. Have you seen the first issues of Lady in Red, Gwen?" asked Paula. "It's extra thick because it gives a history of the company and the owners. We held up printing so we could include that trip to Russia and the Ukraine. Then we had to add Steve's jaunt to North Korea and how he's now friends with another world leader. I think it'll be a collector's item!"

"We're selling them below cost because we have all of the advertising in them and we want to circulate as many as we can," added Stephanie.

"We had a bunch printed in Russian and Ukrainian, as well," commented Lisa. "I spoke to a major clothing line in Moscow while we were there and they agreed to carry our line. They'll sell our clothes all over Russia, which can be huge for us. I did the same in Kiev and hope to have a lot of sales in the Ukraine."

"I'll tell Steve about that. He's coming in tomorrow and we'll be spending our first night in our new home after the concert. I can hardly wait!" admitted Gwen cheerfully. "He's bringing company, but the house is big enough so any noises I make will go unheard, I hope."

"I didn't know that Steve was bringing someone with him," replied Jordan. "Please tell me that it isn't Nadiya!"

"No, it isn't, Miss Smarty-pants! Besides, she has a boyfriend now, so I can stop worrying about her, for the most part."

"Who's the mystery guest?" asked Paula.

"Cynthia and Vince will be spending Friday and Saturday with us. We're going to show them around Sparta and have them as our guests at the concert," responded Gwen.

"Just so I'm clear," managed a surprised Charlotte. "You're talking about the next president and his wife, possibly?"

"I'd say it's a good chance, actually," answered Gwen. "He's been doing well in the polls and winning primaries. He's pretty much a cinch to get his party's nomination. It'll be a tough general election, but Steve and I think he'll get in."

"You're having the next president sleeping here tomorrow? On your first night in your new house?" marveled Lisa. "I guess we should start getting used to world leaders and famous people spending time in Asgard. We'd better get Valhalla finished this year so we'll have enough room for everyone that wants to spend some time here with Jordan, Gwen, Charlie, and Steve."

After everyone left, Gwen sat at her new kitchen table looking through the magazine. The ads were sexy, but very well done. The stories were fascinating, even to Gwen who had witnessed many of the situations live. It was obvious to Gwen that Stephanie had come up with a great idea!

Sparta was extremely crowded the next day. When the helicopter flew over town on its way to Asgard in the early afternoon, most locals assumed that it was delivering Steve home.

Less than an hour later, Jordan and Charlie, along with Steve and Gwen, and Cynthia and Vincent Rosen were seen browsing the local stores and shops. Two years prior, Sparta had started the tradition of shutting down Main Street to vehicular traffic on the day of the concert. It gave the town's merchants opportunities to use the sidewalks, and even the streets to display their wares as thousands of people visited the downtown area.

Steve had advised the Rosens to not campaign while they were in town. "The idea is for people to see you as regular guests and not politicians trying to garner votes. If you're likable, you'll gain their support. If you use this crowd to try to campaign, many people will resent it. Just be a normal couple visiting friends and having a good time. Trust me on this. You'll be glad that you did."

The four famous friends spent a lot of time catching up with neighbors and introducing the Rosens to them. When asked about political issues, the Rosens would simply smile and tell everyone that they were taking the weekend off from politics to enjoy the holiday in Sparta. That response always seemed to please the people within hearing.

"Look how Gwen, Jordan, Steve, and Charlie, greet people by name and ask about their families," pointed out Cynthia Rosen to her husband. "We need to learn from them. We keep trying to make people interested in us, when we should be interested in them!"

Gwen and Jordan were surrounded by girls of all ages asking questions and just trying to interact with the two famous women. Soon both of them were holding a little girl in each arm and laughing with the others. It was an education for the Rosens and they were serious students. No candidate for the highest office in the land ever generated as much interest and good will as Gwen and Jordan. They were more than hometown heroes. They were role models for all of the girls. And they were loved.

As they traveled up and down Main Street, Charlie and Steve were often flirted with by women of all ages, but Vince Rosen was more impressed with how the men they encountered reacted to them. They were constantly slapped on the back as they shook hands with smiling men. Every so often, some burly guy would actually hug one or both of the local heroes.

There didn't seem to be anyone that the four didn't know by name. That fact amazed Cynthia Rosen. She marveled at how the friends spoke to everyone on a first name basis. Some of the people that greeted them were in dirty work clothes, or in some cases, had ragged clothing. Gwen and Jordan never flinched when they hugged and smiled at these people and chatted with them.

With some of the more distressed looking folks, one of the four would speak to them quietly, obviously asking some questions. Then they'd produce a slip of paper and hand it to the person, or family suffering through hard times. Both Rosens wondered about the slips of paper these people were carefully tucking in wallets and purses.

Several reporters and cameramen followed the group. Some were from news departments while others were from entertainment stations. Cynthia Rosen knew that the reports would show Gwen, Jordan, Charlie, and Steve warmly interacting with the public and greeting many of them as personal friends. Vincent Rosen could only gain from being their friend!

At five o'clock, the group had worked their way near Marsh's Landing. They thanked everyone while explaining that they had to have dinner so they'd have the energy to give Sparta the quality entertainment they had come to expect.

Even while dining in a private room with family and friends, quite a few people would stop in to simply say hello and pat someone on the back and to thank them. Vincent Rosen was pleased when more than a few people took the time to thank him for coming, and for not making any speeches!

As had become the custom, all revenue from the broadcast rights and any donations made at the concert were returned to the community by Lady in Red Productions. A large share was donated to the hospital, while money was also donated to buy equipment for the police and fire departments, as well as parks and recreation. Local scouts and youth leagues were also supported. A substantial sum was set aside for local families having trouble with rent or heating bills.

The Rosens had asked about the slips of paper Gwen, Jordan, Steve, and Charlie had given to obviously needy people. It was explained that they were vouchers for food and clothing from local businesses. The people were required to interview at Lady in Red headquarters in Sparta for possible employment as the only condition attached to them.

When it came time for the concert, the entire downtown was lit brightly as thousands of people gathered to watch the show. Those not able to gain access to the performing arts building itself, were treated to numerous jumbotrons placed around the building, with several also placed on Main Street. It was a huge block party that Sparta looked forward to every year. Its financial importance to the area had come to rival the Christmas Season for merchants and business owners.

With the new intensity they had found since Gwen's performance after the ethics hearing, the concert was a huge success. Gwen, Jordan, Steve, and Charlie each did two numbers for encores as their hometown cheered and yelled approval on every number. Almost five hours after they began, the stage finally went dark.

"It's like the middle of the day here!" marveled Jordan as they traveled to Marsh's for their traditional late meal. "All of the stores are still open and people are shopping and partying. It looks like Sparta's become a town that never sleeps."

"Once the weekend is over, it'll be back to normal," predicted Kate. "Gwen, did I see you cry tonight when Steve was singing?"

"I started remembering how I felt last year when Steve was trapped in Colombia and I was afraid that he'd die. Then he somehow came back to Sparta and I knew that he was on that chopper," recalled Gwen. "I was very emotional then, and I still lose it a little when I think about those terrible few days.

"Things are much better now, so let's enjoy our good fortune and be thankful," suggested Steve as he hugged Gwen. "It all worked out and we're together now. That's all that matters."

The next afternoon saw all of Gwen's and Steve's family and friends at a pool party at their new home. The pool was Olympic size and heated to 85 degrees. The affair was catered and everyone had a great time.

Steve was often seen holding Theresa. He even took her into the pool and played with her in the water. A little later he was seen showing Stephanie's little brother how to do various swim strokes. Billy was seven and able to swim, but Steve felt he should be more familiar with all aspects of swimming and not just be able to tread water and move slowly from one point to another. Next he had Richard Drake's daughter in the pool and was showing her how to float.

"Look at your boyfriend," pointed out Diane to Gwen. "He's so good with kids. Billy idolizes him, while Theresa and Ingrid love him to death. He's going to make a wonderful father. I remember the first time I saw you two together in swim suits. I told Paula and Lisa that you'd have beautiful children."

"I really hope so," admitted Gwen. "Now that Jordan's pregnant and Lisa has Theresa and you have Billy, I feel incomplete or something. I want a family and it's getting more difficult to wait. I know Steve will be the best father ever."

Vince and Cynthia Rosen had a great time at the party. Billy actually tossed Cynthia into the pool half way through the afternoon. Everyone watched to see how she would react. She surfaced, gasped a few times, and begged Billy to help her out of the pool as she held her hand out to him. To his surprise, and the delight of everyone else, she managed to pull him in when he took her hand. Billy then escorted her out of the pool and gave her a towel as a peace offering.

"Your wife just passed the test," revealed Steve to Vincent Rosen as they chuckled at the little by-play. "She can take a joke, and dish them out. Our friends and family can make a difference in your campaign if they believe you're the right man. I think they've just become believers."

The Rosens spent Saturday night and left Sparta very early Sunday morning since Vincent was once again scheduled for a morning news program at eleven AM. The family and friends spent another afternoon by the pool at Gwen's. Paula mentioned to Steve how much she had enjoyed the Rosens.

"I liked them both. I worried that Vincent might be a bit of a problem after you and he had words years ago," confessed Paula. "But he seems to have adjusted his attitude toward you and Gwen. I imagine that the things you told him at the time went a long way toward that adjustment. As wonderful as you are, being on your bad side is a huge mistake. I hope I never find myself there."

"There's no chance of that," assured Steve. "You're going to be the best mother-in-law a guy could ever have."

"That's because she's the best looking one a guy could ever have," proclaimed Billy as he walked past them. "Ted's a lucky guy."

"That I am, Billy," agreed Ted. "She's given me three beautiful daughters, but she looks like she could be their sister rather than their mother."

"Dad, have you been taking lessons from Steve?" asked Lisa. "That was a really nice thing to say. No wonder she loves you so much."

"It's not what he says so much as the things he does," responded Paula. "He saved your life at Gwen's graduation and went with Gwen to Iraq to find Steve. It's the way he accepts responsibilities and cares for me and the rest of his family that really makes me love him so much."

Steve managed to get Will alone for a few minutes. "Will, we're considering making Diane's role bigger and actually having her do a love scene with me. I wanted to know how you felt about it before we go any further. It can be pretty bland, or it could show a fair amount of skin. Either way, I'd be kissing her, holding her, and maybe feeling her up. It's a dirty damn job, but I'm a professional. I never want to see you and Diane have any marital problems, especially that I help create, so what do you think?"

"Honestly? Diane is a bit of an exhibitionist. I think all of the women in the family have some of that going on. I'll buy a dozen copies of the movie when it comes out. She may act reluctant, but I think she'd love to be like Gwen and show off her boobs. The idea of having a poster of her hanging in garages and workshops across the country turns us both on. Don't force her into anything, but take her as far as she dares go. She feels like life has passed her by at times; that she might have been able to be a model or a movie star, but she chose me and life in Sparta. She never complains and I know she loves me and the kids, but this would really help her with her bucket list."

"What are you discussing with my husband this time?" demanded Diane as she sauntered up to Steve and Will.

"To be quite honest, we were talking about how much I'm going to enjoy our love scenes and fondling those big breasts of yours," replied Steve as he made a production of leering at the large amount of cleavage on display from the low top swim suit Diane had on. "The world needs to know just how nice those babies are. I told Will that I'm going to have my way with them in our movie, so he'd better be mentally prepared."

Diane blushed at Steve's words, but made no effort to cover her ample cleavage as he stared. "Will, this young man seems to think that we'll allow him to fondle the twins. What should I do?"

"Whatever Steve and the director want you to do," answered Will as he kissed Diane's cheek. "The other guys in town will be so jealous of me when the movie comes out, they won't be able to stand it. I can't wait for my golf buddies to see how beautiful you are."

Production began that week. Steve had time off from his Washington duties before the London concert, and Gwen was home for the summer. Jordan and Charlie began filming their movie at the same time, but with a different director. Once again, Lady in Red Productions was filming both movies in Sparta, when possible. That was the advantage of making plot driven movies over those that required special effects and spectacular scenery.

The new script for Gwen and Steve's movie had been passed out at a preproduction meeting and everyone immediately noticed Diane's increased role, as well as Stephanie's. "I was going to be a fill-in for the dance contest. Now I'm supposed to be one of Steve's conquests? And I find out he's been doing my mom? What kind of a guy is he supposed to be? That doesn't sound like a hero."

"Everyone felt the script lacked passion and conflict," replied Gwen. "Diane's character has been drinking too much because her husband, your dad, ran off with a younger woman. She's an easy target for Steve's character's charm. He doesn't know that she's your mother when he seduces you. When he and I show up at your mom's for lessons and you're there, it all comes out. It'll make for some tense moments, especially between all of us women."

"So how intense is my seduction scene, and what will Mom be showing?" asked Stephanie.

"Your mother is going to be topless with me," replied Steve with a grin. "You can stay covered up if you like. We can just make out a little and fade out. The next scene would show one of us leaving in the morning."

"That isn't going to happen!" proclaimed Stephanie. "I want to show as much as Mom, or more. I may never get another love scene with you and I want something I can show my grandkids."

"Do you think they'll want to see Grandma and Great-Grandma half naked?" asked Diane. "You'll have plenty of opportunities to be in scenes with Steve, so don't rush into anything that you'll regret later."

"Mom, has Jordan, Gwen, Lisa, or Naomi ever regretted their nude scenes with Steve? Hardly! Naomi and Jordan have video clips on their phones that they pull up to show the other girls when we're out someplace."

"Hey! In my defense, I haven't done that since I married Charlie," stated Jordan defensively. "I do keep them in a file, but I hardly ever show them to anyone. I show the ones of Charlie and me instead."

"Jared has hinted that he'd prefer I stop showing those clips all of the time," admitted Naomi with a guilty grin. "But, I can't seem to stop Mom from showing them to everyone she sees."

"I see that Paula is going to play Gwen's mother," continued Stephanie. "That's brilliant casting. I'm playing Mom's daughter and Gwen will be Paula's daughter. How much do we pay the guys that write these scripts?"

"Actually, that would be Ashley and me," admitted Kate. "We wrote this last year and have been refining it since. I know it isn't absolutely brilliant, but with the new plot twists and how well everyone can act and dance, it'll be a big hit, I'm sure.

"Besides, you should be thanking me for giving you a love scene with Steve. If you don't like the part, or don't want to act with Steve, or your mother, I'll just step in and do the role," added Kate.

"Don't worry about me," replied Stephanie immediately. "Maybe my boobs aren't as big as some, but they're quality and the audience will love them. I'll be signing posters by this time next year!"

"We're talking about acting, not about who has the biggest boobs, or who can show them the most," chided Paula. "I personally don't think that Diane will be showing too much at her age and while Stephanie talks a good game, she'll be a lot more nervous when the time comes. What we need to is learn our lines and get this made as quickly and as well as we can."

"You have to keep you clothes on for the whole movie, don't you, Paula?" asked Diane knowingly.

"Yes, damn it!" responded Paula immediately as the others broke into laughter.

The morning of Steve's love scene with Diane was strange for him. Will insisted on attending, as did Gwen, Paula, and Stephanie.

"Are you going to be able to do these boobs justice?" whispered Diane as she hefted her boobs inside her robe. "Should I send Will away? Stephanie makes me nervous. I've never even done things like this with Will in front of her. I hope she doesn't lose respect for me."

"I'll be okay once we start," promised Steve. "I usually block out everything but the person in the scene with me, so I'll concentrate on just you three."

"Three?" repeated a confused Diane. "Oh, you mean me and the twins? Be sure you give them plenty of attention. I may never get to do this again."

Once the actual filming began, Diane and Steve managed to slowly lose their concern about being watched by the others. Steve worked his seduction slowly and Diane responded by following his lead. Before the scene was over, she was topless in his arms and kissing him as passionately as she possibly could.

Steve was amazed at how responsive and sexual Diane was. He rolled her nipples in his fingers and even suckled her for a short time before he moved on top of her. Their lower bodies were cover by a thin sheet, but it appeared that Steve had mounted Diane and was making passionate love to her. Steve was careful to not let his very hard cock even get close to Diane's panty covered pussy, but he could feel her heat. After they reached their climaxes, Steve slowly slid off Diane but managed to fill his hand with her left breast as they cuddled before the director ended the scene.

A wardrobe girl brought robes for the two actors. Diane stood and quickly donned hers as she looked for Will. He was at her side seconds later.

"Are we okay?" asked a worried Diane. "That was so intense; I got a little carried away. Are you angry with me?"

"Let's get back to the dressing room and discuss it," insisted Will as he calmly led Diane away.

"Steve, you had Mom going crazy. That was one of the sexiest things I've ever seen, and that was my mother! Dad was fidgeting and muttering under his breath, but he didn't seem angry. I can't wait for my scene!"

Steve and Stephanie filmed their love scene the following evening. Even with her parents, Paula, Kate, and Gwen watching, Stephanie surprised Steve with her willingness to get naked with him. She only had a few lines, but she managed to get them wrong so they had to reshoot the scene several times.

"Stephanie, I know you're doing that on purpose. You're costing us time and money. We'll give you more chance to get it right. If you don't, then I'll be naked with Steve and you'll be watching," threatened Kate.

Somehow Stephanie managed to do her part perfectly in the next take. Kate nodded knowingly as Stephanie pulled a robe over her shoulders while Steve remained on the bed with the sheet over his lower body.

"Come on, Steve. Get up and put on the robe," urged Paula. "You're not fooling anyone. We can see that big tent in the sheets. It looks like Stephanie wound you up as much as you did her."

"I need to get him back to the dressing room," suggested Gwen. "If he's anything like he was after the scene with Diane, the rest of you may not see us at dinner. I have to wonder about having those two in any more movies with Steve. I may not be able to survive it!"

When they weren't filming, the Gwen, Jordan, Steve, and Charlie discussed their ideas about the music they would play at the London concert, as well as on the aircraft carriers.

"I thing we can do a lot of the harder rock and roll stuff in London, but I really believe those sailors will enjoy love songs and ballads about home, wives, and girlfriends, except for the female sailors, of course. They'll want the same about their families and lovers."

"I think you're right, Charlie," agreed Jordan. "We've done a few shows with a heavy military presence in the audience and they always seem to like the love songs the best."

"I'll trust you guys on this one," responded Gwen. "If that's what they like, let's be sure we give it to them in spades. They sure deserve it. What do you think, Steve?"

"I have to agree with Charlie and Jordan. Whenever I was in some hell hole, far away from home, I couldn't think of much other than holding my girl in my arms again."

"That was the right answer!" laughed Gwen before planting a long kiss on Steve's lips.

"The July 4th concerts may be the last I do before my swelling stomach becomes very obvious. It'll probably be a little round by then, but not too bad," allowed Jordan.

"On the plus side, your already considerable chest will be even larger and more eager to spill out of your top," predicted Steve. "I hope those poor sailors can handle that sight."

"Oh, I think they'll do fine," laughed Jordan. "They'd better because Gwen and I will be showing the girls off quite a bit. Those poor, depressed service men need something to pick up their spirits and not to brag, but Gwen and I have just what it takes."

"I've never heard of a riot on an aircraft carrier before, but I'm beginning to worry. You realize there'll probably be an admiral or two watching the show?" asked Steve.

"And they'll probably be men, so what's your point?" retorted Gwen.

"There are more than a few female admirals in our Navy," stated Steve. "So don't rule that possibility out."

"And female admirals will know even better than male admirals that morale is extremely important. Gwen and I will be improving it to beat the band!" promised Jordan.

Plans were made for the concert in London as well as the two aboard the big Navy ships. Charlie was the one they turned to for selecting and arranging the music and he always came through. They felt that they were well prepared when they arrived in England on Thursday, June 26th.

Once again, friends and family traveled with them. They found the British to be very friendly and warm, with their wry sense of humor on display at the drop of a hat, or derby, in England. On Friday morning, the entire group was having breakfast in the hotel when Stephanie dropped a bombshell.

"James told me last night that the Prince and Princess want to meet you four this afternoon, if you're available. I told him that I'd have to check and see."

"Are you crazy?" asked Kate. "When the Royals want to see someone, that someone makes sure they're available!"

"Kate's right," added Paula. "You need to make sure that James doesn't tell them that Gwen, Jordan, Charlie, and Steve are less than eager to meet with them. This is a huge honor."

"So, you're saying that it's okay that I set it up for Kensington Palace at three PM today, local time?" asked a smiling Stephanie. "I knew you'd never pass this opportunity up. Be sure to get lots of pictures for our magazine."

Paparazzi were a constant part of their lives, but the Americans were stunned when they saw the number of photographers and reporters at Kensington Palace. Once they were introduced to the Prince and Princess, all six of them posed for the photographers. Then the three ladies were asked to stand together while the photographers snapped away.

Charlie and Steve had to laugh when the Prince made a comment under his breath about who the press really preferred, but then admitted that he didn't blame them. The three women smiled and turned left and right for the photographers. Steve was struck by the beauty and grace of the three women as they smiled at the cameras. Steve had been informed that the prince would be wearing his uniform, so Steve wore his dress uniform and looked really sharp.

The Royal Couple turned out to be very friendly and extremely interested in the charitable efforts of Lady in Red Productions. The three couples compared experiences and ideas for expanding their efforts. The royals spoke at length about vaccinations for children, especially in poor and developing nations. After being together for a few minutes, they were chatting like old friends.

At the end of the scheduled hour visit, they were asked if they could stay a bit longer. Gwen looked at Jordan and they quickly agreed. It was almost a full hour later when Jordan, Gwen, Steve, and Charlie were photographed leaving the palace.

"I think they liked us," risked Jordan as the foursome rode back to their hotel. "They were both very down to earth. They acted perfectly normal, especially for very wealthy royalty living in a castle."

"I can't believe they wanted to exchange cell numbers," marveled Gwen. "Now I can speed dial the future King of England if I want! It made me wonder about Steve's phone. Do you have President Hanson's number on your phone? President Novokov's? President Marchant's?"

Steve simply studied the scenery as their limo drove through the streets of London. Gwen waited for Steve to respond.

"It must take some time to get used to driving on the left," observed Steve. "Driving here would make me nervous."

"Are you telling us that you have the phone numbers of those three presidents, as well as the future King of England on your phone?" demanded Gwen.

"No, I'm not," replied Steve with an easy grin. "I was just seeing how you'd react. I do have Nadiya's number if I ever need that."

"I have her number, too!" insisted Gwen. "She's a beautiful, intelligent woman that likes to lead people into thinking that she's a simple blonde yokel. You may as well delete her number now because I think she's quite serious about her German beau."

"Yeah, well, I think I'll wait to see how that turns out," replied Steve as he winked to Charlie and Jordan.

"I know what you're trying to do, and it won't work," laughed Gwen. "I know you too well to start getting jealous again. Those days are gone, for the most part, anyway. I just spent two hours with the future King and Queen of England, so you're feeble attempts at teasing me won't work."

That evening, Gwen and Jordan entertained their friends and family at dinner by recounting their experiences with the Royal Couple. Beatrice Patterson was especially impressed, yet saddened at the same time.

"The irony of the situation is pretty stark for me. I forbade my daughter from seeing a young sailor because I didn't feel he was good enough for her. She married him against my wishes. That union produced a son that is far more accomplished, respected, and capable than any man I could have ever selected for my daughter. I wish I could apologize to her!"

"Grandmother Patterson, please don't feel that anyone holds that against you. If your daughter was anything like her son, she's smiling down on you right now. She's with Steve's Dad and very pleased to see her son do so well," insisted Gwen. "This is a happy time, so please try to enjoy it and just be proud of your grandson."

"Changing the subject," broke in Charlie, hoping to lighten the mood. "I've hired Jodie Lane to play sax with the band. You guys placed me in charge of the music and the band years ago, so when I ran into her earlier this morning, I hired her. She said that she was here in the hopes of hooking up with one of the bands that will be performing tomorrow.

"I asked her if she'd consider playing with us and she jumped at the chance. She told me that we were her first choice," added Charlie. "She couldn't say enough nice things about Gwen and Jordan. I don't know what she thinks about Steve."

"I think we can probably guess," laughed Jordan. "Did she mention you at all, Charlie? You're a pretty hot commodity now. You're very wealthy, very talented, very good looking..."

"Very married, and soon to be a father," interjected Charlie. "There's no way I'm going to look at another woman when I have you."

"Darn, I was hoping we'd get in the hot tub later and have some wine and chat," allowed Gwen. "But why bother if you won't even look?"

"Let me rephrase that. I may look at other women, but there's no way I'd do anything to lose you, Jordan," amended Charlie. "I will show my appreciation of the feminine charms of Gwen, Lisa, Kate, Naomi, Stephanie,..."

"Okay!" chuckled Jordan. "I understand, but be prepared for my boobs to get bigger now that I'm with child. They may even catch Billy's eye."

"More likely, they'll poke out one of my eyes if they get any bigger," observed Billy without cracking a smile. "But it's a risk I'm willing to take!"

"Why does the conversation always come around to breasts with you men?" asked Paula. "It seems like you all have a one track mind."

"Where would all of you beautiful women be if we men weren't attracted to your bosoms?" asked Billy. "Do you think you'd be able to keep us men around to play Scrabble or something? Not likely. You ladies need to embrace the fact that we love breasts and you've all been blessed with the quality and quantity that we cleavage connoisseurs prefer."

"Did I just hear you say that?" demanded Steve. "Do you spend a lot of time thinking these things up? 'Cleavage connoisseurs'? Where did that come from?"

"Blame that one on your future mother-in-law," replied Billy as he nodded toward Paula and her low cut sweater. "I haven't been able to look at anything else all evening. It was pretty much all that I could think of that wouldn't get me slapped."

"That phrase was inspired by my mother's bosom?" repeated Lisa. "How cool is that? I just hope my breasts have sonnets written in their honor someday."

"There was a young lady from Sparta," began Billy. "Whose bosom was so nice it could start a, but her husband used both mitts to cover her..."

"Do NOT go any further with that limerick!" warned Charlotte. "Has being in England made you into some sort of wordsmith all of a sudden, or a poet, or a bard, so to speak?"​