Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

"We need to prepare for the flight to London, so Steve and I will take our leave. Thank you all for your efforts in reporting this trip as factually as you have and for being so patient with me," concluded Gwen as she took Steve's hand and led him from the room.

Gwen and Steve had been in their London hotel less than an hour when Lisa, Kate, Naomi, and Diane along with Will and Billy were ushered into their suite. Diane immediately hurried over to Stephanie to wrap her in a motherly hug. Then she moved to give James an only slightly less enthusiastic embrace.

"You're making me a grandmother again! I can't tell you how happy Will and I are about it. I was afraid you'd let your career prevent you from giving me grandbabies. I'm so glad that didn't happen!"

"Mom, it was all James' fault," replied Stephanie. "He told me it wasn't midnight yet, so I was still safe. My fertile period wouldn't start until the next day."

"Wow!" exclaimed Stephanie's father, Will. "If I'd only known that line would be so effective you'd have half a dozen siblings by now."

"That may have been too much information," laughed Lisa. "It's so good to be with family after spending a week in Washington being grilled by reporters and members of Congress, and I didn't even require a vote of approval. Kate and Naomi have been through the ringer."

"Yeah, we had a blast!" joked Kate. "The truth is I really did enjoy being able to respond honestly to all the questions and leave off the sugar coating. Gwen and Steve made it a lot easier when they told us to just tell the truth and not worry about politicians' feelings. I may have taken it a little too far, but I'll never sit still when anyone criticizes Our Queen and her Warrior!"

"I hope I wasn't too frank with those senators," added Naomi, "but I'll be damned if I'll let them say crap about President Hammer. The committees didn't approve us, but the atmosphere in Washington when we left was different than I've ever experienced before. The folks back home in Small Town America are getting pissed. It's beginning to reach Washington. Change is coming."

"Just so you know, Your Queen missed her three dearly," stated Gwen with a grin.

"Talking about ourselves in the third person, are we?" laughed Kate. "This queen thing really has Congress struggling. They're obsessed about the power you and Steve are accumulating. They want to stop you before you reach the point of no return. By that, I mean you'll become so loved and so influential that their power will pale in comparison."

"It's already too late," assessed Lisa. "Gwen and Steve have entered uncharted waters. Congress can't do anything to diminish the strong feelings the citizens of the world have for them. The news back home is dominated by stories about them. Entertainment shows can't get enough of the First Couple.

"The sports channels are all over the DC Spartans and Steve's statement that our players will stand for the anthem or find their asses on the bench, probably for a different team. People are responding to what many call Steve's old-fashioned values. A few politicians and celebrities are insisting that Steve is trying to thwart freedom of speech and expression, but the majority of Americans are supporting our policy and wish other teams would follow suit.

"When Steve told reporters we'd support nonprofit organizations that players created to help people, it really took the wind out of the sails of our detractors. When those guys put on our uniform, they're working for us and we have a standard of behavior we demand from employees," stated Lisa. "There's a big difference between disrespecting our flag on the one hand and rolling up your sleeves and putting some muscle into causes that are dear to your heart on the other. He's forbidding the one even while he puts our support behind the other. It's form versus substance."

"We've invited Prince William and Kate to dine with us tonight and they're bringing their kids. It's not going to be formal, but we'll all want to look our best for them. We don't dine with real royalty very often," pointed out Gwen.

"So says Our Queen of Peace!" laughed Naomi.

The dinner with the Royals was a huge success. Having known the Royal Couple and their children for years, Steve and Gwen were extremely comfortable in their presence. Jordan and Charlie had also become quite good friends of theirs. Over the years, Lady in Red had responded to several requests to perform at fundraisers in England for charities supported by the Royal Family.

The atmosphere was quite informal as laughter was frequent and smiles never seemed to stop. The kids played nicely together with no indication that they were born of great wealth and influence. None of the parents allowed the children to feel superior to others because of birth and for the most part the kids never seemed to be aware of it.

At the state dinner the next evening, Gwen and Steve once again dazzled. In a room filled with famous, wealthy and beautiful people, none could compete with the beauty and grace of President Hammer. As always, Steve was constantly at her side, supporting his wife in every possible way. His dedication to his wife was one of the things people noticed first when in their presence.

Gwen once again made an extra effort to show her trust and affection for Stephanie and James. She and Steve wanted Britain to have no doubt that America's First Couple thought very highly of the Hawthorns. Steve's plan to cultivate far-sighted friends and promote those expected to attain positions of power in the nations they had visited was working to perfection. They had forged strong ties with world leaders and made it apparent to several nations that they had close ties to possible future leaders. This also increased Gwen's influence and did not go unnoticed in Washington.

The next evening saw Hyde Park packed with fans eager to see Lady in Red perform. Steve and Gwen had discussed how awkward it would be if some of the fans who were not loyal to the monarchy decided to curtsy or bow to Gwen. It could very easily inflame those that felt strongly about the English Monarchy. Gwen and Steve had discussed it with William and Kate the previous evening and the four determined a solution to the possible problem.

The vast audience quickly dropped to a knee as Gwen walked to the front of the stage accompanied by Kate, Duchess of Cambridge. The two very much-admired women waved and acknowledged the crowd. Gwen curtsied to Kate, once again leading to cheers from the huge crowd. After waving and smiling broadly for a couple of minutes, Kate and Gwen retreated to the back of the stage. Once Kate was carefully guided off by security, Gwen unfastened her conservative cloak from her shoulders as Charlie cued the band and the concert began.

The first two hours were spent doing as many of their hits as they could squeeze in. The fans loved it, but when the band began playing some of the most popular songs from English artists, they shouted their increased approval. Charlie had carefully selected songs from many of the hundreds of great performances by British artists.

Jordan wowed the audience with two of Dusty Springfield's hits. Then she sang 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' followed by Gwen performing 'I Need a Hero' much to the delight of those in attendance. The group performed songs by many of the more famous British artists, but when Steve played guitar and sang lead on 'Satisfaction' their fans went into a frenzy. It was actually the first time Steve had ever performed the song in public and the reception was better than he had hoped.

Once the cheering and applause died down, a smiling Gwen announced to the crowd that Steve would indeed be finding 'Satisfaction' later that night. That announcement prompted a couple more minutes of thunderous approval from the huge crowd.

After the final intermission, the musicians returned to the stage and total bedlam ensued. The fans were beyond delighted when they realized that Gwen and the rest were in costume as Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, except that Gwen, Jordan, and Kathy wore abbreviated outfits that emphasized their hourglass figures and considerable cleavage!

Charlie nodded for the band to begin as Gwen stepped to the front, declaring musically that 'It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play' and the fans once again roared their delight.

"May I introduce to you the one and only Jordan Burns and Sgt. Pepper's Lady in Red Band!" sang Gwen before Jordan moved to the front to sing 'A Little Help from my Friends'.

Charlie had managed a brilliant job of moving effortlessly through the music of what he felt was the best album ever recorded. The group actually went through the entire album before taking a breather. They then performed the Beatles songs that had attained number one status. They ended the concert with an obvious number one song left off the list. The huge audience yelled, cheered, applauded, and whistled its approval for several minutes after the group left the stage before Gwen finally led the musicians back.

Jordan sat at the piano as Gwen began singing 'Hey Jude'. Gwen sang the first two verses with the rest of the group singing backup. Soon all of the singers were at the front of the stage, singing the chorus over and over along with Gwen and the massive audience. The entire park and surrounding areas had lighted phones and flashlights swaying back and forth. Charlie realized he was seeing something very special, so he extended the song for a full twenty minutes. Not a single fan left before the lights on stage went dark. The ovation was long and enthusiastic as the huge crowd expressed its appreciation for the incredible performance they had witnessed.

The internet, television and print media raved about the performance and how Lady in Red made the concert a celebration of the music and artists of Great Britain. President Hammer and her fellow musicians had secured a warm place in the hearts of the citizens the British Isles.

Madrid was the next capital city on the We Come in Peace Tour. Air Force One touched down shortly after noon. The First Minister, also known as the Prime Minister, gave Gwen and Steve a very warm reception on the tarmac. It was the couple's first ever visit to Spain and they both looked forward to touring Madrid and performing for its citizens.

Gwen and Steve freshened up in their hotel before being taken on a tour of the ancient city of Madrid. They toured the Royal Palace and spent time at the Prado National Museum before retiring to their hotel for the evening.

Ashley approached Gwen an hour before dinner was to be served. "Gwen, the press has been asking to interview you. They never had the opportunity while you were in London and they want to catch up."

Ten minutes later, Gwen led Steve into a media room in their hotel. She took the time to greet each reporter by name before announcing she would take questions.

"Madam President, there's a lot of discussion about your NFL team not allowing players freedom of expression. How do you reconcile your sworn oath to protect the Constitution and yet deny football players the right to kneel during the anthem?" asked a rather loud reporter who felt if he shouted louder than the others, his question would be answered first.

"My husband, my children, and I were attacked by terrorists not long ago in Berlin. Thankfully, Steve was up to the task of protecting us. The day after that attack, I met with some members of the United States Army's Special Forces. Some of these young men were white, some black, one was Puerto Rican and two were descended from Mexican parents, and two others were of Asian descent. To a man, they reaffirmed their allegiance to the United States and volunteered to fly into a hostile nation to eliminate terrorists intent on destroying our way of life.

"These courageous young men did exactly that. Some of them were injured, but thankfully, none fatally. They risked their lives and shed their blood for their country. Over the last two and a half centuries, millions of patriotic men and women have done the same," continued Gwen.

"Perhaps you can see where I'm going with this. The Constitution guarantees the right to express yourself freely, within reason. It does not say anything about forcing employers to pay people to express their personal beliefs. It's seen as totally reasonable that companies, like the various news organizations you people are employed by, demand certain a code of conduct, and often place it in the contracts signed by the employees. I'm sure each of you has a morals clause, as well as clauses to prevent you from misrepresenting or harming your employer.

"We have similar wording in our contracts with the players and therefore all contracts offered to our employees specify that while they are actively representing Lady in Red or any of our subsidiaries, they will always stand for the anthem. Anyone, including players, not representing us to our satisfaction will be traded, or terminated."

"Your husband played with a lot of the men on the DC Spartans last year. Some of them have stated their intention to kneel during the anthem," pointed out a cable news reporter. "How will you and your company handle a situation like that?"

"Preemptively when possible," responded Gwen.

"What does that mean?" asked the same reporter.

"Please allow me to respond, Madam President?" asked Steve politely, before continuing once Gwen nodded. "We will not knowingly retain a player on the team who will not stand for the anthem. No player will remain seated or kneel more than once for the anthem. There will be no second chances. This policy has been reiterated to all of our employees in a memo they should have received earlier today."

"You could lose some of your best players!" protested a sports reporter from the back of the room.

"A man that doesn't respect the sacrifices our men and women in uniform have made over the years is not considered valuable to our team," replied Steve. "They have options, as do we."

"But these players aren't protesting the military," explained another reporter. "They're making a statement about police brutality and the unfair treatment of police forces across the country."

"They can tell you they're protesting whatever they want, but the truth is that they're showing disrespect for the armed services as well as the Constitution of the United States. Americans have the right to burn the flag. That's a Constitutional right, but don't expect me to employ anyone that does so. That's my Constitutional right!" proclaimed Steve. "I fought for that right. I had some very good friends die fighting for my rights and I won't disrespect them by giving any of them up."

"As you can see, Steve and I feel very strongly on this subject. Americans have a right to peacefully protest, but how many can do that in their place of employment and remain employed?" asked Gwen. "The stadium on game day is one of the places we pay these men to represent us, and that's exactly what we'll require of them. Any worthwhile causes they wish to pursue when they're off the field will receive our full support and often even our financial backing; but our loyalty to our country, our flag and our troops is not negotiable."

"My Queen," began Amber Stahl. "The Senate just announced it will put off its vote on confirmation of Kate Martin and Naomi Wilson-White until you return to Washington. Rumor has it there was considerable pressure exerted on Senators to go along with that timetable. Did you and/or Steve have anything to do with this turn of events?"

Gwen's surprise at Amber's question was obvious to the gathered reporters. No one missed her quick glance at Steve and the slight shake of his head in response to her unasked question.

"This is the first I've heard of it," replied Gwen. "I assure you that Steve and I had nothing to do with this decision by the Senate, but we welcome it. I won't be lobbying for Kate and Naomi simply because Steve and I have nothing to say to the members of the Senate. They'll have to determine their own fate. It's not worth any further time or effort from us."

"You're saying that you don't care whether your nominees are approved?" asked a network anchor.

"I'd like them approved, but we're not wasting our time trying to please or placate a fickle Senate," stated Gwen. "We're setting our sights on more important objectives, like world peace, ending famine and disease, and putting an end to terrorism by eliminating its causes, which are ignorance and intolerance."

"Do you feel you would have a chance to accomplish those lofty goals if you were removed from office?" questioned a newspaper reporter.

"Absolutely!" responded Gwen. "Steve and I, along with Lady in Red, are moving forward with plans to improve the human condition around the world. We'll be working to increase food production in areas of famine and improve health care in nations that desperately need it. This world tour has opened our eyes to many new positive achievements that are possible."

"Madam President, you're reported to have a lengthy nude scene in your new movie 'The Queen's Ransom'. How do you expect Washington to react?" asked a reporter before continuing. "Many people believe it's undignified and demeaning for the President of the United States to appear nude in a movie."

"That movie will possibly win an Oscar or two for my amazing husband. Lady in Red has projected that it will bring in over a billion dollars over the next few years. I'd suggest that if seeing me naked is so troublesome for people, they shouldn't watch it. The truth is we expect to set records at the box office because there are a lot of people who want to see an extremely well written, directed, and acted film starring Steve Hammer, Jordan and Charlie Burns, Kate Martin, Lisa and Jason Hunter, Naomi and Jared White and many others, including me. I'm not concerned in the least about what a few old farts in Washington think, if you'll excuse my French."

"I think we've used up our available time," cut in Steve with a big grin at his wife's candid remark. "We appreciate the job you all do reporting on this world tour. Thanks, all of you."

The next day saw Gwen and her friends touring more of Madrid before preparing for the state dinner that evening. Cameras flashed as Gwen and Steve were introduced to King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. King Philip V of Spain began his rule in 1700 and the House of Bourbon ruled Spain for over 300 years with Spain's constitution reestablishing a constitutional monarchy in 1978.

Photographers couldn't get enough pictures of the photogenic couples. The King and Queen of Spain standing next to America's First Couple made newspaper and magazine covers around the world. Queen Letizia was especially warm to Gwen as the two ladies enjoyed a private conversation for several minutes. As they finished their discussion, Gwen hugged Letizia warmly and the photo of that event was featured prominently across the internet.

The state dinner was steeped in tradition and Gwen enjoyed it immensely. She and Steve spent most of the evening interacting with Spanish politicians, dignitaries, and popular Spanish artists of movies and television. Steve's Spanish was weak compared to the other languages he spoke, but he found he was able to communicate with it. Luckily, Charlie and Jordan were with them and Charlie was fluent in Spanish. He often helped Gwen when she found herself with guests who didn't speak English.

Steve took advantage of the situation by escorting Jordan to the dance floor. "I'm having a little trouble processing all of this. I'm dancing with the husband of the President of The United States immediately after meeting the King and Queen of Spain. I never dreamed having my mouth washed out with soap would turn out so well for me in the long run."

"I never did apologize for that stunt," laughed Steve. "I was out of patience and I was worried you'd annoy Ted and Paula so much they'd tell you to leave. It was an act of desperation. I promised Clive I'd try to keep you in line, but I had no idea just how difficult that would be."

"Don't ever feel bad about that," insisted Jordan. "I've told that story to the kids so many times they know it by heart. Have you noticed how well they behave for you?"

"So that's it?" chuckled Steve before turning serious. "I haven't told you enough how much I value your friendship. You've never blinked an eye at any suggestions we make for spending Lady in Red money. You've supported Gwen like a sister and Charlie's one of the best guys I've ever met."

"I think you know that I feel we're more than friends, Steve. You and Gwen pretty much saved me, and you gave Charlie the opportunity to develop and flourish as a musician and artist," replied Jordan. "There's nothing we wouldn't do for you and Gwen and we know you'd both do anything for us. It's a great feeling."

The next evening saw Lady in Red climb onto a stage in La Plaza Mayor. The plaza was packed full and the three-story buildings around the square had people in every window and spilling over on every balcony. Gwen was accompanied by Queen Letizia as she walked to the front of the stage. The roar of the crowd was deafening, even as everyone dropped to a knee in respect for the Queens before them. Gwen curtsied to Queen Letizia. The crowd returned to its feet the same time Gwen did. As Queen Letizia left the stage, Charlie signaled the band to begin.

It was Lady in Red's first trip to Spain and they made it a memorable night for the citizens of Madrid. Gwen, Jordan, and Kathy had performed so much together they were able to anticipate each other's moves as they danced and sang flawlessly to the enthusiastic fans. All the acts were well received, but it was becoming apparent to the entire band that when the three beautiful women were front and center singing and dancing, the fans were the most vocal and exuberant.

The next morning Madrid was still basking in the afterglow of one of the best evenings in its long history. Newspapers and the internet contained little else. The Queen of Spain and the Queen of Peace being so warmly welcomed by the huge crowd was the favorite story for the morning papers, especially in Spain.

Shortly before noon, Air Force One left Madrid with Havana, Cuba as the next destination. Gwen and Steve were warmly welcomed by the brother of the former dictator and current President of Cuba. Gwen was noticeably less enthusiastic in her greetings. She had a laundry list of issues she felt needed frank discussion and didn't want the world to think she was overly chummy with the Cuban government.

That distancing did not apply to the people of Cuba who lined the streets and cheered loudly as President Hammer's motorcade passed by on the way to its hotel. Because of the time gained when chasing the sun west, it was still early afternoon when Gwen and her entourage finished settling in.

"We're going to the beach," declared Steve. "You need to relax and I know how much you enjoy the sand and sea. Everyone's getting ready and we'll be leaving within the hour. All the kids are really looking forward to it."

Once again the world press was treated to reporting on the President of the United States as she enjoyed the beach in a red bikini. Gwen's breasts were beginning to swell with her pregnancy, although her trim stomach gave no indication of the new life growing within.

"Does my top look too small?" asked Gwen as the clan began unpacking their chairs and kids' toys.

"Allow me to answer that question, Madam President," volunteered Billy Marsh. "If you're asking if your swimsuit top is too small, the answer is a definite 'no'. If you're asking if the parts you have stuffed into your top are too small, the answer is an even more resounding 'no'! You're the sexiest president we've ever had!"

"That's my husband," quipped Charlotte. "He just told the President of the United States that her boobs looked great. It's a good thing he isn't a government employee. He'd be brought up on sexual misconduct charges a couple of times a day."

"Actually, it's always nice to get one of Billy's sexist compliments," admitted Gwen as she stepped up to Billy and hugged him. "Most of the guys try to act cool and collected around us women, but Billy doesn't hold anything back. I could tell by the way his eyes were shining he thought I looked pretty good. Thanks Billy!"

"My pleasure," grinned Billy as he looked around. "I'll keep doing my best to let all of you ladies know how great you look in your swim suits. If I appear to be staring, I'm just showing my appreciation. Think of me as a full-time morale booster."

Jordan caught Kate and Naomi's hands and pulled both ladies close before asking, "Billy, what about us? Do our tops look okay? You're the man we turn to when we need a frank assessment of our hotness."

"Jordan, you're smokin' hot, and Naomi and Kate have got to be the best looking not quite yet cabinet members ever," replied Billy as he made no bones about running his eyes salaciously over the three women's upper bodies.

"I should have used you as a character reference when those Senators were asking me those tough questions," laughed Naomi.

"He'd sing your praises, but I don't think those old senators would like hearing what he was singing about," offered Charlotte. "Bust size isn't supposed to be a qualification for high office."

"And that's the problem with government, in my opinion, although things have been improving a lot since Gwen became president," noted Billy. "If Naomi and Kate gain approval, I'll be able to sell tickets to Gwen's cabinet meetings."

"I don't know if I could stand a steady diet of Billy's inappropriate comments, but they do serve a purpose," admitted Kate. "Now we know what all the pervs think when they look at us."

"If you mean 'men' when you use the word 'pervs', you're right," chuckled Chip as he pulled Kate close. "You ladies are hot and my wife is the hottest of them all."

"I sure would have told those Senators a few things," insisted Billy in a suddenly serious tone. "Naomi and Kate are two of the best nominees those idiots have ever had appear in front of them. You're both real smart and have Gwen's complete confidence. They have to be morons not to see how capable you both are."

"Wow, Billy! I wasn't expecting a serious compliment, but I appreciate it," replied Naomi.

"I would've also told them you both have some seriously nice..."

"You were doing so well for a moment there," interrupted Charlotte. "That's exactly why you won't be used as a character witness for any woman, anyplace, anytime. You have a one-track mind."

Gwen and Steve always enjoyed the bantering when they were with their friends. It helped them both relax and enjoy being around people who weren't trying to get something from them.

The press once again remained a distance from the First Family and their friends as they enjoyed the beautiful beach. Steve was walking along the water's edge with Gwen when there was a sudden scream and an obvious disturbance from the area ahead where the general public was allowed.

Steve and Gwen watched as a young woman carrying an infant was stopped by security as she frantically tried to get past them to reach Gwen. She was screaming loudly about her baby, but the Cuban security team refused to allow her to pass.

"Come on! That woman's baby is having a problem! We need to see if we can help," exclaimed Gwen as she suddenly broke into a run toward the frantic woman. Gwen's Secret Service agents suddenly had to scramble to remain close to their charge.

"Give me the baby!" insisted Gwen as soon as she reached the distraught mother.

As Gwen spoke to the woman, Steve used his limited Spanish to tell the Cuban security staff to allow Gwen access to the mother and child.

The crying woman immediately handed her infant daughter to Gwen. Steve was appalled at the color of the child's face. It appeared swollen and had a very obvious purple hue. He knew the child was near death, if not dead already.

Gwen calmly checked the infant's airway to determine if she was breathing and then opened the baby's mouth to look inside. She then brought the baby's mouth to her own and gently squeezed her tiny nose closed as she forced a breath into her mouth. Gwen had quickly determined that the child's airway was obstructed!

Immediately dropping to her knees, Gwen laid the unresponsive baby down with her left hand under its little back in the sand. She placed two fingers on the infant's sternum and began rapid compressions. Once she counted thirty compressions, Gwen opened the little girl's mouth and looked inside. Gwen then gently placed her pinkie into the child's mouth and swept a small object onto the beach. She again attempted to breathe for the infant. Successful, Gwen gave the little girl another breath.

Hundreds of people stood in total silence as they watched Gwen working to save the child's life. Gwen felt for a brachial pulse and determined there was none. Remaining calm, she once again placed two fingers on the child's sternum and began compressions. On the tenth compression, Gwen felt the infant move! She placed her face down near the child and felt its breath on her cheek. As Gwen raised her head to observe the baby, it began to cry!

The infant's mother stopped her sobbing and spoke in rapid Spanish. Steve was having difficulty understanding the woman, but he could see the relief and love in her eyes as Gwen carefully handed the crying baby back to her mother.

"She said she knew The Queen would save her baby," reported Charlie who had rushed to the scene along with Jordan and many of their friends. "Her only fear was that the police wouldn't let her reach her Queen in time to give life back to her little girl."

Steve listened to Charlie's translation as he watched Gwen hug the young mother and then kiss her softly on the cheek. He then looked beyond his wife to see hundreds of smiling faces watching the scene closely.

Gwen released the woman and reached for Steve's hand. She then began walking toward the crowd that had gathered to watch as she breathed life back into the child.

As she and Steve approached, the crowd formed a clear path for them and then they began dropping to one knee as she drew near. Gwen released Steve's hand and began reaching out to people on either side of her, touching their heads, faces, and shoulders as she passed. Gwen spoke quietly to many of those kneeling as she slowly made her way between the two rows of adoring Cubans. People scurried ahead so they could kneel in the sand close enough to the path to be touched by the Queen of Peace as she walked past.

Parents with small children held them up to Gwen as she drew close. Gwen would gently accept a child and kiss it on the forehead or cheek and return it to the delighted parents. Everywhere Steve looked, people were flashing huge smiles, and shedding more than a few tears. It was apparent to Steve that Gwen held these people in the palm of her hand. She truly was their Queen!

Steve simply followed his wife in stunned amazement. They had discussed finding new ways to interact with people that would be safe, yet spontaneous. Walking through a crowd of kneeling people in swim suits who had just witnessed Gwen saving one of their own seemed about as safe as he could imagine. The absolute adoration of the Cuban people was obvious to Steve as he followed Gwen closely. He'd touch hands of those that held theirs out to him, but Steve knew it was Gwen's magic that had mesmerized the crowd.

The Secret Service was at a loss as to how to protect their charge without upsetting the locals that had gathered, so they contented themselves with carefully following Steve and the rest of Gwen's entourage as they walked behind Gwen, smiling and shaking hands with people as they stood after Gwen had passed. Public relations weren't their professional forte, but they did their best.

Once Gwen recognized that people had begun running in front and kneeling for a second time, she stopped and turned back to Steve. She took his hand and walked down to the water's edge before turning to stroll back to where Paula, Ted, Will, and Diane were watching over the children. No words were spoken between the couple as Steve placed his arm over his wife's shoulder and drew her close as they made their way along the shoreline.

Paula was staring at Gwen, trying to find words for the emotions she was experiencing. Gwen silently swept Vickie into her arms and lavished hugs and kisses on her daughter, while Saint stood next to his father watching his mother with his sister, knowing it would soon be his turn.

Gwen handed Vickie to Steve and knelt down in front of Saint. He quickly wrapped his arms around his mother's neck and hugged her tightly. Paula moved to wipe her eyes as she saw tears streaming down her daughter's cheeks.

"Saint, I love you and Vickie more than I can ever tell you!" managed Gwen as she kissed her son's cheeks over and over.

Gwen slowly broke her embrace with Saint and turned to Steve as she regained her feet. He handed Vickie back to Paula, reached out for Gwen, pulled her to his chest and kissed away her tears. Then she turned her lips to meet his and passionately kissed her husband.

The press corps was watching the scene closely. Cameras caught every tear that trickled down Gwen's cheeks as she kissed her children and then her husband. Once their lips parted, the couple stood quietly, looking into each other's eyes but seeing far beyond.

"Gwen, are you okay?" asked Paula once Gwen broke eye contact with Steve. "That was the most incredible thing I've ever seen. It looked like you breathed life back into that baby! Then when you walked through the crowd, it was almost Biblical. Those people loved how you touched them like you did."

"It was amazing," agreed Charlie from behind Steve as Jordan moved up to Gwen and embraced her. "They were whispering among themselves about being blessed by their Queen, and how she gave life back to a dead child. Gwen touched their hearts and their souls when she reached out to them as she did."

"The baby had an obstructed airway and had gone into cardiac arrest," explained Gwen as she collected her thoughts. "She was too small and the object was too deep in her throat for me to swipe it out, so I had to administer chest compressions to dislodge it. She was oxygen deprived and her little heart had stopped beating.

"It was extremely emotional for me when the baby began breathing on her own as her heart started beating again. The look on the mother's face when I returned her little girl to her was inspirational. Walking through the crowd wasn't anything I gave any thought to. It just seemed like something I should do."

"It was an experience that I never expected to see in my lifetime," stated Lisa as she took her turn hugging Gwen. "The way those people looked at you was so special. They knew you'd save that baby, but when you walked into the crowd, they were in total awe. The legend just continues to grow."

"Let's not get carried away," cautioned Gwen. "Anyone could learn everything I did for that baby in a basic first aid course. I was just glad it worked so well. It made me realize how dear life is and how much I love my kids, my husband, my family, and my friends. I just had to hug Vickie and Saint and hold them in my arms to be certain they were well and they knew how I felt about them."

Gwen spent another half hour with her kids as they played in the sand and built castles. Then Steve nodded toward the press and arched an eyebrow in question. Gwen nodded back and took Steve's hand as the couple walked over to where the press was waiting.

"My Queen," called Amber Stahl as Gwen neared the group. "Was that infant still alive when the mother handed her to you?"

"Her airway was obstructed and her heart had stopped," replied Gwen quickly. "Something had lodged in her throat. I was able to force it back into the baby's mouth with chest compressions, freeing her airway. Once I swept it from her mouth and gave her a couple of breaths, I was able to restart her heart with more compressions. Everyone should learn basic first aid like this. You could save a child, a friend, or a family member."

"My Queen, why did you walk through that crowd of people on the beach?" questioned another woman reporter, addressing Gwen as Queen for the first time.

"It was a spur of the moment thing," responded Gwen. "When I saw them all looking at me, I felt I should interact with them, to reassure them, to let them see that all people are important and all lives matter. They needed to know their Queen and her Warrior will always do their best for them."

"Madam President, you just referred to yourself as their Queen. Are you telling us you're assuming the title of Queen of Peace around the world?" asked a cable news reporter.

"No, I assume nothing. I'm simply acknowledging that many citizens of the world have declared me their Queen. I have decided to accept that responsibility. It's an honor. I'm fine with people who choose not to refer to me as Queen, but I will not deny those that take solace in having a Queen and a Warrior that will fight for them, that will care for them, and will never desert them. That's the burden as well as the privilege that Steve and I have accepted, with the unfaltering support of Lady in Red ownership, along with our friends and family."

"Madam President, when you touched those people and kissed their children, were you playing up to their beliefs that you were their Queen? Were you taking advantage of their less than sophisticated attitudes?" questioned a network reporter.

"You do me, as well as these people, a disservice with that weighted question," replied Gwen. "You imply these people are simple minded, uneducated, and backward and that I would take advantage of them. Your question is based on ignorance and prejudice. I won't dignify it any further."

"Madam President, My Queen, were you aware the mother of that child was told that her baby was dead before she called out to you?" asked a Cuban reporter. "Others in the crowd urged her to carry her to the Queen of Peace so you could restore the infant's life. These people are not stupid. Many are well educated, but all of them believe the baby had actually died, and you brought it back to life. They believe that you performed a miracle!"

"Her little heart had stopped, but I followed my medical training and was able to revive that lovely little girl," responded Gwen. "I'm a doctor. It's what we do."

"Members of Congress may not be overly thrilled by your acceptance of the title of Queen," pointed out a newspaper reporter. "Does that concern you, Madam President?"

"Not at all; they're at liberty to like or dislike whatever they please," replied Gwen with a breezy smile as she again took Steve's hand. "We promised our kids to swim with them a little before we leave, so please excuse us."

The next day was dark and rainy and the weather matched Gwen's mood as she met with the surviving Castro brother. Naomi and Steve had accompanied her to the United States embassy where she was introduced to Raul Castro.

"Let me be frank," began Gwen through an interpreter. "I am ordering all non-essential staff home immediately. I will not put up with the clumsy attempts of your country to eavesdrop on my people, especially when you're making them ill with your efforts. Those diplomats remaining in your country will work out of hotels downtown. They will not be living or working in any one hotel for any prolonged period. I will not subject my people to the dangers posed by living or working in this building.​