Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 24

A few minutes later, at the end of the simple but elegant ceremony, Justice Hamilton looked at the couple and smiled broadly as he proclaimed, "I now pronounce you husband and wife!"

Steve held Gwen's hands in his own as he stared into her eyes. Her smile lit her face as she gazed back at him. "You may kiss the bride," urged the Chief Justice as he beamed at the couple.

Not needing to be told twice, Steve pulled Gwen tightly to his chest as she raised her face to him. As their lips met, the fireworks began in the many hilly areas surrounding Sparta. Lady in Red had contracted with a dozen different firms to set up firework displays. They were to be timed so that the show would last for several hours.

The formal reception was held in the large banquet room in the LiR Center. This was necessary since many of the guests required very strict security. To accommodate these VIP's, the first hour of the reception was held inside with the activities shown on the huge screens placed around Sparta.

Johnny Dee served as the announcer for the event. After a brief photograph session, the reception began. "Ladies and Gentlemen, it was my great pleasure to first introduce this couple at a benefit dance almost nine years ago. I later discovered that it was their first date, and the first actual date either of them had ever been on.

"Once again, I have the great honor of introducing the one couple in the world that needs no introduction. He's a graduate of the naval Academy, quarterbacked Navy to the national title in his senior year, a US Navy SEAL, philanthropist, successful businessman, winner of Oscars, Emmies, Grammies, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as the Ribbon for Arts and Letters from France. He's a statesman. He's risked his life in Colombia and Iraq to save the lives of others. He still bears the marks of his battle with a cutthroat pirate off the coast of Africa.

"She's a medical doctor, a congresswoman, winner of Emmies, Oscars, Grammies, and numerous other awards. She's a successful businesswoman and a renowned philanthropist. She's also received the Ribbon of Arts and Letters from France. She is THE LADY IN RED!

"Ladies and Gentlemen, for the first time ever as a married couple, I present to you Gwen and Steve Hammer, The Queen of the Spartan Nation and her Warrior King!"

The couple was blushing brightly from all the praise, and especially from being referred to as King and Queen. They stepped onto the dance floor as applause moved through the building and across the town like thunder. Johnny Dee was forced to wait over a minute for the applause to abate before he could continue.

"For the first dance, this couple has selected an appropriate, if somewhat predictable song. Steve will be singing as he dances with his beautiful bride. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Lady in Red!"

The silence was intense as Steve and Gwen moved to the center of the dance floor. The orchestra began playing as Steve took Gwen into his arms and the duo began their signature dance. Gwen was radiant as Steve sang while they danced. Their eyes never left each other the entire time. Millions of people across the world watched as the most famous couple in the world performed their first dance as a married couple. Although millions watched, Steve and Gwen were totally oblivious to anyone but each other. At the end of the song, Steve whispered loud enough for the microphone to pick up, "I love you!"

There were tears, whistles, applause, and yells of approval when the song ended. "Now, the bride will dance with her proud father!" announced Johnny Dee as Gwen moved next to Ted as he placed his good arm on her shoulder and she clutched the hand that extended from the cast on his left arm.

"Dad, you've been the best father a girl could ever have," began Gwen as a few tears trickled down her cheek. "You've always been fair to us girls and you've always been there for us. I admit I never realized how brave you were until the past few years. "

"I'm afraid that I'm not that brave, but I have to act like I am or your husband will show me up. He's the real deal. You've managed to marry the best man I've ever had the pleasure to know," replied Ted with emotion.

"Thanks, Dad. It means a lot to me to know that you approve of Steve, but don't dismiss your heroic actions. You're a great father and an extremely brave man. I know how bad it was in Kiev with that mobster, and I saw everything that happened on that ship that morning. You're my hero," insisted Gwen as she kissed her father on the cheek as the dance ended.

"As you probably are aware, Steve's mother and father are deceased. He's asked the woman that's been like a second mother to him to share a mother/son dance this evening. Paula Anderson has proudly agreed to his request. I present Paula Anderson, mother of the bride, dancing with her son-in-law, Steve Hammer," announced Johnny Dee.

"Paula, I can only hope that Gwen is as beautiful as you when she's your age," whispered Steve as he guided his mother-in-law across the dance floor. "You've been a friend, a mother, a role model, and a fantasy of mine for years. I love you for all of those reasons and probably a million more."

"You know that I've loved you almost as long as Gwen has," replied Paula. "You've always been a gentleman with me, and I appreciate it. If you were a different type of man, you could have ripped my family apart, but you've made it stronger. I'm extremely proud of you and Gwen. I'll be expecting grandkids now, so work on that."

"As you know, Gwen stopped her birth control when she left to go on the hospital ship a couple of months ago, so we could give you another grandchild anytime after nine months," grinned Steve. "I promise that starting a baby will be a priority."

"I know you'll do your part!" laughed Paula. "Just have some mercy on my poor daughter now and then."

Surprising the guests, Johnny Dee made yet another announcement as Steve and Paula ended their dance. "Steve made a promise to a young woman that actually saved his life a while back. She was later seriously injured while performing her duties as security for Gwen. He told her that she'd not only walk again, but that she would dance with him at his wedding. To keep his promise, as well as the opportunity to dance with a beautiful woman, Steve will now dance with Sybil Burke!"

Sybil had been sitting in at a small table near the back of the room with her mother. She blushed when her name was announced and people began cheering and clapping as Steve made his way back to her. He helped her from her chair and carefully led her to the dance floor. Sybil had made huge strides in her recovery, but she still walked stiffly.

The music began and Steve took her into his arms and gently danced with her across the open floor. He had selected a slow number and pretty much supported Sybil. She merely had to follow his lead. As they danced her smile kept increasing.

"You're the most amazing man. Thanks for keeping your promise and for helping me get back on my feet. I don't know if I would have made it this far without you. Gwen is a very lucky woman. What you did for her on that ship was incredible."

"What you did for us was incredible," corrected Steve. "You've been instrumental in saving several members of our family, including Gwen and me. You'll always have friends and support from Lady in Red Productions, and especially from me."

For the next ninety minutes, Steve and Gwen danced with their wedding party and the more famous guests in attendance. Those guests were all scheduled to depart that evening, so the bride and groom spent as much time as they could with the presidents of various nations and their families.

Steve and Gwen were chatting with friends when a beautiful woman tapped Gwen on the shoulder. "The last time I saw you, Gwen, some giant had his hands in your hair and Steve was hanging from a ladder just above the waves. It was a very memorable moment."

"Sam? It's great to see you!" replied Gwen. "Did you watch it on TV, too?"

"No, I was much closer," teased Sam. "Did you happen to notice a Navy jet roar over the ship just before Steve hit the deck?"

"That was you?" exclaimed Gwen. "It felt like you were trying to land on the deck, it was so loud and everything vibrated so hard. I think you distracted the pirates for a few seconds.

"Was that what you were trying to do?" demanded Gwen as she suddenly realized the implications of the jet flying so close to the ship.

"I know it wasn't much, but it was all I could do. I hope it helped, at least a little. I just wish I'd been ordered to out sooner. I would have sunk every one of them before they reached your ship."

"You were a great help," assured Gwen. "How did you manage to get to Sparta so soon? That only happened a few days ago."

"I had some time coming, and I have some friends in high places," answered Sam with a grin. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world."

"Steve, are you feeling well enough to showcase your swing dance skills with Sam?" asked Gwen as Steve hugged his long time friend.

"I'll have to be a little careful, but my ribs are bound up really well and I should be able to manage it. That is unless Sam has gained weight since the Academy," joked Steve.

"I think you're strong enough to handle my hundred and fifteen pounds," retorted Sam with a chuckle. "You tossed that monster overboard with your ribs cracked, so you should have no trouble handling a little girl."

Gwen hurried over to the orchestra and made her request. The musicians were delighted and a couple of them picked up horns from a neat stack and prepared to play. Gwen then asked Johnny Dee to announce the dance.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have yet another treat for you! While he was in the Naval Academy, Steve teamed up with another midshipman to win a swing dance contest. His partner is here tonight and has agreed to perform that routine with Steve. She was the pilot of the Navy jet that roared over the hospital ship in the Indian Ocean less than a week ago. Please direct your attention to the dance floor as Lieutenant Sam Petrosky and Steve Hammer perform 'In the Mood' for your enjoyment!"

Steve was forced to limit a few of his moves to protect his ribs, but the dance was still a real crowd pleaser. The applause was long and enthusiastic when the perspiring couple finished the routine.

The sun had set and an almost full moon was shining over Sparta when Steve and Gwen exited the LiR Center and walked into the cheering crowd on Main Street. A band had now replaced the orchestra and they were set up on a stage in the street.

Gwen and Steve joined the celebration. They danced and chatted with as many guests as they could. At midnight, the couple took a short break before returning to the street party dressed in more casual attire. They had agreed that since so many people had made the effort to attend their wedding, they would remain at the festivities and interact with as many people as they could. Mallory Burke's people were a heavy presence as they watched over the scene to keep the couple as safe as possible in Mardi Gras like atmosphere. A new band took over at midnight. Every so often, Steve and Gwen would delight the huge crowd by joining the band for a song or two.

Gwen delighted the large crowd by dancing with every man that asked. It didn't seem to matter to her if her partner were young or old, wealthy, or of modest means. She surprised a few by asking them to dance with her. Steve never lacked for partners as women lined up to have a dance with the Warrior. Almost all of them kissed his cheek and wished him happiness when their dance ended.

Steve was dancing in the street with Gwen's next door neighbor when he noticed Jack Timberline step up to Gwen and take her in his arms to dance! He was surprised that Timberline would have the nerve to attend the wedding.

"Gwen, you haven't returned my calls, or my emails. That surprises me after I did so much to help launch your career. I'll never forget that night we went dancing and you kissed me. We had something special."

"All I had was too much wine," retorted Gwen. "That was one of the most embarrassing and humiliating nights of my life. You tried to take advantage of me, although it was my own fault for allowing myself to be placed in that position.

"I never returned your calls because I didn't want to speak with you. It seems like you could have figured that out. Why are you here? Steve isn't going to like it if you cause me any trouble."

"I'm not worried about your caveman husband," chuckled Timberline. "My career has had a bit of a downturn and I thought recording a few songs with you could help both of us. Maybe we could do a few gigs together. The crowd really loved it when we performed 'Glory of Love' at that concert we did together. We make a great duo."

"Your career is circling the drain because of your penchant for drugs and alcohol," responded Gwen. "I can look at you and see that you're high right now. I suggest you try rehab if you want your career back."

"I didn't come here for goddamn advice!" snapped Timberline. "I want you to ...."

"Hey, Jack!" greeted Steve as he pulled Jack away from Gwen and shook his hand vigorously as his other hand appeared to grip the back of Timberline's neck in friendship. In reality, Steve was applying more than a little pressure to Timberline.

"It's so good to see you! Thanks for coming to our wedding. Gwen and I appreciate it. I know you're busy, but I'd like to talk a little business with you in private. Would you join me inside this store for a couple of minutes? Stephanie, will you come along, please?"

Gwen's sisters and friends were all close-by. They had seen Timberline approach Gwen for the dance and they knew the history between them. Kate even asked Chip to be prepared to stop Steve from resorting to violence when Steve headed toward Timberline and Gwen. Stephanie was surprised that Steve wanted her in on the private conversation he was about to have, but she simply nodded and followed the men into the building.

Steve had his arm around Timberline and firmly guided the now worried man to a quiet area in the building.

"I'll make this quick. I don't want you alone with my wife for any reason. I guarantee you won't like the results," promised Steve. "You're probably hoping that just being near her will rejuvenate the music career you destroyed with drugs and alcohol. Your womanizing has probably given you a few STD's as well."

Timberline was stunned at Steve's understanding of his personal situation and concerned about the threat the larger man had just stated so matter-of-factly.

"Stephanie, I want you to buy Jack's contract from his label as soon as possible. I'm going to own your pathetic ass, Timberline. You'll enter rehab and get your shit together. Once you're sober and healthy, we'll let you perform at a few concerts with us. Gwen, Jordan, or all of us may ever record a song or two with you. We'll get you back on track.

"The kicker is that you quit the drugs. You stop drinking. You stop tom-catting. You'll become active in a charity or two and become a stable person that's an asset to the community. If you don't do these things, my company will simply forget you exist. You'll get no opportunities and you'll become a has-been, all washed up and begging for gigs in those nostalgia tours. We'll pay for the help you need and you'd better take advantage of it, or your career is finished. Are we clear?"

"You don't give me much choice. If this is about that night Gwen and I went to that club..."

"Don't say another word!" snarled Steve. "If it was about that, you'd be on your way to the hospital right now. This is about a wasted talent. This is about a second chance. This is about me holding your fate in my hands. I'm offering you a path forward. If you're smart enough to accept it, you'll do fine, as long as you never bother Gwen or speak about her in anything but positive terms.

"Stephanie will give you her contact information and you'll give yours to her. She'll set it all up. Now let's get back to my reception. I want to dance with my wife," concluded Steve.

Gwen was concerned for Steve when he led Timberline into the building. "Do you think he'll hurt Jack? He isn't worth getting in trouble over. Am I ever going to live that stupid mistake down?"

"Steve's probably reading from the scriptures to Jack," chuckled Jason. "I wouldn't want to be Timberline's shoes right now, but Steve's too smart to get physical with him. He'll get him some other way. What the hell was the guy thinking when he decided to dance with you?"

"He's desperate. His career has gone down the toilet and he's hoping I'd help him get back on top," replied Gwen.

"Yeah, and he'd like to get on top of you!" retorted Charlotte. "He's a pig. I almost hope Steve cleans his clock. I remember what a mess you were after that night. He's got no right to show up at your wedding reception, and especially not to dance with you."

At that moment Steve stepped back into the street and took Gwen into his arms and began dancing to the music. "Are we good? Is everything okay? I just wish he'd go away. You know I don't like him, don't you?"

"Gwen, you're my wife now. I married you because I love you. I certainly trust you. We're very good. I can't wait to show you just how good we are. You mom pretty much made me promise to start working on her grandkids. Since she asked so nicely, I agreed."

As they danced, Gwen saw Stephanie laughing as she explained to the rest of the group what had transpired with Timberline. Gwen could tell by Stephanie's laughter that things were just fine.

It was a night Sparta would never forget as people danced and partied for several blocks of Main Street. Sunrise found an exhausted Steve and Gwen sitting down for a breakfast at Marsh's. Charlotte, Naomi, Nadiya, Jordan, Kate, Lisa, and their respective male counterparts joined them. It was a happy, but tired group.

"Can you believe there are still hundreds of people still dancing and partying out there?" asked Kate. "We're on our fourth band. The first one that performed is supposed to be back to set up at 8 AM. That was some wedding!"

"It was okay," grinned Billy. "It just seems to me that Steve would be in more of a hurry to consummate his marriage. He's been married for about twelve hours and hasn't laid a hand on the bride yet."

"You've no idea where his hands have been," insisted Gwen with a laugh. "But, we are going to go home and get a few hours sleep before we rejoin everyone still celebrating."

"Yeah, you'll be going to bed, but I bet there won't be too much sleep involved," stated Jordan. "I just hope you manage to get your eyes focused again before you come back."

"Let's meet at one PM at that Renaissance Faire over on Third Street," offered Lisa. "A couple of my friends told me that there's this blind woman that gazes into a crystal ball and predicts your future. She's supposed to be amazing."

"A blind woman gazing into anything would certainly be amazing," retorted Charlotte dryly. "I learned that in medical school."

The friends were all gathered near the entrance to the Renaissance Faire at one.

"Don't give out any names," insisted Charlotte. "If this soothsayer is so good, she should be able to identify Gwen with her sixth or seventh sense."

Everyone agreed to not use any names as they packed into a medium sized tent. The front flap held a sign proclaiming 'Fortunes Told' in some sort of old English script. An old woman with what appeared to be empty eye sockets sat at a table with a large round, glass ball in front of her.

"Come in! You are here to have your fortunes told, are you not? Please sit and give me your hand. Look into the crystal ball and we will begin."