Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 07

Steve wasted no time hugging Lisa tightly before holding her at arm's length and looking at her swollen stomach. Lisa smiled as Steve gently touched her abdomen.

"It's a girl and her name's going to be Stevie Paula Hunter. You can guess where we came up with the name. You saved my guy. I don't know how to thank you for it. I'm not as strong as Gwen. I was so scared that my baby would lose its father before she was even born. Then Gwen told us that she was certain that it was you racing down the hill that day and I felt tremendous relief. Jason's very capable, but when you're with him, nothing can defeat you both. If I didn't love you before, I would now. You've been a Godsend for our family."

Jason had slowly gotten to his feet to shake Steve's hand and hug Gwen. Gwen introduced Lisa and Jason to Chip and Mark. As the group stood chatting after the introductions, William Patterson leaned back in his chair and spoke to his wife and the members of Paula's family that were still seated.

"Do you realize what you're watching here tonight? Look at the people Steve and Gwen are surrounding themselves with. This is no coincidence. They're forming a union of sorts. They've selected men and women of courage and integrity for their inner circle. I've never seen a more impressive group. Smart, attractive, disciplined, honorable, industrious and extremely talented are just a few of the words that come to mind to describe them."

As William Patterson finished speaking, Jared, Naomi, Charlotte and Billy joined Gwen, Steve, and their friends. Naomi proudly wore her Navy dress uniform while Jared wore his Army uniform.

William Patterson summoned a man carrying a camera in his hands and another around his neck. "I know you're hired to photograph tonight's festivities for the hospital's web page, but I'll see that you get an extra thousand if you get pictures of Steve and Gwen together, and then with each of these couples, and finally of the entire group of friends. Those pictures just may be priceless sometime in the future."

The photographer nodded his understanding and quickly moved over to the group to instruct them about what pictures he wanted of the group and how he wanted them to pose.

Like everyone else in the country, he knew a great deal about the exploits of Steve and Gwen and was delighted to have the opportunity to photograph them. He was even happier that he'd get well paid to do it. He had Gwen and Steve stand together for several shots.

Then he asked the Anderson Sisters to stand together with their respective dates behind them. "Have you ever seen a better looking family?" asked Paula's beaming mother, Caroline. "I know I may be slightly prejudiced, but the girls are gorgeous and the men they have backing them are amazing. I want a copy of that photo!"

It took some time, but the photographer managed to go through all the possible permutations requested by William Patterson. He exchanged cards with Steve's grandfather and moved on with his cameras. Steve excused himself to use the bathroom before the music started.

Gwen watched as Steve slowly made his way across the room. He was constantly engaged in conversation by people as he passed them. She saw him shake hands with Governor O'Leary. Congresswoman Branca, who was hoping to replace retiring Senator Dawson, managed a few words with him before he disappeared into the hallway.

"He's in great demand," observed Ashley as she sat down next to Gwen and spoke quietly. "Did you know that Steve is being transferred to the Washington? He won't be with his team after this week. Mark just told me about it."

"What do you mean?" asked Gwen quite loudly, with no concern for who heard her. "Steve loves being a SEAL and serving with his team. Look how well he just did in Colombia. The Navy's been trying to get him to agree to an assignment in DC since he graduated the Academy. Why would he agree to it now?"

"I guess he hasn't mentioned his deal with the Pentagon to anyone, but it's going to be announced in a day or two, so you'd be better off hearing it now," responded Captain Neary as everyone at the large table listened intently to his words.

"You all know that Steve has been used by the Navy for recruiting and PR. They didn't want him to become a SEAL and rumor has it that he was expected to drop out during Hell Week. They were especially hard on him, thinking he'd decide it would be a lot easier to travel and do promotions than become a SEAL. We all know how that worked. He refused to give up and survived everything they dished out.

"The next option was to keep Steve away from any sort of combat. SEALs are often covert and Steve may have the single most recognized face in the world. It frustrated him, but he didn't complain and he fit in well with his teammates. When the situation in Colombia developed, Steve lobbied all the way to President Hanson about being permitted to go on the mission.

"The Pentagon relented, but with the understanding that after the mission, he would gracefully accept an assignment in Washington in a capacity yet to be determined. He readily accepted the offer and that's where we stand now."

"He did that because he knew Jason was in Colombia. He made that deal so he could help him get out alive!" reasoned Lisa. "He risked his life, and sacrificed his career to protect my family."

The entire table became quiet as everyone considered Lisa's words. "What happened while I was gone? It looks like a wake instead of a party," observed Steve as he stood behind Gwen and looking over the grim faces at the table.

"We just found out what you gave up in order to go on that mission to rescue Jason," responded Lisa. "I don't know what to say."

"Well, the music's started, so if you'd dance with me, we'll think of something," suggested Steve as he offered his hand to Lisa. "Is it okay with you, Jason, if I dance with your beautiful wife?"

"Please do! I'm even stiffer than you. The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few more days, so dancing is definitely out."

"You are going to be the most beautiful mother I've ever seen," began Steve as he took Lisa in his arms. "Your little girl will be precious. I'm going to spoil her every chance I get."

"Thanks, Steve! I know you will and that's fine with Jason and me. I'm sorry about the Navy making you leave your SEAL team and transfer to Washington. I feel like it's my fault."

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about," smiled Steve as he looked into Lisa's eyes. "I wasn't too happy about my situation. The Navy had no plans of using me on any missions and they made no bones about it. I understand their reasoning. I guess it made sense. I'm pretty well known and SEALs are usually anonymous, and often covert. I didn't fit the mold.

"When Jason wound up in that situation, I saw it as a chance to repay a debt and to have at least one mission under my belt before transferring to Washington. It worked out perfectly. Jason is healing, you and the baby are healthy, and I managed to go on an important mission. You and I both know that they'd never send me again after the way the situation mushroomed in Colombia.

"I'll let you in on a secret. I just saw the group that wants Gwen to run for congress. They're here tonight. It's possible that Gwen will be spending a fair amount of time in DC after the first of the year. We'd be together a lot if she does, so don't feel bad for me. This could be perfect," finished Steve as he led Lisa back to the table.

"It looks like Steve has managed to raise your spirits," observed Gwen as a smiling Lisa took her seat next to Jason. "Why doesn't that surprise me? And why didn't you tell me that you're going to be given an assignment in Washington, Steve?"

"I was going to tell you this evening, while you were in my arms, getting lost in my eyes. I didn't allow for Captain Neary letting the cat out of the bag. I assume that's where this information came from," added Steve.

"Gwen isn't the only woman that can get a guy to talk by using her charms," retorted Ashley. "Mark had no chance once I started rubbing up against him like Gwen does to you. He told me everything."

"In that case, I don't blame him a bit," chuckled Steve. "I'd think less of him if he could resist you. You're a gorgeous woman!

"Now, for the rest of my newly hatched plan. Amber told Gwen that there's some talk of mounting a write-in campaign for Gwen for congress. The people formulating that option are here this evening. We all know that Gwen, while extremely busy, would make an excellent member of the house. Plus she would be in Washington quite often and I'd offer my services to escort her to important events," suggested Steve as he watched Gwen for her reaction.

"You devious rascal! If I somehow managed to be elected to congress, we'd be spending a lot of time at social events, like dances and weddings and all kinds of galas. That would be great! But, I'd be spending a lot of time having my arm twisted by lobbyists trying to buy my vote. I'd never agree to any deals," stated Gwen with conviction.

"Before the evening is over, Gwen will be asked if she'll serve in congress if she is elected. I think she's head and shoulders above the people in office now and she should agree to serve. I doubt if anyone else in the country, with the possible exception of Jordan, could win a write-in campaign for a seat in congress. Along with Jordan, she's the most loved person in America. I'd like each of you at this table to consider the advantages and disadvantages of Gwen accepting. Tell her what you think so that she can hear various points of view and make a good decision."

"I'm ready to state my opinion right now," declared William Patterson. "There's no doubt in my mind that Gwen would be the best congresswoman in the country. Plus, we live close to Washington, so she and Steve could visit us all the time!"

"Think it over, everyone, while I whisk this beautiful lady onto the dance floor. Let's get out there while my leg is still feeling good," urged Steve as he took Gwen's hand and guided her onto the dance floor.

"Do you really think I can handle the responsibility?" asked Gwen as she and Steve glided across the floor.

"I don't think there's much of anything that you can't handle, Gwen. I meant everything I said about your qualifications. But right now, just concentrate on being in my arms again and think about how much I love you."

It was half an hour later when Gwen was approached by three women representing an independent group of voters in their district. As expected, they asked Gwen if she would be interested in becoming a write-in candidate for congress. By that time, Gwen had listened to her family and friends, as well as Steve, encourage her to consider the opportunity.

"I will serve if elected," responded Gwen to the women. "I will not spend a minute, or a dime campaigning. I will not allow anyone to tell me how to vote, not even one of you. I will owe no favors and serve no special interests. I'll listen to discussions and do research on my own before I decide how to vote on any issue. I will be especially focused on the health and welfare of our less fortunate citizens, and children. I will rely heavily on Steve. If any of those items are deal breakers, find someone else. Otherwise, toss my name into the hat and see what happens."

It was only a short time later that the Democratic candidate for congress found an opportunity to speak to Gwen and Steve. "I understand that you've decided to run a write-in campaign for congress. You realize that it could get pretty rough. The media will dig into your past. They'll find embarrassing things and run it on TV. You should know that the Republican candidate likes to run negative ads and will probably attack you for things like appearing nude in movies or hanging with those shabby bikers, or even for being so young. Are you even old enough to serve in congress?"

"I will not be 'running' for anything. I will accept the position if elected. My life is an open book and I have no worries about what others may say about me," responded Gwen politely. "If voters don't like something about me, they can vote for someone else. That's the beauty of a democracy. I'll be twenty five in August, so I'll be old enough to serve. Thanks for your words of caution, and your consideration."

Gwen just finished a dance with Jared when she was asked by the Republican Candidate if she could spare him a minute of her time. Gwen held onto Jared's hand as she nodded for the man to speak.

"I had hoped to speak privately with you. Politics can be very delicate and we don't need anyone to repeat what we say," insisted the man.

"That just might be one of the biggest problems with politics," stated Gwen coldly. "Jared was my complete trust and can hear anything you want to say to me. He's an officer in the US Army, a gentleman, and my dear friend."

"That's what I was going to speak to you about. You don't understand politics. You're a lovely white woman and you're often seen being very friendly with blacks, bikers, and even homeless people. You can't win the election with friends like that. But you can be, and will be dragged through the mud. I suggest that you forget about this crazy scheme before you embarrass yourself, and your family. I know you have a lot of money, but you can't buy a seat in congress."

"You're an ass!" spat Gwen as she looked at the man like she would a snake. "I will not be insulted by the likes of you. I will not abandon my friends. I will not try to buy a seat in congress, and I especially will not have any more to do with you! Please escort me back to my table, Jared."

"It's begun already!" fumed Gwen as she took a seat at the table and related the conversation that she had with the two men running for congress. "They tried to intimidate me into not running. I will be humiliated. My family will be embarrassed. People don't like that I'm friends with blacks, bikers, and homeless people. They won't like that I'm trying to buy the seat. They won't like that I've been topless in movies. They won't like me and won't vote for me!"

"I don't speak for anyone else, but the topless thing makes me want to vote for you even more," admitted Billy while everyone else remained silent.

Suddenly Gwen began to laugh. "Billy! You're such a typical man. I hope you're representative of how men think. That simple statement has helped show me that I can't worry about negative comments or ads. I'm proud of the movies we made, the songs we sang, the concerts we gave, the TV shows we made, and especially the friends we've made! If people truly don't like me for those reasons, they really should vote for one of the other guys. Do I have your vote, Billy?"

"You're kidding me, right?"replied Billy as he arched his eyebrows and stared at Gwen's considerable cleavage before adding, "You've got two big advantages over your opponents, unless Naomi runs against you."

"Well thank you, Billy!" beamed Naomi as everyone laughed. "Now perhaps you can tell everyone who has the bigger ass; Gwen or me?"

A few minutes later, Chip was on the dance floor with Kate. "You're a beautiful woman. I thought Steve was probably stretching the truth a little when he talked about you, but he didn't even do you justice. I've seen you in movies, but I thought it was probably a lot of makeup and special effects or something."

"Steve really told you that I was beautiful?" asked Kate as she moved closer to Chip. "That means a lot to me. I totally adore the guy, even though he's ruined my life."

"I thought he was always extremely good to you. How did he ruin your life?" questioned Chip.

"I watched him saw how a man can be, but I could never find one like him. Lisa fell in love with Jason, and he's a great guy, although he isn't Steve. I couldn't find anyone that came close. I've been jealous of Gwen and even of Lisa for a few years now. He ruined me for normal men. Why couldn't I find a guy like Steve? Was it because I wasn't like Gwen? She's so smart and beautiful. She sings and dances and always knows what to do and what to say. She's rich and famous. I'm just a little sister," revealed Kate as her eyes misted.

"Well, it's a good thing I came along then. I trained for the SEALs with Steve. To be honest, nobody's like him. I was always good at everything and was a very fast learner. Steve is on a whole different level. But you know what? I've learned that it doesn't make me less of a man. It just makes me try harder.

"Gwen is an amazing woman, but so are you. You don't live in her shadow. Kate Anderson is known as a beautiful, witty, and intelligent woman. It's pretty obvious that Gwen loves you and Lisa as much as a sister could. Steve and Gwen belong together, but that doesn't mean that you and I should give up. We're pretty damn good people, too."

"You're funny. Thanks for being there for me last night. You were really brave. You reminded me of Steve the way you handled those awful men. I don't mean that in a bad way."

"Don't tell Steve I said this, but I consider that the supreme compliment. I've seen him in battle and I'm glad we're on the same side. Can I see you tomorrow? We can do whatever you want, as long as I get to do it with you."

"Do you know how to ride a big Harley, by any chance?" asked Kate with a grin.

"Is the Pope Catholic? I've been riding big bikes since I turned 16," boasted Chip. "I've heard all about the rides your family and friends go on. Want to ride tomorrow?"

"I've always had to get Gwen, Lisa, or Jordan to let me ride with their guys. It would be really cool if I had my own guy to ride with for a change," replied Kate with enthusiasm. "I hope we can get the others to ride with us. It's so cool when we're all riding down the road and people come out of their homes and businesses to wave and take pictures."

Meanwhile, Gwen and Steve had been approached by a male reporter working for channel 12. "Can you confirm to us that you've decided to run as a write-in candidate for congress?"

"Actually, I can confirm that I'm not running for any office. I have simply agreed to serve, if elected. I will not be campaigning for any office. I will not spend money to campaign, nor will I form any political action committees."

"How will you get voters to consider you if you don't campaign? How can you expect them to vote for you?" asked the confused man.

"I don't expect anything. I'm willing to serve if elected. It's that simple. If I don't get any votes, my life will go on as it has. It's entirely up to the electorate," replied Gwen.

"How will they know your position on the issues? What's your stand on immigration? Gay marriage? The economy? Tax reform?" persisted the reporter.

"I have no position on these issues. I would research them and discuss them with people directly affected, as well as some trusted friends and advisors. If people want simple answers to those questions, they already have two candidates that excel at that. I'm not going to be pushed or bullied into making rash statements about complex issues," responded Gwen calmly.

"What about your personal life? You admit that you and Steve Hammer are lovers. You've appeared topless, and even naked in movies. Do you expect voters to disregard that fact? They may not feel your moral turpitude is acceptable for serving in congress."

"Truthfully? I hope they rent, or buy all of our movies and watch them a hundred times. What's your point? I don't have to defend myself to you or anyone else. I'm not running for office. If people find my life style offensive, they have other options. I won't stop loving Steve, or sleeping with him, even for every vote in the country. I won't renounce my friends, and I won't change the way I live in an attempt to curry favor. I'm not campaigning for votes. Try to wrap your head around that fact. Besides, my friend Billy said that he considered my appearing topless to be a couple of big pluses in securing his vote," laughed Gwen.