Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 06

"I guess it's all on me," grinned Steve as he moved to sit at the piano. "I'd like to dedicate this song to a certain someone. I think you'll all be able to figure out who it's for when you hear it. Forgive me if I'm a bit rusty."

He began playing the piano and at the appropriate time, started singing. 'Where do I begin to tell the story of how grateful love can be' was all Steve managed before his voice was drowned out by the applause. He waited a bit for the crowd to settle, and then began again.

Steve's hair was a bit longer than usual, his face a bit leaner and more tanned, while the marks from the rock fragments were quite apparent. The effect on the females watching was undeniable. Gasps and moans filled the building as ladies of all ages felt a tremendous attraction to Steve. The director quickly realized the situation and went to a split screen. The entire audience was able to watch Steve sing, as well as see Gwen's reaction as she stood behind the curtain watching and listening. Tears streaked her face even as her smile continued to grow.

For his part, Steve's emotion was evident. His eyes were sparkling, and when he sang 'I know I'll need her till the stars all burn away', girls actually began screaming his name. Steve was surprised at the reaction his singing was creating. He kept singing as he grinned to the audience. The applause was extremely loud and long. Steve bowed several times as he waited for the cheering and yelling to diminish. It gradually quieted down.

"If she would, I'd like Gwen to join me now while I sing one more song before we get into the real concert," stated Steve as he picked up his acoustic guitar and watched Gwen come forward to share the spotlight with him. "This song is for you. Don't be afraid to help me with the chorus."

Gwen nodded as Steve began playing his guitar. Then he began singing 'Peaceful Easy Feeling' while looking directly at Gwen. When he sang the lyrics "I want to sleep with you in the desert tonight, with a billion stars all around," tears again trickled down Gwen's cheeks as the audience roared its approval. It was apparent to all watching and listening that the words had special meaning to the two lovers. It was more than just a song.

"Look at him shamelessly making love to your daughter," laughed Paula's mother as she sat with Paula, Ted, Diane, Will and the Pattersons. "That's one of the most romantic things I've ever seen. They're a perfect match!"

When the applause finally died down, Jordan, Charlie, and the band quickly joined Steve and Gwen and the concert began in earnest. Gwen immediately announced to the huge audience that she was doing her first number for Steve. When she told Steve what song she wanted, he flashed a big smile, picked up his guitar, and prepared to play.

This time the audience was very quiet as Gwen delivered 'Woman in Love' to perfection. She made no one guess to whom she was singing. When Gwen sang 'we may be oceans away, you'll feel my love, I hear what you say' many in the audience realized the lyrics actually expressed the bond between the two. She had known he was arriving on the helicopter when there was no real reason for her to believe it. By the time Gwen finished, there were very few dry eyes in the building. The applause was long and loud.

"I know I seem to sing this next song a lot," beamed Gwen as the band began playing again. "But it fits the situation so well, I can't help it. Sparta is blessed with a genuine hero, a modern day Hercules, at least as far as I'm concerned. This next one's for Steve!"

Gwen put everything she felt into 'I Need a Hero'. The past week had given her reason to consider a world without Steve, as well as to consider what he represented. He was a fierce warrior, but a kind and gentle lover. He did all he could for those that could not care for themselves, the weak, the ill, the underprivileged. But when murders and mad men challenged him, he stood his ground. He was truly a hero. As she sang, Gwen saw the huge screens display videos of Steve risking his life to save others.

They began with the river rescue and then the battle in the gym. Following them was the graduation attack, followed by scenes of Steve and Gwen with heads of state from various government functions. There were even a few highlights of Steve's collegiate football career, and finally by the helicopter landing at the hospital. It showed the bloody, dirty, shirtless, darkly tanned Navy SEAL helping two girls off the chopper before turning to embrace Gwen. That embrace lasted a full minute. Near the end, Steve could be seen shaking with his face buried in Gwen's neck, as she patted his back and ran her fingers through his hair in a familiar and soothing manner.

It was very apparent that the entire Spartan Nation was filled with pride at the courage displayed by one of their own. The cheering and applause lasted several minutes. When the noise finally softened to a dull roar, the group launched into their planned performance for the evening. The fans were already fired up!

One of the most obvious ways this performance differed from those of the past was Charlie's involvement. He had been touring with Jordan for a few years and they had put together numerous songs that fans had come to expect from them. Charlie had even sung backup for Jordan on two of her recent hits.

The friends divided the performances down the middle between Gwen and Jordan, with Charlie and Steve adding vocals on many of them. Jordan was delighted to have Charlie singing with her. It was apparent to the audience that they were watching some very talented performers that also happened to be very much in love.

It was about midway through the evening when Steve gently took Gwen's arm in his hand and led her off to the side. Charlie moved closer to Jordan as she sat at the piano. Suddenly, Charlie dropped to one knee and held up a small box. Jordan clasped her hand over in mouth in surprise.

"Jordan Quick, will you give me the great honor of becoming my wife?" was all he managed as Jordan flew out off her seat and into Charlie's arms. Since they both were wearing live microphones the audience heard everything as Jordan kept saying 'yes' between the kisses she showered all over Charlie's face. Then she held out her hand as Charlie slid the ring onto her finger. With a huge smile, she held her hand up to a camera, and then waved to the crowd.

Jordan suddenly hurried over to Gwen. "Will you be my maid-of-honor, Gwen? You're my best friend, and my sister."

Gwen nodded through her tears and hugged Jordan tightly. After half a minute, Jordan broke away from Gwen and stepped close to Steve.

"Will you walk me down the aisle? You're like a father, and a brother to me," was all Jordan managed before Steve embraced her, lifted her off her feet, and swung her around.

"It would be one of the greatest honors of my life!" replied Steve clearly as the spectators once again broke into loud cheers and whistles. Gwen hugged Charlie and then Steve shook his hand and patted him on the back before they returned to their positions and started playing again. Jordan and Charlie had huge smiles plastered on their faces the rest of the night.

By the time the concert ended, Steve was exhausted. He limped around the stage, trying to help pick things up until Paula put her foot down. "We have people making a good wage to do that work! You need to take my daughter home so that both of you get some rest. She hasn't slept well for a week and neither have you! You were wonderful to those children. Don't you think it's about time you show Gwen some personal attention? She's been suffering, too!"

Steve stopped what he was doing and looked around. Gwen was helping put the microphones away. From her slow movements, it was obvious that she was nearing exhaustion. He kissed Paula's cheek, shook Ted's hand firmly, and made his way over to Gwen, wrapped his arms around her from behind, and whispered in her ear.

Gwen giggled and then turned around in Steve's arms and kissed him. "Okay, but you know we always stop at Marsh's after the show. Let's tell Charlie and Jordan we're leaving now. We'll spend a little time there to help them celebrate, and then I'll take you up on that promise."

Gwen and Steve were finally relaxing, and enjoying a late snack with Charlotte, Billy, Jordan, Charlie, and Ashley when the door to the restaurant slammed open. Steve quickly stood when he saw Kate headed his way. Her face was bloody, and her clothes were ripped. She used both hands to hold her top together until she got close to Steve, and then she threw herself into his arms.

Steve struggled to control his anger as he held the trembling girl in his arms. Who had harmed Kate? They would soon regret it, whoever it was. He was certain of that! Suddenly a man carrying a hand gun came through the front door! He stopped briefly when he saw Steve, but then headed directly toward him. Steve took Kate's arm in one hand and guided her to stand behind him as he squared to face the armed man.