Lady in Red Ch. 30

"Okay!" interrupted Diane. "We get the graphic picture you just painted. I, for one, am appalled that this sort of behavior is condoned, and even encouraged when there is such an impressionable young lady present. Am I going to have to call child services?"

"I think it'd be better if you called Gwen and invited her and Steve to spend the night at our place," suggested Diane's husband, Will. "Stephanie can sleep over with Kate so her impressions will be limited. We don't have a pool, but we do have a really nice hot tub and it's right under our window."

"Dad! You're as bad as all these other men, including Uncle Ted," scolded Stephanie. "Is this what we girls should expect when we get boyfriends, or husbands?"

"Boyfriends? No!" responded Will quickly. "Husbands, yes."

"This is the sort of thing that Jordan, Becky, and I missed while growing up. You're having a good natured conversation about sex, marriage, and family life in general. That was so much fun to hear. That's what I want when I have a husband and kids. I hope my kids hear me having great sex in the middle of the night."

"It really isn't as cool as it sounds," cautioned Kate. "I can understand Steve and Gwen, but people in their forties, and your parents? Not so cool."

The group spent a restful Saturday, recovering and preparing to fly to Florida Sunday. Naomi left for home Saturday afternoon after saying her good-byes to Gwen, Jordan, and Steve.

"I'll make sure this guy keeps his nose to the grindstone at the Academy," promised Naomi as she wrapped her arms around Steve. "I'll keep a close eye on him."

"That's what worries me!" laughed Gwen as Naomi pulled Steve down for a tender kiss. "I'll be three thousand miles away and you'll be waving that big butt in front of him all the time. I just hope he's able to resist that temptation and all the others that'll be thrown his way."

"Steve, I want to be your best friend at the Academy. I know some people will think we're more than friends, but I'm okay with that if you are. If they think I have my claws in you, the other girls might back off and I can save your honor for Gwen. That's a huge sacrifice I'm willing to make."

"Sacrifice?" asked Gwen. "Hanging out with Steve is hardly a sacrifice. I'll be seeing you in the supermarket rags with stories about how you're his main squeeze, while I'm pining away in California, trying to keep a brave face to the public. Imagine how embarrassing it'll be when the reporters start asking me if Steve prefers big round butts, instead of cute little tushes like mine!"

Naomi released Steve and moved to hug Gwen. "I know how to be a friend. Never doubt that Steve and I both value loyalty and discipline above incredibly hot, continuous, kinky sex. Don't believe anything you don't see with your own eyes."

"That's supposed to make me feel better?" questioned Gwen. "You were doing great until you got to the 'hot, continuous, kinky sex' part. Seriously, take care of my guy. I trust you and I'll be relying on you to let me know if he's having any problems. Thanks, Naomi."

Once Naomi left, the travelers began packing their bags and planning for their Florida trip. They would land in West Palm Beach in the early afternoon, pick up their rental cars, and drive north to Hutchinson Island on the Treasure Coast. Kate and Stephanie packed every bikini they had from their modeling of the 'Lady in Red' line. They assured Becky that they had more than they needed and that they would be happy to loan a few to her.

By four PM the next day, Gwen, Steve, Jordan, Charlie, Paula, Diane, Charlotte, Ashley, Becky, Kate, Stephanie, and Amber Stahl joined Charlie's band in a very nice hotel Clyde had reserved for them. Lisa had flown to NYC to attend Jason's West Point graduation. Steve's family had returned to Virginia after a tearful farewell.

"It looks like your family's beginning to grow on you," observed Gwen as Steve watched his grandfather, aunt, and cousin walk to their gate. "I can't tell you how happy it makes me that you're reconciling with your mother's family. We'll have to work on your grandmother next time. She's punished herself too much already. We'll have to make her understand that she's been forgiven."

"Are you doing my thinking, and forgiving for me now?" asked Steve as he pulled Gwen close.

"That's one of the job descriptions for girlfriend/ lover. I know you want more of what's in these little panties so you'll listen to me when it comes to things like family relationships. I like what's packed in your boxers, so I'll listen to you about men, guns, and bombs. It seems to work quite well, don't you think?"

"Steve and Gwen have the Honeymoon Suite!" declared Kate to Paula, Diane, and Stephanie after visiting Gwen's room at the hotel. "They have a hot tub in front of a huge window that looks over the ocean. Sis said we could use it any time we want, unless they want privacy for some strange reason."

"Really? The Honeymoon Suite?" repeated Paula. "They're certainly enjoying the honeymoon without what used to be the required first step. Imagine if you or I had tried to spend a week or two with a man in the Honeymoon Suite back when we graduated high school."

"The impression I get from Mom is that she'd be fine with it, if Steve was the man. She's totally on his side. She likes our husbands a lot, but she absolutely loves Steve, much like every other woman in the family when you think about it," mused Diane.

"He does seem to have a certain irresistible charm, doesn't he," conceded Paula. "I was amazed by him the first time I saw him sitting with Gwen, and I still am."

"That just means you're normal, Mom. I couldn't believe it when I saw him at the mall talking to Gwen. I wonder if I had been sitting at that table reading that dumb book; would he be my boyfriend now?"

"That's the question every girl in Sparta has asked herself a million times!" laughed Stephanie. "He sure is a special guy. Gwen is so lucky, but she's so beautiful and smart. They belong together. We're just lucky she lets us hang out with him so much. Maybe I'll let him catch me in the hot tub topless. I could act all surprised and he couldn't complain that I'm not eighteen, since it would be an 'accident'. I'd love to have him see me like that. Is that a weird thing to want?"

"It seems pretty standard in this family," replied Diane. "However, you're not going to parade around topless in front of any man, including Steve; at least not before you're eighteen. You can bet on that."

"He's seen everybody else except Kate and me. I know he's seen Jordan. I bet Ashley, Naomi, Becky, and even Mrs. Quick have been topless in front of him. What about you, Mom? Have you let Steve see you? I know he saw Aunt Paula that night he saved her from those rapists."

"I can assure you that he has not seen me topless, Young Lady! I'm a married woman old enough to be his mother. Besides, the opportunity hasn't presented itself."

"Oh, wow!" exclaimed Kate. "You're so cool, Aunt Diane! Maybe you can let Steve find you topless in the tub. I bet he'd like that a lot!"

"Well, thank you for that," laughed Diane. "That really shouldn't be a goal for every woman in the family. Why should we want to expose ourselves to him? What's the attraction?"

"I'm not getting drawn into answering that question," declined Paula. "I'll just reiterate that Kate will not be topless in front of Steve before she's eighteen. That sounds pretty bad, when I say if out loud, but I know Kate wants to pose for him and all I can do is try to put it off until she's an adult. I guess it's because I can understand the allure for her, even though I can't explain it."

"It's because I love him a lot and want him to see me. I know he won't get all grabby, be insulting, hurt my feelings, or do anything bad like that. He'll just smile and tell me how beautiful I look and then he'll spend some time enjoying the view. He'll make me feel so grown-up and sexy, but he won't do anything wrong to me. He'd never hurt me. I can't wait!"

Meanwhile, the Summers were unpacking in the room they shared. "I'm not kidding, Becky. Gwen won't mind if you tease and flirt with Steve. She trusts him, and with good reason. I told you how stupid I acted that night. Most guys would have spread me out before I finished making the offer. Steve called Gwen and then they took care of me, rather than being upset. Then they offered me the job of being Steve's assistant. It's like they were rewarding my bad behavior.

"In truth, it was Gwen realizing that I really love that guy of hers, so she knew I'd make a good assistant because I'd watch out for him any way I could. She wasn't jealous or angry. She expects girls to fall in love with him. She doesn't mind if you sit on his lap, rub up against him, or show him some skin. He's always a perfect gentleman. He won't grope you or take advantage of you in any way. It's like he's a giant, sexy teddy bear or something, but it feels so good when he holds you, or looks down your top and smiles. He makes you feel wanted and sexy, but never cheap or foolish. If you get a chance this week, sit on his lap or rub your boobs against him a little. He'll like it, but he won't be grabbing you or expecting more. He's trustworthy and safe. He's a great guy."

Once everyone was unpacked, they all headed out to the beach for some fun in the sun. "Steve, will you teach me how to surf this week? We can rent boards and you can show me the basics," suggested Kate.

"Did I ever say that I know my way around a surfboard?" asked Steve in surprise. "What makes you think I know anything about surfing?

"Are you kidding? I bet you can ride camels and milk goats," laughed Kate. "You're a Navy brat. You swim like a fish. Your dad was a SEAL. Will you find the time to give me some lessons?"

"Okay, you've got me. Let's go rent a couple boards and we'll start this afternoon. There's a few hours of sun left. Don't worry, I'll get a board for everybody!" promised Steve as Becky and Stephanie rushed toward him.

A couple hours later, the girls were resting on the beach. "I never thought surfing could be so tiring," groaned Kate. "That ocean is rough. I must have fallen a hundred times."

"Yeah, I'm sore all over," added Stephanie. "What we need is a good soak in a nice hot tub. Where can we find one of those?"

"We have one in our room," revealed Steve. "You guys are welcome to use it. I told the front desk to let you have a key to our room if you asked. Go ahead and soak for a while. It'll feel good. I'll probably join you in a little while. It looks like Gwen and Paula won't be back from shopping for some time."

The three girls giggled as they quickly headed back to the hotel. Ten minutes later, they were all sitting in the hot tub. "Oh my goodness! My top just fell off!" complained Stephanie with a fake shriek as she tossed her top across the room. "It's so far away, I guess I'll just have to sit here and wait for Steve to get it for me."

"Holy cow! Mine just did the same thing," exclaimed Kate with a giggle as her top flew across the room. "I don't dare get up to get it either. I hope Steve shows up pretty soon."

"Now that you mention it, my top is sliding down, too," laughed Becky as she reached back to untie her top, before suddenly stopping when the sound of the door being opened reached the group.

Stephanie and Kate both sat as tall as they could so their breasts were almost out of the water, while Becky faltered and sank lower into the tub.

"Okay girls! We just had this discussion. Get out of that tub, put your tops back on and go to your rooms. Paula and I were quite specific about this. Now go watch TV or something. Everyone will back before too long and we'll go for dinner. Now get moving!" ordered Diane.

Stephanie and Kate suddenly became very modest and grabbed towels before leaving the tub to pick up their tops. Becky simply clutched her top to her chest and joined her friends as they trooped dejectedly out of the bathroom. They were only gone a few minutes when Steve walked in to find Diane alone.

"I thought the girls were going to be here. Did they leave? Are they coming back?" asked Steve as he looked around the room.

"They decided to watch some TV before dinner. Would you mind if I joined you in the hot tub for a little while?" asked Diane. "I have a few things I'd like to discuss with you."

"Sure, Diane. I'd like that," replied Steve as he pulled off his shirt and climbed into the tub wearing just his swim suit. "What do you want to talk about?"

Diane looked at Steve for a few seconds and then seemed to make up her mind. She was wearing a two piece 'tankini' where the top came far enough down to reach the bottoms of her suit. Diane reached down, took the hem of her top in her hands and pulled it over her head, allowing her substantial breasts to come into Steve's view. Then she dropped the top and stepped into the water near Steve.

"Diane, I'm not sure this is a good idea," managed Steve as he turned his head to look at the ceiling.

"Am I that hideous? Are my breasts so saggy that they offend you? I know I'm not twenty any more, but there was a time when they stood up proudly. Is something wrong with me?" asked Diane in a cracking voice before she began sobbing quietly.

Steve was at a loss. Diane was way out of character. He hadn't seen her drink anything. Still his mind sought some sort of reason for Diane's behavior. It bothered him a great deal to see Diane cry so he reached out to her and brought her to his lap and hugged her gently.

"You're beautiful! The problem isn't with how bad you look. It's how good you look. You're a very desirable woman. I don't know if Will or Gwen would be very understanding if they saw us like this. You know I adore you, Diane. What's really the problem?"

"Oh, Steve, I don't know what to do. Ever since I heard your talk to Cindy Quick and found out that you saw Paula's breasts, I've had this insane desire to have you see mine. The way you described Paula as perfect was so sweet and sexy, yet innocent and honest. I felt left out. You've never seen mine before and I just had to let you see me. I can't even tell you why. I'm not trying to get you to tell me that my 'girls' are nicer than anyone else's. I just want you to see me before I'm any older and fatter. I want you to think well of me, but I want you to see me. How messed up is that?

"I know you won't touch me or take advantage and I love you for that. You'll be leaving Sparta for the Navy and I just wanted a few minutes alone with you. My hormones are all over the place and I can hardly stand it. That's what I need to talk to you about. What would you think if I told you that I'm pregnant?"

"Oh! Wow! I'd congratulate you and hug you, except you're bare chested and I have to be very careful about that. That's great news. I bet Will's walking on cloud nine!"

"I haven't told him yet. After Stephanie was born, we kept trying for another baby, but it never worked out. We finally decided that, for whatever reason, we couldn't have any more children and accepted it. When we returned from Paris, Will was so excited to see me that we made love several times the first night. I think that's when I got pregnant.

"Do you think I'm too old to have a baby? Will Stephanie be embarrassed? Do you think that it'll upset Will? He finally has free time and the money to golf and go to ball games. A baby would change all of that. Will he still love me when I get all fat and miserable? What do you think of a woman my age getting pregnant? Pretty pathetic, isn't it? Should I keep it?" sobbed Diane.

"That explains everything! Diane, you just said it yourself. Your hormones are all over the place. You're easily upset. You've just climbed topless into a hot tub with me. That's pretty unusual behavior for you. You've got to tell Will right away. I bet anything he'll be the happiest guy in the world. He'll give up golf or anything else to have a happy and healthy baby. He's a great father and husband. Trust him.

"Stephanie will be delighted. It'll be so nice to have a little baby around. I'll even babysit it when I come home. I hope I get to watch you breast feed it. That's one of the most natural, wonderful things to watch that I've ever seen. I know that when it's someone you love feeding a newborn that you love, it must be incredible. I can't tell you what to do, but I can tell you that if this baby is born, it will be loved and cherished by Will and Stephanie. Paula and the girls will be ecstatic. They'll gladly help you with the baby. Can you tell me why you may not want to have the baby?"

"I told you that I'm worried that Will might be upset. Stephanie may be embarrassed and unhappy. What will my friends think? Do I want to get all fat and ugly at my age? What do you really think? Am I a pathetic old lady?"

Steve decided to take a chance and pulled Diane around to face him as she sat on his lap and hugged her as he spoke. "I honestly believe that you've been given a wonderful, special gift. Having a baby when you're married to a loving, kind man is a wonderful blessing. You know what you want to do. You just want me to affirm your decision. It isn't planned, but how many babies are? It's something that you and Will have created together from love. That can't ever be a bad thing."

As Steve spoke, he saw Gwen enter the room and stare in shock as he hugged what appeared to be her naked aunt. Steve motioned with the hand that was behind Diane's back for her to leave. Gwen opened her mouth to reply, then thought better of it and silently left the room.

Diane began to calm down and gain control of her emotions. "I knew you'd have the right answer. I guess I already knew what I should do, but I needed to hear it. I have to tell Will that he's going to be a father. He'll be overjoyed. I know he will. Should I fly home to tell him? Don't tell anyone, not even Gwen. Will should be the first to know. Please pretend to be surprised when you find out, okay?

"What a mess I am, sitting here pressing my bare breasts against you like some kind of tramp, and crying like a child. I shouldn't have done that to you, Steve, but it really, really helped me. I was scared to tell anyone, but then I thought of you. I knew you'd help me make up my mind what to do. No wonder Gwen loves you so much. No wonder we all love you. Your chest feels amazing and you're coming to life down under, so I'd better get my top on and get out before Gwen shows up and we have to explain this situation."

"Diane, call Will and tell him it's very important that he takes a few days off and flies here this week. He'll come. He's a good guy and he loves you. When he gets here, tell him in person. Gwen and I can switch rooms with you for a few days so you can celebrate this event like you should. It'll work out great!"

Diane kissed Steve and then stood, gathered up her top, and turned to look at Steve as she slowly pulled the top over her head. "You do like what you see, don't you? Thanks for the appreciation I see in your eyes. It makes this pregnant 38 year old woman very happy. I promise I'll let you watch me feed the baby. I want you to see me nurse it. Thanks. I'll see you at dinner!"

After Diane left, Steve stepped into the shower and rinsed off. Then he prepared himself for Gwen's return. He had promised Diane that he wouldn't tell Gwen about the pregnancy, but he had to tell her something. She had seen the two of them in a pretty damning position.

Ten minutes later, Gwen came back into the suite. She found Steve sitting by the window, looking at the ocean. She took a seat across from him and raised her eyebrows, indicating that expected an explanation.

"I know that might have looked bad, but Diane was having a personal problem and she was pretty emotional. I was just calming her down and reassuring her. She asked me not to tell you what her problem was, but I don't want any secrets between us. Do you want to know what her problem is?"