Lady in Red Pt. 03 Ch. 09

Jared went to the middle of the room and called for silence, which was quickly granted. "Today you guys saw how it's done. Never give up on a play! That kid had us beat, but Steve didn't accept that and made the play we needed. That's why he's the team leader, he finds ways to win. He was rusty as hell tonight, but he stuck it out and fought for the win. He won the game with heart. The rest of you need to learn from him. There's no quit in Steve Hammer! That's how I want this team to be on every down!"

When Steve slowly walked up on the small stage and stood in front of the microphones for the postgame interview, he was holding Gwen's hand and smiling gingerly. He responded to each question thoughtfully and with good humor.

In his rookie season, Steve had begun asking Gwen to join him for postgame interviews whenever she was available. His reasoning was simple. The reporters asked as many questions about his wife as they did about the game. Bringing Gwen to the interviews allowed the reporters to address their questions directly to her, as well as giving her more press. Steve had no problem sharing, or even yielding the limelight to Gwen. The reporters looked forward to the interviews, and Gwen almost always made the highlight reels the next day. It seemed many sports fans enjoyed seeing a beautiful woman knowledgeably discussing football.

"Steve! Do you think Baker hit you with a couple of cheap shots today?" asked a network reporter.

"The officials judged that he hit me late and handled the situation appropriately. The two 15-yard penalties he drew allowed us to score twice and win the game. It all worked out quite well," replied Steve with a smile.

"How about that hit you smacked him down with after he caught your deflected pass? Didn't you hit him especially hard?" asked another reporter.

"Hard enough to knock the football loose, which was my intent," replied Steve with a wry grin. "He's young and he'll learn. If he'd simply gathered the ball in and hit the turf, Dallas would have won the game. Football is a team game, and players always need to do what's best for the team, not for their individual stats."

"Are you saying Baker isn't a team player?" asked the same reporter.

"I'm not saying that. You'll have to ask him why he risked the game by trying to run back that play, when simply dropping down and covering the ball would have guaranteed a win," suggested Steve. "Maybe he had a logical reason for risking the game, I just can't think of one. Dallas would have had possession with very little time left in the game. As quarterback, Colt could have simply taken a knee a time or two for the win."

After spending several minutes questioning Steve, reporters directed their attention to Gwen. She graciously responded to the questions posed by the reporters. She answered several before drawing the session to an end.

"Thanks, everyone. Steve needs to eat and relax a little. He'd like to stay here answering questions all night, but we have friends waiting for us. The Spartans are for real! The fans can start making their Super Bowl reservations. Jared and Steve were the missing parts to the team puzzle. We've got this!"

"Will you be having dinner with Colt Chance?" questioned a female sports reporter.

"It's common knowledge Steve and I consider Colt a dear friend. We try to get together whenever our schedules allow it," responded Gwen. "He's been invited to join us tonight for a very late meal, and I hope he can make it."

Gwen, Naomi, Jared and Steve were enjoying a midnight dinner at Anna's Place with Colt Chance. The restaurant was teeming with fans that had attended the game and had decided to stop by for a good meal, and hopefully to catch sight of Steve and Gwen Hammer. Gwen noticed Heather Jensen sitting alone at a table in the corner. She excused herself and walked over to speak with her.

All the patrons stopped talking as they watched Gwen Hammer, the most beautiful and popular woman in the world, casually stroll past them. Many had their phones in their hands as they snapped pictures and videos of what would be one of the biggest highlights of their lives.

"Heather, would you like to join us at our table? We have room, and we always enjoy your company. Naomi, Jared and Steve will be glad to see you, and I know Colt will be ecstatic."

"I'd love to join you, Madam President," replied an obviously pleased Heather Jensen. "I've been told by my network not to refer to you as My Queen so often. I'm sorry about that."

"That's fine, I don't mind. Call me whatever you like. Just come with me," insisted Gwen as she reached for Heather's hand and led the reporter back to her table.

Steve had seen Gwen returning with Heather and had quickly pulled an unoccupied chair from a nearby table and placed it next to Colt's. Gwen nodded her approval as Jared and Colt stood to greet Heather.

"You know Steve, Jared and Naomi of course, but I don't know if you've ever met Colt Chance. He's a football player of some kind," added Gwen with a chuckle.

"I should say he is! When Steve isn't winning the Super Bowl, Colt is. It's amazing to me you three men are friends. Jared planted you on the turf twice tonight, and Steve just about ripped your star linebacker into pieces," stated Heather with a big smile.

"Baker learned a thing or two in tonight's game," replied Colt with a smile as he shook Heather's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Jensen. I watch you on TV all the time."

"Please call me Heather; I did a piece with your Courtney when I first got into broadcasting," recalled Heather. "It was about breast cancer and how hard she worked for her charity. I really admired her; she was very beautiful. I'm so sorry she succumbed to the disease."

"Thanks," responded Colt. "I miss her every day, but our two kids, along with football, keep me pretty busy."

"You played a great game tonight," praised Heather as she took the proffered seat next to Colt. "If Baker hadn't made so many bone-headed plays, you would've won the game, but then our Spartans wouldn't be celebrating our first victory."

Steve glanced at Gwen with a raised eyebrow. She smiled and winked back with her head turned so Heather and Colt wouldn't notice. Steve and Gwen had often discussed the tragic death of Chase Colt's wife Courtney from breast cancer at the age of 29. They had long hoped he could somehow find another love with whom to share his life and family.

Dinner was almost over when Heather checked a text message on her phone. "Mom just asked me if I'm dating Colt Chance!"

"I didn't say anything, but my agent texted me the same question about you," revealed Colt. "Being out in public with Gwen, Naomi, Jared and Steve draws a lot of attention. I'm sorry if this causes you any embarrassment."

"Embarrassment? Being linked with Colt Chance while dining with the Whites and the Hammers?" chortled Heather. "I can't imagine how it could get any better! The tabloids have printed stories about me and some rather unsavory characters over the past few months. Being seen with a true gentleman who works so hard for a worthwhile charity when he isn't winning Super Bowls is a pretty good thing in my mind."

"Yeah, Steve's a great guy, but how do you feel about me?" asked Chance with a straight face.

"I was referring to..., you're pulling my leg, aren't you?" countered Heather with a laugh.

"Would it be okay if I called you sometime?" asked Chase nervously. "I've had a great time tonight and I'd love to see you again, if you're okay with it."

Heather's face lit up in an even bigger smile as she pulled a card from her purse and wrote on the back of it. "This is my cell. Only my Mom and a few close friends and relatives have it. Call me anytime."

Later that evening as Steve and Gwen were snuggling in bed, Steve asked the question Gwen was expecting. "Was it a coincidence Heather was at the restaurant tonight, or did you two have something cooked up?"

"Whatever do you mean?" responded Gwen innocently. "Can't a girl introduce a good friend to another good friend without it being a conspiracy? They're two great people and if they happen to hit it off, so much the better. Besides, she'll stop making those doe eyes at you all the time if she falls in love with Colt."

Just two days after the first Spartan victory, Gwen Hammer was announced as the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize! Her work as President of the United States had prevented a world war. Added to that, her humanitarian efforts through Lady in Red, made her selection an easy decision. She had been nominated by charitable organizations supported by Lady in Red two years running, but this time, The Queen of Peace was actually awarded the Peace Prize!

The Spartans entered the easiest part of their schedule and managed to squeak out victories against three of the league's weaker opponents. Meanwhile Steve was slowly working back into playing shape and regaining his timing with his receivers. The biggest problem he now had was his porous offensive line; it was allowing him to get hit too often.

By the time the Spartans entered the heart of their schedule, Steve's passes were sharp and on target, so the opposing teams began sending more players after him. And of course, when he was given little or no time to look for receivers, he was less effective. As the season went on, Steve was spending more and more time being treated for bruises and contusions by the trainers. The Spartans continued to win, but Steve was paying a heavy price.

The Spartans had won six consecutive games when they lost their starting halfback to a leg injury. Steve approached the head coach before practice.

"Hank, we have to start getting Ben some snaps in these games. He didn't play badly in the first three games, even though we lost. He just needs more experience and confidence to become a major asset to us. I'm beginning to realize I'm not 21 anymore, and it's getting harder for me to recover from the beatings I've been taking. I have a suggestion."

Steve didn't tell his coach he had decided this would be his last season of football. He wanted to spend more time with Gwen and the kids, and his enthusiasm for the game was waning. Their second-string quarterback needed to gain some serious experience, since he would be starting the following season.

Half an hour later, Steve stood next to the coach while he addressed the team. "Men, I've talked it over with Steve, and we have to adjust, or we'll never make the play-offs. You all know Steve's been taking a beating every game, and it's taking a toll. Sunday we lost Dexter to a leg injury, and he was our best blocking back. So to help keep Steve healthy and ready for the play-offs, we're going to play Ben a lot more."

"You're going to sacrifice his scrawny body to help keep our diva healthy and in the lineup?" asked a grinning Jared.

"That's pretty much what I'm thinking," agreed the coach with a chuckle. "Ben needs more experience, so he'll be ready to take over if Steve goes down. So he'll be practicing with the first team and getting more playing time, but not in any ordinary way.

"We're going with a two-quarterback offense. By that, I mean both Steve and Ben will be on the field at the same time. One will line up at quarterback and the other as a halfback or receiver. Ben's a strong runner, and Steve does pretty well in a pinch."

The Spartans played the Eagles, a division rival, the following Sunday. The Eagles were taken by surprise when both Steve and Ben took the field on the first offensive play. Ben lined up as the only back behind Steve, who stood at shotgun. Steve took the snap and tossed the ball back to Ben, who appeared to be sweeping around the right end.

But then Ben suddenly launched the football downfield to a wide-open tight end! The receiver managed to reach Philadelphia's 20 before being shoved out of bounds. The Spartans lined up the same way for the next play. This time Steve began calling the signals until he went in motion, much to the surprise of the Eagles and their fans. The center then hiked the ball to Ben, who looked right before firing a tight spiral over the middle to Steve, who caught the ball on a dead run and reached the end zone before the surprised defensive backs could recover.

The first set of downs established the style of offense the Spartans would utilize for the rest of the season. Steve and Ben would run the ball often enough to keep the defense honest, but the wide-open and often unpredictable passing game combined with Jared's stubborn defense carried the team to the play-offs. They only dropped one more game for their only loss after Steve and Jared had rejoined the team. That loss was their second game with Dallas.

In December, Steve skipped a Friday practice to travel with Gwen to Oslo to accept her Nobel Prize. They were accompanied by jubilant family and friends. Gwen's acceptance speech was filled with praise for others.

"I want to thank The Norwegian Nobel Committee for this incredible honor," began a beaming Gwen as she looked over the audience. "I think everyone knows it was the hard work and strong negotiating skills of my husband Steve Hammer and my very good friend Naomi White, which allowed the world to avoid a devastating war. I accept this award not for myself, but for all the people of the world who seek only to enjoy peace, prosperity and good health. My promise to everyone listening is this. I will work as hard as I can to make it possible for everyone to attain those goals. That's my pledge to you."

The Spartans faced the Cowboys in the second round of the play-offs. Before the game, Leon Baker approached Steve.

"I owe you an apology for the way I played in our first meeting. Colt wanted me to talk to you before our second game with you guys, but I was too pigheaded. He pretty much told me to man up and do it today, or he'd make my life hell in the locker room, and now I get the point. I was a jerk for hitting you late. I thought I'd knock you out of the game, or make you so angry you'd do something stupid. That isn't the way the game's meant to be played, and I apologize."

Fans watched as Steve reached out to shake young Baker's hand. The two men smiled, slapped each other on the back and parted. Baker, and of course Chance, played very well, but the Spartans prevailed to win 22- 20 and advance to the NFC Championship game against the Saints.

The following week the Spartans rode the efforts of the defense to beat the Saints in a low-scoring game, and to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. Jared was playing extremely well, and the defensive unit had become the stingiest in the league.

As luck would have it, the Academy Awards were held the weekend between the conference championships and the Super Bowl. Charlie and Jordan were the co-hosts for the third consecutive year. Steve had been nominated for Best Actor, as well as Best Original Screenplay, while Gwen was up for Best Actress. Becky was thrilled to be one of the contenders for Best Supporting Actress. Charlie and Jordan were once again in the running for Best Original Song. The Queen's Ransom had smashed all box office records and was favored to win Best Picture.

Fairly early in the evening, Becky's name was called for Best Supporting Actress. She held her statuette in her hand and flashed her trademark smile to the crowd. Her acceptance speech was brief but emotional.

"I lost a hand years ago while I was still in high school, and I believed my life was over. I felt like a freak. Then my amazing sister introduced me to Steve Hammer. Can you believe a single prom date with him saved my life?" asked Becky as the crowd broke into laughter.

"My wonderful husband Pete and I agree on this. Any success we've enjoyed is the result of our friendship with Steve and Gwen Hammer. She's truly our Queen, and there is no doubt Steve is her Warrior. They're also our friends. I dedicate this award to the Hammers!"

Jordan and Charlie took home the Oscar for Best Original Song. The crowd cheered long and hard for them as they took the stage. Jordan thanked Charlie before mentioning Gwen and Steve as inspirations, as well as their best friends.

A short time later, Steve was awarded the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. His acceptance was gracious and poignant.

"I want to thank everyone that helped make our movie the great success it's been," began Steve. "You know who you are. I've been fortunate to have a great support group, but it all begins with my wife, the Lady in Red. All I am is a direct result of her love and faith in me. I proudly accept this honor and devote it to the woman who so recently brought peace to a very troubled world. I live only to serve my Queen!"

Steve received a standing ovation as he headed offstage. The camera panned the crowd and settled on Gwen. She wiped tears from her cheeks as she smiled proudly.

When Gwen was announced as the winner of the Best Actress award, the audience broke into a huge ovation. The raucous reception continued as Gwen made her way to the podium to receive her Oscar. She smiled, waved and nodded to the crowd while she waited for the noise to subside. Once it became quiet enough for Gwen to speak, she wiped her eyes and uttered but one sentence.

"The Warrior has made me your Queen, and I pledge my love to him for as long as we both shall live!" proclaimed Gwen before starting back to her seat to another huge round of applause.

It was almost anticlimactic when Steve's name was called for Best Actor. He grabbed Gwen's hand and pulled her to her feet to accompany him to the stage. Once they were in front of the cameras, Steve looked into Gwen's face, declared "My Queen," and knelt in front of her with his head bowed.

Gwen beamed as the auditorium erupted into cheers and whistles. Once she was certain she would be heard, she spoke only two words. "Rise, Warrior."

Steve stood and swept Gwen into his arms for a passionate kiss, to the delight of the audience watching at home, as well as those in the theater. This couple had captivated the world like none other in history.

The main cast of characters took to the stage when The Queen's Ransom was announced as the year's Best Picture. Kate and Lisa went to the microphone and Kate spoke first.

"We're fortunate to have been blessed with the amazing talent assembled before you. It all begins with Jordan, Gwen, Charlie and Steve. Your support of Lady in Red's various enterprises in general, and this wonderful movie in particular, allows us to help more people in need."

Kate took a step back, and Lisa moved to the microphone. "Along with our thanks to those who supported this film, we're pledging to you that Lady in Red will spend every cent of profit from this wonderful movie on humanitarian efforts around the world! Details will be posted on our company website. Thanks so much! Good night!"

Steve and Jared were back at practice the next morning. Steve took some good-his natured ribbing about taking time off to win a few Oscars. It was obvious that Steve's teammates admired him and were proud to be associated with him. Preparations for the Super Bowl continued.

The evening before the big game, Colt Chance was awarded the league's MVP trophy. Although his team was defeated in two out of three meetings with the Spartans, Colt's play had remained at a very high level. He led the league in passing yardage, touchdowns and passer rating.

Gwen and Steve were two of his loudest supporters as they cheered their approval. Gwen had reached over to squeeze Heather's hand when Colt left her side to accept his award.

Gwen had found some time to chat privately with Heather before the festivities. It was quite apparent she was extremely fond of Colt Chance.

"Colt and his two kids visited Sparta to meet my parents!" revealed Heather when she and Gwen were alone. "Mom is a huge Cowboys fan, and she just loves Colt. She fell in love with his children as soon as she met them. I owe you big time for introducing us."