Chapter 27

"Kate!" exclaimed a shocked Gwen as she tried to take a step toward her sister. Steve suddenly grabbed Gwen's elbows and pulled her to his chest. Then he kissed her for a very long time.

"I'm still going to..." insisted Gwen before Steve once again pressed his lips to hers.

"Okay, I get the hint," whispered Gwen. "I won't say anything to Kate now. At least not if you keep kissing me like that. I'm still pretty pissed at her. I'll give her a piece of my mind when we get home."

Then Gwen proceeded to wrap her arms around Steve's neck and kiss him back. Kate looked on in embarrassment as her anger ebbed. What had she just done? It was now painfully obvious that she had made a serious mistake assuming that Steve would allow her anything, and everything she asked. She had been certain that Steve loved her, yet he had refused a simple request, and it made her look foolish to her date, and her friends. Now she had to go face Tyler, Stephanie, and Mike, as well as a couple dozen others that had witnessed her meltdown.

"Come on, Kate," offered Mike as he took Kate's hand and led her away. "Let's go for a walk and watch the sun come up. This has been a great night."

"Don't be hard on her, Gwen." cautioned Steve as he watched Mike lead Kate away. "I don't want her embarrassed any more than she already is. She just wanted something from me I couldn't allow. I'd give my life for her if I had to, but I won't let her be hurt needlessly. And I promised you folks. Your dad would be very disappointed in me if I let her ride off with that kid. He trusts us and we have to uphold that trust."

"I'm constantly surprised, and pleasantly so, at what high esteem you hold Dad," admitted Gwen as she clung to Steve. "I always heard that boyfriends and fathers didn't mix. But you really do like my father, don't you?"

"I do like him, but more importantly, I respect him. He's earned my respect by raising a wonderful family. He's proven his selflessness and concern for his wife and kids many times since I've known him. I'd much rather have Kate be upset with me than disappoint your father."

"Your dad must have been pretty special, too. You're so mature and sensible for a guy your age. I bet he had a lot to do with that. I think you'll make a pretty good father yourself."

"I sure hope so! I want my kids to be just like their mother," confessed Steve.

"Oh, really? Do you have anyone special in mind for that position?" teased Gwen.

"Either you'll have my kids, or I'll never have any," stated Steve with surprising candor. "You're my life. I'll always love you, and God willing, I'll marry you some day."

"Oh, Steve! I love you so much! When you're ready to ask, my answer will be 'yes'. Never doubt that!" promised Gwen as she pulled Steve's lips to hers.

Mike had guided Kate to a section of beach away from the others. "Let's sit here for awhile. The sunrise is only a few minutes away and it'll be special to watch it with you."

"Mike, I just made a complete ass of myself!" sobbed Kate. "I was sure Steve would let us go with Sara and her boyfriend. I bragged to Stephanie and Tyler that I could get Steve to do anything for me. The short ride over to the arcade shouldn't have been such a big deal."

"Kate, he promised your folks that he'd be responsible for you and Stephanie. I was too much of a wimp to admit that I didn't especially care to ride anywhere with that kid. Rather than be the bad guy, I was going to ride along and hope for the best. I feel like I let both you and Steve down by not saying anything. Being with you meant more to me than keeping you safe. I was afraid to go against your wishes on our first date.

"Steve did what he had to do. If you stop and think about it, he had no choice. If he let us ride off with that kid and something happened, your parents would have blamed him. When he accepted responsibility for you and Stephanie, he took it to heart. I admire him. He does what he feels is right and accepts the consequences."

"You were concerned about riding with Sara's date? And you didn't tell me because you were worried I'd react like a spoiled brat? Just like I did with Steve? Is it so obvious? Everyone must know what a self centered bitch I am."

"You're a wonderful girl!" protested Mike. "You just didn't think the whole thing through. You're having a great night with the coolest people in the world and you simply got a little carried away.

"I can't believe that I not only got to see your sister, plus Jordan and Steve sing, but I hung around with them before and after the performance. My sisters insisted I get lots of pictures and tell them everything I can about those three. It's the first time I ever managed to make my sisters jealous of me.

"Jordan, Gwen, and Steve are even nicer in real life than they are on TV, and those two girls are absolutely beautiful! The best part was that I was with the most gorgeous girl in the place."

"Do you mean Gwen? Or do you think I'm beautiful? I bet you also think I'm dumber than a box of rocks. The more I consider how stupid I acted, the more embarrassed I get. Steve'll never talk to me again. Gwen'll hate me for hitting Steve. Mom and Dad will be angry, and everyone else just thinks I'm a silly, spoiled little brat."

"I know a few things about sisters," laughed Mike. "Gwen might be upset, but she'll get over it pretty quick. She's extremely fond of you. Did you see how Steve stopped her from saying anything to you? He wanted her to cool down first. As for Steve, you said he's like a really close big brother. Big brothers protect their sisters. They may argue with their sisters, but they never stop loving them no matter how much they fight. He just couldn't let us ride with that kid. He really had no choice. Did you see him kiss Gwen? He loves her! He'll do anything possible for you, except take the chance of letting you get hurt."

"You remind me of Steve that way," realized Kate. "You think these things through and you try to determine the right course of action. Dad does that, too. Thanks for not dropping me like a bad habit after the spectacle I put on earlier."

"This has been the best date I've ever been on. You're the prettiest girl, I've ever been out with, and you've got the coolest family I've ever seen."

"Maybe you'd like the sweetest kiss you'll ever have," smiled Kate as she leaned in and gently kissed Mike.

Kate was quiet on the ride home, but no one seemed to notice. Tyler and Stephanie were recalling every experience of the evening. Mike frequently joined in. Steve and Gwen added observations about the prom as well.

Paula greeted the tired but happy group as they came through the door. "I have doughnuts, pastries, bagels, juice, coffee, soda, and water for everyone, if you aren't too tired. Mike and Tyler will be sleeping in the game room on the day bed and air mattress. Stephanie will use Lisa's room. Jordan called and said she's with Charlie and not to worry about her."

The kids quickly descended on the food and drink Paula had provided. Only Kate passed up the opportunity and went straight to her room. Paula noticed it immediately and gave Gwen a questioning look. Gwen simply nodded and silently mouthed the word 'later' to Paula.

As soon as they finished eating, the kids headed for their respective beds. Gwen had no qualms about leading Steve into her bedroom and closing the door behind her.

"Get those clothes off and make love to me!" insisted Gwen as she pulled her top over her head and unhooked her bra. "I've been thinking about how sexy you looked all night."

Steve quickly stripped and jumped into bed, just seconds ahead of Gwen. Gwen slid into bed and continued moving until she was on top of Steve. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and Paula stepped into the room.

"You two certainly didn't waste any time," observed Paula as she walked over to stand near Gwen. "I know I should've waited a while, but I need to know what's going on with Kate. Did she have a problem? Is she ill, or did Mike do something to upset her?"

Steve and Gwen tried to disentangle without being too obvious. "Mom, you have to get Dad to put a lock on that door! This is embarrassing for me. I can't imagine how Steve feels."

"Actually, Gwen, you must have a very good idea of how he feels. I saw where you hand was," grinned Paula. "I admit I'm being a bit rude, but I worry about Kate. Did she have a problem?"

"A lot of mothers would ask the daughter with the problem if she had a problem, not the daughter with the testosterone laden hunk of man lying with her in her bed. As you apparently saw, Steve and I are not having a problem.

"Kate went a little squirrely and slapped Steve because he refused to allow her, Stephanie, Tyler, and Mike to ride with some strange kid to the arcade. She asked and Steve told her he wouldn't allow it. She argued and became seriously angry at Steve. She slapped his face in front of a bunch of kids. I was going to let her have it good, but Steve stopped me, and I'm glad he did. He has a great way of making me lose my focus."

"How bad was it? How upset are you both with Kate? Do you think that she realizes her mistake? I hate to think that she and Steve are going to have a problem now," bemoaned Paula.

"There's no problem between Kate and me, at least as far as I'm concerned," assured Steve. "Kate's young and she was excited. She didn't consider all the ramifications of her actions. I just hope she'll forgive me. I never thought she'd slap me like that, but I'll take a hundred slaps rather than have her get harmed, especially on my watch. She was really hot for a minute or two."

"I'm annoyed that she understood the rules and then became so upset when Steve enforced them. I really expected more from her, but if Steve can forgive her so easily, I can, too," replied Gwen. "She was so beautiful tonight and I was so proud of her. Mike was on cloud nine with her on his arm. One stupid mistake won't change how much we love her, Mom."

Paula had been looking from Gwen to Steve as she spoke with them. It was obvious that they were both naked under the sheets. When she entered the room, Gwen had pulled the bedding to her throat, leaving Steve to pull what little bedding was left over his lower torso. Now he lay next to Gwen with his chest and abdomen exposed. Paula couldn't help but admire his sculpted body as she listened to the two explain the situation with Kate.

"It was only last fall when I first saw Steve talking to you at the mall, Gwen. It seems like ages ago. If someone had told me then that I'd be talking to the two of you while you're naked in bed, and waiting for me to leave so you can make love, I would've called them crazy. I hope you understand what confidence and appreciation Ted and I have for the incredible things you both have accomplished. That you're allowed to sleep together is all the proof you could ever want," stated Paula. "You've been a tremendous source of pride for Ted and me. Thanks for taking Stephanie and Kate with you and for keeping your word to us about watching over them. A lot of big sisters and their dates wouldn't have agreed to anything like that on their prom night."

"Paula, a lot of mothers wouldn't be having this conversation with their daughter and her boyfriend while they're naked in bed. You've been so understanding and supportive of us that we can't refuse you anything. You're a big part of any success we've enjoyed. Thanks for being who you are."

"I'd expect a boy sleeping with my daughter to try to get on my good side, but I know you're sincere. I'd tell you to have a good time, but that would be so unnecessary, I won't bother. Try to get some sleep and please keep the screaming to a minimum, Gwen. We have a lot of company," cautioned Paula as she turned and headed for the door. "I tried Kate's door, but it was locked, so I decided to ask you two for an explanation."

"You stayed hard while you were talking to my mother?" asked Gwen rhetorically as she climbed back onto Steve and slid his erection slowly inside her body.

Half an hour later, Steve was still awake. Gwen was lying with her head on his shoulder, while his arm was curled under her neck with her left breast cupped in his hand. He listened to the soft sounds of Gwen's breathing as he considered the situation with Kate. He had tried to make light of it to Paula, but he was concerned about Kate. Would she hold a grudge? Had their rapport been ruined by his unyielding attitude?

Steve felt the bed shift as weight settled on his side. He turned his head to see a teary eyed Kate looking down at him. Her eyes briefly traveled to his hand clutching Gwen's breast. He considered removing his arm from around Gwen, but felt certain it would awaken her. She had the covers wedged between them so that Steve couldn't pull them up to better cover their torsos. He decided to remain as he was. He waited for Kate to state her purpose for invading his sleep.

"Gwen really loves you," sobbed Kate as she once again gazed at Steve's hand clutching Gwen's breast. "I know you must hate me, but I have to apologize to you. I was wrong, Steve. I thought I could get you to do anything for me. I was trying to prove that point. I really didn't care that much about the arcade. It was all about me showing everyone how Steve Hammer would bend to my will. It was childish and foolish.

"I know I've ruined everything and it really hurts. You're the best boy I've ever known and Gwen is the luckiest girl on the planet. I know you won't want to be like a brother to me anymore, but can we at least have a truce?"

"I don't think I can go along with any kind of truce. Not with you, Kate. I can't forget everything that easily," replied Steve carefully.

"I deserve that. I'm so sorry that I slapped you. I was mad and you were so unwilling to consider my request that I just blew up. I was wrong. It was all me. I couldn't sleep so I came down to tell you that I don't blame you for anything. I acted like a spoiled brat and you acted like a responsible adult. I won't bother you anymore."

"Kate, didn't we agree that you were like a very close sister to me? Did I misunderstand our relationship?"

"That's what I kept saying, but it wasn't how I acted. What kind of sister would hit her brother like that?" asked Kate.

"Maybe a sister that was headstrong, stubborn, overtired, and excited about being on her first date with a nice boy? A sister that knew no matter what she did, her big brother would always love her? Maybe a little sister that thought that love could be a weakness? Maybe a beautiful girl that I want to hug until she forgives me for being so stubborn."

"Forgive you? For keeping your word? For not embarrassing me even further after I stupidly slapped your face? You didn't do anything wrong."

"That kid made me uncomfortable. I saw him go back to his van a couple times when he thought no one was watching. His eyes seemed to be slightly glazed. To be honest, I wouldn't have let you ride with a strange kid even if he acted fine. But I never would have let you ride with that guy no matter how much you insisted that I do."

"Why didn't you tell me your reasons? I wouldn't have been so upset if I had known you thought he was up to something," reasoned Kate. "Mike told me almost the same thing, but he said that he didn't dare go against me."

"I had no proof. I wasn't going to throw out allegations I couldn't prove. Besides, you were in my care and I didn't need a reason. I'm sure your father has told you 'no' many times without explaining why. You need to learn to trust me, Kate. I wouldn't do something just to embarrass or hurt you. I care for you way too much to cause you any unnecessary pain."

"I should have known that. Deep down, I think I did. It was my stupid pride. I wanted to impress everyone that the great Steve Hammer was putty in my hands. That sure didn't go like I expected. I'm so sorry."

Steve moved his free arm around Kate's shoulders and pulled her down to his chest. "We can disagree. We can fight. We can even say and do hurtful things. But we'll never stop loving each other. Kate, I couldn't sleep just now because I was thinking how I may have lost your trust and love. I don't know what I'd do if you didn't want to be my sister any longer."

Kate sobbed as she hugged Steve and kissed his face. "You're the best guy I've ever known! I do love you. That was especially clear to me when I was afraid that I'd lost your friendship. I promise that I'll never act like such a stupid bitch again, if you'll forgive me this time."

"You'll have to apologize to Gwen, Mike, and your parents. Don't worry about me. I can't stay mad. When I look at you I feel all soft and fuzzy. Just promise me that you'll apologize to Gwen and your folks later today and we'll be square."

"I'll do that. Dad will punish me, but that's okay. It'll give me time to think about how I behaved and make sure I never act that way again. But Steve, you may be fuzzy, but you sure don't feel soft. Maybe I should wake Gwen up so she can take care of that big problem?"

"Miss Anderson, it's time you returned to your bed and got some sleep. Let your sister and me decide which of our problems need attention, and when. I'll be listening to your apology to Gwen and your folks, so it had better be good."

"Thanks, Steve. Gwen's so lucky to have a guy like you. And I'm lucky to have a big brother that loves me so much and cares about me. You guys were really great last night, and I'm so proud of my sisters and brother. Good night, Steve. I'm glad that you forgave me. Now I'll be able to sleep," stated Kate as she left the room.

"You're such a pushover," mumbled Gwen as she snuggled tighter to Steve, basking in his strength and security. "I've got to get a lock on that door."

Shortly after noon, Gwen and Steve were awakened by muted voices originating in the living room. "It sounds like everyone's getting up. I'd like to ride you cowgirl style, but the way things have been going, Stephanie, Kate, or Mom would walk in on us. Let's get showered and dressed. Then we'll see how Kate handles walking on hot coals for Mom and Dad," joked Gwen as she fondled Steve's cock briefly under the covers.

Just then there was a light knock on the door. Stephanie slipped inside and closed the door behind her. "How come you two started laughing when I came in? I just wanted to thank you for a great night. Tyler and I were fine with you not letting us ride to the arcade with Sara and her date. We totally understood. It was the best night ever, and because Mom and Dad trust you guys so much, I got to stay out all night with Tyler. Thanks! And Paula said to tell you it's time to get up and be a good hostess."

Tyler, Mike, and Stephanie, as well as Charlie and Jordan were chatting in the living room when Gwen and Steve joined them. A few minutes later, Paula came down the stairs with Kate following her. Paula stepped back and nodded to Kate.

"I want to apologize for my poor behavior last night, or this morning, to be technical. I was wrong and Steve was right. I hope you guys don't think too poorly of me for being so immature and willful. Gwen, I especially owe you an apology. You were nice enough to let me tag along and I screwed it up. I'm really sorry."

"Well, Sis, you did screw up, but it happens. I just hope you learned from it. I forgive you, but I'm going to make Dad put a lock on my door. It's hard to sleep when my sister is climbing all over my boyfriend."

"You were awake? I thought you slept through my whole apology to Steve. I wouldn't blame you if you did get a good lock. Having a guy like Steve sleeping in the house puts a lot of strain on us females.

"Just so everyone knows what we're talking about, I couldn't sleep after what I did to Steve, so I went down to Gwen's room and apologized to him while Gwen was sleeping, or so I thought. He explained his reasons for not allowing me to ride to the arcade, and then he explained that he didn't need any reasons. When I'm with him, I'd better listen since he has my best interests at heart, all the time. He told me that siblings could fight and still love each other. He's a really good guy. He forgave me.

"Mike forgave me right after I gave him a big kiss this morning. He pretty much told me the same things Steve said to me. They both remind me of Dad, and now I know that's a good thing," explained Kate. "Mom and I had a talk and she's pretty much forgiven me, but I still have to face Dad when he gets back from golfing.

"Jordan, Gwen, Steve, and Charlie were great last night. Everyone said it was the best prom the school has ever had. My little brain fart shouldn't overshadow the really great time we had."

"I owe an apology to Kate's parents," insisted Mike as Kate finished speaking. "I didn't feel we should ride anywhere with that kid, but I was too worried about making Kate angry to say anything. I wimped out, even after I promised that I'd take good care of her."

"Okay, everybody's sorry. We'll deal with it," interrupted Jordan. "I've been dying to sing a song that Charlie and I have written. We finally have it cleaned up and ready for an audience. Charlie's going to play it on the piano while I sing it. I want honest opinions when I'm done. It's called 'Midnight Light' and it's the first song we've written together."

Charlie sat at the piano and began playing while Jordan stood next to him. When she finished singing, the room was silent and remained that way for almost thirty seconds.

"Jordan! That was beautiful! You'll have a huge hit with it. I can't believe how good that was," exclaimed Gwen. "I'm amazed at your talent."

Everyone else in the room immediately jumped into the conversation. Jordan and Charlie beamed as their song was declared a surefire hit.

"I'm glad that you liked it so much, Gwen. We wrote it for you. We're going to play it for Clyde and see if he'll use it in the movie. It's perfect for your character, and for your beautiful voice."

"You want me to sing it?" asked a stunned Gwen. "You just did such a wonderful job with it. It's your song and you should sing it."

"I'm trying to pay some of my debts. You and Steve have brought me back from the dead, career-wise and almost literally. Look how much you've done for me. There's no debate here. If Clyde likes it and agrees, you'll sing it in the movie. Besides, I have another new one for me," revealed Jordan with a big grin. "Charlie, let's do that one."

Once again Charlie began to play the piano as Jordan sang while standing next to him. The second tune had a faster beat and lyrics that were slightly more in the country and western vein. The results were the same.

"You guys have been hiding your talent from us," insisted Steve as Jordan finished. "That was really, really good. You're a great song writing team."

"I'd like to take credit for 'Half-Hearted' but that was actually written by Shelley Malloy. She gave me a CD Tuesday and asked me to listen to it. We cleaned up a few lyrics a little, but it's her song. Isn't it great?" asked Jordan to the group.

"Do you mean the Shelley Malloy that's in my History class?" wondered Tyler. "She wrote that? I knew she played some instruments, but I never knew she could write music. That was really good."

"This is the kind of stuff that'll drive my sisters crazy," chuckled Mike gleefully. "I'm sitting here listening to Jordan Quick sing two new songs before they're even recorded. I know they'll both be huge hits and I heard them before almost anyone else in the whole world!"

The group insisted that Jordan and Charlie do each of the songs a few more times. They enjoyed them more each time they heard them. They were still discussing the songs when the doorbell rang.

Paula went to answer it. She came back with Amber Stahl, who introduced a young man in his late twenties. "Hi, everyone. This is Dan Soden. He's a writer for 'Rolling Stone Magazine'. He flew in yesterday. He asked me to get him into the prom last night and to introduce him to you three. Dan's doing a story on Gwen and Steve with a fair amount of Jordan tossed in.

"Dan, this is Gwen Anderson, Steve Hammer, and Jordan Quick. That's Gwen's sister Kate and her cousin Stephanie. Kate would you introduce the two young men that I don't know?" requested Amber.

"That's Tyler Smith. He's famous for 'the catch' that won the state football title. He was Stephanie's date last night. This poor guy is Mike Hendricks, from Middletown. He was my date last night. Are you really from Rolling Stone? If you are, you just missed two brand new hit songs being song by my amazing sister, Jordan Quick."

"Jordan is your sister? That never showed up in my research," worried the writer. "How could I miss that?"

"Just like you missed that Stephanie and I are Steve's sisters. We're all family, Mr. Soden. It's not always by blood, but by choice, and sometimes that's better."

Steve, Jordan, and Gwen were more than willing to go into Ted's home office with Amber and Dan for an interview. They invited Charlie to attend and spent a couple hours answering questions from the reporters.

"Why don't you two come with us tonight to Marsh's Landing?" invited Steve. "Mr. Marsh is throwing a party for a group of us while we watch the first show we recorded for CBC. The show's at nine, but the party starts at seven."

Dan quickly took Steve up on his suggestion. "Thanks! I'm anxious to see the show and your reactions to watching yourselves perform," admitted Dan. "Amber, would you mind attending the party with me?"

"If I must," relented Amber with a big smile. "Gwen and Steve have pretty much made my career and I'm not going to miss this opportunity. I can't wait."

When the interview was over, the group found Kate, Stephanie, Mike, and Tyler playing pool and drinking soda. "Mike asked his folks and they said he could go to the party with us," revealed Kate. "Dad came home and gave me a 'talking to'. I can go, but I'm going to be grounded for a couple weeks after tonight. That's pretty fair considering what a jerk I was."

"I just got a text from my father!" interrupted Tyler as he held up his phone. "Sara and that kid were in an accident this morning. They weren't hurt too bad, but the cops found liquor and some marijuana in the van. Sara's claiming she didn't know he had it with him, but her father is pretty mad."

Kate turned a deep shade of red and ran from the room in tears. "That's your cue, Mike," stated Steve. "Go talk to her and make her feel better. This is no big deal, but she'll think it is. Tell her she has to let you in the room or I'll come up there and break her door down."

Twenty minutes later Kate returned to the game room. Steve was preparing to shoot the cue ball when she took the pool stick from his hands and hugged him tightly.

"Have I ever told you that you're my hero? Thanks for taking care of me, even when I gave you such a hard time. I won't ever question you again."

The party room at Marsh's Landing was filled with friends of Jordan, Gwen, and Steve. Billy's father supplied a buffet meal and soft drinks for everyone. The big screen TV's were all tuned to CBC. The dining area was filled with people wanting to watch the show while dining, as well as get the opportunity to chat with the stars.

Gwen, Jordan, and Steve took time before the show to personally stop and speak to the customers in the dining area. They were repaying Billy's dad, as well as their fans, for their support.

They signed autographs, posed for pictures, and answered questions. Billy's parents beamed with pride that their restaurant was the unofficial headquarters for the most famous citizens of the Spartan Nation. One wall was now almost totally covered in photographs of events involving Steve, Gwen, Jordan. It had become something of a local tourist attraction. Billy and his dad were always looking for opportunities to add to the collection.

Everyone went quiet when the show began. Steve had never seen the final version and was surprised right from the start. He and Gwen started the show with a short comedy routine. They discussed various topics with Steve demonstrating an amazing lack of knowledge on every subject. Steve had to admit to himself that it was quite funny, even if he did come across as a total moron.

The program showcased Gwen and Steve dancing and singing. Then Jordan made her guest appearance. She looked beautiful and her singing was incredible. Then the sequence came up where Steve and Gwen sang 'Endless Love' followed by Steve and Jordan singing 'Just You and I', and finally with the two girls dueling in song with 'Does He Love You'. As the girls finished, the set went dark. The audience at Marsh's Landing applauded long and hard.

At the very end of the show, Steve and Gwen danced to 'The Lady in Red'. As the dance ended, Steve gave Gwen a gentle kiss and then the credits began to roll.

The three stars spent the next hour answering more questions about the program, signing more autographs and posing for even more pictures. Mike asked Paula to take one of him with Kate, Jordan, and Gwen to send to all his buddies. Then Kate took one of him with Steve to send to his sisters.