Flaw Less

by Shana Burton

  “Don’t you get lonely?”

  “Sure, who doesn’t? I didn’t say I don’t date or spend time with women, Angel. I just said I haven’t found the one I want to marry.”

  “Have you ever come close?”

  “To let a couple of ex-girlfriends tell it, I have,” he answered with a sly grin. “But truth be told, I haven’t found the woman who makes my heart go pitter-patter.”

  “You can’t if you never put yourself out there.”

  Channing paused. “Isn’t this the pot calling the kettle black?”

  “How so?” she balked.

  “You haven’t been serious about anyone either, have you? Aside from Duke, I mean.”

  “That’s different,” stammered Angel. “I’ve been busy with work and my other obligations.”

  “So have I.”

  “And I didn’t want to start a relationship I knew I couldn’t finish. Deep down, I’ve always known that I was still in love with Duke. It wouldn’t have been fair to the next man.”

  “I think the one you’ve been unfair to is you. You’ve never opened yourself up to the possibility of loving someone else.”

  Angel was quiet. “I guess I didn’t.”

  “All’s well that ends well, right? You and Duke are together now, you have the family you’ve always wanted, and you’ve never been happier.” He stopped and looked up at her. “You are happy, aren’t you?”

  “Yes . . . very.”

  “Then that’s all that matters.”

  Angel wondered how true that was. “So when do you take off for the VA hospital in North Carolina?”

  “In a week. Leaving will be harder than I thought. I’ve loved spending time with the girls and hanging out with Duke. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you better.”

  “Same here,” she admitted. “It’s too bad you don’t come around more often.”

  “I’ll be back for the wedding. Hopefully, by then, I’ll be all stitched up and ready to go back out into the world.”

  “Duke said once you’re medically discharged, you can’t reenlist. What are you going to do with the rest of your life?”

  “Get a job, I guess, maybe go back to school. The military is the only thing I’ve done since I graduated high school. It’s kind of scary to imagine doing anything else.”

  “Just pray and ask God to place you where He can use you the most,” Angel suggested.

  “Is prayer your answer to everything?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “Is that what you did before accepting Duke’s proposal?”

  She wriggled in her seat. “Of course.”

  “What about before moving in with him? Doesn’t the Bible tell you not to do that?”

  Angel sighed. “That part is complicated.”

  “No, it’s not. Either the Bible says you can or you can’t. Or are you one of those Christians who twist the Word to make it fit whatever you want it to?”

  “Channing, I’m not like that,” decried Angel.

  “You don’t have to convince me. Personally, I think you’re far more interesting when you’re not hiding behind that cloak of religion.”

  “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea, though. I’m very sincere about my walk with the Lord.”

  “I’m sure you are, but clearly you’re not above indulging in a few sinful acts here and there either.”

  “Duke and I were married. In the eyes of God, we were never really divorced.”

  He laughed. “Whatever gets you through the night, Angel.”

  “The Lord does.”

  “Yes, the Lord does, and, apparently, a few other things too.”

  “I know it’s wrong for me to be living with Duke, and we aren’t married, but it’s just for six months. Primarily, it’s to help him out with the kids.”

  Channing agreed. “It’s clear how much they rely on you. I just hope they appreciate you.”

  “They do. Duke lets me know how much he loves and appreciates me every day too.”

  Channing grunted with disapproval. “You weren’t there last night.”

  “So?”

  “So you didn’t hear him going on about Reese with her parents and the kids. I don’t think he’s completely gotten over her.”

  “I know he hasn’t,” acknowledged Angel. “I still grieve over her too, but we’re all ready to go to the next phase in our lives.”

  “I don’t know if you’re incredibly strong or . . .” He dropped his head.

  “Or what?” demanded Angel.

  “Incredibly stupid.”

  Fuming, Angel sprung from her chair. Channing caught her by the arm before she bolted off. “Why do you put up with that?”

  She rolled her eyes and snatched her arm out of his grip. “Put up with what—you?”

  “No, put up with the way they treat you around here.”

  “I love them, Channing. I’ve loved Duke my whole adult life, and I’ve loved those girls from the second I met them. They’re my family.”

  “I get that. I love my cousin and his kids too, but if it were me, I don’t think I could do it.”

  “It’s a good thing you’re not me, isn’t it?”

  “Look, I’m not trying to stir up trouble. I know my cousin loves you, and, obviously, you love him too. I’d just hate to see you get hurt again or taken for granted.”

  “Duke is committed to me. He loves me,” she reiterated.

  “Nobody’s saying he doesn’t, but does he treasure you? Does he make you feel like the most beautiful woman in the world? Like you’re the only thing that matters to him?”

  Angel fought back the word no. “We’ll get there. It’ll just take some time.”

  “The question is how much time.” Channing reached out for her hand. “You’re an incredible woman, Angel. You need a man who appreciates you.”

  “Like who? You?”

  Channing eased away. “No, but someone who can. I’m not sure if my cousin is ready. I know he’s a king and all, but at some point, he’s got to recognize you for the queen you are.”

  Chapter 22

  “A few lunches and maybe a lap dance here and there is not exactly dating.”

  —Lawson Kerry Banks

  “Thank you so much for taking Namon to the doctor for me at the last minute. I really appreciate it,” said Lawson after meeting up with Mark following Namon’s appointment.

  Mark offered her a seat on his couch. “Lawson, he’s my son. You don’t have to thank me for doing my job.”

  “I’m just used to having to do everything on my own where Namon is concerned. Old habits die hard.”

  “You’re not alone anymore, and I don’t want you apologizing for leaning on me. I love him, and I’m happy to do it. I’m just as much vested in this parenting thing as you are.”

  Lawson smiled. “You’ve really surprised me, Mark. You’ve turned out to be an excellent father to our son. I know that you don’t want me to say I’m grateful, but I am. You could’ve very easily looked the other way when I told you about Namon, but you didn’t. You stepped up and forged a relationship with your son despite all my interference and resistance. You did the right thing. I shouldn’t have tried to keep you apart.”

  “Water under the bridge now,” he said. “Besides, I know where you were coming from. You didn’t know me or what my intentions were. You were just trying to protect your son. Any good mother would do the same.”

  Lawson nodded. “I want to thank you for what you’re doing for Reggie too.”

  Mark squinted his eyes. “What did I do for Reggie?”

  “You know . . . spending time with her and trying to be sort of the big brother she never had. The breakup with Jody was really hard on her. I think it’s great that you reached out to her. Lord knows I can’t get through that thick skull of hers! You’re a good influence and a nice contrast to those losers at the club.”

  “Thanks, but I don’t mind at all. Yeah, she’s a little misguided at times, but I think Reggie
is a great person.”

  Lawson nodded slowly. “I would just be cautious if I were you. I mean, Reggie’s young, and she may start to read more into the situation than there is.”

  Mark rose slowly. “I don’t think that’s what’s happening, Lawson.”

  “Of course, you don’t, but I see the way she looks whenever your name comes up. I believe my sister may have a little crush on you,” cautioned Lawson with a wink.

  “You talk about her like she’s Namon’s age. Reggie’s a grown woman.”

  “A grown woman with stars in her eyes,” she pointed out. “It doesn’t take her long to form attachments, including unhealthy ones. I just don’t want her to get hurt again. She’s had enough disappointment when it comes to men.”

  “I understand your concern. It’s sweet, really, but no need to worry. Your sister and I have it all under control.”

  “Mark, come on. You have to admit that it’s not a good idea to lead her on. Sure, it may be flattering to have a beautiful young girl hanging on to your every word, but that’s my baby sister. You can’t play her like you do these other women.”

  “I have no intentions of hurting Reggie. Heck, I hope she has none of hurting me.”

  Lawson was thrown. “Why would you be the one to get hurt in all of this?”

  “Lawson . . . I’m not playing games with your sister. I honestly dig her. She’s smart, talented, beautiful, and the fact that she can do a Chinese split doesn’t hurt at all!” he added with a chuckle.

  Lawson stood up with her hands on her hips. “Will you stop playing around? This is serious.”

  “So am I. Reggie and I are . . .”

  “Are what? Sleeping together?” she assumed.

  “No, we’re dating.”

  Lawson crossed her arms. “A few lunches and maybe a lap dance here and there is not exactly dating, Mark.”

  “It’s more than that. When I say we’re dating, I mean we’re dating.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “So is she your girlfriend or something?”

  “We haven’t put labels on it yet, but she’s the only woman I’m seeing right now.”

  “Mark, you can’t date my baby sister!” spewed Lawson.

  “Why not?”

  “You just can’t!” replied Lawson, arms flailing. “She’s Namon’s aunt, and she’s almost ten years younger than you. Not to mention—”

  “Not to mention what?”

  “Not to mention that you and I slept together! We have a child, Mark. Look, I know she’s pretty and flirtatious and all that, but there are just some things you don’t do.”

  Mark tried to calm her down. “I appreciate the concern, Lawson, but Reggie and I are two consenting adults. We can date or do whatever we want. I don’t care if she is your sister, it’s not your call. As far as you and I are concerned, it was just a one-night stand, as you have pointed out to me several times. Yeah, we got a son out of it, but it’s not like we were in love or anything. We didn’t even date.”

  Lawson’s ego took a direct hit. “If it was all so casual, why did you propose to me last year?”

  “I thought it was the only way Namon could be a part of my life, but we both know that wasn’t about love. I was trying to do right by my kid.”

  “Mark, don’t act like it was all platonic all the time.”

  “It was platonic enough. We didn’t do anything I’m ashamed to tell Reggie or Garrett or even Namon, for that matter.”

  “I just don’t know why out of all the women in the world you had to pick the one who’s my sister.”

  “Lawson, you said yourself that the woman I’ve been looking for could be just around the corner. As fate would have it, she was.”

  “How do you intend to explain this to our son?”

  “Like I would any other woman I was serious about,” he remarked. “Why is this bothering you so much?”

  Lawson was flustered. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “It just does.”

  Lawson knew the reason, but she’d never admit it to anyone; she barely admitted it to herself. The truth was that she had gotten used to having Mark to herself and couldn’t stand the thought of having to share him, especially with her sister.

  Chapter 23

  “You’re my husband and my best friend. I thought I could tell you anything.”

  —Lawson Kerry Banks

  Garrett came into the kitchen to grab something to drink. He found Lawson hunched over a mountain of books and paperwork.

  “I guess I don’t have to ask how you’ll be spending the rest of the night,” he grumbled.

  She didn’t look up. “No, you don’t. All this stuff is due first thing in the morning.”

  “Can I do anything to help?”

  “That depends.” Lawson put down her pen. “What do you know about the War of 1812?”

  “That it was fought in 1812,” he quipped.

  The joke irritated her, and Lawson continued to work.

  “It’s okay to smile, you know.” Garrett rubbed her shoulders. “You’re so uptight. I think you need me to put my special touch on you.”

  Lawson shirked away from him. “Could you not do that right now?”

  “Do what—touch my wife?”

  “No, irritate your wife,” she snapped.

  Garrett was taken aback. “So I irritate you now?”

  Lawson exhaled and kissed his hand. “I’m sorry, baby. It’s not you, it’s work and grad school and Namon and Mark and Reggie. . . .”

  “Mark and Reggie?” Garrett stepped away from her. “What do they have to do with it?”

  “Nothing,” huffed Lawson. “Let’s talk about something else, anything else.”

  “I think we need to talk about this. You’ve been on edge all week, and from the way you’re acting, I’m guessing it has something to do with your sister and new boyfriend.”

  “It has nothing to do with them as a couple,” she lied and swept her hair behind her ears. “I’m just under a lot of pressure right now.”

  “No more than usual. In fact, you were handling things fine before Mark started seeing your sister.”

  “Can you blame me?” Lawson exclaimed. “It’s not exactly an ideal situation.”

  Garrett leaned against the refrigerator. “That depends on how you look at it. I mean, for the longest, you’ve wanted Reggie to find a good man. While I’m not Mark’s biggest fan, I do know that he’s a stand-up guy. I realize your sister dating your baby’s daddy may be a little taboo, but, hey, who are we to stand in the way of true love?”

  “I’m sure it’s more like true lust between those two,” grumbled Lawson.

  “Then there’s even less for you to worry about. Let them do their thing.” He wrapped his arms around Lawson. “And speaking of lust . . .”

  “The Bible is very clear,” argued Lawson, thwarting his advances. “No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations.”

  “What about approaching my sexy wife for sexual relations?” Lawson crossed her arms and pouted. “Look, babe, all you can do is tell ’em. They’re both adults, and they’re going to do exactly what they want to do. Hopefully, you’ll let me do exactly what I want to do as well.”

  Lawson broke away from him. “Will you get off me? I’m trying to have a conversation with you, and all you can think about is getting in my pants!”

  Garrett threw up his hands and backed away. Lawson tried to reach for him, but he moved out of her grasp.

  “Honey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “No, I think you said exactly what you meant. What I don’t understand is why this is bothering you so much. You have a man. Why does it matter to you who your ex is sleeping with?”

  “It doesn’t, not in the way you’re suggesting. This isn’t even about Mark. It’s about my sister and her incessant need to make bad choices.”

  “Maybe you should worry less about Reggie’s choices and more about your own,” Garrett replied.

  “What’s tha
t supposed to mean?”

  “Lawson, I love you, but I’m not going to stand here and listen to you whine about your old boyfriend and his new girlfriend. Do you know how disrespectful and insulting that is to me?”

  “I’m not trying to disrespect you, Garrett. I’m telling you because you’re my husband and my best friend. I thought I could tell you anything.”

  “Then tell me this—do you want to be with Mark?”

  “If I wanted to be with Mark, I’d be with Mark,” she fired back. “But I love you. I married you.”

  “Yeah, that’s what your lips say, your actions say something totally different, though.”

  “You’re missing the point, Garrett.” She gave up and slammed shut the textbook. “You know what?—I don’t even know how the conversation even got here. Let’s just go to bed and call it a night.”

  Garrett shook his head. “Nah, you go. I think I’m going to go out back to shoot some hoops to clear my head.”

  “You were itching to go to bed five minutes ago.”

  Garrett looked her squarely in the eyes. “You’d be surprised how much can change in five minutes.”

  Chapter 24

  “So you’re going to let a man come between us?”

  —Lawson Kerry Banks

  “Wow . . . Now that’s what I call a tree!” declared Angel, admiring their handiwork after helping Kina decorate the church’s Christmas tree in the vestibule.

  Kina stood back and looked. “Yes, it’s beautiful. I hope the pastor likes it.”

  “I can’t imagine why he wouldn’t. He likes everything else you’ve done around here,” revealed Sullivan.

  Kina was pleased. “Your husband is a great boss, and this is such a wonderful place to work.”

  “Oh my God!” shrieked Reginell, staring down at her phone.

  Lawson looked up. “What?”

  “Someone just sent me a text,” she answered with hesitation, as if she was trying to get her thoughts together.

  “It’s called text messaging. Welcome to the nineties,” Sullivan replied sarcastically.