Flaw Less (17 page)

Kina crossed her arms in front of her. “What about my duty as a Christian?”

“What about your duty as one of my best friends?” shot back Sullivan.

Lawson interceded. “Kina, we can sort all of that out later. The first thing we need to do is find out if Sullivan is really pregnant.”

Angel reentered the bedroom. “Okay, I called an OB friend of mine. Sullivan, she can see you if you come within the next thirty minutes.”

“She's not anyone from the church, is she?” inquired Sullivan.

Angel helped Sullivan out of bed. “No, your secret will be safe, at least for now.”

Lawson tossed Sullivan some clothes. “Why does it feel like we're aiding and abetting?”

“Are you going to have a moral crisis right now?” hissed Sullivan. “If so, we can leave you and your conscience here.”

Lawson shook her head. “I'm already an accessory to the crime. I might as well see it through. It amazes me that I continue to let you talk me into getting involved with shenanigans only the Lord can get you out of!”

“Because that's what friends do!” insisted Sullivan. “Friends support each other, they're there for each other. And when necessary, they lie and cover up the truth about paternity for each other!”

 

 

“Congratulations, Mrs. Webb. You're pregnant!” announced the gynecologist after reviewing Sullivan's sonogram. “Based on the size and position of the baby, I'd say you're about six weeks along.”

“Did you hear that, Sullivan?” asked Angel, grinning. “You're going to be a mommy!”

Sullivan sat on the doctor's examination table and tried to catch her breath. “Really? I'm, like, really pregnant for real?”

“Yes, you are. The first thing you're going to want to do is make an appointment with your regular OB-GYN. Your top priority right now needs to be making sure you and this baby stay healthy. Your doctor is going to run a series of tests to make sure everything is functioning the way it's supposed to. In the meantime, I can get you started on some prenatal vitamins, and you can start the countdown to your due date.”

Sullivan smiled politely. “Um, Dr. Oyenugal, is it possible to tell exactly when the baby was conceived? Like pinpoint the exact date?”

“Seeing as how I wasn't there when it happened, it's kind of tough to give you specifics like that.” Dr. Oyenugal looked down at her chart. “My best estimate is that you got pregnant around the twentieth.”

Sullivan nodded. “Thank you, doctor.”

“I'm going to let you get dressed while I check on those vitamins for you. Congratulations!” The doctor left Sullivan alone with Angel.

Angel moved to comfort her friend. “Are you okay?”

“Hand me my purse, will you?”

Angel passed it to her.

Sullivan scrolled through the calendar on her phone. “Okay, I had sex with Vaughn on the nineteenth, and with Charles the day before and two days afterward.”

“You've been a busy girl!”

“I was on a mission.” She blew out a breath and shook her head. “It doesn't matter. Either way, it's going to be Charles's baby.” She rubbed her hand across her stomach. “You hear that, little one? You're going to make your daddy very happy, you know that?”

Angel chortled. “Which one?”

“The only one that matters!” snarled Sullivan.

“It's official,” proclaimed Sullivan when she and Angel reunited with Kina and Lawson in the lobby of the doctor's office. “I'm pregnant!”

Lawson didn't make a move. “I'm not sure how we're supposed to react. Are we sad, are we happy . . .”

Sullivan gave her a reassuring smile. “We're happy, Lawson.”

“So you're going to keep it, right?” double-checked Lawson before joining in Sullivan's enthusiasm.

“Of course, I am. I've seen the inside of an abortion clinic enough to last a lifetime,” said Sullivan, lowering her voice. “I'm definitely keeping this baby.”

“What if the baby is Vaughn's?” raised Kina.

“We will never speak that name again, all right?” issued Sullivan. “We'll never even
think
it! This baby is Charles's . . . It has to be.”

“But what if it's not?” repeated Kina.

Sullivan huffed. “Did you hear what I just said? This is
Charles's
baby!”

“There's nothing wrong with speaking things that be not as if though they were,” recited Lawson.

“I'm all for speaking things into existence,” affirmed Kina, “but, Sullivan, you can't pretend like the chances of this baby being Vaughn's don't outweigh the chances of it being your husband's.”

Sullivan rolled her eyes. “Miracles happen every day, or did you holy rollers forget that? God has the power—”

“Please don't put God in the middle of this foolishness,” argued Kina. “God did not tell you to go out and sleep with Vaughn, and He certainly didn't tell you to try to pass the baby off as Charles's.”

“Just shut up for a minute!” squawked Sullivan. “I can't think with you yammering in my ear like this!”

“Well, you better think fast, sister,” Lawson warned her. “Timing is everything in this situation.”

Sullivan copped an attitude. “You think I don't know that, Lawson? But I just found out that I was pregnant. Can I have a minute to think about that and be happy and thankful for this new life before you all desecrate it with your doom-and-gloom predictions?”

“You're right,” granted Angel. “Regardless of how it happened, this is a very special moment for you, and I'm glad we're here to share it. Obviously, we're not thrilled about the child's conception, but if you're happy about this pregnancy, so are we.”

“Thank you,” said Sullivan. “That's all I wanted to hear.”

Angel and Kina offered a lukewarm congratulation.

“Maybe we ought to pray for her,” suggested Kina.

“Pray for what, that her sins not find her out?” posed Lawson.

Kina shrugged. “I don't know. We should pray for the baby if nothing else. This kid is going to need all the prayers she can get.”

“Why, Kina? Because I'm its mother?”

“No, because you're pregnant, Sullivan! We've got to start thinking about and praying for this baby. Now is as good a time to start as any.” Kina grabbed Sullivan's hand with Lawson and Angel reluctantly joining in. “Lord, we come to you full of praise and thanksgiving. We thank you that our sins are forgiven through the blood of Jesus. We come now thanking you for this child that Sullivan is carrying. While we don't know what the future holds, we know that you know the plans you have for us and the plans you have for this baby. You knew this child when she was stitched in her mother's womb. This baby may not have been conceived under the best circumstances, but, Lord, we know that you can take a mess and turn it into a masterpiece.

“Be with Sullivan as she goes through this pregnancy. Give her the wisdom to handle every situation, Lord. Supply all her needs and her child's needs, as you promised in your Word. Let her know that you hate the sin, but you love the sinner. Keep your hedge of protection around them. Lord, right now, we also come asking you to watch over her husband and our pastor. Give him the strength he needs. Give him a loving heart toward his wife and new family. Surround him with godly counselors. Bind and destroy all tricks of the devil designated to harm him. Help them to raise this child in love and in the knowledge of you. We declare the baby will be anointed and a soldier in your army. Let him or her be strong, healthy, and a blessing in the lives of everyone he or she touches. We believe that it's done. We claim it and thank you in advance. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.”

“Amen,” echoed Lawson and Angel.

Sullivan was touched. “That was beautiful, Kina. Thank you. I appreciate you putting your personal feelings aside for this child and me.”

“I won't hold the child accountable for the sins of the mother,” resolved Kina.

Lawson exhaled. “I guess the real fun starts now. Are you going to tell your husband?”

Sullivan nodded. She seemed detached. “I am . . . but not tonight.”

“Why not?”

“Because the baby . . .” Sullivan was unable to finish her thought. The severity of her situation came crashing down on her all at once. Her heart began to race, and she started to frantically search for her car keys. “I need to get out of here. I've got to think.”

Angel instinctively reached out for her. “Sully, are you okay?”

Sullivan's eyes glassed over. “It feels like my heart is about to jump out of my chest. Oh my God, I can't breathe!” she panted and doubled over to keep from hyperventilating. “I can't breathe! What's happening to me?”

“You can breathe, Sullivan, you need to calm down,” ordered Angel, rubbing her back. “Take deep breaths in and out very slowly.”

“What's wrong with her, Angel?” Kina asked, concerned.

“She just panicked a little.”

Lawson stooped down to be eye-level to Sullivan. “Are you okay?”

Sullivan inhaled and exhaled a few more times before pulling herself up. “I'm all right. I just had a moment there.”

“I know you're feeling overwhelmed, but try to stay calm for your baby's sake,” lectured Angel. “Everything you do affects that baby.”

Sullivan shook her head and began crying again. “You were right, Kina. This is a mess. I don't know what I was so happy about.”

“Don't listen to me, Sully,” refuted Kina. “You have every right to love and be excited about your baby.”

“Girl, you know you can count on us,” Lawson assured her. “You've got three friends who'll stick closer to you than a brother.”

“We've got your back,” chimed in Angel.

“No matter how many times you lie on it,” joked Lawson, forcing a laugh out of Sullivan.

“I appreciate it. Your support means the world to me.” Sullivan recovered from crying. “I especially thank you for keeping this a secret, at least for now. I know I'm asking a lot, but I need time to figure out how I want to handle this.”

Lawson hugged her. “It's not our secret to tell, honey. Be prayerful and trust God's direction.”

“You ready to go home?” asked Angel, jingling the car keys.

“I can't go home,” said Sullivan. “I'm not ready to face Charles yet.”

“Where are you going?” inquired Kina.

Despite the prayers and support from her friends, Sullivan knew how dire the situation was. She needed help now, and there was only one person vile enough, manipulative enough, and heartless enough to understand what she did and why and how to get her out of this predicament.

Sullivan looked up. “I think it's time I paid a visit to my mother.”

—
Angel King

 

 

Angel made her way down to Channing's room and lightly tapped the opened door. He was standing over his bed supported by his crutches, zipping a duffle bag.

When he looked up and saw her, his face lit up. “You tryin' sneak up on me? Did Duke send you to make sure I didn't steal any of the silver?” he joked.

She managed a faint smile. “I wasn't checking up on you, I promise. How's the leg this morning?”

He playfully nudged Angel in the arm. “It's fine. I'm a survivor, you know that.”

“You're really leaving today, aren't you?” she asked, already knowing but dreading the answer.

He nodded. “My plane takes off in a couple of hours. A part of me was sort of relieved when you got called into work. I already knew I'd have a hard time saying good-bye. Seeing you makes it harder.”

The look in her eyes let Channing know she felt the same way. “Are you ready to be a civilian again?” she asked him.

“Yeah, I'm kind of looking forward to it. I've even decided to go ahead and take advantage of the GI Bill and finish college.”

“That's great, Channing. I'm really happy for you.”

“If you're so happy, why do you look so grim? You look like you've lost your best friend.”

“It almost feels that way,” she admitted.

“Angel, I'm going to North Carolina, not to Mars,” he said lightly.

“There's no chance of you moving back here after you recuperate?”

“I don't know. We'll just see how it goes.”

Angel thought it over. “It's probably best that you don't. I really need to focus on planning this wedding and getting the girls acclimated to all of the changes. We'll be very busy for the next few months.”

“That's good, and I'm sure that things will work out for you all. Please let the girls know that I'll be thinking about them, and I'll be sure to send them lots of presents if I'm not able to come back for birthdays and Christmas.”

She nodded. “I just wish that you didn't have to go. I could really use some of your sound advice.”

He touched her face. “You're stronger than you give yourself credit for, Angel.”

Angel opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Duke knocking and opening the door. “Hey, you ready?” he asked cheerfully.

“In a minute,” answered Channing.

Duke grabbed Channing's suitcases. “I'll take these down for you. I'll be outside when you're ready.” He turned to Angel. “Babe, you coming with us to the airport?”

Angel shook her head. “I don't think so. I've got to get back to work.”

Duke kissed her. “I'll see you after work then.” He trotted out the door.

“I guess this is it.” Angel exhaled and clasped her hands together.

“Guess so,” he replied.

“I'm going to miss you,” she whispered.

Channing swept her in his arms and held her tightly. “I'll miss you too. You take care, all right?”

“I will, and you call to let us know how you're doing and when you get there.” She let go of him. “I hope this isn't good-bye forever.”

“It's not.” He looked at her, tempted to hold her again. “You be good, Angel.”

“Always—I'm an angel, remember?”

They stared at each other, wanting to say more but not knowing what to say.

“I'll call you all when I land,” he promised.

“Okay.”

He hesitated before walking out. “Hey, Angel?”

“Yeah?”

He wrapped his arms around her, with her offering no resistance. Then he set his lips down on hers in a tender kiss. “Sorry . . . I've been wanting to do that since the second I laid eyes on you.” He winked at her and walked out to meet Duke. Angel watched as he walked away until he was out of sight.

She sank onto his bed. Channing's scent still lingered there; his touch still lingered on her lips. It was as if she felt knotted to him somehow. She pushed the thought away from her head. Channing was gone. Now, she could put her focus back on where it should be: becoming Duke's wife.

 

 

“Aren't you coming to bed?”

“Not yet,” answered Angel, staring into the computer screen. “I've got to finish this tonight if we're going to make payroll next week.”

“Do what you have to do, babe.” Duke turned over on his side, away from her. “I'm tired. I'm gonna go on to sleep.”

Angel scrolled through her e-mails looking for a missing invoice. The last thing she expected to see was a message from Channing King. Seeing it made her heart stand still.

She glanced over at Duke to make sure he hadn't seen it. “You know what, honey? I think I'm going to take the laptop downstairs and finish this up. I don't want to disturb you.” She closed the laptop and tucked it under her arm. Then she leaned down and kissed him.

“Don't be too long,” grumbled Duke, already half-asleep.

“I won't.”

Angel crept down the stairs and made her way to the living room. She plunked down on the sofa and popped open the laptop. With trembling hands, she opened the e-mail from Channing:

Angel must have read his e-mail twenty times before deciding to respond. Nothing she wrote quite sounded right, so she settled on a simple, “I miss you too.”

After working her expense reports for a few more minutes, Angel checked her account and found another e-mail from Channing.

Angel agreed with Channing. Communicating this way was definitely wrong and would most certainly hurt Duke. She could've decided not to reply, but that would've been rude. She followed the link to the site.

She gasped. Immediately, she was met with explicit pictures of couples plastered all over the monitor. It was clearly a pornographic Web site.

“This can't be the right Web site,” she said to herself. Nevertheless, Angel proceeded with the site's registration. As she created a profile, she reminded herself that there is always a moment when a person steps over the line between flirting with danger and moving into dangerous territory. This was definitely crossing over into the latter.

After creating a profile, she was able to join Channing for a live chat.

“Isn't this better?” he asked once they were both logged on. “We can talk in real time.”

“Channing, exactly what kind of site is this?”

“It's a private, secure site where we can get to know each other better.”

Angel shook her head. “I don't know about this. This feels wrong. I . . . I should go.”

“Don't log off, baby. Do you have any idea how bad it's killing me that I can't there with you for real?”

“Don't say things like that, Channing. It only makes it worse.”

“There are so many things I want to do to with you. Do you know what we'd be doing if you were here right now? You've got me hot just thinking about it.”

Angel felt uncomfortable. “Channing . . .”

“I want you to touch yourself everywhere you'd want me to touch you.”

“What?”

“It would make it feel like we're together. Please, Angel.”

“I can't do that. I can't do
this
. This is wrong!”

“All right, I don't want to pressure you.” He tried a different approach. “Can you send me a picture?”

“Of me in my pajamas?”

“Of you in nothing,” he answered.

“Channing, I'm not even supposed to let Duke see me naked, let alone his cousin,” she argued.

“Why are you always worried about what you're ‘supposed' to do? Do what feels good to you for once.”

“This doesn't feel good to me,” she told him. “It doesn't feel right.”

“I'm not trying to make you feel right,” said Channing. “I'm trying to make you feel good.”