Free Flawfully Wedded Wives by Shana Burton Page A

“I have options.”
    Lawson looked up at her. “Like what?”
    â€œStay out of my business, Lawson.”
    After nearly an hour of filler programming and clips from earlier in the season, the host of Lose Big was finally ready to announce the champion.
    â€œThe winner of this season’s Lose Big competition and the winner of five hundred thousand dollars is . . .” He suspended his words to draw out the anticipation and suspense. “Kina Justine Battle!”
    The live audience erupted into thunderous applause, and Kina fell to her knees as confetti rained down on her. “God is so good!” she declared. “He made this happen! He answered my prayers! I praise Him! I praise Him! To God be the honor and the glory!”
    â€œShe did it! She did it!” screamed Lawson, pumping her fists in the air.
    â€œOh, my God, I can’t believe she won!” exclaimed Angel. “We love you, Kina! Whoo-hoo!”
    Reginell hopped up on the couch and pointed at the television. “That’s my cousin right there, y’all! Yes! She did the doggone thang!”
    Sullivan yawned, unaffected by all the fanfare. “She won. Good for her.”
    â€œYou’re such a hater, Sullivan,” accused Reginell, stepping down.
    â€œI’m not hating,” insisted Sullivan. “I’m glad she won. She can finally give Kenny the kind of life she always wanted for him, but don’t expect the same Kina to return that left here, assuming she bothers to come back at all.”
    Lawson rolled her eyes. “Sully, we’ve been watching Kina on that show for weeks. She’s still the same humble, sweet Kina she’s always been.”
    â€œThat’s because she was still broke. Money changes things, and it changes people. Kina just got five hundred thousand dollars richer. It’s only now that you’re about to see the real Kina come out and play.”

Chapter 8
    â€œYeah . . . some other night.”
    â€” Lawson Kerry Banks
    Â 
    Lawson’s heart couldn’t help but swell with pride as she watched her son, Namon, string up Christmas lights on the trees in her backyard. When she was a naive sixteen-year-old parent, she couldn’t imagine the day that her son would be applying to colleges and prepping for his high school graduation. The traces of his baby face were starting to fade as he morphed into a young man who resembled Mark more with each passing year.
    â€œLooks good,” said Lawson, giving Namon an approving nod.
    Namon looped the remaining string of lights around his hand. “I set everything up exactly like we did last time Dad wanted to pop the question.”
    Lawson smiled. “I’m glad you still think of Garrett as your dad, especially after everything that’s happened.”
    â€œHe’s the man who raised me. Nothing can ever change that.”
    â€œWhat about Simon?”
    Namon grimaced. “What Dad did to you sucked big-time, but we’ve talked about it a lot. I forgave him. We all make mistakes. Anyway, Simon seems like a cool li’l dude. I kind of like having a little brother.”
    â€œThat’s very sweet of you to say.”
    Namon broke into a smile. “Did you see Kina on TV tonight? She won.”
    â€œYeah, we saw it. I’m so proud of her.”
    â€œYeah, me too. It’s about time we got some ballers in the family! Do you think this means her and Kenny will be coming back soon?”
    â€œI don’t know, sweetie, but I’m praying that she does.”
    â€œIf you talk to her, tell her I said, ‘Congrats.’”
    â€œWill do.” Lawson clasped her hands together. “Okay, Garrett will be home in about an hour, so I better finish up out here.”
    â€œDo you need me to do anything else?”
    Lawson looked around the yard. “Nope, everything looks perfect.” She dropped her car keys into Namon’s open palm. “Now, go make