CHAPTER 13
FEW WEEKS LATER: REED HOUSE
Lauren smiles at the sight of Sark reading to Sophia. 'They are so cute together. Sophia brings out a side of Julian that no one would believe. He is so sweet and gentle with her. He's come from heavy missions and just switches from hard ass Sark to sweet Julian the moment he sees her.' Lauren takes a sip of her tea, 'I love seeing them together.' She sighs as the phone rings, "Hello" she greets picking it up on the second ring. "Oh hi Mother."
"Lauren when are you going to bring this man Julian that Sophia talks about over for dinner?" Olivia demands. "Your father and I want to meet the man who is spending so much time with Sophia."
"Mother" Lauren sighs, "I know you want to meet him but the whole thing is complicated."
"I don't care. I want to meet this man. Now bring him over for dinner tomorrow night." Olivia hangs up.
Lauren sighs heavily. "This is not good."
"What's wrong?" Sark asks
Lauren looks at him, "Mother has basically ordered you over for dinner."
"And?"
Lauren looks at Sophia who is playing in the living room, "You know what my father did before he retired."
Sark nods "He headed the Intelligence Board for the US Senate."
"Which means it is quite possible he has seen your picture. He knows who you are Julian." Lauren rubs her forehead. "Mother is going to figure out your Sophia's father."
"So either we avoid your Mother's orders or we suck it up and go."
"I guess to make it easier I should go tell them tomorrow morning who you are so they don't say anything in front of Sophia."
"Do you want me to go with you?"
Lauren takes a deep breath, "Part of me says yes... another part says its probably better if I do this alone." She rubs her forehead. "Either way this isn't going to go well."
"What are you going to tell them about Sophia?"
"Mother knows about the affair... just not who you are. Its not like I can tell them it was a one night stand... she'd know I was lying." She sighs
"It might be better if I go with you. That way your parents can say all they want to say to me without Sophia being around."
"That's probably a good idea." Lauren muses. "Are you sure about this?"
"Lauren its going to happen sooner or later." Sark brushes her hair back. "We might as well get it over with."
Lauren smiles faintly, "Might as well."
"It will be fine."
"One thing... I lied to my mother. I told her we didn't sleep together after I became pregnant and after Sophia's birth. Neither of them know about the abortion."
Sark nods "We'll talk about tomorrow after she's in bed."
"All right."
LATE THAT NIGHT
"What are we going to tell them or not?" Sark asks as they sit on the living room couch.
"I told Mother we didn't sleep together after I found out I was pregnant... or since."
"Well I think they'll realize that's a lie when they find out I've been spending time with you and Sophia."
"I know. She just can't find out we slept together while I was still married other than before."
Sark nods. "And do they know about the bomb in the car?"
"Daddy might but I don't think Mother does. I doubt Michael told either of them but Kendall might have mentioned it to Daddy."
"I'll just tell him, if he asks, that the bomb would never have gone off."
"And the affair? What exactly are we going to say about that?"
"That it started one night when we ran into each other after a few drinks?"
Lauren tilts her head, "That could work. That it continued despite the fact we knew better"
"And when emotions became involved you broke it off to save your marriage."
"That works. But the pregnancy?"
"You didn't tell me but I found out and when Sophia was born and the paternity test was done I agreed to stay away. I did stay away until you were assigned to be my handler. We didn't start to figure out how we felt until after your divorce."
Lauren groans "God I hope that works."
"How are you going to explain allowing me around Sophia?"
"That is the question... that and whether or not they'll keep their mouths shut about Michael not being Sophia's father."
"Legally he is." Sark points out.
"Yes but legally doesn't matter to most people." Lauren reminds
"It'll work out Lauren."
"Why are you always so sure about things?" Lauren asks resting her head on his shoulder.
"Just am." Sark shrugs
"Wish I felt that way." Lauren whispers
NEXT MORNING: REED HOUSE
Lauren takes a deep breath, "I really don't want to do this."
"We have no choice." Sark points out turning off the engine. "It might not be so bad."
"Oh please. My Mother is going to interrogate you worse then the CIA. Then Daddy will as well."
"Your parents are just looking out for you and Sophia."
"I know." Lauren looks at him "You sure you want to go with me?"
"I'm sure. Besides you shouldn't have to take all the blame." Sark kisses her forehead, "Its going to be fine."
"Let's get this over with." Lauren sighs reaching for the door handle frowning when she notices Sark's amused expression. "What?"
"I just realized something"
"And that is?"
"I have never had to meet any of my lovers parents."
"You're kidding"
Sark shakes his head, "I'm not. Most of my lovers, other than Alison, were so short term and were never anything that meeting the parents never came up."
"Well welcome to my world. Any time my Mother found out I was seeing some guy she'd order him to come to dinner. Boarding school I had to bring him home for the weekend." Lauren sighs "Come on." She leads Sark up to the house and opens the front door, "Mother, Daddy." She calls entering the house.
Olivia walks into the foyer surprised to see Lauren with a man, "Lauren where's Sophia?"
"Daycare. We thought we should talk before tonight." Lauren looks at Sark, "Mother this is Julian Lazarey. Julian, my Mother."
Sark nods "Mrs. Reed it is nice to finally meet you."
Olivia smiles "Mr. Lazarey it is nice to finally meet the man my granddaughter has taken a liking too."
"Well Sophia is an incredible girl."
"Mother where is Daddy?"
"Upstairs getting dressed. He spent most of the night in his office."
Lauren nods "I'll be right back." She walks up the stairs. 'Julian can handle Mother for a while.' She goes to her parents bedroom and knocks. "Daddy"
"Come in Princess."
Lauren enters the bedroom to find her Father putting his shoes on, "Daddy before you go downstairs there is something you need to know about Julian. I'm not sure about telling Mother about this so I thought you should at least know" Lauren closes the door.
"What is it?" George asks concerned about his daughter's tone and expression.
"Um Daddy through your work you've seen the pictures of a lot of the people the CIA and NSC are looking for"
George nods "Yes I have."
"Well Julian... is one of them. His name now is Julian Lazarey... he used to be"
"Julian Sark" George finishes "Damn it Lauren" He stands "He's still a criminal."
"He's not like he used to be, Daddy. He's changed a lot. He's doing what he can to make some things right."
"Lauren how did this happen? How is it you became friends with a terrorist as well as allow him near Sophia?"
Lauren takes a deep breath, "Daddy, Julian and I... we had a brief affair while Michael and I were married." She looks at her Dad seeing his shock she continues, "I started having feelings for him so I broke it off to save my marriage."
"Lauren..."
"He's Sophia's father." Lauren blurts out. "Mother knows I had an affair but she doesn't know with whom."
George looks at his daughter, "Lauren, are you in love with him?"
Lauren nods "He loves me as well. He makes me happy Dad. I know what he has done but I have also seen another side of him. He's sweet, kind, funny, and he adores Sophia."
"Michael doesn't know the truth does he?"
"No. I've thought about telling him but its better if he believes Sophia is his rather than people finding out she's Julian's. Neither of us like the idea of lying to Sophia but if people found out about her... someone could take her to get back at Julian. I know it hurts Julian to hear Sophia call Michael Daddy but we both know its for the best."
George sighs, "We won't tell your Mother what he's done. No need to add ammunition for her anger over the divorce."
"Will you give him a chance Daddy? For me and Sophia?"
George regards his daughter, "I can try. Now let's go downstairs."
"Daddy, promise me you won't tell Michael."
"I won't. You're right... it is safer for Sophia if no one knows who her real father is. Hopefully your Mother will keep her mouth shut."
"She has for three years." Lauren points out as they walk out of the bedroom. They walk down the stairs and into the living room where they find Olivia and Sark talking. "Mother don't interrogate him please." Lauren says annoyed as she goes to Sark's side.
"Its fine, love. Your Mother is just curious." Sark smiles at Lauren
Olivia frowns her eyes widen in realization, "Lauren, help me in the kitchen please." She walks out of the living room.
"Oh boy... she figured it out." Lauren mutters following her mother into the kitchen.
Sark looks at George who is looking slightly angry. "I take it she told you who I am."
George nods "Lauren doesn't keep a lot from me."
"I know that this is an... odd situation."
"The fact that you're a wanted terrorist sleeping with the daughter of a former Senator... odd doesn't describe it." George says
"I know that its hard to believe but I really do love Lauren and Sophia."
"You do realize that your involvement with my daughter could destroy her career."
"I'm aware of that as is Lauren. She knows that I would do anything I could to keep that from happening."
"Even leave her?"
"I've tried too but" Sark shrugs "I love her."
In the kitchen Lauren looks at her Mother, "I told you she has his smile." She says nervously as she waits for her mother's reaction.
"You said you two were over."
"We were... we didn't start up again until after the divorce was final."
"Does Michael know he's around Sophia?"
Lauren nods "He knows and doesn't approve but it is my business."
"Does Michael know about the affair?"
"No."
"Julian knows that he's Sophia's father?"
Lauren nods "He adores her Mother." Lauren smiles faintly, "You should see them together."
"Lauren you are risking Sophia's future."
"No I'm giving Julian the chance to know his daughter and giving Sophia the chance to know her biological father without knowing it."
"What about Michael?"
"He knows Julian spends time at the house but that's all he knows. He's not happy about it." Lauren admits
"And if he finds out?"
"If you keep your promise to stay quiet Michael will never find out." Lauren snaps
"Lauren"
"Look I know you like Michael and I'm not asking you to stop but Julian will be around whether or not you approve Mother. If you give him a chance you might like him. Now if you want us over tonight for dinner we'll be here but if you're going to be rude then we won't be." Lauren walks out of the kitchen and returns to the living room where she finds her Dad and Sark talking.
"You OK love?" Sark asks concerned.
"I'm fine." Lauren assures sitting beside Sark on the couch.
A few minutes later Olivia joins the others in the living room, "I don't approve of you two lying to Sophia or Michael."
"There are reasons why Mother."
"Leave it alone Olivia. It is their decision on what to do." George says quickly. "We won't say a word to Michael or anyone."
"How did you two meet?" Olivia questions
"Its complicated Mother." Lauren hedges knowing she can't tell her the full truth. "Short is we met through work." 'Not exactly a lie.'
"You worked together?" Olivia asks
"In a way."
"In a way?"
"Olivia, don't interrogate them." George sighs knowing Lauren and Sark can't give them much information without breaking National Security.
HOUR LATER
"Well that went decent." Sark says dryly as they get into the car.
"Daddy didn't let Mother go off the wall."
"Think he'll tell her who I really am?"
"I doubt it. He knows Mother is still upset about the divorce. He doesn't want to give her anything else to hold over me."
"So think its a good idea for me to come to dinner tonight?"
"She still wants you to come over. I guess she's trying."
"If I can get a smile out of you I promise I'll be good."
Lauren looks at Sark "You are never good. You may act it but you plot in that cute head of yours."
"See you admit I'm cute." Sark smirks
"Watch the ego Julian." Lauren laughs
"See I got you to smile."
"You always find a way to get me to smile." Lauren looks at her watch, "I better get to work. Meet us at the house at six? Dinners usually around seven."
"Sure."
6PM: REED HOUSE
Lauren opens the front door to find Sark on the porch and smiles. "Just in time."
Sark enters the house kissing Lauren lightly, "How was work?"
"Same as always."
"Julian" Sophia says happily as she runs to the front door.
Sark picks up the girl "Hello Sophia. How was your day?"
"I played. I drawed. I napped. What did you do?"
"I worked. I played. I napped." Sark says smiling faintly.
"Why is it you two always get to nap?" Lauren grumbles
"I'm three." Sophia shrugs
"I don't have to work unless I want too." Sark shrugs
Lauren shakes her head then sighs noticing her daughter's shoeless feet, "Soph where are your shoes? We have to leave soon."
Sophia shrugs "I don't wanna wear shoes."
"Let's go find your shoes while Mama takes a break for a while. Now where do you remember taking them off?"
"Don't remember."
"Don't remember huh?" Sark tickles Sophia's stomach getting her to laugh.
Lauren smiles heading up to her bedroom.
20 MINS LATER
Lauren stands in the doorway of the living room watching as Sophia and Sark play on the floor, "All right you two its time to go."
"Mama we playing."
"I know but you know how Grandma gets when we're late for dinner."
"We can play later."
"Oh OK." Sophia stands scurrying out of the living room.
Sark stands joining Lauren "Worried about dinner?"
"Just hope this goes decent."
"It will." Sark kisses her forehead. "I promise to be good."
"Its not you I'm worried about."
"I'm sure your Mother will keep her mouth shut."
"I hope so. I really don't need the trouble." She takes a deep breath "Lets just get this over with."
45 MINS LATER: REED HOUSE
"She seems taken with him." Olivia remarks
Lauren tears her eyes away from the sight of Sophia talking wildly to her Grandpa as she sits on Sark's lap. "They adore each other. I know the fact I'm involved with him bothers you Mother but I really love him. He's different from Michael. He never treats me like I'm second rate. He always takes the time to listen to Sophia and play with her."
"Lauren I just want you happy."
"He makes me happy." Lauren says her eyes on Sark, "More than Michael ever did." She admits.
"Then I guess I will have to accept it." Olivia sighs
"Yes you will because no matter how you feel about Michael he and I will never get back together."
9PM: REED HOUSE
"That went well." Lauren sighs as she closes Sophia's door. "Mother didn't hassle us or ask stupid questions. Daddy didn't make any sly remarks. Sophia behaved... as did you."
"I made a promise and kept it." Sark shrugs
"Well then that deserves a reward." Lauren pulls him into her bedroom closing and locking the door behind them she kisses him.
LATER
Lauren smiles faintly as Sark removes the remainder of her clothes and his own before crawling in beside her. "Like your reward?"
"I think I'll behave more often if I keep getting rewards like that." Sark chuckles burying his face in her shoulder.
Lauren laughs tugging on his hair lightly. "I love you."
"I love you sweetheart." Sark kisses her neck.
TBC…