Trouble, Twins and a Triangle By: Carrie-Anne
Chapter Five… The Labor.
Lexie and Lili were talking up in the old bedroom that occupied the married couple, plus the cradles that would soon serve as beds for the twins. Lili decided to tell Lexie the truth that she didn't want to have anything to do with Paul.
"Lex." Lili replied, helping her cousin get into bed and fluffed up pillows to prop up Lexie's back.
"Lil?"
"I'm going to have to decline on working with Paul. I can't begin to---"
"Don't explain, I know he was rude and nothin' can excuse his behavior, but ya know if ya two were to marry, an when Arch and I do leave Glenbogle, ya'd become---"
"The Lady of the house. I see, well, Lex, I'm not Lady of Glenbogle material." Lili answered, suddenly seeing the motives of her cousin and why she was pushing to set her up with Paul in the first place.
"Neither was I." Lexie added, pulling Lili down to sit beside her, by using her arms. "Listen, no one would blame ya if ya despise him, but give him a fair chance. He's a great catch an he'd be good fer ya, Lil."
"Lex, I told him off, down at---"
"Golly's, I know. Word travels very fast, so dun't worry, one moment's news is tomorrow's old." Lexie smiled, before feeling a sharp pain in her side. She winced as a wave of pain went over her face. Lili's face became slightly concerned.
"Are you okay?"
"Aye. Just go on an have dinner, without me. It's special with it bein' your first night here an all." Lexie smiled again and her hands tried to wave Lili away. Lili hesitated leaving Lexie alone, but she then walked out of the room.
Everyone gathered around the long cherry table with old-fashioned, yellow velvet covered, high back chairs. There was also one defined royal looking throne that sat at the head of the table. Golly stood off to the side with his bagpipes and traditional tartan and a cap, as he's the Head Keeper of the Estate.
The group had been waiting patiently for Andrew to arrive. Moments later, He finally rushed in and immediately kissed Molly's cheek with a warm greeting. Golly observed the interaction between them. They were an "undecided" pair, as one moment they were together and the next just friends. He had just spent an hour talking to Molly about everything that had happened between Lili, Duncan, and also Paul. She kept reassuring Golly that Lexie wanted Lili to spend her time with Hector's estranged son, as she had her heart set on it. Molly didn't want to hurt Lexie's feelings since she didn't agree with the pairing and she confided in Golly.
As for the dinner, Molly had made sure all of the family members were present, except for Lexie. She wanted Lili to feel welcomed and at home. Archie was the head of the table, since he's the Laird, and was dressed traditionally in Black Watch tartan, also the symbol of the Head of the MacDonald clan. He gave Golly a instant nod of his head and the bagpipes started to play. Lili was starting to feel under dressed in her blouse and slacks. She was surrounded by not just Golly and Archie dressed formally in tartan attire but Paul and Duncan as well. Even Molly, wore casual clothing elegantly, which made Lili feel more nervous. She tried to smile the feeling away, as she watched Golly put the bagpipes down and the gathering was then instructed by the Laird to sit down.
Andrew sat down beside Molly, and next to Archie's right, which was normally, Lexie or Lady of Glenbogle's chair. Molly was beside Lili, who was also sat beside Duncan. Golly sat on Duncan's other side and Paul was seated on Archie's left. Once the table was seated, Marina entered the room and placed dinner on circular silver place mats.
"Andrew, this is Lili, Lexie's cousin." Molly introduced, tapping Andrew on the shoulder. He moved his head forward and extended a nod to welcome her.
"Hi." Lili replied, while trying to relax. "You work in an art gallery, right?"
"That's right. Nice to meet you." Andrew answered after taking a sip of his wine.
"That reminds me, dear, tomorrow night is the Glenbogle Art Show. I'd be delighted if you and Paul were to attend." Molly schemed, as she knew Lexie would be thrilled if she continued to give the pair a push into the right direction. She glanced at Paul, who was once again speechless. Lili and Paul assumed that Molly was completely oblivious as to what had happened down at the Centre and Golly's cabin that afternoon.
Lili took a sip of her wine, just as Molly had delegated Lexie's "dating" duty to her. She instantly choked on her drink, alarming Molly to request Marina to bring the poor lass some water.
"Are you alright?" Duncan asked, only look up at the housekeeper who was setting down the glass as his eyes returned to Lili's. He was actually trying to restrain himself from rubbing her back with his hand as she coughed, but he gave up and did it anyway. She didn't shy away, as it felt quite natural to the both of them.
"Just—dandy." She gagged, while trying to cover her mouth with her hand in hopes to be ladylike.
"Is it the wine?" Molly asked trying to figure out why they poor girl was gagging, while she lifted the glass to her nose to smell it and then took a sip. "It tastes a little dry."
"It's Chardonnay, Mother, which is just that, dry." Archie corrected her but his mind kept wandering to Lexie and her absentness at the table. He didn't want to have dinner without her, but he decided she'd call him if something were wrong while she rested herself upstairs.
"Oh right." Molly said, still concerned about Lili. "Are you alright, dear child?"
"Oh no, the wine is great…I'm fine." Lili added politely, but before she could further explain, Duncan's hand that had been rubbing her back went to dart for her water glass. He wanted to hand it to her. His hand slipped clumsily and the glass of water tipped over while pouring the cool fluid onto her lap.
"Sorry." He forced a smile as he tried to soak up the water with a napkin on the table. He didn't dare touch her lap with the napkin for fear of being possibly swatted by anyone in the room!
"Ummmm…excuse me." Lili stood up from the table with her reply and her bright red cheeks, as her slacks now resembled a child who had a potty accident!
"Of course, dear. Go tidy yourself up." Molly suggested and agreed, after Lili had ran out of the room. Duncan's cheeks had also grown red as everyone at the table was looking at him with scolding eyes. He felt self-conscious, especially after giving poor Lili a bath. He wanted to go after her, but he just remained quietly seated.
Lili was looking for an excuse to escape, as the family was starting to make her go crazy. Dating Paul, what are these people thinking? as the thought crossed her mind. She then praised Duncan for his fumbling movements as she skipped the steps of the stair well. Within moments, she reached the guestroom but turned her body as she could hear her cousin in agony. She ran toward Lexie's room and opened the door.
"Lex?" Lili asked, "What's a matter?"
"Lil, da babies." Lexie said, in a whirlwind pant and then a long groan, "I'm havin' da babies!"
She was heavily panting and doubling over with extreme eye-popping pain that ripped through the lower half of her body in 3-5 minute intervals. "How far apart are your contractions?"
"I dun no. Ouch, close…really close. Go fetch Archie!" Lexie hollered as Lili ran out of the door before she could hear her.
"Archie!" Lili screamed at the top of the stairs before skipping down them speedily. "ARCHIE!!!"
"What is it? Lexie?" Archie answered with massive concern, as he and Paul came running out of the room, with Molly, Duncan and Andrew not far behind.
"Babies! Lexie!" Lili was out of breath from her jaunt down the stairs, but Archie passed by her and swiftly picked up the pace, while taking the steps of the stairway by two and two.
"Wait, it's too soon." Archie added looking at Lexie and the state her body was in. She was clutching her abdomen and panting more steadily.
"No, Arch, not fer twins." Lexie answered in heavy pants. "Arch, my watta hasn't broke, so ring da midwife now."
"You heard her!" Archie shouted at Paul who was standing behind Lili in the doorway. "Ring the midwife! The twins are on the way!"
Molly chanted, "Oh how exciting! My dear daughter in law giving birth! I can't wait to be a grandmother! Good thing we're all dressed in our best clothes for the event!" As her eyes wandered around at the dressed men in kilted uniforms and then Andrew threw an arm around her shoulders.
"You're going to make a fine grandmother." He spoke and kissed her cheek.
By the time the midwife arrived, Lexie was still in extreme discomfort. She in so much pain that she screamed at each long tightened contraction of her sides.
"There's nothing we can do until the babies decide it's time." The midwife explained. "She's not dilated to 10cm yet, but she's close."
"What does that mean?" Archie shouted baffled at the mumbo jumbo that the midwife was spitting out at him.
"Coach her breathing, relax her, and then hopefully she'll ripen more." The midwife chimed smiling but Archie was anything but smiles. He was trying to conduct the birth of his children like a business meeting! Only he couldn't exactly persuade them to come out!
"OK, I'll go get her some ice. Which way is the kitchen?" Lili stated, as she had yet to see that part of the house.
"Put on a pot of water to boil." The midwife suggested to her.
"Ill show you to the kitchen." Paul spoke up from behind Lili as she looked at him not amused, but decided to follow him down the hall and then the stairs.
"I'll get her some warm and fuzzy blankets for the babies!" Molly chimed.
"Aye! Look at this!" Duncan exclaimed while receiving stupid looks from everyone including Lexie. Because he was holding Hector's golf club that he had pulled out of a golf bag in the corner of the room. Archie had his father's prized clubs, but had yet to find time to play golf.
"Dunc, why do ya have that?" Lexie panted heavily at the peaks of discomfort, while peculiarly staring at him. Archie was trying to soothe her sides with his hands, while waiting for Duncan's punch line, since he knew there would be one.
"In case da midwife has to drive 'em out!" Duncan joked which only made Lexie groan out with more pain.
"Or in case I bean you over the head with it." Archie replied. "You're not going anywhere near Wayne and Jayne with that there club. "
"Wayne and Jayne?" Lexie smiled between contractions, as her cheeks and facial features went from pale white to pink. "Ya remembered, Arch!"
"How could I forget?" Archie let out a chuckle. "If it's a lad and a lass then we're set with a nursery wallpapered yellow with pink and blue sheep!"
"Drive? Anyone talk about driving? I am learning again after all of these years!" Molly exclaimed, going off on a tangent, while running back into the room with blankets and towels galore. She was getting practice driving lessons from Andrew, since she just had her road test left to pass before she was absolutely road legal! It had been years since she had been able to drive…she very much liked the idea of being able to do so!
"An' yer learnin' to drive me mad!" Andrew swooned as he put an arm around Molly grinning from ear to ear. They then ducked from a loud crash as an object went flying past them!
Duncan had swung the golf club like he was pretending to hit par, but during mid-swing the metal rod released from his hands quickly, and slammed into the nearby wall. The club fell and knocked into a vase, which hit the floor, breaking into many pieces.
"Duncan!! Blimey!!" Archie yelled angrily. "We're s'pose to help Lex relax not make her more frazzled!"
"Sorry." Duncan added, as Andrew stopped embracing Molly and threw an arm around Duncan instead.
"Boy, that's our cue to leave. I'll see you down in the foyer, love." Andrew nodded to Molly while joining Duncan as they walked out of the room. "Let's smoke one of old Hector's cigars. We know he'd be puffing away on one right now, since it's an important day for the MacDonald's." Andrew spoke fondly of Hector, even though he never met the bloke, but Molly talked of him often enough, like he did.
Chapter Six… The Bet of Affection…
Meanwhile down in the famous MacDonald kitchen, which was still currently being remodeled since the explosion months ago…
"The ice is over there…" Paul pointed to the ice chest. Lili ran over to it, and to her shock, pulled out a block of ice.
"What I am supposed to do with this?" She shouted, normally she knew of ice in ice cube trays, preferably ones she filled with water from a tap!
"Use it to cool your attitude?" Paul retorted cleverly as she was starting to lustfully take over his mind.
"Don't start this with me again, Paul. The ice is for Lex, now we need to find something to break the cube with. Then we need a dishcloth or something to put the pieces in. " Lili searched the drawers and found a mallet, plus an ice pick and then a white coffee mug with "Lexie" written on it in rainbow colors.
Paul watched her long slender body wander about the kitchen, as her innocent movements: swaying of her hips, lifting her arms, swiftly turning on her toes, shuffling of her feet, got to him interested more and more. The woman was making him pleasurably dizzy, as she seemed to stir up his hidden emotions quite well. To the point when he wondered: could he actually be falling for her?
She had mentioned briefly at tea about being soon divorced and he started to wonder why she didn't want her self to date anyone in the first place. Her attitude towards him at Golly's cabin could explain her unwillingness, but he also had to remember he did antagonize her. The eerie part was he actually enjoyed riling her up. What was she doing helping Duncan and Golly building that porch anyway?? Every MacDonald man needed a woman to keep him on his toes and he was positively determined she was the one. Well if he could get her to understand he wanted her to be. She proceeded to chip at the ice block. As she was about swing the mallet down to break off a couple chips of ice, he caught her hand with his.
"Stop." Paul suggested, standing from behind her. He tugged the mallet out of her hand and placed in on the countertop. He was in fear she'd use it as a weapon of choice, after he did what he had intended to do, to her…
"What is it?" She turned her body around to scold him. But with out any real effort, he leaned in and backed her up to the counter. She froze like a doe, found by car headlights in the night.
"Because you're sweet, Lili. Sorry, I offend you." He stated simply with his baby blues set on hers. She tried to back away from him but she couldn't. She could feel his breath close to her skin and she wasn't at all thrilled about it.
"OK, we got off on the wrong foot, I know. But you can't give opinions and expect you're not going to hurt someone. Maybe---" She was cut off to by his daring set of lips that brushed lightly, sweetly, and then intensely to hers. She drew away swiftly as a low moan escaped from her lips. If she could have moved any of her limbs, she probably would have slapped him or better yet, had defended her self with that mallet that he had placed on the counter!
"You're very bright, Lili MacKinney. I do fancy getting to know you." Paul stammered, while his mouth danced into a smile.
She was officially speechless for a moment before she forcefully shoved the mallet into his hand and walked to the other side of the kitchen counter. She decided right then to not give him the satisfaction of any type of answer, except one warning, "Don't touch me again, drill sergeant." She was ticked off! He was now trying to suck up to her since he had screwed up everything for himself earlier in the day. She stopped in her tracks as Golly then came strolling into the kitchen.
"At least I'm not arrogant and pompous anymore." He laughed in her direction. Lili turned her attention to Golly and ignored Paul.
"Lex had 'em little ones yet?" He asked, without questioning what had just transpired between Lili and Paul.
"No, not yet. But we have to hurry, so here's her mug with ice chips!" Lili replied while handing the mug over to him. She was looking for a way to escape Paul again and she was going to use Golly as a way to do it.
"Good thinkin', Yankee." He winked while picking up the pace wandering out of the kitchen, as he was off to find the troop on baby patrol. He could just imagine Molly being the head troop leader as the thought made him smile.
Just then Duncan walked in and he took notice of Paul before asking, "Lili, ya got those ice chips?" She just simply nodded and walked with Golly out of the room. He knew something was wrong and he turned his attention again to Paul. His eyes narrowed in like they had earlier in the day.
"Yan no, she's very sweet n' carin' and doesn't deserve any of yer crap. " Duncan defended her silence to Paul.
Paul spoke in a low tone, trying to avoid Duncan's glare. "No, she doesn't."
"Ya do realize she's been slung through da mud with her separation?" Duncan explained, as he had continued to grow fond of Lili and felt the need to become territorial of her.
"No, I did not, your point?" Paul asked without raising his tone as he was starting to get annoyed with Duncan's protective instincts about Lili. She was still considered fair game in his book.
"My point is, she has already been lied to and ye're not a good influence on her." Duncan said bluntly.
Paul paused with agreement that airhead had a good point. He had lied to her about dating and working with her, but he was a good influence! And apparently an even better one than her soon ex-husband. He rattled out, "Dunc, I know you're quite sweet on her, but she's able to make decisions for herself."
"I don't think she wants to make 'em where they concern the likes of you." Duncan warned, as his brows rose.
"Alright, fine, we'll gamble." Paul suggested, trying to lure in Duncan like a salmon that had gone for the bait on fishing hook and was successfully reeled in!
"Whad do ye've in mind?" Duncan asked, unsure of what he meant by gambling since he was a better businessman than he.
"The first man to get her to ask them out to the one year anniversary of the Wild Life Centre picnic next weekend wins her affections. The loser has to pay dues by taking over the other's job, aside from their own. That way the winner can spend all of their time with her for a week." Paul said coolly, as he knew he'd for sure win! He had to because Duncan didn't know beans about bookkeeping!
"How do ya talk her into sumpthin' absurd as that?" Duncan asked dumbfounded and not thrilled with having to battle for the woman's affections. He seriously wanted to avoid Paul's bet, but suddenly he felt had a need to prove to Paul who she adores, which was hands down him.
"That's something you'll have to come up with on your own." Paul challenged before tailing it out of the kitchen.
Lexie was getting tired of the pulling and tugging her body was going through. The midwife kept checking for a baby's head. "Still nothing. Just relax, they'll be out soon."
"Blimey, they are going to be the end of me!" Lexie chanted exhausted.
"Nope, but I can have it arranged." Archie joked. "Love you, Mrs. Laird, the mother of my little people."
"Boy, they don't feel so little!" Lexie hollered, then she was relieved to see Lili return in the doorway.
"Good thing I came today!" Lili replied which got a small smile out of her cousin.
"Yes, indeed, bl—dy good thing." Lexie shouted in more pain…"Hmmm…I suspect not goin' to be holdin' 'em in much longer!"
"Nope, you're not because I now feel a head!" The midwife cheered. "Just breathe…"
"Hee hee whooooo." Archie coached Lexie with his mouth forming "Os" and "Oooo's".
Lexie looked at him and gave out a giggle, "Great, me husband an owl."
"Hoot! Hoot!" Archie added, raising his brows. He was trying to relax Lexie more by making her laugh at least.
"Archie MacDonald, are you trying to get a chuckle out of me?"
"Yes, I believe I am, my darling wife. " He nodded, narrowing in for a kiss, only to have Lexie turn her head away because of another close contraction.
"Um…Push? Can I do that now? These rascals are getting more restless!" She crooned and cringed, looking to the midwife for aid.
Within thirty minutes and many pushes, the first of the two babies was born. Lexie was fully tired, but she would not be able to rest because the second set of contractions started to pick up speed. She could feel baby number two rearing its head.
"Oh! My precious grandchild!" Molly hollered out happily as she watched the midwife tend to the newborn before handing the baby over to Lexie.
"What it is?" Lexie asked, still in more pain and out of breath.
"A girl." The midwife instructed, before explaining, "Please relax your legs, Lexie, the other is ready to pop out too."
Lexie handed the first baby over to Archie who in turn lifted the infant for Molly to hold.
"It's a girl---OW!!" Lexie cried out.
"Aye, time to push some more, lass."
"I am out of pushin', can not we just pull?" Lexie shouted, while trying to get some kind of attention.
Archie laughed and then encouraged her to push, "If we pull, then ye're in more trouble than I thought. C'mon Lex sweetheart, push the little one out on the count of three… "
"1…" Lexie breathed heavily and bore down while Archie slipped his hand behind her back and steadied her…
"2…" She pushed once again…while he rubbed her arms, shoulders and back…
"3!!!" The midwife yelled, as moments later a second set of wails joined the room and she also announced, "It's a boy!"
Lexie laughed as Archie swooped in for a kiss and happily shouted, "I'm the luckiest Laird of Scotland!"
"Well, I wouldn't take it that far, Arch." Lexie joked while kissing Archie once again. "I love you."
"I love you too." He replied, smiling joyously…
"So what will you name them?" Lili asked, while bending down to meet the newborn that Lexie was now holding.
"Welcome Wayne Archibald Hector MacDonald and Jayne Liliana Molly MacDonald. " as Lexie rattled off the names. Archie beamed proudly while kissing her forehead and then her lips…
"Why the Liliana?" Paul questioned, as he waited for a reply and got one from Lexie's cousin.
"It's my name." Lili breathed with a smile.
Chapter Seven… The next morning…
The next day, Lili awoke to a heavy lump lying on her feet. She lifted head to see Useless, the family cocker spaniel sprawled out on the foot of her bed. Apparently the dog had managed to cuddle up to her in the early hours of the morning. She sat up as the curious canine perked its ears upwards before jumping off of the bed. Useless grabbed a purple "thing" into its mouth from the floor and then cantered out of the room. Lili gasped as she realized the dog was making off with her slipper!
She ran out of the door quickly and chased after the dog. The dog made a quick wonder into another bedroom and jumped up into the bed with the stolen merchandise in tow.
"You're a beauty to wake up to in the morning." A familiar male said as Lili froze since she was only in her pajamas, as she knew whom he was talking to.
"I came to retrieve my slipper." Lili warned, while staring at Useless as he was curled up to Paul.
"I see. For a moment there I was hoping to see you and now here you are. I thought you wanted to see me too. " He replied coolly and smiled.
Lili wasn't by any means going to favor him, especially after last night in the kitchen. She knew Useless the traitor dog, was going to join the "impossible to deal with" list with his master, Paul, very soon. Lili didn't know months ago, Paul had tried to rescue Useless from a cliff, before falling into a river. That was when Archie had saved him from drowning. Ever since the event, Useless had been very fond of his rescuer.
"Well? Can I have it back?" She pestered, as he held out the slipper to make her walk closer to the bed, only to snatch it away as her hand reached out for it.
"On one stipulation." He suggested, remembering his bet with Duncan. He was going to use bribery to get her to like him so he would win.
"What?" She frowned exasperatedly.
"You go out for a hike with me today." He challenged, still laying on the bed looking up at her.
She decided it was too early in the morning to fight with him! Even though she didn't want to spend any time with him alone in fear he'd try to make a move on her again. She decided that she wanted her slipper back so she let out a sideways breath, blowing a brown strand of her hair up and out of her face. "Fine, but one more stipulation." She challenged back.
"What would that be Ms. MacKinney?" He eyed her curiously, since he hoped it was a good enough reason, maybe one where he gets to touch her again.
"You keep your mitts off of me." She stated snatching her slipper out from his hand and turning her back towards him while waltzing out of the room.
"I suspect I can not do that, what do ya think?" He turned to Useless, who just let out a doggie grunt a reply. "Thought so."
After a night of hard labor and then nursing both children, Lexie was dozing away in bed. Archie was cuddled next to her and grinning very fatherly. The newborns were sleeping in two cradles near by. "Lex?"
"Hmmmm." She answered still sleepily.
"Ye're the most beautiful mum that I've ever laid my eyes upon."
"Aside from yer own?" Lexie chuckled, finally joining the living world by opening an eye to her husband.
"Yes, aside from my own." He added, snuggling closer to her tenderness.
"Ready for fatherhood?" She breathed out relaxed and snuggled into him more.
"As I'll ever be." He smiled, while leaning in to kiss her sweetly.
"I'm so thrilled Lili is here to help us out. Hopefully, she can keep the books alright." Lexie answered after regaining her breath from the lip lock.
"Or at least straight. Although, she did a perfect job of insulting Paul yesterday." Archie commented. He hated to bring up the whole setting up Paul with Lili to his wife, but seriously, something had to be done so she'd feel comfortable to work down at the Centre.
"He deserved it." Lexie replied, remembering her talk with her cousin before dinner last night.
"I believe she's got some trouble, for both Paul and Dunc fancy her." He explained, in hopes that she would truly listen.
"Ummmmm…well, I did push her towards Paul. As for Dunc, he'd go after anyone with a pulse!" Lexie laughed as she curled herself up to Archie, while smiling warmly. She knew Lili needed a new man in her life. "Besides he's still with Hermione, what makes you think he'd be into Lil anyway?"
"Just a hunch." He answered, knowing full well, after watching how Duncan helped Lili out after she choked on her wine that there was something more between them. Lexie didn't want to believe any word of it. "Trouble." He sighed, while allowing Lexie's head to settle under his chin.
"With a capital "T."" She added, as they both gave out a chuckle.
"I think she's going to do fine with the estate books. I worry about her working on the Centre's, as that place is such a sty ever since I let Paul take over. " He brought the conversation back to Lili working with Paul.
He was about to comment on the problems with the partnership when his wife spoke quietly…"Not a worry now, she's not goin' to do it." Remembering her conversation with her cousin about how she refused to work beside her self-centered and arrogant brother in law. Lili said what was on her mind, which Lexie did give her credit for, even though she could sense Lili's fear of hurting Lexie's feelings.
"I speculated that much." He responded, remembering everything that Paul had told him yesterday in the truck on the way back from Golly's.
"You?" She asked, trying to figure out what pieces of the puzzle he had that she was indeed missing.
"Yes, Lex, we're dealing with Paul here." He commented, knowing Paul sometimes could have the case of open mouth, insert foot syndrome. Well, any decent loyal MacDonald man did, even he had a bad case of it when he was courting his wife a year ago.
Then one of the babies started to cry, as she was searching for her food, or in this case her mother.
"That's Jayne." Lexie said, before Archie got up and out of bed to retrieve the newborn.
"How did you know?" He wondered, slightly amazed at how she already tell the children apart by their cries.
"I know the sound of our babies, Mr. Laird." She smiled, as she held out her arms and took the baby into her lap, before undressing the infant's food source and helping it latch on.
"Looks like you know what she wants too, Mrs. Laird." He bantered back, before there was a knock on their bedroom door. And in came walking the ecstatic grandmother named Molly.
"Oh there they are." She swooned, as she was very happy. She wanted to cuddle one of the newborns. Her son scratched his head, before his lips went into a smile. He then handed over Wayne to his dear grandmother from the cradle. "I love him."
"I've grown quite fond of him too." Archie added with a chuckle.
"Lex, darling, you did wonderful!" Molly beamed brightly.
"Thank you, but me coach helped." Lexie beamed as her face turned from her mother in law to her husband.
"Yes, I did." Archie nodded. "Mum, have you seen Paul?"
"He was down in the kitchen, why?"
"No bother, I'll head down there to chat with him. Help Lex look after the babes will you?"
"Of course, dear. As I smell a stinky, it's time for a nappy change!" Molly chanted, heading to a small changing table. She was looking forward to spending one on one time with the baby, even when it needed a change!
Archie wandered over to his wife and replied, "I'll be back to you shortly." He leaned in to kiss her on the forehead, and then caressed his feeding daughter's head with his hand, before walking towards the door and out of the room.
Duncan was in trouble. He wasn't sure of how to balance the breakfast and the kitchen door. He had fought with Marina about being able to make Lili a hearty morning meal, but he won her over for sure when he agreed to weed out her cottage's flowerbeds. He had breakfast ready and now he was prepared to bring some bacon and eggs, with a glass of fresh squeezed juice and a flower sitting in a mini vase to Lili's room. He had also made a smiley face in jam on her toast. Sure enough, he balanced it so well, that he managed to finally open the door with his foot and walk towards the staircase. Paul came down the stairs at the same time. He laughed at Duncan, as he knew exactly what he was up to…
"Bringing her breakfast in bed?" Paul snickered, as he knew Duncan would bomb out sooner or later. He was trying to "stoke" his ego and Duncan caught on fast.
"Aye. Don't see ya doin' it." He stated matter of factly.
"I am not doing something that has already been done." Paul replied, watching Duncan take off and up the stairs.
Duncan got to her door, sighed and then knocked firmly, while balancing the tray. He was actually nervous to greet her.
She opened the door wide and saw him standing there, while he stated, "Breakfast me lady."
She giggled at the odd scene since no one had brought her breakfast before, well no one wearing a kilt anyway! She was already dressed, and so she very playfully hopped over to bed, covered herself up and pretended to be waking up. She faked a yawn, stretched her arms upward, before opening one eye to him and added. "Sorry. I had no idea you're planning on this! I thought I'd get back into bed for you!"
"Hmmm…Like that…but I've to work." His voice trailed off and he blushed after watching her eyes grow wide at his explanation of why he liked her in bed. He placed the tray on her lap as she sat up by propping pillows behind her back.
"This was totally---" She stared at the breakfast with her comment at his nice gesture.
"A surprise?" He asked, if she were opposite Lexie, she'd love this surprise and if she was just like her cousin, well then he was in for a thumpin'. Either way, he wouldn't mind…at all.
"Yes it was." She nodded, and grinned at the friendly smiling toast. "Smiley faces, huh?"
"Aye, figure ya need cheerin'." He spoke slowly, as he wanted to give her cheek a peck but he held back. He was nervously playing with the fabric of the bedspread in his hands, while sitting next to her. "So-- whad are ya plans fer today?"
She took a small bite to toast before offering him a piece as he raised his hand to decline and by saying with a nod of his brow, "I already ate. It's intended just fer you."
"I'm not sure." She chewed before raising a napkin to her lips. "I believe I am going to be free until this afternoon."
"Whad's dis afternoon?" He questioned, knowing full well, his rival for her affections must have made previous afternoon arrangements with her. But he wanted to be sure, so his ears "tuned in."
"I guess Paul wants to take me hiking." She added, not really all that pleased with the idea but trying to be upbeat. She really wanted to just hang and help out with Lexie and the babies, but she had already agreed to spend time with him, which irked her.
"Hikin'?" Duncan laughed as his tune changed when Lili looked at him bewildered.
"Well, meet with me fer lunch?" He asked, fumbling with the bedspread fabric in his hands nervously again. He wanted to tell her the gamble that Paul had made with him last night in the kitchen, but he kept quiet. Maybe she liked Paul more than him as his thoughts came tumbling out of his mind…If that was the case there was no reason to tell her about the bet. He then scanned her face, waiting, hoping, wanting her to answer him with some form of a yes, either a nod of her head or even the simple word.
"I'd love it." She smiled. "Where?"
"Oh just down at the drive 'round noon. I'll wait fer ya." He answered, letting out a relieved sigh.
"Are you okay?" She asked, as she could pick up on his change of mood quickly. He acted like he had something more to say to her than asking her to lunch.
"No worries." He nodded, trying to push the thought of his new found "problem" out of his mind. He now worried about winning her affections, attention, and of course, desires. He seriously didn't want to see her with meathead, if he won the bet next week. His heart then started to crumble…at the ponderings of her with Paul…
"Okay, sounds good to me. We'll meet at noon, right? In the driveway?" She hinted, as she actually looked forward to another "date" with him. His heart stopped beating for just one second and then started up again…relieved once more at how delighted she was at being alone with him…
"Aye." Duncan nodded, while trying rise up from the bed, but her hand was placed over his instantly. "Ummmm."
"Sorry." He replied, as he started to jerk his hand away, but she held it there. He didn't blush either, since he felt the moment was like last night at the dinner table, natural, as he was about to lower his head down to give her soft lips a touch…
"Don't apologize…" She smiled, while trying to release a slow breath after moving forward to brush and then part her lips on his sweetly as the lingering moment unfolded before them. He wanted to take her into his arms, but he froze, unsure of the next step with her.
"Aye." Duncan agreed with her after pulling away, in a lovesick daze, which was broken immediately when the door to the room opened, wide! And Useless trotted in once again! Only this time he jumped up onto the bed with something in his mouth and dropped it on Lili's legs. It looked like a newspaper and then Paul came running in after the dog. Duncan hung his head and she smiled, as she then laughed at the attention-craving canine.
"Useless!" Paul called out as he had planned all along to the sabotage Duncan's morning mission since he had seen him with the breakfast tray and heading in Lili's direction. He was just waiting for the right time to have his spy dog help him crash "their moment."
"It's alright." Lili laughed, bribing the traitor with a strip of bacon. Useless accepted it and then happily leaped off the bed.
"Oh now ya 've done it! Bribing the dog!" Paul chimed in, trying to tease her, and it worked as she laughed. Lili then stopped short, as she didn't want to give Paul any leverage to continue. She felt some tension between the two men in her room but dismissed it.
"Gotta go, Lil, meet me later." Duncan whispered insistently suggestive as the words wondered into her ear. He knew very well his rival wasn't playing fair and he would get an earful from him VERY soon.
"Yes, noontime." She returned in a sweet sensitive murmur. "Thank you for breakfast."
"Aye, no prob!" Duncan announced and nodded suddenly and aloud, trying to hide their plan from his enemy, as he pushed himself towards Paul, while narrowing his eyes in at his target. " May I have a word with you?"
Paul knew Duncan was livid, because the steam was flowing out of his ears! He looked like his head was a rocket that was going to launch off to the moon. "Be right back," Paul said, leaving Useless lying on the bedroom floor chewing away at the bacon. Lili didn't answer, or turn her head, as she just escaped by eating her meal. When Paul was out of the room, she thought carefully at how the men were acting so strange and then let it go again.
Paul and Duncan walked down the stairs and outside of the house before Duncan ripped into him. Claw me, I'll claw thee…he thought wisely.
"OK, Dunc, what's t'matter?" Paul asked, knowing he was in for it as he tried not to grin.
"Da matter? Da matter tis rules! We need rules!" Duncan hollered while pacing back in forth-in front of Paul. His arms swung by his sides with each forward movement, before facing his new foe once again.
"Um rules?" Paul retorted intelligently, "I never made any rules prior, and I won't now."
"Then I'll be makin' 'em," Duncan stated loudly, pointing at his chest with his thumb. "No dangerous outings with Lil, that's me first rule!" He thought about the "hiking" excursion that Paul wanted to take her on this afternoon. Paul figured she'd tell him anyway. He got to her first this time and guess who's now envious and being petty about it!
"Aye, you want rules, then no illegal use of the limbs with Lil!" Paul spoke with a raised tone to challenge him. He saw them together in her room and felt a little bit cheated that she was kissing Duncan, but he knew he'd be on shouting victory soon enough.
"One more fer merry measure…No kissing her!" Duncan stated angrily, and then stupidly like a bumbling idiot, while climbing into the truck as he shouted, "Or the bet's off!"
Duncan sped off down the lane, as passing thoughts about throttling meathead had crossed his mind…but then he realized what he had said, No kissing? He calmed down like a flick of a switch…Uh oh. Well, he could still do it, just be sneaky about it, as that thought put a huge smile on his face. If Paul wanted to duel dirty, well he'll get one bl---y hell of a battle for her!
Paul just hung his head wondering what on earth he got himself into with Duncan. He didn't have time to think because Archie appeared at the door, like a male version of Joan of Arc. He was ready to make some peace where his business dealings were a concern.
"Paul? You alright?" Archie asked a little concerned after watching Duncan drive off with rocks from the lane flying out from the truck's tires and then a cloud of dust breezed into their faces.
"Yes, what is it?" Paul implied while turning his head towards his brother.
"I want to talk to Lili about helping out down at the Centre and so I need your word on something…" He asked carefully, since he knew his brother wasn't going to be keen on what he had to say.
Paul didn't care for Archie's diplomatic approach to the problem of her working with him, but he stood quietly and listened.
"Just leave her to do the work without you being a bother." He suggested, trying to be polite but stern.
"I s'pose I could." Paul admitted, which basically shocked Archie as he was expecting a fight from him and instead got an answer of defeat.
It dawned on Paul that if his brother talked to her and got her agree to work in the Centre once again. She'd be playing right in his hands and making it easier for him to win, since she'd be away from Duncan all day long!
"Good. I'll go have a word with her." Archie answered satisfied and walked back into the house.
He climbed up the stairs and headed to Lili's room, stood at the closed door and politely knocked.
"Hi," She said wondering why the Laird had come to talk to her.
"Yes. Um, you have a moment?" Archie asked calmly, as he didn't come to frighten her, he wanted her to be comfortable with talking to him.
"Yes," She answered while stepping out into the hall.
"I really would like you to work down at the office in the Wild Life Centre. I know you spoke with, Lex. But I'd like you to help out down there as I just told my brother to stay away from you." He explained wisely, trying to let her know where he was coming from.
"I can agree to that. I don't have a real problem with him, Archie. I just want to be left alone or treated with decent respect. " She requested, since his brother had been awful to her yesterday and she didn't want a repeat performance!
"I see. Well, he is disrespectful at times, bull-headed, egotistical but he means well." He grinned, trying to let her know it was okay that she despised his brother, because well, he had felt that same way months ago when Paul had showed up in Glenbogle!
"Are you saying that because you're the Laird or because he's your brother?" Lili asked hitting both nails on the head.
"Both." Archie replied, and nodded with agreement.
Paul was in the stairwell listening in on the peace offerings as he started to fume…He then heard Lili asking about Lexie and the babies.
"How are they?" Lili smiled.
"Very well, go in, to see her. She'd be happy to have more company since my mother is in there." Archie replied, as Lili nodded and walked towards the bedroom. Archie made his way to the stairwell and met face to face with Paul.
"I don't respect that lass?? I don't RESPECT her!!" He spoke, getting irritated at what Lili had accused him of doing or not doing. Archie just stood there, shook his head, and pondered how to debate with his brother.
"I told you that I would handle it." Archie added, while he noticed Paul's mouth going into a scowl. "Hey- you lied to her remember? What is she supposed to think, you're the answer to the world?"
"Well, no, but…" as Paul stopped his mouth from running on.
"Better to be envied, Paul, then pettied." Archie spoke aloud. "Just leave her be. She'll do the work and straighten out the office, so fork over the keys now." Archie held out his hand for the keys.
"What?" Paul hollered. "I'm now being replaced? I told you I'd stay away from her if she were going to work in the office. I didn't think I'd lose my job on it. This was my idea to take over the business and make sure the kids were visiting year-round, that's what I am good at, Arch, ya can't fire me!"
Archie then started to get uneasy because he didn't like delegating orders, especially to his brother. But it was his idea to open the place up, and he's normally in charge of the hiring and firing on the estate, aside from his wife... "This Centre was my first conquest as the Laird. I wanted to restore wildlife to the area. Heck, I fought with Golly to get him to be head keeper for the wolves!" He added exasperatedly, before concluding in aggravation, "OK, Paul, you take her down to the office and open it up for her, but if you tick her off again, you lose the position, am I clear?"
"Yes, yer royal pain in the arse Lairdship." Paul retorted with a grumble low under his breath, while walking down the stairs. Leaving Archie to ponder: why he couldn't just pass the title of Laird to someone else on these types of days!
Chapter Eight… Aftermath of dueling men…
Lili entered the room to greet Lexie and Molly. Molly was in a rocking chair rocking Jayne, while Wayne was nursing away with his mum in the bed.
"Hey Lil. I heard Arch, where did he---"
"He's out in the hall, the last I knew. He had mentioned going down to the kitchen to check on Marina's breakfast menu." Lili added.
"I thought he was looking for Paul." Molly spoke up, which baffled Lili, since Paul wasn't in the hallway, just her and Archie talking about her working down in the Centre's office.
"Oh?" Lili asked, while sitting down on the bed to look at Molly.
"I guess. Never mind, dear. How was your first night here at the house? Did you sleep well?" Molly smiled.
"Great. Even better that Lexie had those babies last night, and I was surprised with breakfast in bed, aside from having a night visitor sleeping with me…" Lili commented.
Molly sent her a puzzled look about Lili's night visitor.
"Useless." Lili added as Molly's face relaxed at the thought of the happy dog!
"Oh, yes. He does that from time to time, my favorite bed warmer!" Molly chanted, while handing Jayne over to Lili to hold her. She was adorable with thick tufts of black hair on her head. Her eyes were peacefully closed, and her miniature hands were up at her angelic porcelain face. A perfect little bundle of joy and then Lili became sad, about her finalizing divorce and how she'd probably never have a child of her own, since she wasn't going to intend on dating anyone anytime soon. "Dear child, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. Just nothing." Lili smiled and tried to hide her long face. Lexie knew better than to think her cousin wasn't thinking of nothing. No one ever thought of nothing! Then Lexie remembered Lili had vaguely mentioned breakfast in bed.
"Am I to know who brought ya brekky?" Lexie asked, suddenly curious to Lili.
"Duncan." Lili grinned back at her cousin.
"Duncan?" Lexie's eyes widened with her response. She was going to have to have a chat with her best mate, because she knew he fancied her! This news just made the conversation more urgent. "Did he cook it himself?"
"Yes."
"An ye're still livin'? That's a first." Lexie joked, still amazed that Duncan prepared her something to eat.
"Oh, it was fine, Lex. He just came in with it and I hopped back into bed pretending to have just gotten up. I was already dressed anyway when he came to the door. It was harmless, and then Useless and Paul came parading in." Lili explained, while rolling her eyes at the end of her statement.
"That's what set Arch off to find Paul." Lexie added, putting two and two together like a clever cookie, first, her telling him about how Lili didn't want to work with Paul and second, her husband wanting to talk to his brother immediately. He was going to talk her cousin into working down at the Centre…as long as Paul left her alone!
"Why?" Molly asked, but she knew why, and just played along! She had a chat with Golly last night, and he told her all about both men fighting over Lili, or so it seems! Her old dear friend had made a point to fill her in on his thoughts of the new visitor. She liked the gossip that Golly always seemed to bring her in the evenings before dinner while Andrew was off working at the Art Gallery in the village.
"I had mentioned to him about---" Lexie started to say but Lili cut her off.
"My not wanting to work for Paul! Lex! Swell, so you put Archie up to talking to me back into it? Why?" She sounded more annoyed than flattered, and it showed.
"Lil, you're a smart girl. You'll keep Paul in his place when he gets out of hand here in Glenbogle. I explained it to ya last night. That's why Archie tried talkin' to ya about da job. He needs someone on that level since I can no longer do it. After whad had happened down at Golly's ya impressed Archie by putting yer foot down and not allowing Paul to take advantage of ya." Lexie firmly assured her.
"I'm not—" Lili started to add but Molly finished her reply.
"The man's keeper." Molly smiled. "About Andrew's art show tonight, I still think you two should go. It would be a wonderful event for you both. Maybe a peace offering?"
"I'll think about it." Lili said, trying to keep herself from upsetting the poor woman. She didn't want to have anything to do with Paul and being stuck in a moving vehicle with him worried her, aside from being in the same room did too! But she then got an idea, "How about you and Archie go? I could stay with the kids, since you're going, Molly, to the show, right?"
"Umm…well." Lexie said, trying to act like she didn't want to go, when she would love to... But the babies where her main concern, who would look after them for an hour or two?
"A double date sounds magnificent!" Molly exclaimed excitedly. "You know, Lili is very right, Lexie, you and Archie never get to go out together as much as you used too. You could ask Duncan to baby-sit the twins since the show is only for a couple hours. It would be good for you both to get away. Even thought you just had the babies, you can take it easy and rest up until tonight. We don't have to stay at the show for more than an hour and I'm sure Andrew would have a chair set up for you so you could rest when necessary." Molly added with a short wink.
"OK, only if you go, Lili." Lexie added, with a smile.
Lili had picked up on how the two women were trying to please each other! She felt cornered and nervous all over again! She was back to square one, stuck in the middle with Paul, working and now going on a date with him! "OK, I'll go if he agrees to it." She said flatly.
The women both gushed out loud, "Well done!"
Of course, little did Lili know Lexie had tricked her into going to the art show! She was going to just fake her out about staying behind so she could talk to Duncan. She was scheming to send Archie with Molly to the show. Even though she knew Archie would fight her on it but she'd suggest him to go anyway.