THE TIME BEFORE THE FUTURE - PART 2: Despite Archie's (it has to be said somewhat half-hearted) protests, Lexie was never one to sit still for too long, especially when there a big mess to clear up, so really without his knowing quite how, Archie soon found himself standing at the kitchen sink washing up whilst Lexie dried. He didn't really mind though, he knew Lexie would fret if it was left. She was fiercely proud of 'her' house, & as she pointed out, she had even more cause to be proud of it now, didn't she? Archie had been about to tease her that it was actually 'his' house, but in light of her earlier comments about being the 'Laird's Wife', the last thing he wanted to do was to spook her into changing her mind, so he wisely held his tongue. Thus the question of her remaining as housekeeper was tackled without it even being asked; that was how Lexie wanted it, so that was how it would be. He was pleased that nobody else knew about the engagement yet. Oh sure, he wanted to shout it from the roof-tops (who wouldn't?), but this was their special time, the time when they were the only 2 people in the world who knew just how wonderful today had really been, & part of him didn't want it to end. Neither, it seemed, did Lexie. She hadn't reacted as he had thought women were meant to these things. She was happy now, you only had to look at her to see that, but it was a quiet, peaceful kind of happiness, perhaps the calm after the storm of earlier; not the sort of reaction that anyone who knew Lexie (or thought they did), would expect at all. Her initial thought upon calming had been worry that her eyes must be red & swollen, but he had told her sincerely she was just beautiful. The quiet mood meant there'd been no talk of Fairytale dresses, or churches. (Though all she had to do was say & she could have all of that & more). She hadn't run to wake his mother, insisted on calling hers or even suggested they go down & join the others for a drink. For now she seemed content just to be with him. The thought brought a lump to his throat & he swallowed it quickly, not wanting any more tears (even happy ones) to flow that day. The one thing she had jokingly reminded him of earlier was that here they were engaged & he'd never even asked her out yet! He had quickly remedied that though, asking her to join him on the next fine day for a picnic by the loch. Once they had finally stopped laughing, she agreed (with the sole proviso that she didn't have to cook it!), sealing the deal with a long, deep, passion- filled kiss that made his head swim. The memory of it left him giddy again now. In an attempt to steady himself his mind had just turned to all things 'sparkling' when Lexie's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Penny for them?" she asked, handed him the dish it was clear she had been holding for several seconds. "Pardon? Oh sorry." He took the dish looking a little sheepish. Lexie grinned at him: "Archie? Penny for your thoughts? You were a million miles away just now." He took the cup she was rinsing from her hand, removed both their aprons & led her across the room to sit at the kitchen table before explaining: "I was just thinking about your ring." Lexie's face lit up. "Well, go on." She encouraged, the suspense clearly killing her. "Not having done this before, I was just trying to decide whether I should ask you to help me choose it or whether should I surprise you. Which would you prefer?" Lexie beamed & considered for a second before replying: "Surprise me please. Nothing too big or flashy mind, no raised setting either; it'll never be off my finger & I'm sure neither of us would want it coming to grief while I work." Archie's smile could have lit up the house for a month. It would cost, but he would have the ring specially made & he could already see the design in his mind's eye; as per instructions, he wasn't about to tell Lexie that though. What he said instead was: "Ok, subtle but beautiful is; I'm sure I can manage that!" Then he stopped: "If it's to be a surprise though I'll need to borrow one of your rings, to be sure & get the size right." "I'll bring you one down first thing. I sometimes wear a ring my aunt gave me on that finger, it's the only one I can get it to fit. You can collect it when you kiss me good morning!" "Oh yes, Lexie I like how your mind works, very cunning!" he giggled "I promise I'll be extra careful with it, ok? There's one MAJOR flaw in your brilliant plan though!" "Oh yes Archie, & that would be what exactly?" she asked, trying & failing to sound haughtily offended. "I RUFUSE to wait that long for another kiss!" He rushed the last few words out & clamped his lips over hers before Lexie had time to think or even breathe & kissed her with a sudden hunger that was a surprise to both of them. But once over her pleasurable shock, Lexie responded to his 'ambush' more than willingly. TO BE CONTINUED...