THE TIME BEFORE THE FUTURE: PART 13 Archie reached the kitchen & found Lexie was already standing at the sink getting her least favourite job out of the way. He couldn't help but stand at the door for a second, allowing himself to 'enjoy the view'. However, soon he couldn't resist any longer & spoke up: "Hi Lex. Thanks for supper; you're spoiling me." "I couldn't resist; did you have a good day?" "Yes." He replied kissing her. "I got your chain, got someone who'll make your ring, had the other one valued..." "...and? What is it Archie? You're holding something back, I can tell." Lexie had been teasing at first but then she saw the seriousness in Archie's eyes. "I, er, dumped Lassles." "Oh Archie, you didn't!" Lexie gasped. Archie nodded. "Look Lex, we were done with them anyway. We & the Estate both need to start over." "& it's done?" Another nod. "So who should I switch my account to?" she asked brightly. Archie beamed. This was Lexie's way of showing complete faith in him. "First Edinburgh." He answered before kissing her thoroughly. Several minutes later Archie surprised Lexie by taking her by the hand and leading her out into the garden. "Archie?" Before replying the Laird took the box containing the silver necklace out of his back pocket: "Lex, if you don't like this just tell me & I'll change it, ok? I thought it might be a bit chunky, but I told Miss Thomas (the lady at the jewellers) everything, showed her your picture & she said she thought this would be best. I'll do until the proper engagement ring is ready anyway." During Archie's little speech Lexie had reached into her own pocket & retrieved the ring pull which Golly had discreetly slipped back to her whilst she was serving his supper. It lay on her palm as Archie opened the box. Lexie beamed: "It's lovely Archie; just right." It was a little chunkier than she normally would have worn, but then her 'ring' would have slipped off anything smaller. A relieved looking Archie put the 'ring' on the chain, laid it gently in place & kissed her neck just above the clasp. Lexie giggled: "Hey that tickles!" Archie's eyes took on an 'evil' gleam: "Oh, it does, does it? And where else might my lady-love be ticklish, pray tell?!" Realising her mistake too late, Lexie backed away & raised her hands too ward off 'attack': "Archie!" she said warily. Archie was now 'a man with a plan' however & Lexie was forced to flee in the direction of the Estate Office with her fiancé hot on her heels. They were soon so busy squealing with laughter that they never knew that they were being watched from a nearby shadow. TO BE CONTINUTED...