Niles couldn't help but stare as Daphne made her way toward the counter to pick up some coffee beans.
Frasier rolled his eyes in disgust. He was about to offer a sarcastic comment, when Daphne turned around and walked back toward them, beans in hand. "Well, I'll see you at home, Dr. Crane," she said to her boss. "I'm sure you and your brother don't need me in your way while you're talking."
"Daphne, you could never be in the way. I always enjoy your company," Niles said immediately.
"Oh, well, aren't you sweet?" Daphne smiled. She bent to kiss his cheek before leaving. Niles let out a contented sigh as he touched the place where her lips had been.
This time, Frasier had no reason to hold back. "Don't you think this pathetic little crush of yours has gone far enough?!"
"Oh, Frasier, this is no crush. I love her."
"I would think, as a psychiatrist, you could see that this is just a reaction to the pain of your divorce. You don't want to think of Maris, so your brain distracts itself by focusing on another female – Daphne."
"It's not like that! I've tried to get over her, but it just can't be done. It's love, there's really no other explanation."
Frasier rolled his eyes. "Right," he muttered sarcastically.
"Look, Frasier, do you know how painful it is to hear the woman you promised to love and cherish tell you what a disappointment you are?"
"Sadly, yes, I do," Frasier replied, sighing deeply. He remembered Lilith's many tirades against him in their marriage.
"Then you can understand why, lately, I sometimes have trouble just making myself get out of bed. My life is empty. But then I think of Daphne, and how kind and wonderful she is. And that gives me the strength to go on."
Frasier now looked his brother in the eye. Niles could often go overboard in discussing Daphne, but somehow, Frasier sensed that these words were completely sincere. Never before had he realized the true depth of his brother's feelings for Daphne. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but if you feel so strongly about this, perhaps it's time you told her."
"How am I supposed to do that? Every time I try, all I can think of is, what if she says no? At least if I don't tell her, I can still be her friend."
"But, Niles, how long can you continue to pine for her? What are you going to do, wait until she's engaged to make your move?"
"You have a point. It's only a matter of time before some other man notices how radiant she is. Perhaps I need to strike while the iron is hot, as they say. But how?"
"I can't give you the words, Niles. But come by the house tonight. Dad and I will make ourselves scarce, and you can take it from there."