Author's note: Happy early birthday, Leigh Ann! I hope you enjoy this short little story I wrote for you!

Niles watched gleefully as Daphne smiled to herself as they closed the door to Roz's hospital room. He was mystified at how positively happy she was for her best friend and her brand new baby. His head was suddenly filled with dreams of the possible future, dreams where just perhaps they themselves would share children.

The thought brought up the familiar yet riveting feeling he received when thinking about Daphne, and he found himself emitting a shiver as the two walked down the hall together. In an instant he found himself looking her over from head to toe, indulging in every curve her body could possibly have until he was looking right into her eyes. There was no way that by his own strength he could pull away from them, and he didn't until he was colliding with a nurse coming down the hallway.

"Oh, dear, I'm so sorry!" Niles told her.

"You're fine," said the nurse, smiling warmly. The woman turned and walked away.

"She seemed nice," said Daphne.

"Yes," Niles replied. "If I had run into Maris like that she would have had a fit. Of course, I doubt she'd be standing."

Daphne stared down at the floor uncomfortably.

Seeing her eyes again, Niles was reminded of his earlier thought. "So Daphne," he began, "do you ever plan on having children yourself?"

She smiled. "Yes, but it seems more and more unlikely all the time. I've been wondering lately if I'll ever find someone to settle down with."

"You know, sometimes the right person is so…very close and we just can't see them," Niles said shyly. He didn't know if he wanted her to get his hint or not.

"I suppose you're right. There is that man in the dog park I see all the time. And, he is rather good looking."

Niles only nodded.

"Well, what about you, Dr. Crane? Have things changed since your flower sack baby?" Daphne smiled at the memory.

"No, not really. But, my dilemma is the same as yours. I have no one to share children with."

Niles paused as he held the door open for Daphne as she walked out into the parking lot. "Thank you Dr. Crane, you're very sweet," she said.

"It's my pleasure, Daphne. I'll accompany you to your car."

"You're such a gentleman. Oh, Dr. Crane, why can't I find anyone? I mean, I don't usually think about this sort of thing because I happen to think it's shallow, but am I not attractive enough?"

Niles stopped in his tracks. "I…I- No! How…what…where did you even get such an ungodly idea?"

"Oh, I don't know. Just me trying to reason with meself, I suppose. I haven't had a date in a while, and I guess I am getting older…"

"Well…stop! Stop thinking about those sorts of things. You are the most…the most…" Niles caught himself before he said something he knew he would regret. "You are the most sensible woman I know. Remember, it's probably not you, Daphne. Most men don't know how to treat a…a kind, modest woman like you. They're just not used to it. You are a rare, wonderful form."

She smiled very softly. "Thank you, Dr. Crane."

Niles wanted nothing more than to kiss her at that moment, but he settled for a hug. She leaned her head on his shoulder and he took a deep breath of her hair. A small smile spread across his lips.

Daphne kissed Niles on the cheek and got into her car. As he watched her drive off the dream came to mind again. It was a beautiful dream of Daphne and a child he did not know yet.

As he walked to his own car, he did his best to shove back the tears forcing their way into his eyes. He opened the door, sat down, and leaned his head against the headrest.

"Oh, Daphne," he whispered, "I love you."