Outside, the storm raged, thunder and lightning that seemed to shake the whole building. But until the moment that he was awakened by his young son's cries, Niles realized that neither he nor Daphne were aware of the abysmal weather. He glanced at his angel, who slept soundly beside him, her hair splayed across the pillow. She looked so beautiful that the sight of her increased his heartbeat. Oh how he loved her.

When yet again, David's cries floated into the room, Niles was on his feet, pulling on his robe and slippers as he hurried into the hallway.

"I'm coming David!" he said in a loud whisper. "I'll be right there."

When he reached the door, he pushed it open, his heart aching when he saw the terror on his young son's face. David was the child that Niles had ever encountered, and the two and a half year old seemed immune to things that frightened other children. But now he realized that, like everyone else, David was human. And even Niles had to admit that the loud claps of thunder and the bright bolts of lightning that lit up the sky were a bit harrowing. It had been a very long time since Seattle had seen a storm this bad.

For a split second it brought back memories of a long ago night he'd spent in the mansion with Daphne, wishing that she could be his. But he wouldn't change one moment of how their love finally came together, nor would he change one thing about his loving son.

David sat up in his crib, clutching his well-loved teddy bear in one hand and the wooden slat with his other. "I'm scared, Daddy!"

Niles picked up David and his bear and took them into his arms. "I know, buddy. I know. Daddy's here."

When yet another clap of thunder seemed to shake the room, David buried his head in Niles chest, crying even harder. And he, in turn, held David close, stroking his soft blonde hair while he slowly moved gently back and forth.

"It's all right. Daddy's here. It's just a bad storm. It will pass, eventually. All storms do. "It was something that he often said to his patients, in reference to a situation they were going though. But it seemed right for the time being. David might not understand, but as long as Niles' voice soothed and reassured David that was all that mattered.

"Eventually everything will be all right." He continued. "But Daddy won't let anything happen to you. And neither will Mum."

But just then a huge clap of thunder struck, lighting the room as bright as a ray of sunlight, causing David to scream. And even Niles was shaken by the unexpected noise. He could hear the rain pounding on the window.

"MUM!" David screamed.

Niles felt a pang of disappoint, but it quickly passed and he realized what he had to do. He picked up David's Snoopy blanket and carried his son into the master bedroom.

Daphne was still sleeping soundly as Niles gently placed David in bed and then climbed in between his son and his wife. Instantly, David clung to Daphne and amazingly she seemed to know that he was there, moving slightly to allow David to fit into the space beside her. Niles moved close to the people he loved most and held them, kissing them both on the cheek. "I love you so much." he whispered, hoping that they heard him. For he'd never meant anything more.

And it was there that the three of them fell into a deep slumber. When at last the first signs of light streamed through the bedroom window, Niles woke to find that the storm had passed. He knew that he should return David to his room, for children make a habit of sleeping in the same bed as their parents. But he couldn't do it. Not today.

And so they slept, the three of them; the storm that brought them together just a memory.

THE END