Author's Note: OK, we all know "Moons Over Seattle" is so romantic, especially at the end. * Sigh * But I started thinking of another way it could've gone, and this resulted. I know it could've been longer, but I'm not good at dragging things out. * hides *
Daphne took a deep breath, glad to be home. The trip to Hawaii was supposed to be a vacation, but with her mother along, it wasn't quite as relaxing as she'd hoped. She couldn't wait to be back in Niles' arms again.
But instead of the man she loved, she saw her boss standing there. "Dr. Crane? Where's Niles? I thought he was going to pick us up."
Frasier hugged her. "Welcome home. I'm afraid Niles is...away."
"Away? Where on earth did he go?" Daphne couldn't help worrying. It wasn't like Niles to disappear with no explanation.
There was no easy way to tell Daphne this. Frasier bit his lip, afraid of how she might react. "He's in...Manchester, actually."
"Manchester, England?!"
"What the bloody hell did he go there for?" Gertrude asked.
"He wanted to see your father. He had some crazy idea about getting him to come to your wedding. He wanted to be back in Seattle before you and your mom came home, but I guess he's having a hard time finding your dad."
"No wonder, considering me husband's usually drunk most of the time!"
"Mum, please. I can hardly believe he'd do something like this," Daphne said. "What could've possibly made him think this was a good idea?"
"Apparently, you told him you've always wanted your father to give you away, so..." Frasier shrugged.
"Can you and your father look after Mum for a few days? I have to get on the next flight to Manchester."
"Sure, Daphne. Please don't be too angry at Niles. He really did mean well," Frasier said.
"I know," Daphne said, still in shock. "I think it's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me. But he doesn't have to. The only person I really need at my wedding is Niles."
Before Frasier could say another word, Daphne had made her way up to the airline's ticket counter. He knew that buying a ticket at the last moment wouldn't be easy, and it would also cost a bit. But none of that mattered, because Niles and Daphne had already overcome so many obstacles. One more certainly wouldn't matter.