Author's Note: Thanks to Melinda (samanddianefan10) for encouraging me to use her experience for a story - and even giving me the setting! This story has obviously snowballed a bit, but I think it'll be worth it. :)

Niles looked at Daphne as they stepped off the plane. He loved the way her eyes danced with excitement. It made her even more beautiful than she already was, if that was even possible. That was why he'd wanted to bring her here. To Paris, the most romantic city in the world.

Of course, this wasn't Niles' first time visiting France. He had come here a lifetime ago, on his honeymoon with Maris. But thoughts of her were miles away. All that mattered right now was Daphne. He slipped his hand into hers, and they made their way to the baggage claim. Although there was no need to rush, they found themselves nearly running the whole way. They had two weeks to explore the city, and neither wanted to waste a moment of it.

In a matter of moments, they'd gotten their bags and picked up their rental car. They both felt breathless as they sat in the luxury vehicle. Even as they worked to catch their breath, the excitement hadn't dimmed for a moment. Daphne squeezed Niles' hand as if to say she couldn't believe this was really happening.

Niles quickly drove to the expensive hotel he'd picked out. It had taken countless Internet searches and phone calls to make sure he found the nicest hotel in the city. They intended to put their suitcases in the room before going out for a night of dinner and dancing. But when they saw the bed, both suddenly realized they actually were tired. It had been almost twenty-four hours ago now that they'd left three-year-old David with his beloved Grandpa and Grandma Ronee. In a matter of moments, they'd changed their plans. They chose to order room service, before turning in. Even as exhausted as they both were, they did manage to enjoy one another's company for a while before finally going to sleep.

When Daphne awoke the next morning, the thing that surprised her most was the quiet. There was no sound of little feet running in to wake her up. But then she remembered where they were, and she forced aside thoughts of her son at once. The sunrise in Paris was even more stunning than the view of the Space Needle she had grown accustomed to.

Niles woke a moment later. He could tell Daphne was mesmerized by the sight outside their window. Yet again, it reminded him of why this trip was so important. So much of Daphne's early life had been marked by poverty and difficulty. Now, his main goal in life was to give his wife everything she deserved and more. He gently slipped in beside her, kissing her cheek.

Daphne turned to him, smiling. "I used to be so amazed by the view from your brother's apartment, but this doesn't even compare!"

"I know," Niles said simply. "That's why I wanted you to see this. It's breathtaking. But not nearly as mesmerizing as what I'm looking at now."

Daphne rolled her eyes in mock annoyance. "That's just rubbish." She gave him a playful shove. "Well, now that we're both awake, I guess we should figure out how to spend our first official day here."

"All right. I'm sure you'd like to go sightseeing. There is an awful lot to see here."

"That would be lovely. But aren't there quite a few art museums as well? We could go to one of those."

Niles' jaw hung open. He'd been sure she'd want to do almost anything else. "You want to go to a museum?!"

Daphne nodded. "If you don't mind. I mean, this whole trip was your idea. It may not be my cup of tea, but I've lived with your brother long enough to know a thing or two."

Niles waited in silence for a moment, still wondering if she was kidding. When it was clear she wasn't, he said. "All right, then. That's what we'll do."

Daphne kissed him before starting to get ready for the day. She knew how Niles and his brother loved art. They could easily talk for hours about things she didn't understand. But she loved him enough that she didn't mind. It was a small price to pay for a trip that was sure to be memorable.