Daphne rested her head on Niles' shoulder. Being up here on Frasier's roof, it was easy to imagine they were the only two people in Seattle. Maybe the world. Daphne wanted to stay in his arms forever, but they both knew that wasn't possible. As wonderful and magical as this evening was, the reality of their situation remained. Though neither spoke about it out loud, they were both thinking the same thing.

"I love you," Daphne said, looking into his eyes.

In response, Niles pulled her even closer, kissing her hair. "I'll never get tired of hearing those words from you."

Though she understood what Niles meant, she felt an ache in her heart at his words. "I'm sorry," she said.

"Oh, my angel, what could you possibly have to be sorry for? If anyone should be apologizing, it's me. I know my marriage is hurting you, and I promise to spend the rest of my life making it up to you." He gently brushed a small tear from Daphne's cheek with his thumb. The knowledge that Daphne's pain was indirectly caused by him broke Niles' heart.

Daphne kissed him on the lips, wondering once again how she'd ever gotten so lucky. "But if I'd only realized how you felt sooner, we wouldn't be in this awful mess in the first place. You waited so long."

Niles sighed contentedly. "I would've waited forever for the chance to hold you in my arms."

After a moment of blissful silence, Daphne resumed their slow-dancing. She remembered another night when she'd danced with Niles. She'd felt like Cinderella at the ball, and Niles had treated her like a queen. But she'd responded by unknowingly breaking his heart when she assumed that the kiss they'd shared was simply an act. She looked into his eyes. "You're still the best dance partner I've ever had."

Niles lifted his arm, allowing Daphne to spin for a moment. He was amazed at how effortlessly she moved. He realized that, had she chosen to, she could easily have had a career as a professional dancer. But instead, she'd decided to spend her life taking care of others. It was the most selfless thing Niles could imagine. Just one more reason for him to treasure her. He knew she never cared much for material things, content to live on what Frasier paid her to look after their father. But he fully intended to provide her with a lifetime of happiness and comfort.

But that would have to wait. For now, everything about their relationship had to be put on hold, thanks to Mel's outrageous demands. Niles knew he'd hurt her when he chose Daphne. His guilt was the one thing keeping him from confronting Mel and demanding an immediate divorce.

No matter the outcome, Niles could never regret the choice he made. From the moment first saw Daphne, he knew he'd never be truly happy without her in his life. Her compassion and friendship sustained him through the long and bitter divorce he'd gone through with Maris.

The obstacles he now faced made that time seem like a walk in the park. But now, when he looked into Daphne's eyes, he saw very clearly just how much she loved him. It took his breath away, thinking that this amazing woman was really, finally, his. If he and Daphne could hold onto the love they shared as tightly as they could, it would see them through. And once they'd overcome their challenges, the rest of their lives would be filled with nothing but joy and happiness. Niles would make sure of that, as long as his heart kept beating.