Author's Note: Many thanks to Melinda (samanddianefan10) for allowing me to continue/finish her wonderful story, "The Perfect Stranger." Because that story was never finished, I had no choice but to start it from where she left off. So, if you haven't read her work, here's what happened. Daphne decided to visit a site called Single in Seattle. She found an ad without a picture from a man who said that he believed in true love because he'd felt it once. The words touched Daphne, and she responded, not knowing that it was Niles' ad. She used a pseudonym, calling herself Amy. Melinda's story stopped there, so of course I couldn't let it stay unfinished! I hope this lives up to the original! Also, thanks to Leigh Ann for reading some of this as it was written! *Hugs*

Niles stared at his computer screen in disbelief. His silly singles ad, something he'd done months ago out of loneliness and boredom, had gotten a response. He read the words, uncertain what to make of them.

Hello there! I must admit that I have never thought about doing something like this before, but I admit that your ad caught me eye. I don't know you, but I can understand completely your beliefs in true love. I thought that I was the only person alive who thought about such things. Maybe me friends might think I'm crazy, but I would like to know more about you.

Amy

It didn't take him more than a few seconds to decide to reply. But figuring out what to say took far longer.

Hello, Amy!

I must admit I was rather startled to receive your message. This ad has been up for so long, I'd almost forgotten about it. I guess men who pride themselves on looks instead of personality get a lot more hits. But I truly believe that beauty is only skin deep. I would rather not exchange photos before we meet. This way we'll know if we have a real connection, rather than simple physical attraction. If you're still interested, please let me know. I would love to find out more about you, too. How long have you lived in Seattle?

When he finally worked up the nerve to type the entire message, he clicked "Send" before he could change his mind. Only seconds later did he realize he'd never signed his name. Oh, well. If she replies, I can always tell her my name then. If not, no harm done.

With that, Niles closed his laptop and headed for bed. If he couldn't have Daphne in real life, at least he could dream of her.

Daphne woke early the next morning, eager to check her email. She'd found that the best time to sneak in some web-browsing was before anyone else was up. If Dr. Crane or Mr. Crane found out that she'd gone online to look for love, she'd never hear the end of it. She gasped when she saw the message from Single in Seattle.

Daphne read the words, smiling the entire time. How could a man this smart and sensitive possibly be single? And the fact he wasn't interested in what she looked like only added to the appeal. It gave him an air of mystery, like something out of a romance novel.

Dear Mystery Man,

Well, I suppose it's my good luck that I found your ad. I rather like the idea of not exchanging photos. I'm not really much to look at, despite what my friends say. I've been living here for about five years now. The city is lovely. Unfortunately, I still haven't been able to see as much of it as I'd like to, though.

I guess I should make a bit of a confession. I've always had a sort of sixth sense about people, and I get the feeling we might just be what we're each looking for. I don't see much point in wasting time answering questions this way. Would you be open to meeting in person sometime? I know of a wonderful coffee shop, Cafe Nervosa. It puts Starbucks to shame. It's easy enough to locate. If you have trouble finding it, look for the KACL building across the street.

Amy

Amy's latest reply surprised Niles. He hadn't expected her to be so forward as to suggest a face-to-face meeting. And for her to mention Nervosa was even more of a shock. Seattle was, of course, famous for its coffee, but Starbucks was a near-ubiquitous landmark in the Emerald City. Nervosa had a very small, but loyal following among locals. Niles was there nearly every day, which left him with one very big question. Did he know this mysterious woman?

He sighed as he clicked the button to send another message to Amy. As he typed, he wondered what she looked like. But he remembered his promise about not exchanging photos.

Dear Amy,

I am sure that your friends are quite correct in their assessment of your looks. It has been my experience that true beauty has far more to do with one's soul than outer appearances. I feel a connection to you as well. I suppose that if we both feel this way, a meeting in person is certainly in order. I'm quite familiar with Nervosa, myself. Would you be free this Friday afternoon?

I look forward to seeing you in person.

Niles watched as the cursor blinked at the spot where he would sign his name. But how to identify himself? As Dr. Niles Crane, noted psychiatrist? No, that would only lead to the inevitable Are you related to Frasier Crane question. How about simply "Niles"? Once again he shook his head. Amy seemed to like him, in spite of the little she knew about him. That fact was oddly comforting. Just before hitting send, he signed the email N.