A/N: This is the fourth installment of this series of romantic short stories about Niles and Daphne that I have written in AU form to have them interact in every single episode (even when they had no scenes together!). Seven more of these will follow, but since they all will eventually, if not sooner, fit together in some way, like pieces to a puzzle, it might help to read Part 1 first. Each story represents a season (this one being Season 4) and each episode is a chapter title. Thanks for reading! Reviews are appreciated!

(Niles POV)

"This is my new husband, Niles Crane."

The words, although a huge exaggeration of the truth, were music to his ears; like the most beautiful symphony that had ever been written. But it wasn't just the words that had him floating high above cloud nine. It was the fact that Daphne was kissing him again and again, as though she really was in love with him.

So what if the charade was merely to impress-or deter rather-her old boyfriend-turned fiancé- Clive from rekindling their English romance? Niles would do anything to get close to Daphne, including something that would normally go completely against his ethics. He knew he should stop. It was wrong to continue this and he knew that he should just tell her to be completely honest with the man and tell him that she was no longer interested. Clearly that was the case. But his heart wouldn't let him say the words, no matter how much his conscience protested.

"Don't I feel like a … Wow… Well, congratulations, Niles! You're a very lucky man!"

"Th-thank you." Niles blurted out.

"Well I can see how happy you two are." Clive said, glancing at Daphne and the way she was holding tightly to Niles' arm. "But why didn't your mum announce it in the papers?"

"Oh, we decided not to do that silly stuff." Daphne said, pulling Niles closer to her. "Didn't we darling?"

"We certainly did-um, didn't." Niles said, trying to keep his voice from quivering.

"What?"

"Never mind, Clive." Daphne said. "The point is that Niles and I are very happy together and we love each other very much. Don't we, Darling?"

"Yes, absolutely. I love you, Daphne. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

The words made him feel euphoric, for they weren't simply words he'd made up. They were words he'd longed to say for as long as he could remember.

"And you're the most handsome man in the entire world." Daphne replied. She didn't mean it, of course but just to imagine that she did was enough to make him feel like he could fly. "I love you so much."

Before he could say anything more she was kissing him again and again. Her lips were so soft and it was becoming harder and harder to pull away. But to his dismay, she was the one who drew back first. "Darling, may I see you in the kitchen?"

"Of course, my angel!" He called to her. With the grace of Fred Astaire he floated into the kitchen where she was standing by the counter, her eyes wide. "What is it?"

"Oh Dr. Crane, I'm so sorry I caught you off-guard like that. I didn't expect him to just show up here at your brother's place. I didn't' mean to lie to him but it seemed like the kindest way to let him down. I didn't' mean to put you in an awkward position."

"Daphne, when it comes to you, no position is too…" He gasped as she bent over to put something on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, affording him a rarely seen glance at her backside. But all too soon she stood upright. Her hands were on his shoulders and she was looking at him in all seriousness. "Are you sure you're all right?"

"Yes, um… Daphne, there's something I need to tell you. When I said that I loved you, I meant it. I really do love you."

Instead of being shocked, or even angry, she smiled and kissed his cheek. "That's perfect, Dr. Crane. Just say it exactly in that way and Clive will never know that we're not really in love. It's fun to pretend, isn't it?"

He sighed deeply and picked up the glasses of wine she'd poured and walked into the living room. Sure it was fun to pretend sometimes, but when it came to Daphne Moon, reality was so much better.

He may have missed his chance to tell her he loved her yet again, but that wasn't going to stop him from trying. He would continue to work on gathering his courage to tell her at the perfect moment-and it would be perfect. He'd make sure of it.

He'd imagined the scenario a hundred times before; champagne, flowers, candlelight, soft music… and the most beautiful woman imaginable in his arms. He could hardly wait for the reality to surface. But for now he'd continue to dream; and silently plan for their future.