Daphne Moon still couldn't believe it. Dr. Crane was in love with her? But how was that possible? How could she not have known? The shocking revelation had turned
her seemingly perfect world upside down. When she overheard Niles telling Frasier that he was going to talk to her, she could feel her heart beating wildly against her
chest and she immediately went to Roz for advice. She was eternally grateful for Roz. Without another woman's opinion, she would surely have been a basket case.
But like her friend said, she was making way too much of the entire thing.
So what if Niles had been in love with her for six years? He was obviously over it now. He was in love with Mel and she was engaged to Donny. She had absolutely
nothing to worry about. So why was she so apprehensive? Roz tried to reassure Daphne that Niles would never confess that he was in love with her while Donny was
around. But Donny wasn't there. And Niles had broken up with Mel.
She stood in the living room, suddenly feeling self-conscious despite her gorgeous red dress that she'd purchased especially for Frasier's party. She knew it was
bold-even conceited maybe, but she had to admit she looked amazing. Even if Donny never once commented on her appearance. So was it just her imagination that
she'd caught Niles stealing glances at her? It wouldn't be the first time, but she'd always found his stares flattering and his compliments on her wardrobe even more
so. But she never dreamed that he was admiring her in the romantic sense. And now she wasn't sure what to do.
But she knew one thing. She'd made up her mind. She was engaged to Donny and, well... she loved him. She'd just have to let Niles down easy. Simply explain to him
that while she cared for him a great deal, she wasn't in love with him. She only prayed that she wouldn't break his heart.
"Daphne, I need to speak with you. It's a private matter. Would you join me on the balcony for a moment?"
Niles asked.
"All right." Daphne replied. She glanced at Roz who only nodded and said "Good... Luck."
Her chest tightened as she followed Niles out onto the balcony. They stood face to face and she couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked. The night was cold,
but she barely felt it. However, when she rubbed her arms, Niles noticed.
"Daphne, I am so sorry. What am I thinking?" Then, in a gesture that warmed her heart, he removed his coat and draped it around her shoulders.
She started to speak first but suddenly she had no idea what to say.
"This is... so difficult." Niles was saying now.
"Dr. Crane... I know..."
"Please." He said. "I really need to say this right now."
Daphne smiled. "Just say what's in your heart."
He looked at her in surprise. "In my... heart?"
Ridiculously her eyes filled with tears. "Yes."
He looked away, nervously. "Oh... well, what I was going to say was..."
Her breath caught in her throat. "Yes?"
Boldly she took a step toward him and took his hand in hers. "It's okay. Dr. Crane. You don't have to say anything. I already know-."
"Daphne, I need my present back." He blurted out.
She looked at him in shock, trying to comprehend what he'd just told her. "What?"
"The present. I need it back. I-I'm so sorry. You see... well, your gift was broken and I didn't think Mel was going to come and... Daphne, I promise I'll replace it."
She started to leave when he caught her attention. "Daphne, Daphne, Daphne! You never finished what you were going to say."
The tears in her eyes were dangerously close to the surface and she was grateful for the darkness.
"It doesn't matter now. Oh... Look. Mel is here!" She said looking through the window. "You'd better take this." She handed him the jewelry box. "And your jacket as
well."
"Excuse me." He said as he started to walk back into the condo.
She stepped aside to let him in; her heart beating against her chest. But she wasn't about to let him see her cry. She'd never be able to explain her tears to anyone;
certainly not Donny. What would he think?
She walked back into the condo, to find Donny mingling with the guests. Obviously by the way he was enjoying himself, he wasn't thinking about her. She looked
around the room; the guests singing along to Frasier's beautiful Christmas carols. Her gaze landed on Mel and Niles who were standing in the foyer. Mel was admiring
her Christmas gift, and they looked so swallowed hard; the images of Niles and Mel blurred by her tears.
