"What's wrong?" Niles asked when Daphne answered Frasier's door. He was immediately alarmed by the look on her face.
Daphne sniffled and held up the letter that was in her hand. "Mum just told me me Uncle Lucas passed away."
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Niles replied, leading her toward the couch. As he walked, he stroked her hand with his thumb. "Were you close?"
"I only visited him once or twice when I was a little girl," Daphne answered, shaking her head. "From what I remember, he was a drunk, nearly as bad as me dad. I know I shouldn't be so upset, but it makes me think that anyone I care about could die at any time. Including you." She reached out to touch his cheek, tears still in her eyes.
"Is that what you're worried about?" Niles asked, nearly laughing. "Daphne, I'm not going anywhere, believe me. I'm going to be here for a long time. I have every intention of growing old with you." He kissed her.
"I knew you would say that," Daphne answered. "But I'm sure that's what Uncle Lucas would've said right before this happened. Here we finally have the chance to be together, and all I can think about is, what if I lost you now? We wasted so much time, and it's all me fault!"
Niles pulled her closer. "Daphne, I want you to listen to me, and understand that I mean every word, from the bottom of my heart." He took her hand and placed on his chest, knowing she could feel his heart beating there. "I really do plan on being here for a long time. It's true I can't give you a guarantee. No one can. But I can tell you this: If I left this world tomorrow, I wouldn't have any regrets. Not a single one."
"How can that be?" Daphne asked. "What about those years you spent here, loving me while I hadn't a clue?"
"Well, I'll admit there were a few painful moments along the way. But I don't think about those anymore. We're here now, and we're together. Getting to love you now, even if it's just for a little while, was worth it. I couldn't regret anything in my life, because I got to see my dream come true. I have you, and there's nothing more I could ever want."
"I love you so much, and I want to share me life with you, Niles." Daphne kissed him.
Niles smiled automatically as the kiss ended. He'd never get over the feeling of her lips on his. "That's what I want, too, Daphne. And we will. But since you seem to be so worried about losing me, I wanted you to know that I wouldn't regret any of it."
"Thank you," Daphne said, now feeling a huge wave of relief. "I suppose I was just letting meself get carried away. I should be used to losing people, since I've worked with the elderly for so long. But I was never that attached to most of the people I took care of. Not till I came here." She smiled.
"If I were to look over my life right now, I would have to say that the day you arrived on my brother's doorstep would definitely be one of the highlights. I couldn't have known it then, but it's what led to the happiest time in my entire life."
Daphne kissed him once again, longer this time. At moments like this, she couldn't believe how lucky she was. Even with her psychic powers, she knew there would probably still be surprises ahead. No one's future is promised. There was no telling what tomorrow might hold. But she couldn't waste time worrying about that. Niles was right. It was where they were now that counted. As long as he was here beside her, Daphne knew she'd be OK. Whatever the future held, one thing was certain: she wouldn't have to face it alone.
The End