"I don't want to leave you," Niles said, hugging his wife tightly.
Daphne gave him a look. "It's going to be fine. It's just for a few days, and it's not as if I'll be all alone. I'll have this one to keep me company." She put her hand on her expanding stomach. "And your father and brother and Roz will be looking after me."
Niles sighed. He was already at the airport, and he knew Daphne was right. But that didn't mean he liked it. Why did this psychiatrists' conference have to happen now? "I hate leaving you at this stage of your pregnancy, though. If anything happens, call me. Day or night. I can be on the next flight."
"I will," Daphne promised. "But nothing's going to happen. I was just at the doctor's just the other day, and everything is fine. To tell you the truth, I'm looking forward to a couple of days by myself. And you've been working so hard lately, you could probably use a break."
"You're right," Niles said, forcing himself to smile. "Maybe this will be a good thing." He looked around, noticing that it was nearly time for his flight to board. "I guess I should say my goodbyes now." He kissed Daphne deeply. "I'll be counting the minutes until I get back, my love."
"I know you're worried about this trip, but don't forget to relax. It may be the last chance you get once the baby's born." Daphne couldn't help laughing. She'd heard plenty of stories about how new parents often suffered from sleep deprivation.
Niles nodded. "Right. Take good care of our firstborn." He couldn't resist putting a hand on Daphne's abdomen.
"I will. I love you," Daphne said, kissing him.
The feeling of Daphne's lips on his was something Niles never got over. He could've stayed in her arms forever. But the loudspeaker announced his flight was now about to board. "I'll call you the minute I get there. I love you, my angel."
Daphne understood that part of this was Niles' usual need to remind her of how he felt, but it was also partially motivated by his anxiety about getting on a plane. She could tell he didn't like the idea there was a chance this flight could go badly, and he might never get to meet his unborn child. Daphne smiled at him, hoping his fears would be reassured. "Everything's going to be fine."
Niles looked into her eyes, trying to memorize every detail about her. Then he nodded once and walked off to go and board his plane. The sooner he left, the sooner he would be back in Daphne's arms once again.
Daphne watched him go. Even though she had been telling him only moments ago that this time apart would be good for both of them, she found she missed Niles more than she'd expected. Still, she remembered what she'd told her husband. She wouldn't be alone. Martin, Frasier, and Roz would certainly be keeping an eye on her in Niles' absence. Not only that, but the most important member of the Crane family was with her even now. "Let's go home," Daphne said to the child inside. She could hardly wait to get to know him or her, and now seemed like the perfect time to start.
The End