Author's Note:Thanks to Leigh Ann (leighann415) for reading drafts of this and helping me w/ it. Also thanks to Andrea (iloveromance) for providing some details for this story! Sorry this first chapter's so short, but there was no other place to split it!
Daphne stood in the doorway, her suitcases in her hand. She was only going to be gone for two days, but Niles looked at her as if she were leaving for several months. She smiled at him. "I love you for doing this," she said.
"It was my pleasure. I only wish you'd told me sooner how you were feeling. I could've talked to Dad about cutting back on his therapy, or let him and Ronee watch David for you." Niles said, still wishing he could do more to ease his wife's burden.
"It's all right. I'm sure when I come back, I'll be as good as new!"
Niles reached over and gently caressed her cheek. "My love," he whispered. "I'll be thinking of you the whole time you're gone. I miss you already!" He hugged her tightly and stayed like that for a long moment.
Daphne laughed. "Oh, Niles, don't be so over-dramatic! You and David will be having too much fun to even miss me!" She pulled out of Niles' embrace and bent down as best she could so she could be at his eye-level.
"I wish you weren't going," David said, looking like he was close to tears. He slipped his little arms around her neck.
Feeling her son in her arms, and seeing how heartbroken he was made her want to change her mind. David was only three, how could he possibly understand how badly she needed to get away? She remembered the beautiful pictures she'd seen on the resort's website. It seemed like a perfect place for her to find some-much needed rest and relaxation. But still, the idea of leaving her son for the first time was more difficult than she'd imagined. Daphne let David stay in her arms for a few minutes. Then she forced herself to let go. She looked her son in the eye. "I'll only be gone for two nights. Daddy will take good care of you, and when I come back, I'll play with you for as long as you want. OK?"
David's expression showed that this was not exactly the way he wanted it, but he was able to make a compromise. "OK," he said softly.
Daphne kissed his cheek. "Daddy has the number where I'll be, so you can call me if you miss me. I love you."
"Love you, too," David said.
Suddenly, a car horn was heard outside. Daphne knew it must be Roz, and she was probably already impatient with these goodbyes. After hugging and kissing them both one more time, she finally left.