A/N: This is a birthday gift for Anika (BaronessBlixen), which is a continuation of her story "The Christmas Plan" As always seems to happen, this intended one shot grew into five chapters but her story was a lot of fun to expand on. Written with hugs and many thanks for her friendship and support.

Daphne smiled at her handsome dance partner. He was quite a bit shorter than she and young enough to be her son, but she loved him just the same. He was her charge's grandson, after all. How could she not love him? And as the festive and quite romantic music continued, she couldn't remember when she'd had a better time.

"You're a good dancer, Frederick Crane." She said.

The compliment made him smile and he held her even closer. Well, as closely as she would allow. But it was sweet in a way. And soon she was enjoying herself so much that she hardly noticed that they'd danced their way across the living room.

Frederick was a delight, telling her such wonderful stories about his school and about his adventures in Boston. He was so much like his father, almost a miniature version. But there was no denying that he had quite a bit of his uncle in him too. The sweet, sensitive and affectionate side that never failed to warm her heart. Perhaps that's why she loved him so much.

Oh dear... where had that come from? The idea was completely-

"MISTLETOE!"

Frederick's voice broke into her thoughts and she was even more surprised when she realized that they were no longer dancing.

"What? Where?" She asked in confusion.

The boy grinned and his eyes moved toward a figure standing in the doorway; Dr. Crane's younger brother, Niles.

"Dr. Crane, what..."

"You have to kiss!" Frederick said as though it was something that Daphne did every day. Niles was her friend and she certainly didn't make a habit of kissing the man. The thought was ridiculous and besides, Niles was with Mel-and deeply in love from what Daphne could see.

And as for Daphne, she had Donny. A wonderful man who would soon be her husb-."

"We'll leave you two alone."

Jolted out of her thoughts once more, Daphne turned to find Martin dragging Frederick away from the bathroom door. And when she returned her gaze to Niles, she felt her face flush with embarrassment.

"I... I think we've been set up." Niles said with a nervous laugh.

Daphne looked into his beautiful eyes, certain that her cheeks matched the shade of her dress and smiled. Oh why did Niles have to be so handsome?

And why, she wondered, did she have to give her heart to Donny when it was someone else she wanted?

"I-I think so." She managed to say. "Your nephew is quite the matchmaker. And quite clever. Although I don't expect you to-."
"Well, it's almost Christmas." Niles said softly.
"And Frederick is your brother's guest." Daphne added. "He's such a sweet little boy that I'd hate to... hurt his feelings by not respecting his wishes, although I'm not quite sure why he-."

She gasped lightly when she felt his hands on her waist, watching him in wonderment. She moved closer to him and suddenly the world around them seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them spun in this magical moment.

And then like a page from her romance novel, Niles' lips came down on hers. The touch was so soft and so gentle that she wrapped her arms around him, deepening what was without a doubt the sweetest, most romantic kiss she'd ever experienced.

She wanted to pull away, knew she had to pull away. For what if someone saw them? Frasier? Donny? Or worse, Mel?
But when she finally drew back, she couldn't resist kissing him again. And this time she held nothing back.

Around her she could hear chatter, laughter and the sound of Christmas music. But her attention was focused on Niles. And when she realized that the blissful moment had come to an end, she felt tears spring to her eyes.

"Merry Christmas Dr. Crane."

He smiled and brushed a lock of hair from her face and she wanted so much to kiss him again.
"Merry Christmas Daphne."