Nearly a week had passed since Daphne had come down with pneumonia. Never in her life had she been so afraid. When the doctor had given her the diagnosis, she was sure that Niles would be furious. After all, she had put off going to the doctor as long as possible, despite her husband's gentle (and sometimes not so gentle) encouragement. But to her amazement, he still treated her with love and respect.
She shouldn't have been surprised. She knew that Niles loved her unconditionally, even more than she deserved. They had been married for years but every once in a while an unsettling feeling would emerge in her chest.
If only she had known that he had loved her for seven years instead of putting him through such pain by accepting Donny's proposal. She'd do anything to take back that pain. But she knew how he felt about her now and she vowed to let him know how much she loved him.
In the early morning light, she climbed out of bed and stared at Niles. Even in his sleeping form, he was the most handsome man she'd ever seen. And she wondered for the millionth time how she'd gotten so lucky.
As gently as possible she stroked his cheek, hoping not to wake him. He'd been working so hard, taking care of her and of David that he needed his rest. Daphne hated being sick. She absolutely hated it. And for the past week she'd been absolutely miserable. But because of the love and care she'd received, she was feeling much better.
Martin and Ronee would simply laugh and say that the doctor was the one to thank, what with the medications and strict regimens.
But Daphne knew better. She knew that love was the most powerful healer of all. And as she crept into David's nursery, she was reminded a second time of what love could do.
The baby was awake, playing contentedly in his crib and she couldn't resist reaching down to lift him up.
"That's my sweet boy." She said, cradling him against her chest. "Mommy loves you and I'm sorry that I haven't been able to spend much time with you. But I'm better now and I promise I'm going to make it up to you-and to your daddy. I do love him so."
David smiled, warming her heart and she could almost imagine him agreeing with her.
"If I hadn't met him, we wouldn't have you."
Tears filled her eyes and she was surprised at the emotions that set in. David cooed, and she kissed his soft cheek. Suddenly she felt his tiny hand, reaching for her face and when she moved, she was reminded of the most wonderful memory; the day he was born.
"You've got me hair, don't you? Well, I may have pretended to be upset but actually I was happier than I ever dreamed. I finally have a family of me own and I have your daddy to thank for that."
When David began to fuss she rocked him a bit in her arms and then gently returned him to his crib. "I'm sorry darling. I didn't mean to disturb you. Mommy just missed you so much. I'll be back to check on you later."
She returned to the master bedroom smiling at her sleeping husband. The moment she climbed into bed and snuggled against him, she loved him more than she had ever loved anyone. She simply had to find a way to thank him.
For mere words would never be enough.