Author's Note:Thanks to Mary (Jan2StaMuse)for alowing me to continue her wonderful story, "Piano Man." This story more or less snowballed on me, b/c it was originally planned as a one-shot. But I've decided to post both chapters at once anyway. Also thanks to Leigh Ann (leighann415) for reading some of this ahead of time and offering feedback, and also providing the title. Oh, and I know that my ending leaves this open for yet another sequel. At the moment, I have no plans to do one, but may change my mind. In the meantime, if anyone else wants to do it, feel free! :)

Daphne awoke, sighing dreamily. She rolled over and kissed her husband awake. "Thanks for last night."

Niles kissed her back. "It was my pleasure." He took a moment to caress her cheek before getting out of bed.

Daphne couldn't hide her disappointment. She'd been hoping they might stay in bed a while. "Where are you going?"

"I want to go make a few calls about getting us a home security system," Niles replied.

Once again, Daphne didn't understand. "But, darling, the Montana is one of the most secure buildings in Seattle! I know we were both a bit frightened last night, but it was only David playing the piano."

Niles leaned down on the bed to kiss her once more. "You and David mean the world to me. I don't want to take chances with your safety."

Daphne smiled. "You take such good care of us." It was true. Niles worked so hard in order to provide them with all the luxuries imaginable. But he also found time to indulge his son's passion for the national pastime – baseball. Though Niles was never much of an athlete, he was more than happy to be involved. Luckily, Martin was able to give his younger son a crash-course in sports.

But today, Niles would get his wish. He'd wanted so badly for David to share some of his tastes, such as classical music and opera. And, at last, David had decided he wanted to play the piano, just like his dad. Niles' heart swelled with pride as he made his way into his study. He was anxious to make the arrangements for the security system, not wanting to wait another moment before protecting his home and family. But, after that, he would spend the rest of the day teaching his son everything he could about the piano.

While Niles made his calls, Daphne went to wake her son. She still couldn't believe it, the same boy who'd lived and breathed baseball for months had suddenly taken an interest in the piano. She never worried much about which side of the family he might take after. She loved David unconditionally, just as Niles did. But, deep down, she knew Niles wanted to pass on some of the things he'd loved as a child.

David woke when she stepped into the room. "Is Daddy really going to let me play the piano today?" he asked immediately.

Daphne smiled. "Of course. If your father said he will, then he will. He's looking forward to it. But right now, he's making some calls first."

David looked at her in silence for a moment. Daphne sensed he was thinking about something. Finally, he spoke. "Is Daddy really good at the piano?"

Daphne nodded. "Oh, yes. He and your Uncle Frasier used to play together all the time." The memories of her years spent living at Frasier's and taking care of Martin flooded right back.

"Daddy misses Uncle Frasier, huh?" David asked.

"Yes," Daphne replied. "We all do. But your Uncle Frasier has done so much for all of us, taking your grandfather in, hiring me...it was time for him to have his own life." Daphne was quiet for a moment, lost in her memories. Frasier had been gone for years, but sometimes it hit her as if he'd just left last week.

The next thing she knew, a pair of small arms were around her waist. "Don't be sad, Mommy."

Daphne bent down to kiss her son, wiping away a tear that had nothing to do with Frasier's departure. "Thank you, Sweetheart. Why don't you go see if your father's off the phone yet?"

David nodded once and raced down the stairs.

As she watched her son take off, Daphne remembered that David was yet one more thing that was indirectly Frasier's doing. She made a mental note to thank him for the part he'd played in bringing her and Niles together, although she'd thanked him profusely over the years.