"Hey Daphne, open mine next!"

Daphne laughed as her father in law thrust a beautifully wrapped box into her hands. "Martin, you're like a child on Christmas morning! Why, if I didn't know any better, I'd think that it was your birthday instead of David's! And I told you and Ronee that it wasn't necessary to bring so many gifts!"

Martin looked at her incredulously. "Not necessary? The heck it's not! He's my grandson and it's his first birthday!"

"Exactly, Martin! I hate to think of what will happen when the other holidays come around. And David has lots and lots of birthdays to celebrate!"

"I know exactly what will happen on those days, Daphne! More presents!" Martin retorted.

"But Martin-."

"It's not every day that my youngest grandson turns a year old, is it?"

Daphne sighed wistfully, picturing David's cherubic face. "Well, you're right about that old man. Before we know it, David will be off to college!"

Martin looked around the room. "This is a hell of a party, Daphne. You've really outdone yourself."

She felt her cheeks flush as she took a look at the living room. She had to admit that in planning for David's first birthday party, she'd gone completely overboard, inviting everyone and anyone; even Frasier and Charlotte. But to her disappointment, Frasier and Charlotte had work commitments and couldn't get away. And as for the other guests, it appeared that their commitments were more important than celebrating a baby's first birthday. It hurt to know that the guest list had become much shorter, but she decided to go with her original plan. And what a plan it was. There were balloons everywhere of every color of the rainbow, along with matching streamers and a big banner that hung on the wall that read Happy Birthday, David. There were stuffed animals and piles of gifts from she and Niles, and on the dining room table sat a huge chocolate sheet cake. The cake was purchased at the finest bakery in Seattle and was expertly decorated by their talented bakers and cake decorators. The picture of Snoopy lying on his famous red doghouse couldn't have looked better had Charles Schulz been the one to apply the icing. It was a beautiful sight, but she found that she could not smile. The reality that her son was noticeably absent brought the threat of tears.

It was silly, becoming so emotional over her son missing a birthday party that he would never remember. But the idea that David had contracted a cold just a few days earlier was disturbing to say the least. He was still an infant and illnesses like David's could become something serious. The pediatrician, Dr. Baker did his best to assure her that David was just suffering from a mild cold and that it would run its course in a short time.

But Daphne was still deeply worried. David was her son; her first born. And it hurt her terribly to see him suffering. She shuddered, remembering the first time that she'd kissed David's forehead after he'd awoken in the middle of the night. Despite it being almost May, It was unseasonably cold. David's cries had jolted her out of a sound sleep, and even more disturbing was the way he screaming and crying like never before, she'd rushed into his room, completely forgetting her slippers and nightgown.

As she picked him up and kissed his forehead, she was alarmed at how hot he was. He was burning up with fever and it took everything she had inside of her to calm him. But even after the doctor had been called and David had finally gone to sleep hours later, the stress of taking care of him had finally taken its toll on her. She'd been so frightened by the ordeal, and the shock that her son was sick that she'd spent the night crying in Niles' arms.

Now a pair of lips met her cheek, followed by the gentle touch of strong hands that gently massaged her shoulders. She turned to find Niles smiling sympathetically, his fingertips brushing away tears that she wasn't even aware of.

He said nothing, but he didn't have to. She knew exactly what he was thinking. Perhaps she'd always known. And maybe that's what made them soulmates. David would be just fine. She believed it in her soul. But there was still the sense of worry that came from being a new mother.

Caring for her brothers when they were under the weather was one thing. But caring for a child that she'd brought into the world was quite another.
Niles' touch told her that he understood.

"It's too bad that David is missing his party." Ronee remarked. "He'd be having the time of his life!"

Daphne managed a smile. "Perhaps another time." She said, finding it difficult to keep her voice steady. Her eyes moved to the staircase where just a few feet away, David was sleeping in his crib. "Poor sweetheart."

"He'll be fine." Niles whispered into her ear. "Dr. Baker says that colds like this will take a few days to pass, but until then all we can do is give David his medicine and wait."

"But if I had just taken better care of him… Oh, I knew I shouldn't have taken him to the park without a hat! Oh Niles!"

He was holding her now, her face pressed against his chest as he gently rubbed her back. "Shhh… Don't cry. David will be fine. He just needs time to get over this cold. It's not your fault. All kids get sick and you're the most wonderful mother. David loves you so much."

She turned to Niles, pressing her lips to his. "Oh Niles…"

"Oh geez, can we get on with this before David turns eighteen? That present's not gonna open itself you know! " Martin groaned.

Ronee did her best to keep him quiet, sending an apologetic look to Niles and Daphne.

Daphne gasped, unable to believe that she'd completely forgotten about the birthday present that she held in her hands. "I'm sorry Martin. Of course I'll open it! I can hardly wait to see what this is!"

For the first time she took note of the brightly colored wrapping paper and smiled. "Oh Martin, this is lovely! And Niles, look!"

Niles grinned and moved closer to her, taking the opportunity to kiss her cheek. "What is it, my love?"

She blushed at her husband's sentiment and held up the present for him to see. "Niles, isn't this cute? Look at all the little baseballs and footballs! And little bats and helmets! I can't help but wonder if Martin isn't trying to tell us something! Maybe he's hinting that David will be a big sports star someday! Wouldn't that be something?"

She expected Niles to laugh, but to her surprise, his smile disappeared. And the expression that replaced it was a familiar one of annoyance tinged with anger. But before she could say anything to him, he rose to his feet and retreated into the kitchen.

Her eyes met Martin and Ronee's and she mumbled a short apology. What could have possibly gotten Niles so upset? Until she'd mentioned David playing sports, Niles looked as though he were the happiest man alive. Now it was as though he was a different person.

She should have been angry with him. After all, his father had the right to wrap David's gifts in whatever paper he wished. But she wasn't about to let anything ruin this wonderful day.

If David couldn't be with them to enjoy his birthday party, Daphne would make sure that eh party would create lots of happy memories for the family; Memories they could share with David for years to come.

But Niles seemed to want no part of it. And that hurt her. It hurt badly.