Author's Note: A huge thank you to Billie (LoisAndClarkSuperfan), whose Dobie Gillis story planted the seed for this. I wish I could've gotten this up by Christmas, but I don't think anyone will mind! This was also supposed to be a one-shot, but it got long. Don't think anybody will mind that, either. Also thanks to Leigh Ann (leighann415) for reading some of this ahead of time and encouraging me. Last, but not least, thanks to Melinda for allowing me to "borrow" Leah for this story!
Niles and Daphne prepared for bed. As usual, they talked about the kids. "David's still upset about Dad going away this weekend. I tried to comfort him as best I could, but I don't think it worked."
Daphne kneeled on the bed so that she and Niles were at the same height. "Your father and David are inseparable. I'm glad our kids have family here, even without Frasier."
Niles nodded. "I think David gives Dad a reason to keep going. And I imagine Ronee does, too." He smiled. His father and former baby-sitter were still deeply in love. In fact, that was why they had decided to take a romantic vacation the weekend before Christmas. They spent nearly all their time around Niles, Daphne, David, and little Leah. Niles thought of the many ballgames, camping trips, and other adventures his father and son had gone on. It was such a contrast to his own childhood. "Sometimes I'm almost jealous of David. I never got to do any of those things with Dad!"
Daphne kissed her husband. "I'm sure your father wanted to do them, but you weren't interested then. You can't get back the time you lost, but at least you know he loves you and he's proud of you. And you and David have a much better relationship than you did with your father. David adores you."
"I couldn't be a prouder father. You've given me two wonderful children. I can never say 'thank you' enough." He kissed Daphne passionately.
"I love you," Daphne said when the kiss ended. She was quiet for a moment, watching as he got ready for bed. "But what are we going to do about David? He's so upset. He's even been taking it out on poor Leah!"
Niles hated the thought of his son feeling so lonely. He was the father, it was his job to find a solution. Then he remembered a conversation he'd had a few months ago with a friend from his wine club. He said he'd hired a man to visit the house dressed as Santa Claus. The children had a ball, believing that he had come all the way from the North Pole just to see them. David was too old for such things. But Leah was another story. She had insisted on having her picture taken with Santa the last time Daphne had taken her to the mall. Niles smiled. He climbed into bed and turned to his wife, kissing her goodnight. "I think I have an idea." Suddenly, he couldn't wait to get up the next day and start making calls.
The next afternoon, Niles quickly made the calls and had "Santa" all booked for a visit this weekend. Just as he was emerging from his study, he saw David about to head upstairs. He got his son's attention and gestured for him to come into the room.
"Yeah, Dad?" David asked. He was nearly eight now, but he tried his best to act grown-up. Whenever his dad worked late, it was his job to keep his mom and little sister safe. His grandfather used to be a cop, helping to keep all of Seattle safe.
Niles closed the door behind his son. "You're not in any trouble, David. So don't look so scared."
David breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't think he'd done anything wrong, but you never knew with parents. "So what's up?"
"Well, I know how upset you and your sister are about your grandfather being away. I wanted you two to have some fun this weekend, even without him. Now, I know you're too old for 'little kid stuff,' but I was hoping maybe you could help me out with something."
"What do you need?" David asked. He realized his father trusted him. He stood a little straighter, feeling suddenly proud.
Niles looked at his son. For an instant, he recalled the days after David's birth. He'd carried the newborn all around the house, showing him every piece of art and family photo on the wall. He was in a state of disbelief for weeks. After taking so many years just to be together, he and Daphne finally had a family. Somehow, he'd blinked, and David grew up.
"Dad, are you all right?" David asked. He remembered his mom mentioning that his dad used to have heart problems.
Niles smiled. "I'm fine, son. My mind just wandered a bit."
David grinned. "You were thinking about Mom, weren't you?"
Niles blushed. Since when had his son become so smart? "That's beside the point. I just made some arrangements for someone to come here dressed as Santa. I know you don't believe in him anymore, but I was hoping you'd play along, for your sister's sake."
David thought for a moment. Most of the time, he thought this whole Santa thing was stupid. How on earth could one guy deliver all those presents in just one night? He'd discussed the matter with his cousin Freddy last Thanksgiving, and he'd learned the truth. But then he thought of Leah. She'd been talking for weeks about Santa. She was obviously excited. It was even sort of cute. And she bugged him less, too, 'cause she was afraid she might not get any presents. "OK, Dad. Count me in."
Niles beamed. "You're really going to do this for your sister?"
David looked at the ground, suddenly feeling a bit ashamed. "Well, Leah's not so bad..."
"You're a regular Hallmark card," Niles said with a laugh.
David grinned. "Well, you and Uncle Frasier don't always get along, do you?"
"OK, you made your point. Now, don't say a word to Leah. I want her to be surprised."
"Sure, Dad. Can I go now?"
Niles nodded. David left the room, relieved he wasn't in trouble. Suddenly he thought of his grandpa. He mostly liked to do 'guy stuff,' but he adored Leah. Somehow David felt sure that going along with this was something his grandpa would like. He smiled to himself. Maybe this weekend might not be so bad.
