Author's Note: This story is dedicated to Andrea (iloveromance). Not only was it inspired by her story, "If I Lost You," but it's a Christmas present written with love and thanks for all of her support of my stories and for writing so many inspiring stories of her own! *Hugs* Also, thank you to Leigh Ann (leighann415) for reading a partial draft of this! :)
Daphne sighed to herself as she sat down on the couch. She loved the quiet in the apartment at times like this. She was just about to begin watching one of her favorite romantic comedies. Both the Crane men were out at the moment. Dr. Crane was in Boston visiting his ex-wife and son, but he would be returning today. His father was away on a fishing trip. The younger Dr. Crane had offered to pick his brother up at the airport, and Daphne secretly hoped they might have dinner together before coming home. She was in no hurry to see this moment end.
But just as she began to get swept up in the movie's familiar story, the phone rang. With a frustrated sigh, Daphne paused the movie and got up to answer it. Even though she felt bad for even thinking it, she hoped it wasn't Roz. The last thing she wanted right now was to hear all about her friend's latest escapade with some man she barely knew.
"Hello? Crane residence," Daphne said as she picked up the phone.
"Is this the home of Dr. Frasier Crane?" a voice on the other end asked.
"Yes, it is. Who's calling?" For a moment, Daphne wondered if some crazed listener had found Dr. Crane's home number.
"This is Seattle General Hospital. Is Dr. Crane available?"
"No, I'm afraid he's not," Daphne said. A hospital calling out of the blue was never good news. Suddenly, she felt a chill that she knew had nothing to do with the temperature.
"Well, Dr. Crane is the emergency-contact for his brother. I'm afraid he's been in an accident on the highway."
"Dr. Crane's been in an accident?" Daphne repeated the words, not even letting herself think of what they meant.
"Yes. Is there any way you can contact Dr. Crane?"
Daphne checked her watch. Her boss' plane would be landing soon. She knew he hated to be stuck at the airport, but there was no question as to what she would do. The younger Dr. Crane was in the hospital all alone. "I'll be there as quick as I can." She hung up the phone, not wanting to waste another minute.