Frasier looked from Niles to Daphne, seeing the obvious love in both their eyes. Christmas was indeed a season for miracles. He looked down at the envelope he was holding in his hands, once again amazed at the thoughtfulness of this gift. He noted there were two tickets inside. Frasier sighed. He knew he could never get a date. And he knew that Niles wouldn't want to go with his brother, now that things have changed. There was only one thing to do.

Frasier stepped forward and handed the envelope back to Niles. Niles looked at his brother in complete surprise. "Frasier, what are you doing? I thought you wanted to go to this opera."

"I did, but things have changed. Why don't you two go and have a good time?"

Niles was speechless. But Daphne managed to take the lead. She hugged Frasier. "Thank you, Dr. Crane. But I'm sure Niles and I can find somewhere else to go."

Niles suddenly found his voice. "Oh, we're going. I think this is part of our Christmas miracle too!"

Daphne smiled. As much as she was getting to love Niles, she dreaded going to the opera. But she would, as long as she could be with him. Maybe the opera wouldn't even be too boring.

Just then, Martin walked back in the room. He noticed something was different from before, but he couldn't tell what. He also noticed something different between Niles and Daphne. They were looking at each other differently. Like he used to do with Hester.

"What's going on? I thought you two were going to look for tickets to Frasier's opera." Realizing Frasier was right in the room, he covered his mouth in surprise. "Oops."

"It's all right, Dad. They did go to the theater and were able to purchase tickets. But I gave them back to them."

Now Martin was truly surprised. "Why? I thought you were dying to go to that opera!"

"I was, but look at what's changed. Niles and Daphne are in love."

That's what was different! He was overjoyed that it was love. He knew how long Niles had been pining for Daphne. He went over and hugged Daphne. "I always looked at you as my own daughter. But it looks like it will be official!"

Daphne smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Crane. You've always been a dad to me too. I love you all so much. Especially you," she looked at Niles and kissed him. She couldn't believe she hadn't felt this connection with him until now.

"I'm sorry for being so blind. I'm glad you told me. This is the best Christmas ever!"

Niles loved her enthusiasm, and with everything in him, he would be sure that she was this happy every Christmas.

He put his hand in hers, relishing the feeling once again. "Shall we go for a walk? The opera's not until New Year's Eve, so we have a few days."

"I can't think of anything better."

"But it's freezing outside!" Frasier scoffed.

Martin smiled and said, "Leave them alone, son. Have a nice walk you two."

Daphne hugged Martin. "Thanks...Dad." It felt weird not saying "Mr. Crane," but a good kind of weird. Something she'll always be grateful for.

Niles and Daphne put on their hats and gloves and walked out into the night. The moon was full, and stars were out. It was nothing short of a postcard. Especially with the snow that was starting to fall. Daphne shivered.

Niles noticed and put his arm around her tightly. "Do you want to go back inside?"

She smiled and said, "No. I have everything I need to keep me warm right here." Daphne leaned in for another kiss. This one was more passionate and deeper than the last. He reveled being here with her in the falling snow. He'll always be grateful for Frasier for his gift of the tickets. He had a feeling he would he'd never be able to thank Frasier enough for everything. He would indeed never forget the miracle of this Christmas.

The End