Daphne sighed as she came down the stairs, suitcase in hand. "I think that's everything."
Niles got up from the fainting couch at once. "I wish you'd let me come with you. Or at least drive you to the airport."
"No," Daphne said, shaking her head. "I don't want to have one of those airport 'goodbye' scenes. This isn't that dramatic. Mum's probably fine. She just wants me to come visit, that's all."
"You're probably right," Niles said, caressing her cheek. "Your mother does like to be the center of things. Remember our wedding? Or rather, weddings, I should say."
Despite herself, Daphne laughed. "You're right about that. But, oh, God, what if Mum isn't exaggerating? I know she drives me bloody crazy, but she's still me mum. And David's grandmother. Niles, if something happened to her…."
Niles kissed her, hoping to stop her tears before they began. "You don't know anything yet, so there's really no reason to get all worked up. I can't promise that nothing bad's going to happen, but if it does, you'll handle it. You're the strongest woman I've ever met. And you have me and David by your side. No matter what."
Somehow, Daphne managed to pull herself together. As usual, Niles was right. He always knew just what to say to calm her when she needed it. She glanced at her suitcase again, going over her mental checklist of everything she'd need to take. "Oh, bloody hell! I forgot me thyroid pills! And I'm leaving you here to tend to David all by yourself. Do you know the pediatrician's number? And don't forget you can always call Roz if you need anything. I know you think she's irresponsible, but -"
"Daphne," Niles said, gently trying to keep her from becoming hysterical. "It'll be fine. It's just for a few nights. I'll go and get your pills from the medicine cabinet. I know you're dealing with a lot right now, but there's no reason to panic. You'll fly to England, see your mother, let her know you love her, and be back here before you know it." He kissed her quickly before running upstairs to get the pills.
Daphne sighed as she watched him go. He really was such a wonderful husband. At a time like this, it was almost hard to imagine that she'd once wanted to marry someone else. Of course baby David would be fine. It wasn't as if Niles would be all alone with him. Besides Roz, he'd have his father and Ronee to help out. She could do this.
Niles came running back downstairs, the pill bottle in his hand. "Here you go."
"Thank you," Daphne said, putting them into the suitcase. "I guess that's everything. I should go down and see if the cab is here yet. You'll be fine, won't you?"
"Of course we will," Niles answered immediately. "Actually, I must admit I'm looking forward to getting to know David one-on-one." He went over to the playpen and picked the child up. "We're going to have so much fun. We'll read, we'll listen to some classical music, and I'll get to learn all about the residents of Sesame Street."
Daphne smiled. Niles was such a good father. She knew no one could ever love her son more, or take better care of him. "Be good for Daddy," she said, placing a kiss on his nose. "I'll be back in just a few days." She turned around, knowing if she stayed for a moment longer, she'd never be able to leave.
"Wave bye-bye to Mommy," Niles said, waving David's little hand. It broke his heart to see her leaving, but he knew she could handle it. Even though he and Daphne had finally gotten together and started a family, it didn't mean they wouldn't still face challenges. Life was far from perfect. But he, Daphne and David shared a bond that could never be broken. As long as they had that, they could handle whatever the future held.
The End
