This story is a gift for Kristen to thank her for her continuous friendship, encouragement and support! She's already written a wonderful sequel of her own to her incredible story "Special Needs", but I hope my version does justice to her amazing writing!" *hugs*
Sighing contentedly, Daphne's eyes opened and she rested her head against Niles' bare chest, running her fingers up and down his skin. She'd never been so happy, or filled with such love. She had the most wonderful husband and son anyone could ever ask for, and she knew that God had given her a very special gift; something few people had.
All of her life she'd been satisfied with what she had been given. Her parents weren't rich, but they had provided her and her brothers with happy childhoods. They'd put her through school and were extremely proud when she'd finally graduated from college. Oh, there were a few setbacks along the way, but she worked hard and persevered. And she couldn't wait to put her newly acquired skills to use.
Unfortunately the opportunities for physical therapists in Manchester were few and far between. So when she learned that an agency was accepting applications for positions overseas, she jumped at the chance.
To live in America was a dream that she'd had many times before. And finally the day came when she was accepted at the agency.
She didn't hesitate to make travel arrangements and prepare to be interviewed for a real job. She was told that she'd be interviewing with a Dr. Frasier Crane and when she'd arrived at his home at the Elliot Bay Towers, she felt like Cinderella. She'd never seen a more beautiful home.
It was so much more exquisite than her tiny home in Manchester where she hadn't managed to get a moment's privacy, thanks to her many older brothers.
Even though it was a condominium, it might as well have been a castle, in an area of Seattle called Queen Anne. Even the name was perfect; the Elliot Bay Towers.
And the view! Why, she simply couldn't get over it. The majestic Space Needle stood front and center through an enormous picture window, highlighting the most beautiful city skyline she'd ever seen. Actually it was the only city skyline she'd ever seen. But compared to places like New York City and Las Vegas, where she probably would have had even more opportunities, she knew this was where she belonged.
Her meeting with Frasier was a bit intimidating to say the least, but she was convinced that she'd handled it beautifully, with humor and wit. It was clear that he found her a bit strange, but thankfully Martin was adamant about Frasier hiring her.
And now she realized that she owed both Frasier and Martin more than she could possibly give them.
How does one even begin to repay someone for the most precious and remarkable gift imaginable?
Daphne went from being alone and impoverished to being loved unconditionally and financially taken care of; quite possibly for the rest of her life.
The realization of all that she'd acquired in the years that she'd been in Seattle overwhelmed her and her eyes filled with tears, but she didn't bother to brush them away.
The tears spilled from her eyes, splashing on her husband's bare chest. He awakened at once, showing her immediate concern. She watched as his face turned toward her and his eyes shone with compassion.
"Good morning, my love. What's wrong?"
She smiled and kissed him, wrapping her arm around his chest in an effort to move closer. But even their intimate closeness didn't seem close enough.
"Nothing." She said, hoping the little white lie would ease his worry. "It's all right."
His hand moved to her cheek and she felt his fingertips brushing away the tears that lingered there.
"Please tell me, my love. Is it Dad? I know he can be difficult when it comes to his exercises but he's always been stubborn. I can talk to him if you like. Or if need be, I'm sure Ronee can put him in his place."
Daphne smiled and laced her fingers through his. "It's all right. I'm not upset. I'm just...happier than I ever imagined."
"I'm so glad my love. Because that's all that I ever wanted."
"I just... I can't believe how lucky I am to have you and David. You're so special to me, and I love you both more and more every day."
He pulled her toward him and kissed her deeply, almost making her forget what had transpired just hours before. And she was only too happy to forget about the memory, for at least a little while.
Niles rekindled their intimacy, reminding her for the hundredth time why she loved him so deeply. And she was more than happy to return the favor by showing him pleasure like he had never known.
But she knew that she could never forget about what had happened yesterday completely. Nor did she want to. She was quite sure that she'd remember that moment for the rest of her life.
"What are you thinking about?" Niles asked when they were resting in each other's arms once more.
"I was thinking about David and what a remarkable little boy he is. I love him so much, Niles. I didn't think it was possible to love two people so much. It's a bit overwhelming at times, and I'm not sure that I'm deserving of such love."
He stroked her hair with his hand, sweeping soft strands away from her face. "And he loves you. He has the most wonderful mother and I have the most amazing wife that a man could ask for."
They kissed deeply and she settled her head into the crook of his neck, sighing at the faint scent of aftershave that lingered even after their intimate union.
"Actually I was thinking about what happened yesterday when I went to pick him up for school."
Niles smiled. "Ah, right. How did that story go again?"
The question made her laugh and she gave him a playful shove. "Niles, I've told you about ten times already!"
"I know, but I love the way your beautiful eyes light up when you tell it. It makes you look like an angel."
She touched his cheek, unable to resist kissing him again. "I love you so much."
His fingers traced the outline of her jaw. "Then tell me the story again... Please?"
"All right." She said, kissing his chest.
They settled into each other's arms and she conjured up the memory in her mind once more.
"I pulled up in front of the school and when I didn't see David right away I panicked. Niles, I didn't mean to, but you know how I get when I worry about David. I mean, all of those terrible stories on the news about children being kidnapped and-."
He stopped her with a kiss. "I know you worry about David. And that's why I love you so much. You're the most compassionate and loving woman I've ever known."
"Niles..."
"I mean it, Daphne... You're wonderful."
They kissed once more and she laughed when he playfully began trailing kisses down her neck.
"Niles, do you want me to tell you the story or not?"
"Oh, right. I'd almost forgotten."
"Well I haven't forgotten. And I doubt I ever will. Oh Niles, it was the most wonderful thing I'd ever seen! David walked out of the school and he was holding hands with a sweet little girl. I couldn't believe my eyes! I couldn't help but notice that she walked a bit slower than the other children, as though her legs wouldn't move as fast as she wanted them to. And she had a bit of a limp. But David was so sweet; the way he walked along with her, holding her hand but never rushing her. When they got to the bus, he put his backpack on the ground and helped her get on. And then he turned and picked up his backpack before running over to me car, as though he'd done that sort of thing every day!I asked him what her name was and he told me her name was Andrea. Her family just moved here from Texas and the teacher asked if anyone wanted to help her get situated at school. And he volunteered! Niles, I was so proud of him, I didn't know what to do!"
He smiled and kissed her, brushing away a tear that fell onto her cheek. "I told you last night, my love. This is your doing. You're the one who is so kind and passionate. It doesn't surprise me at all."
"I wanted to hug him and never let go, but you know how David is. He loves us, but I'm sure he wouldn't appreciate me smothering him like that."
Niles chuckled. "Well I don't mind at all, my love. You can hold onto me as long as you like."
The statement made her smile and she pushed him against the pillows, kissing his soft lips. "I'm glad you feel that way, Darling. Because I plan on doing just that."
