The restaurant was warm and inviting. The lights were dim and soft music played over head. It was the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. As they sat in the corner booth, Niles took Daphne's hand and smiled.

"I can hardly believe this is happening." He said, unable to hide his nervous giggle.

"Daphne you have no idea how long I've dreamed of this moment. Holding your hand like this, staring into your beautiful brown eyes."

When he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly, her eyes filled with tears. Concerned, he moved closer, brushing the tears away with his fingertips.

"What's wrong?"

"I just keep thinking about your brother." She admitted. "I know it was just a silly spice jar, but he loved it so much! He's going to be furious when he finds out that I broke it! How could I have been so stupid?"

Niles sighed and caressed her cheek. "Daphne, you're not stupid; far from it. You're beautiful, caring and absolutely wonderful."

In response she kissed him deeply. "How do you always know the right thing to say?"

Niles shrugged. "I'm just being truthful, Daphne. You are wonderful."

"Thank you, but I'm afraid that your brother won't think so. Not when he realizes that his spice container is gone! How am I going to tell him? I know it's silly to be worrying about this, but I can't help meself!"

Niles pulled her into his arms and held her close. "I know that Frasier can overreact, but it was an accident. Surely he can understand that."

Daphne looked at him worriedly. "But what if he doesn't? I've seen him go insane when your father broke a mayonnaise jar just last week! And this is far worse! He's liable to fire me, and then I'd never see you again and-."

He stopped her with his kisses, content to comfort her as best as he could. His heart ripped in two when he felt her trembling body against his, indicating just how scared she really was. And it concerned him. It wasn't like her to worry about such things.

"Daphne, Frasier won't fire you, I promise. And even if he did, there's nothing in this world that would keep me away from you. I love you, but if Frasier doesn't understand that... well, then to hell with him! I know it's cruel to say, because he is my brother and I love him dearly. But when I think about how much I was looking forward to this opera tonight-."

Daphne took his hand in hers. "I'm so sorry, Dr. Crane. If I had known how much it meant to you, I would have gladly taken your brother's place. That is, if you had wanted me to."

Niles smiled and kissed her cheek. "I'll never stop wanting you, Daphne."

"Dr. Crane..."

"Please... Call me Niles."

The request surprised her. "Oh... but..."

"Please, Daphne? It would mean so much to me."

"All right... Niles."

When their meals arrived, they ate in contented silence, happy to be in each other's company.

"Would you like some more wine, Niles?"

"Yes, thank you Daphne."

Their wine replenished, Niles raised his glass. "I propose a toast."

Daphne smiled. "That sounds lovely."

"To the woman I love and the happiness that I plan to show her for the rest of my life."
Kissing him deeply, Daphne touched her glass to his. "Thank you, Niles. That's beautiful."

"You're beautiful." Niles corrected.

Touched by the sentiment, she kissed him again. "So are you."

Suddenly she gasped in surprise at what she had said. It didn't seem right to call a man beautiful. But Niles' expression told her that he was touched by her compliment.

"I love you, Daphne."

His words, although wonderful to hear, made her feel almost guilty. She did care for him, more than she'd ever cared about anyone and she knew that he expected her to return the sentiment.

But this was all still so new to her and she was afraid of hurting him. So instead of words, she laced her fingers through his and caressed his hand with her thumb. "Dr. Crane... Niles... You're my best friend and I care about you so much."

As expected, his smile faded slightly.

"And there's something else." She added quickly.

"What?"

She swallowed hard and rubbed his hand against her cheek. "I think I might be falling in love with you, too."

Instantly, his smile returned and his blue eyes sparkled. "Oh Daphne, really? That's..."

Her fingertips went to his lips. "Shhh... Don't say anything. Just kiss me."

With a dreamy sigh, he did as she asked, sending her emotions swirling out of control.

"What do you say we get out of here?" He whispered.

Daphne couldn't hide her disappointment, for she knew that it meant that their blissful evening would soon come to an end. But she also couldn't wait to spend time with the man that she cared for so deeply.