Author's Note: I just love when real life gives me an idea for a story! And this isn't finished, but I do have ideas on where it's going. Please enjoy!

The doorbell rang, and Daphne went to answer it immediately. She already knew who it was. Martin and Ronee were going away for the weekend, and they'd enlisted Niles and Daphne to dog-sit.

"Well, here he is, Daph," Martin said when the door was opened. "Your four-legged house guest." He gestured to Eddie, who was walking into the apartment behind his owners.

Daphne smiled. She sort of missed seeing Eddie every day, as she had when she still worked for Frasier. "It's going to be lovely having him!"

Just then, Martin saw Niles sitting on the fainting couch. "Thanks for agreeing to this, son. I know you don't really like Eddie messing up your house."

Niles stood. "Don't mention it. When I saw how happy my beautiful wife was, I decided it was worth the slight inconvenience of having him here."

Martin nodded. He'd suspected that was what had gotten his son to go along with this plan. He looked down at Eddie, realizing at that moment just how much he'd miss his faithful companion.

Ronee saw the expression on his face. "Now, Marty, don't look so sad. It's not as if you'll be alone this weekend." She gave her husband a knowing look.

Niles saw the grin on her face, and tried to ignore how strange it still felt that his former babysitter had become his father's wife. He suspected she said things like this solely because she knew it bothered him.

"Well, anyway," Martin said, wanting to end the awkwardness. "We brought some of his food and treats. And of course all his favorite toys."

"Thanks," Daphne said, taking the bag Ronee handed her.

Just then, a sound was heard from the baby monitor. "Mommy!"

"Oh, I guess someone's up from his nap," Daphne said. "Please don't leave. David would be very upset if he didn't get to say goodbye to you."

Martin nodded his agreement, and Daphne went upstairs to retrieve her son. She returned a moment later, carrying David. "Grandpa and Grandma Ronee are going away for a couple of days," Daphne explained to the toddler. "But Eddie's going to be staying with us. Won't that be fun?"

"No! No dog," David said emphatically.

Daphne laughed nervously. "I'm sure he doesn't mean that," she said to her in-laws. "Eddie will be in good hands."

"We know, Daph," Martin said. "So long, Buddy." He kissed David's soft cheek. He had always loved Freddie, but being a grandfather meant so much more when his grandson was in the same city. It was just one more reason Daphne had been such a blessing to the Crane family.

"Have a good time," Daphne said, giving them both hugs as best she could, with David still in her arms.

Martin and Ronee both promised they would, and then they were gone. For a moment, Niles and Daphne were quiet.

But the silence was abruptly broken by David. "No dog!"

Daphne sighed. This would be a very long two days.