Daphne could hardly believe that Dr. Crane would volunteer to spend a whole Saturday chauffeuring her all the way to Portland. But when she asked him if he really wanted to do this, he explained that the bookstore was four stories tall. He had several books on psychiatry he'd been meaning to purchase. So, that Saturday morning, Niles showed up bright and early at Elliot Bay Towers. When he arrived at apartment 1901, Daphne once again greeted him eagerly. Niles ignored the skeptical glances of his older brother. Frasier might disapprove, but Niles couldn't care less. What mattered was making Daphne happy.
Soon they made their way down to Niles' Mercedes. As Daphne chattered on enthusiastically about their trip, Niles found himself growing excited along with her. Even if he'd had no romantic interest in her, he would have found her company pleasant. Luckily for him, Daphne didn't really expect him to hold up his end of the conversation. He simply listened as she told him about growing up with a house full of boys who never seemed to give her a moment's privacy. Niles suspected that she trusted him with these details more than she ever would have trusted his father or brother. It was a whole new reason to love her, as if he hadn't already found dozens of others.
The three hour drive flew by, and Niles was almost disappointed to see it end. When they arrived at Powell's City of Books, they saw a massive crowd of people lining up to meet the famous author. Daphne could hardly believe it. She'd never imagined it would be like this. For a moment, the thought of actually being here, in the same place where Richard Wilder would be, intimidated her.
Niles saw that she was a bit overwhelmed. "We can go home now if you've changed your mind," he said.
Daphne took a deep breath. "No. We came all this way, and I know I'll regret it if I don't get me book signed. I'd hate to miss an opportunity like this."
Daphne's comment made Niles think of the chances he'd missed, times when he could've revealed his feelings for her. Perhaps this trip might benefit the both of them.
They got on line with the other fans who were waiting to have their books signed. Daphne's heart began to race as she realized she was going to meet a famous (not to mention handsome) author. Her nerves were out of control. Once again, she began to chatter to Niles, telling him all about the romance novels Richard Wilder had written. She sighed whenever she recalled the most romantic scenes.
Niles listened to Daphne's excited chatter. Many times he wanted to interrupt her as she described the stories she'd read where men boldly declared their love for the heroine. She seemed to think that moments like that only happened in fiction. Niles longed to correct her, but now was not the time. The line kept moving, and soon Daphne was only a few feet away from the table where Richard Wilder sat. "Ooh, I can see him!" she said as it came into view.
Niles smiled. He loved seeing Daphne so happy, and knowing he was the cause. Daphne worked so hard taking care of Frasier and his father. Niles had no doubt whatsoever that bringing her here had been the right thing.
Soon Daphne made it to the head of the line. She placed her book on the table in front of the author. He looked at her, expecting her to introduce herself, but Daphne merely stared at him, too dazed to speak.
Richard turned the book towards him, pen in hand, ready to sign. "Whom do I make this out to?"
Niles stepped forward. He put a reassuring hand on her back. "This is Daphne."
Richard nodded and began to sign the book. "Are you her husband?" he asked. Most of the people here were women, but a few husbands and boyfriends had been willing to come, too.
Daphne blushed when she heard the question. "N-no. This is Dr. Niles Crane. He's me friend." She slipped her hand into Niles'.
Niles' heart warmed at her touch. But he could not ignore the pain he felt at the way she'd introduced him. He wondered how someone could believe in romance so much, and yet not even see what was in front of her.