Daphne Moon… Would You Marry Me… Again by Patrick Councilor
The plane started its decent into Chicago. A smile crossed Niles face as he thought of how they had Dad, Ronee, Roz, Sean, and Alice over for dinner the night after he proposed to Daphne. He thought of how their faces lit up when they told them the news. Daphne recalled how he had called her "Daphne Moon" when he proposed again when it should have been "Daphne Crane". Everyone laughed so when Dad announced that if Daphne would have hyphenated her name, she would have forever been known as "The Moon Crane". Niles couldn't help but smile. It would make a great title for a love story. They asked if he and Daphne were going to go on a second honeymoon. Niles replied, "Of course, we've already been married twice and have only had one honeymoon. We need to balance out that ratio."
He couldn't stop smiling. He looked down at the pamphlets they had gotten from the travel agent. They had it narrowed down to a handful of places to go on their second honeymoon. He had ones on Hawaii, Bora Bora, Canes, Seychelles and Australia in his hand. He tucked them in his jacket pocket. With the plane on approach for landing, he thought it was best not to get his brief case out to tuck the pamphlets back into it.
They agreed to watch David while Niles and Daphne went on their second honeymoon. Martin and Ronee would have him first, then Roz, her boyfriend Sean and Alice would watch him.
Niles thought of their first real kiss. It was at the ball that Daphne had given him the dancing lessons for. What an elegant night that was.
The plane landed and taxied to the gate. Niles was excited to see his brother again. He impatiently waited for the seat belt light to extinguish. Finally, they disembarked and the crowd of passengers headed for the baggage claim area.
Frasier and Charlotte would be waiting for him. Oh, how he'd have to tell them how Daphne's face lit up so when she came down stairs and found all of the flowers.
There was Frasier standing next to Charlotte waving his way. Niles made his way over. He shook hands with his brother that somehow ended in a hug and then he hugged his sister-in-law.
"How was your flight?" she asked.
"It actually seemed to take forever and the landing was a bit eventful."
"Well," Frasier toned in. "They don't call it the windy city for nothing."
Niles wanted to tell them everything, but he didn't want to do it in the crowded airport. He had only his brief case and a carry on, so they headed straight for the car.
When they reached the car, Charlotte noted, "Daphne has been calling. She's been trying to reach you."
"Thank you Charlotte. I'll turn my cell phone on now. You don't mind me calling her while we're in route do you?"
"Of course not," Frasier said as he took his brief case and bag to place in the trunk of the car.
Once they were buckled in and on their way, Niles phoned home. "Daphne, my love. I just landed."
"Did you tell Frasa and Charlotte yet?"
"No, not yet. We're just leaving the airport."
"Niles, there was a man that came by looking for you."
"Yes, he was very well dressed and insisted on speaking with you."
"Oh, did he leave a name?"
"Mr. Brenshot. Do you know this man? He seemed rather pushy."
"I'm sorry about that my love. Brenshot… Brenshot… no, I can't say that that name rings a bell. Did he say his visit was pertaining?"
"He wouldn't tell me. He said he had to speak to you in person."
"Well use the door's peep-hole next time and if he comes back, only speak to him through the door. There is no reason anyone should be abrupt with you."
"Do you know what this is about?"
"I have a good idea. A few weeks ago, I ordered two cases of Château-Branaire Ducru St-Julien Bordeaux. When I went to pick up my order, Raphael was very insistent that I ordered three cases. When I refused to purchase the third, he became outraged. He threatened that this was not the end of that ordeal. Mr. Brenshot is probably his litigator he has released on me as a scare tactic. There is nothing to be concerned about. Frasier and I have spent enough at his store over the years to put his grandchildren through college. It's just an intimidation strategy. If he leaves a number, I will gladly meet with him when I return."
"If you say so Niles. Have fun with your brotha and don't worry about me. If this bloke returns, I'll show 'im who's boss."
"That's my girl. I love you so and miss you."
"Miss you too love. I was able to schedule the church and reserve the reception area, but the church would like us to come in for a talk."
"Well done Daphne. I'll help you with everything upon my return."
"You're such a good man Niles. I can't wait to see you again."
"And I you. I love you Daphne."
"I love you too."
Something was bothering Niles. The Montana was a secure building. How did Mr. Brenshot gain access to the building without authorization from someone within? He shook it off. Daphne would listen to him and not open the door for him again.
"Is everything okay at home Niles?" Frasier asked politely.
Niles smiled. "Oh yes, never better."
It wasn't long after the phone call that Charlotte pulled the car up to their house where they helped Niles inside with his bags.
"Sherry Niles?" Frasier asked.
"That would be splendid, but first, I have some news to share."
Frasier stopped short of getting the sherry. "What is it Niles?"
He smiled from ear to ear. "Daphne and I are getting re-married."
"Hey!" Frasier and Charlotte gave his solid hugs. "That is good news. I think this calls for some champagne." Frasier headed into the kitchen.
Charlotte gave Niles another hug and a kiss on the cheek. "That is wonderful news. Daphne must be so excited."
"Oh yes, she is."
Frasier returned with three empty glasses and a bottle of champagne on a silver tray. He set the tray down and handed Niles the bottle. "Niles, would you do the honors?"
He took the bottle and loosened the wire clasp from around the cork. "We're having a full blown wedding this time and Frasier, I'd like you to be my best man."
Frasier's jaw dropped open for a moment as he took the news in. "Niles, I would be honored to be your best man."
Niles popped the cork and it went flying across the room. Frasier and Charlotte held out their glasses to help Niles avoid the champagne from bubbling over.
