Niles headed down the street; his anxiousness increasing with each passing minute. He'd be fine soon. He was sure of it. For the first time since he'd left

his home that morning, he smiled. For in just a few short minutes, he'd be with the people that he loved most.

His car came to a stop in the garage of The Montana and he scrambled to get into the building. It was crazy, this feeling of intense eagerness, that even he couldn't

explain. After all, he'd just seen Daphne and David mere hours ago-when he'd kissed them goodbye, smiling proudly as he watched them sleep.

When David had awoken in the middle of the night, Daphne didn't hesitate to go check on him, choosing to lay him next to her in their bed rather than return him to his

crib. Normally Niles would have objected, but he couldn't bear to discourage such a wonderful moment.

His brother would surely find it irrational; this overwhelming urge to see his wife and newborn son. But right now Niles needed them more than air. The elevator to his

floor was unbearably slow and he considered taking the stairs. But with his heart scare at Frasier's earlier, he didn't want to risk overexertion. Afte what felt like an

eternity, the doors opened and he ran into the hallway en route to his home. His hand trembled as he inserted his key into the lock; his heart warming with

love. For in mere seconds he'd have his goddess in his arms.

"Daphne, my love? I'm home!" Niles called into the living room.

But his greeting was met with silence.

Determined to maintain his cheerful mood, he tossed his keys onto the coffee table and loosened his tie.

"Sweetheart?" He called as he peered into each downstairs room before entering the kitchen.

When he found no sign of activity, he headed up the stairs, eager to sweep his wife and son into his arms and tell them how much he loved them.

"Daphne, my beautiful angel!" He called as he walked into the hallway.

His tie draped over his arm, he grinned mischievously and entered the bedroom.

"You know, my love... I had a patient today who couldn't stop talking about this... completely sensuous dream he had about a woman that he worships

from afar. Why don't we... reenact it?"

He'd used the fictional story often and each time, it sent Daphne into his arms, where she made it clear that a night of passion was sure to follow.

Now he was dismayed to find that the room was empty.

Damn... where could she be?

The faint sound of music drifted from the adjoining room; the nursery. Of course! Why didn't he think of it before?

He ran into David's room, heartbroken when he found it empty.

"Daphne, my sweet? Where are you hiding, my love? And where have you taken our beautiful son?" he asked in a sing-song voice.

Again there was no answer.

With a sigh he walked downstairs, trying his best to calm his frustration. After all, Daphne had every right to leave the apartment with David. She loved to

take him places and show him off, and with good reason. He certainly was the most beautiful baby that Niles had ever seen. But that was no surprise at all, for he

definitely had the world's most beautiful mother.

He returned to the living room where he quickly made himself a glass of sherry, but even that didn't make him happy. He drained the glass and retied his tie before

heading out to his car. Besides his home, there was only one place that made him feel truly content. He'd been avoiding it for weeks, for reasons he couldn't

understand.

But now it was time for a visit.