An hour and a half later, the dinner that he'd worked so hard to prepare was keeping warm in the oven. Taking one last peek to make certain that everything was perfect, he inhaled the aroma of herb-encrusted chicken, chuckling to himself as he wondered if he'd be able to wait for his angel to arrive before indulging into the meal. But he only needed to picture her beautiful face to know that any meal was worth waiting for as long as he could share it with her.

His heart pounded with anticipation and he practically floated up the staircase. When he reached his bedroom, he tossed his clothes aside and headed for the shower. The warm soapy water soothed his nervousness and completely refreshed him. Minutes later he emerged from the shower and dried off with the luxurious Indian cotton towels he kept readily stocked in the linen closet.

Just the feel of the material against his skin proved a memory... a memory of a hot summer night long before he and Daphne were a couple and they almost…

Suddenly the bathroom seemed warmer than ever and he went to the sink to splash cool water on his heated cheeks. But he knew that the temperature in the bathroom hadn't changed at all. It was the image of Daphne wearing a slim white t-shirt fanning herself with the hem of it in front of his oscillating fan. He wanted her so badly that night; God how he wanted her. But it would have been a terrible mistake to act on his feelings. She wasn't his and had no idea how he felt about her.

Thank God for small miracles like the one that brought them together.

A slow smile appeared as he thought about all they had been through to get to this point and he quickened his pace to get ready for her arrival. A splash of cologne that she loved so much followed by a crisp white t-shirt, khaki slacks and a place yellow tie and he was ready for an evening of romance that neither of them would soon forget. The only thing left to do was to slip on his navy blue blazer, the one that Daphne encouraged him to wear on his fictitious date with Phyllis. That night was one of a million missed chances to tell Daphne how he felt, but now it no longer mattered.

After one last check on the dinner, he entered the dining room and looked around to make certain that everything was in place. The table was set for two and a pair of flickering red candles sent candlelight bouncing off of the walls. A glance at his watch made his heart skip a beat. It was 6:55 and his angel would be arriving any moment.

And as if by fate, the doorbell rang. She had arrived.

He crossed the living room and he could only imagine how beautiful she would look. He smiled in anticipation, wondering what she would wear. He hoped it was his favorite dress; the one with-

The doorbell rang again and again, startling him out of his thoughts and suddenly he was horrified. Dear God what was wrong with him? His heart pounded and he hurried to the door, determined to make it up to her. His hand trembled as he reached for the doorknob but it was his mind that raced with a string of excuses, none of which seemed appropriate, or believable.

"Daphne I am so sorry to keep you waiting. I don't know what came over me. I-."

He froze in stunned belief and he could hardly breathe.

"It's about time you answered the door! Is this the way you treat all of your guests?"

He opened his mouth to speak but no words came. And he was met with a familiar smirk.

"What's wrong Niles? Aren't you happy to see me?"

Dear God….