"You look worried, Dr. Crane. Is something on your mind?"

"Actually there was, but now I can't really remember what I was going to say." He lied, sniffling to avoid a nosebleed.

She smiled and touched his arm. "Well, that's all right. Perhaps we can just sit here and enjoy the peace and quiet."

Suddenly he was so tense he could hardly breathe.

"Are you all right?"

He sighed deeply. "Actually, No Daphne. I'm not all right."

"What's wrong?"

"Um, well... I have a gift for you, but I'm a bit nervous about your reaction."

"But Dr. Crane, you've already given me a gift! The sweater and scarf are absolutely beautiful although I can't quite figured out how you know that those colors are me favorites. I don't think I've ever told anyone before; not even your father or brother. How did you know?"

Niles smiled to himself. Ever since they met, he'd made a point to find out everything he could about her, simply by his observations. He wanted to tell her, but to do so might upset her.

"It doesn't matter." She said after a silence that was much too long. "I loved them and I can't wait to wear them. They're absolutely perfect. But really, Dr. Crane, you don't have to buy me another gift. You're much too generous!"

"Actually, Daphne I didn't buy anything."

She stared at him in confusion. "But you said..."

He swallowed hard and reached for her hand.

"I do have a gift for you. But it doesn't come in a box."

"I don't understand."

"I may have scoffed at Frasier's ridiculous offer to tell us how much we mean to him, but that doesn't mean I can't do the same for you."

"Dr. Crane, what are you saying?"

Slowly he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it, amazed at how soft her skin was.

"Daphne, this may come as a shock to you since we've been friends for so long. And even now I can hardly believe that I'm about to do this."

"Do what, Dr. Crane? What's going on?"

He took her other hand and slowly moved his thumb back and forth across her skin.

"I hope this doesn't jeopardize our friendship in any way, but it's a chance I'm willing to take."

"Dr. Crane, you're scaring me a bit. Is-is something wrong?"

"No..." he whispered. "In fact, everything is perfect. Or it will be."

"Dr Crane, whatever you're trying to say, just say it. I promise that I won't be angry or hurt. Please..."

He swallowed hard smiling as he brushed a lock of hair from her forehead.

"Daphne, I'm in love with you."