The opera resumed. When Romeo and Juliet's inevitable deaths finally happened on stage, Daphne began a fresh round of tears. Niles silently reached over and grabbed her hand, desperate to console her. Through her tears, Daphne smiled at him. "I know it's silly of me to be crying at this. I mean, it's just a story, right?"

"Well," Niles began. "I think this is what theater is supposed to do, if it's any good. Make you feel something."

"Thank you," Daphne said, squeezing his hand. "I know it might not seem like it, but I really did have a lovely time."

"It was my pleasure," Niles replied. "Would you mind if we walked around awhile before we picked up the car?"

"All right," Daphne said. Without thinking, she slipped her hand into his. The gesture caused Niles to gasp immediately.

They walked out of the opera house and on to the sidewalk. The parking lot was crowded as people began fighting one another to exit. But Niles managed to lead Daphne away from the stampede to a quieter part of the street. He then stopped walking and faced her. "I'm glad you had such a good time tonight," he said.

"I can't thank you enough for inviting me," Daphne replied. "It certainly was a nice change from spending the evening with your father." She laughed.

"I thought you'd enjoy a night out." Niles took a deep breath. "Daphne, there's something I have to tell you." He said the words quickly, not giving himself a chance to back out.

"What is it, Dr. Crane?" Daphne asked, noticing for the first time the way his eyes seemed to shine in the moonlight.

"Remember what you were saying in the theater? About how you wished a man would love you like Romeo loved Juliet?" Niles could hardly believe what he was hearing himself say.

Daphne nodded, wondering what this could be about. Now that she thought about it, she really had been a bit silly, overreacting to the play as she had.

"And about how love at first sight never happens in real life?" Niles continued. "It does exist. I know it does, because it happened to me once."

Suddenly Daphne's heart skipped a beat. "What?" she asked, although she already knew what he was going to say.

"It happened the first time I saw you," Niles said, as he gently touched her cheek.

Daphne was speechless. "Dr. Crane, I-" she began. Whatever she had been planning to say completely went out of her head. Suddenly, he was kissing her. When they finally separated, Daphne found herself feeling breathless. Unable to speak, she wrapped her arms around him. "That was wonderful," Daphne said when she finally found her voice.

Niles kissed her again. "Thank you," he said.

"For what?" Daphne asked. "I should be thanking you. This whole evening has been perfect."

Niles pulled her even closer. "Yes," he replied. "It certainly has."

The End