Before she was ready, Niles drew back and looked around in embarrassment.

"Is something wrong?" She asked, kissing him again.

"It seems we have an audience."

Niles' nervous laugh sounded like that of a little boy; a sound that Daphne found completely adorable. "Maybe we should-."

"Nonsense." Daphne said. "They're just jealous because you're the most handsome man in the room."

He blushed deeply and kissed her hand. "Or perhaps they're looking at you. You're absolutely stunning and I bet they've never seen an angel in their diner before."

Daphne touched his cheek and kissed him again. "You always say the most perfect things."

"I love you, Daphne." He said, brushing a fallen lock of hair from her face.

"Well, we should probably get going. Your father is going to wonder what happened to us-and your brother might not be too happy either."

Niles sighed. "I suppose all good things must come to an end."

"Only this wonderful evening." Daphne reminded him. "But my love for you will last forever."

He gasped in surprise at her comment. "Oh Daphne..."

"Here's your bill." Mark said with a smile. "Can I get you anything else?"

Daphne smiled at Niles. "No, thank you. I have everything I could ever want right here."

Niles reached into his pocket for his wallet, placing his Platinum Visa on the table.

Almost instantly, Daphne took the credit card and handed it back to him.

"No, Dr. Crane. Allow me."

The card was replaced with a handful of bills from her purse, prompting Niles to touch her hand.

"Daphne, no..."

"I insist." She said with a smile. "You went to so much trouble to show me a wonderful evening, it's the least I can do. But I think I've had quite enough of this place, so why don't we get out of here?"

Niles grinned and kissed her deeply, no longer caring that people were watching them.

"That's the most wonderful idea I've heard all night!" Niles said, practically sprinting out of the diner.

When they got to the car, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her again.

"What was that for?"

"Because I love you." Niles replied.

"Why Dr. Crane, I can't believe it!"

Niles looked at her worriedly. "What's wrong?"

"You've finally managed to steal my heart."

"Well it's only fair..." Niles said, leaning his forehead against hers to kiss her

once more. .

"You stole mine long before now."

(TBC)