"Niles, sweetheart, what's wrong?"
Before he could protest, she was out of her seat, taking his hand coaxing him out of his. Her arms went around him and to his horror, a small sob escaped. He hadn't meant to become so emotional. He wanted to forget about what brought them to this moment, and just enjoy the happiness that they had shared. But it haunted him and he knew that unless he was completely honest with his love, his past would continue to haunt him for a long time.
Her fingertips went to his cheeks, brushing away the tears that were embarrassingly making their way in rivers down his face. And then he was in her arms, inhaling her wonderful sent, dampening her beautiful dress with his ridiculous sadness.
"Sweetheart, what is it? Don't cry, darling. It's all right." She was saying, whispering into his ear. "Please, tell me what's wrong."
He drew back and kissed her, smiling sadly at the way her beautiful face was blurred by his sadness. "I'm sorry, Daphne. I'm so sorry. I've ruined this night and I planned for it for so long. I'm so sorry."
"Niles, stop apologizing. You didn't ruin anything. It was the most wonderful dinner I've ever had in me life. And I hope you'll take me to that restaurant. I know it's more of a restaurant that you and your brother like to go to, but-."
"I will, Daphne. I'll take you anywhere. I'll do anything for you. You know that I love you and I always will. I just-."
"Niles what is it? Please tell me. You're scaring me."
He took her hand and led her to her chair. She sat down and watched as he went to get his own chair and moved it next to hers. And then he took both of her hands and stared deeply into her eyes.
"Daphne, something has bothered me since that night… three hundred and sixty five days ago."
"Niles, I don't know what you mean. What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about Mel. Daphne, I'm sorry that I was such a coward. I'm sorry that-."
Her fingers grasped his cheeks (gently of course) preventing him from speaking further. "Niles Crane, just stop it right now. There's nothing to apologize for. You're not a coward at all. You're a brave and incredible man and I love you very much. I'm sorry that I got so angry at you that night. The way you stood up to her…" Daphne's voice broke and tears slid down her cheeks. "I was so proud of you and I realized that I loved you even more than before. Finally we could be together. And the fact that you offered to take me anywhere-."
"I will take you anywhere, Daphne. Anywhere at all, just name the place."
She looked around and smiled. "This place looks pretty perfect. Thank you, Niles, for this wonderful dinner. It was incredible and such a perfect way to spend our anniversary. I'm sorry I was confused about the occasion at first. But I promise that I'll never forget that day and what it meant to me; the walk we took that night in the park, your arm around me shoulders, my head resting against your chest. I might not have remembered the exact date, but you can be sure that I'll never forget this day either, as long as I live." She moved to kiss him but he drew back and smiled at her confusion.
"Niles, what are you-."
"There's more…"
Obediently she rose to her feet following him around the corner. And she gasped yet again. "Niles…"
He looked at their surroundings in satisfaction and smiled, drawing his beautiful wife into his arms. Everything was perfect; more than perfect. "Happy anniversary, my love."
A/N: Thanks for reading Ch 4. Reviews are appreciated.