She stood at the closed door, suddenly nervous. In the blink of an eye her whole world had changed and she tried to push away the feelings of guilt. But he'd become her best friend and if she'd known how much he was hurting, then perhaps she could have helped him in some way.
Taking a deep breath, she brushed away her tears. She couldn't let him see her like this. It would only upset him even more. Quietly she knocked, but expected there was no answer. And so she opened the door and went inside. As before, the room was dark and she could see the outline of his slender body, huddled beneath the covers.
He looked so peaceful but the sight of his bandaged body broke her heart. Thankful for the darkness, she swallowed her tears and sat on the bed next to him, trying not to disturb him. But she couldn't resist brushing her fingers against his soft cheek. He turned his head, his eyes opening slowly and then smiled at her.
"Daphne..."
"I'm sorry I woke you, Sweetheart. How are you feeling?"
"Much better, but I-." He paused and sighed deeply, indicating that he wasn't better at all. He was such a sweet man, always trying to spare her feelings. In response she put her arms around him and gently rubbed his back. "Everything will be okay, I promise."
She felt him shudder; a sure sign that he was crying again and she wrapped the blanket around his shoulders. "Now, I'll let you go back to sleep."
"Daphne? About the restaurant…"
She smiled at the memory. "Oh yes, the Italian restaurant that you want to take me to on a date? It sounds wonderful, Niles. I'm looking forward to it."
"Can we go tomorrow night?"
She paused in the doorway and looked at him in surprise. "So soon? Are you sure?"
"Yes." He replied without hesitation. "I love you, Daphne."
His smile warmed her heart and she returned to his side, taking a moment to kiss his lips. "I love you too, Niles. Now get some sleep."
When she returned to the living room, Frasier and Martin rose from their chairs.
"How is he?" Martin asked.
"He'll be fine. He's sleeping, but you can go in and see him. Just don't judge him, all right? He's been through so much. Well, I'm going to bed, so… goodnight."
"Goodnight? It's kind of early for bed, isn't it Daphne?"
"You're right, Dr. Crane. It is early. But I have a big day tomorrow and I want to be well-rested for tomorrow night."
"What's tomorrow night?" Martin asked.
Daphne smiled to herself. "Niles and I have a date. No go on and see him, but don't stay too long."
"Of course." Frasier said. "Dad do you mind if I go first? I have an apology to make."
Martin smiled and patted Frasier's back. "Sure, Fras."
Daphne couldn't stop smiling as she went to her room and closed the door, anxious to draw a hot bath and soak in the tub for a while. She wanted to look her best for her date with Niles, and that started with a good night sleep. Her dreams were certain to be filled with images of the wonderful things to come.