Chapter 7

As soon as Niles and Daphne entered Frasier's condo the whole room filled with excitement. You'd almost think it was Martin who missed Daphne the most, for his face lit up like the fourth of July.

"Daphne! You're back! Does this mean you're back for good?" Martin asked excitedly.

"Yes, and she's not alone," Niles proudly declared.

"Oh dear God tell me Gertrude's not with her," Martin mumbled before opening another can of beer.

Daphne laughed. "What Niles is trying to tell you all is that we're having a baby!"

Everyone stared at her. Frasier was the first to speak up. "Niles what have you done? Not to be tactless but are you forgetting that Daphne is a married woman?"

"No, dear brother, and thank you for pointing that out. Obviously the baby is Donny's, but I don't care. Daphne and I have pledged to raise this child together. This child will want for nothing. I just hope you are all as excited as we are about it!"

Martin gulped. "If it makes you two happy then of course I'm happy. Does this mean I'm going to be a grandpa again?"

Daphne, knowing how much Martin missed Frederick, went over to hug him. "Of course you will be grandpa. You can see the baby whenever you like."

That thought also occurred to Frasier, and he too missed his son terribly. "Does Donny know? I can't imagine he will be too happy to allow another man to raise his child."

"Frasier shut your yap for once," Martin declared. "This is a happy occasion. We have time to sort all of that out later. Right now is a time for you to bring out one of your fancy bottles of champagne, although none for you Daphne. I'm going to be a grandpa!"

Daphne's eyes welled with tears. "Oh Mr. Crane, I'm so happy that you feel that way. When I found out I was so scared you would all hate me..."

Now it was Frasier's turn to hug her. "Daphne you're one of the family. What you've done for my brother I can never repay. You're one of us, don't you realize that by now?"

She smiled. "Oh Dr. Crane, I love you."

Niles coughed.

"And of course I love you too Niles, more than you will ever know."

And for once, all was right, that was until the doorbell rang.