He smiled watching her, sleeping like an angel. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. And unbeknownst to her, he loved her with all of his heart.

Carefully tucking her in, he brushed a few strands of hair from her forehead and kissed her cheek.

"Goodnight, my love." He whispered as he quietly slipped out of the room.

When the kitchen was clean and the snack bowl and glasses were put away, Niles put on one of Frasier's classical CD's and sat on the sofa. He closed his eyes, willing himself to relax, but the task was impossible.

He knew that he should be thinking of Mel. It had been hours since he'd last spoken to her and she was bound to be livid, but frankly he didn't care.

The only person he cared about-the only one who mattered-was Daphne.

He shuddered as the horrible memory of what he'd done rushed back and he could no longer enjoy the beautiful music that surrounded him.

Even Eddie, who had bounded onto the sofa and who was now resting his head on Niles' leg provided little comfort.

All Niles could think about was Daphne and the look on her face after she'd fallen onto the table, landing on her wrist.

With a sigh, he scratched Eddie's head and was barely aware of the dog kissing him on the cheek.

Suddenly a noise startled the dog, sending him scampering off of the sofa leaving Niles alone once more.

And strangely the feeling hurt deeply.

Niles swallowed hard, grateful to be alone. He closed his eyes and when he opened them again he was surprised to find them filled with tears. Had he been among others, he would have brushed them away in shame. But instead he let them flow freely.

"I'm so sorry, Daphne. I never... I never meant to hurt you. How could I have done something so horrible to someone I love so deeply? I just-."

He heard a small gasp and looked up to find that he was no longer alone.

"Daphne..."