Niles sighed and went downstairs, pleased to find the dinner ready to be placed on the table. Frasier and Lillith had returned from their interview at the Marbury School and were engrossed in conversation with Martin.

"Oh, Niles you're here. Daphne said you and Frederick were having an uncle to nephew moment."

As discreetly as possible, Niles pulled Frasier aside. "Can I talk to you?"

"Sure Niles, is something wrong?"

Niles found himself thinking of Daphne's comforting and supportive words, as well as those of his young nephew. And suddenly he felt as though he could face anything, no matter how painful.

"Frasier I am so sorry about Freddy's injuries. I just feel terrible."

"Now Niles, Dad and I have already discussed it. Frederick will be just fine."

But even the comforting touch of his older brother's hand on his shoulder didn't ease his pain.

"But Frasier, Freddy was in my care! I should have watched him more closely to make sure that he was safe. I didn't mean for him to get hurt. Really, I'm... so sorry."

Frasier turned and embraced Niles; a rare but welcomed gesture.

"Niles, just calm down. Now I know that today is difficult for you but if you just-."

But Niles wasn't paying attention. He was staring at the vision that had entered the adjoining dining room, putting the finishing touches on the Thanksgiving table. She'd changed her clothes and was now wearing a navy blue velvet dress that took his breath away.

Barely acknowledging his brother, Niles crossed the kitchen and wlked into the dining room.

"Let me help you with that, Daphne."

She smiled and continued to set the table.

"That's not necessary, Dr. Crane."

"I insist."

She paused and handed him a stack of desert dishes.

"That's so thoughtful of you."

"It certainly is beautiful in here."

"Thank you, Dr. Crane. I know it's a bit much but ever since I first came to America I've wanted to experience a big fancy dinner. I suppose I got a bit carried away. Think your brother and Lillith will mind?"

"No, of course not .But actually I wasn't talking about the dinner table."

Slowly she raised her head and stared at Niles in astonishment; her cheeks coloring fiercely.

"Dr. Crane..."

He licked his dry lips and tried to ignore the rapid beating of his heart.

"Daphne, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Certainly."

He looked around uneasily. "Perhaps we should go upstairs where it's quiet."

"Oh, but what about dinner?"

"This will only take a moment, I promise."

He led her up the stairs and into the guest bedroom where he'd carefully unpacked his belongings. Not wanting to be disturbed, he quietly closed the door and turned to find her smiling at him.

"Now..." she said gesturing for him to sit next to her on the bed.

"What did you want to talk about?"

"Well, I just..."

"Are you all right? You seem a bit nervous. But don't be. You've always been such a good friend to me and I hope you know that you can talk to me about anything at all."

Boldly he reached for her hand and laced his fingers through hers.

"Daphne I can't thank you enough for taking care of Freddie. I always knew that you loved my father and brother but watching you care for my nephew; the way you showed such compassion... it just warmed my heart."

Daphne smiled and blinked back tears. "I Just-I love that little boy so much and when I noticed that he was hurt, I couldn't help meself."

"Thank you, Daphne."

"You don't have to thank me. I was glad to do it."

"And that's why I love you so much. Or at least one of the many reasons."

Her mouth fell open in shock. "Y-you what?"

He clasped her hands, bringing them to his lips.

"I love you Daphne. Not the way you love Frederick but the way a man loves a woman. I've loved you for so long and I've never been able to find the words to tell you. But today, Thanksgiving Day, Frederick convinced me that I shouldn't waste another minute. This may be my first Thanksgiving without Maris, but it doesn't mean I can't try to win your heart. For you've always been in mine."