Morning finally broke on what was perhaps the longest night of Daphne's life. She'd spent most of the previous night in her bed, sobbing into her pillow.
She cried for Niles, for Baby and for her own life, of which without her family and the Cranes, would be incredibly lonely.
She was loved of course and she loved her family, as much as they drove her crazy. She loved the Cranes as well; Frasier, Martin... And Niles.
But something was missing.
She wanted romantic love. The kind of love that made one's heart turn in circles, similar to what happened whenever she saw Niles, or thought of him.
Her heart racing, she quickly shoved the thought from her mind. She shouldn't be thinking such things. Dr. Crane was her friend, and friendship was more important than love.
Or at least that's what she kept telling herself.
Still, she couldn't stop thinking about him. He was so sweet and he didn't deserve to be going through so much pain. Even though she was sure that Baby's burial had brought him closure, she longed to go to him and make sure that he was all right.
After making breakfast, she left a note for Frasier and Martin and headed for the door. But no sooner had she reached for the doorknob, the doorbell rang. And when she opened the door, her heart skipped a beat.
"Dr. Crane... I was just..."
He looked her up and down, noticing the purse in her hand.
"Oh... you look like you were just on your way out, so I'll-."
"Actually Dr. Crane, I was just on me way to see you."
He swallowed hard, laughing nervously. "Oh..."
She hugged him warmly. "I was just so worried about you."
The concern seemed to surprise him. "You were?"
"Of course I was! I care about you, Dr. Crane. After all, you're me best friend!"
"Thank you, Daphne. That means a lot to me."
They hugged once more as Niles looked around the room. "Where are Frasier and Dad?"
"Oh, I'm afraid you just missed them." Daphne said. "They went to McGinty's for a beer. I know you're a wine drinker but I'm sure that if you hurry over there, they'd be happy to have you join them."
"Actually Daphne, I came to see you."
Her heart warmed. "Y-you did?"
He smiled shyly. "Yes. Um... Daphne, can I talk to you?"
"Of course. Why don't we sit on the sofa? Would you like something to drink?"
"Thank you, Daphne. I think I'll make myself a sherry. Can I get you anything?"
Niles' kindness overwhelmed her. This was her home and yet despite his pain, he still managed to be a perfect gentleman.
"I'm fine, thanks."
But as soon as she declined his sweet offer, she saw the disappointment in his eyes and she didn't want to cause him anymore pain. As he turned to cross to the sofa, she called to him.
"Dr Crane?"
"Yes, Daphne?"
"If it's not too much trouble, a cup of tea would be nice."
To her surprise, he walked to the sofa and squeezed her hand.
"You could never be any trouble, Daphne. I'd do anything for you."
His kind words warmed her heart and she couldn't help but smile.
Niles retreated into the kitchen and then returned to the living room, carrying a cup of hot tea.
"Here you are, Daphne."
She took the cup from him and smiled.
"Thank you."
He sat down beside her on the sofa and sipped his sherry.
"Now, what did you want to talk about, Dr Crane?"
He said nothing for a long moment but continued to stare into her eyes. And the way he was looking at her caused her to worry.
She took his hand in hers. "Dr. Crane, are you all right?"
He swallowed hard. "I-I just wanted to..."
And then she knew. This had to be so difficult for him.
"You're still upset about Baby, aren't you? Well, I can understand that. I'm afraid it might hurt for a long time. But just remember, your father and brother love you and your father especially knows what you're going through. Now, I know that I'm not as educated as your brother, but I am your friend and I care about you, so if you ever need me, I'm here for you."
He smiled then. "I'm glad you feel that way, Daphne. Because there's something that I want to give you."
Before she could respond, he handed her a small box wrapped in green paper and tied with a silver bow.
"Dr. Crane you didn't have to buy me a gift! This is much too generous."
"Please accept it, Daphne."
"Well, all right."
With trembling hands she untied the ribbon and then carefully removed the paper, revealing a white box. As she lifted the lid and unfolded the tissue paper, she gasped in surprise.
"Oh, Dr. Crane..."
Making no effort to brush the tears from her eyes, she removed the small silver frame, running her fingers across the glass that protected the picture.
"Baby..."
The sweet bird was sitting on her perch, appearing to be smiling for the camera.
"I know it's probably not what you were expecting, but I just thought... Well, you loved Baby too, so I..."
Her hand went to her heart. "Dr. Crane, this is... the loveliest gift I've ever received. I'll treasure it. Thank you so much."
Overwhelmed by his kindness, she wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek.
"You're welcome Daphne but actually I have something else to give to you."
"Another gift? Dr. Crane, I hardly deserve it and it's far too generous! You're such a sweet man, but I don't want you spendin' all of your money on me."
"Actually I didn't."
"I-I don't understand. What else could you possibly give me?"
Slowly he moved closer until she could feel his breath on her face. And then his hand swept the hair from her forehead, moving lightly down her tear stained cheek.
"Daphne, you're so beautiful." He whispered, never taking his eyes off of her.
The compliment stunned her and warmed her heart at the same time.
"Dr. Crane..."
He was kissing her then; sweet, soft kisses that left her breathless and she found that she didn't want them to stop. Her arm went around his neck and she pulled him closer, wanting so much to deepen the passion.
And when he drew back, she looked into his sea blue eyes, unable to believe what had just happened.
"Wh-why did you do that?"
The expression on his face told her that he was as surprised by the kisses as she was, and her heart beat rapidly in anticipation of his answer.
"I-I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done. No one has ever treated me with such kindness. If it weren't for you, I don't know how I would have coped with..."
His words were stopped by her tender kiss and she took him into her arms, gently stroking his hair.
"I care about you so much and I hate to think of you hurting. You've always been there for me and I don't know how to thank you enough."
"Daphne can I tell you something?"
She touched his cheek and smiled. "Of course. You can tell me anything."
He paused only seconds before he spoke again. "I love you."
She was so stunned that she drew back and felt herself sinking into the sofa cushions.
"Oh..."
"Daphne, I'm sorry for surprising you like this, but losing Baby made me realize that if I didn't take this chance I might lose you too. And I can't bear the thought of it. Because I love you so much."
She bit back a sob and kissed him again.
"Oh, Niles..."
The sound of his name on her lips made him gasp in surprise.
"I need to know something." He said between kisses.
"All right."
"How do you feel about me?"
She smiled and touched her forehead to his. "I think I love you too."
His eyes filled with tears and he pulled her into his arms for the warmest hug she'd ever received.
"You have no idea how happy you've made me, Daphne. And I promise to love you the way you deserve to be loved."
She stared at the picture frame again, smiling at Baby's sweet face. "Thank you for giving me the most wonderful gift I could ever imagine."
"My sentiments exactly." Niles said as their kisses began anew.
THE END
