Happy belated birthday Kristen...thanks for your friendship and support over the years. You're a wonderful author and an even better friend. This chapter, once again, is just for you.

Niles had met Frasier for coffee in order to try to get an update on his wife's status. Hopefully she was well, not too well, but well. That was a bit selfish of him, but a part of him hoped she was as miserable without him as he was without her.

"She's fine Niles. She has a doctor's appointment this morning, but of course you already knew that. So what else is new...let's see, I've added a new piece to my African art collection. You really must see it, Niles. It is the most exquisite and tasteful.."

"Shut up about your African art collection!" Niles practically shouted in anxiety, causing everyone at Cafe Nervosa to look at him. "I want to know about Daphne...is the baby okay?"

"I don't know, as I'm not her physician and I haven't been to any of her appointments..."

With that Niles got up to leave, and he knew what he had to do.

Frasier sighed. Typical Niles, he thought cluelessly as he reached to settle his brother's bill.

00000

"Niles, what are you doing here?" Daphne exclaimed.

"Is this man bothering you?"

"No, Dr. He's me husband," she sighed.

"Darling I couldn't let you be alone today. I wanted to...I needed to be here for you."

"And what a fine visit you've picked to attend your wife's appointment. Today is the day we find out what the baby is...that is if you'd like to know."

Daphne tearfully held on to her husband's hand. "Oh Niles...we will know what the baby is. Isn't that the most amazing thing you've ever heard?"

"Yes, my love," an equally emotional Niles responded. "It truly is."

"Well folks, are you ready?"

"Yes!" They both exclaimed at the same time.

"It looks like you'll be having a boy. Congratulations!"

Daphne couldn't stop the tears from falling, as neither could Niles. She looked at him in a way she hadn't in quite some time- with the love in her heart apparent, Niles also felt something he hadn't in some time- he felt hope.

TBC