Chapter 9:
Lilies
He had never brought Daphne to Hester's grave before. Now that they were dating, it seemed only right to introduce them, even though it wouldn't be the introduction he wanted.
"You all right?" he asked her.
"Yeah," she replied. "Just a bit nervous. I know it's only her grave, but it feels like⦠I'm meeting her."
"Don't be. My mother would've have loved you, Daphne. I'm sure she loves you already, seeing everything you've done for us."
Daphne smiled and took his hand, staring at the grave before her.
Niles could remember the funeral as clear as it was yesterday. Frasier took the first flight out of Boston when he heard the news. Friends and family came over. Even Marion Lawler was there, despite the unpleasantness their families had endured so many years ago.
It was one of the hardest days of his life. His mother was always there for him. She was his inspiration, his determination to go into psychiatry in the first place.
Even after all these years, it still hurt.
When he sighed heavily, he felt Daphne's hand squeeze his. He was so grateful for her. Her presence in his life lifted him up and made him feel like the happiest man in the world.
"Hello, Mrs. Crane," Daphne said. "I'm Daphne. Of course you already know that. I wish I could have met you in person, but from the stories, I feel like I do know you. I love your family so very much, and I'm so happy to be a part of their lives."
A slight breeze picked up, and Niles couldn't help but wonder if his mother was communicating with them.
He and Daphne knelt down together. They shared a glance and a smile before returning to their attention to Hester's grave. Slowly, they put down the fresh lilies.
"Thank you, Daphne," Niles said. "For coming with me."
Daphne pressed her head to his shoulder. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
He helped Daphne to her feet. And they stood together in silence, Niles remembering the wonderful times with his mother and the wonderful times he would have with Daphne in the future.
