The kiss continued, becoming deeper, sweeter and more demanding. And he was fully aware that neither of them was reluctant to pull away. Even as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer, he could hardly believe this was happening.
Daphne had kissed him! And not just any kiss but the kind of kiss he'd always dreamed of sharing with her.
When he drew back, he could see the tears sparkling in her eyes. But instead of the pain he'd seen before, he saw a smile that warmed his heart.
"Daphne..."
"I'm sorry, Dr. Crane. I-I know that-."
"You don't have to say anything, Daphne. I... You have no idea how happy you've made me."
"But-."
"Do you have any idea how long I've wanted to kiss you? To hold you in my arms and tell you how much I love you? And now you've given me the courage to do just that. I do love you, Daphne. I've always loved you, from the moment we first met. You're kind, sweet, considerate and the most compassionate and loving woman I've ever known. And I'm sorry for getting so angry with you before about the casserole dish. I just hate to see you hurting or in pain and I'd do anything to make you happy."
"Dr. Crane..."
He smiled and brushed a lock of hair from her face. "Yes, Daphne?"
"I... I don't know what to say."
"Say that you forgive me for yelling at you. I'd never hurt you and I hope you know that."
She smiled and kissed him once more. "Of course I forgive you. How could I possibly be angry at anyone who is so sweet and kind and caring? If it weren't for you, I don't know what would have happened."
"Well, you wouldn't be in pain, that's for sure. I'm so sorry, Daphne. I-"
Daphne took his hand and squeezed. "That's not what I meant. I mean... If it weren't for you, I'd never have known how you felt about me."
"Maybe that's not such a good thing, though."
Daphne hugged him warmly, placing a kiss on his cheek. "Of course it's a good thing. In fact, it's a wonderful thing."
His eyes lit up and he couldn't help but smile.
"You mean-."
"I mean that I care about you, Dr. Crane. And I'm so sorry things aren't working out with your wife. I know how much you love her."
"Well... I did love her but- wait... what did you say?"
"I said, I'm sorry things aren't working out between you and Mrs. Crane."
"But... How did you know that?"
"Well, I -."
"Oh right... You're psychic."
"A-actually, Dr. Crane I can see the pain in your eyes. And if there's anything I can do-."
"I don't want to impose, Daphne."
"You could never impose. You're family and we love you."
"We meaning... Dad and Frasier right?"
To his surprise, she blushed deeply and looked away. "Of course that's what I meant."
But the real answer was written on her face. And his heart sang like never before. The words weren't important because her actions told him everything he needed to know.
"Daphne, can I tell you something?"
"Of course, Dr. Crane what is it?"
"I-."
He stared at her for a long moment, gazing into her beautiful eyes.
"Dr Crane, are you all right?"
"For the first time in my life, I'm fine, Daphne."
"What were you going to tell me?"
"Oh..."
He moved closer and closer until their lips touched once more, the kisses even more magical than their first. He could feel his heart beating rapidly as she slid her hands around his neck and drew him closer, deepening the kiss. And when she drew back she smiled at him.
"That's the most wonderful thing you've ever said to me."
"Then let me say it again, Daphne." Niles said as he grinned and pulled her toward him once more for another kiss. And he knew in his heart that there would be many more kisses to follow.
THE END
