That was the best meal I've ever eaten." Daphne said, handing Niles the breakfast tray. "And the rose..."
"Daphne, I-."
She smiled when his face reddened. "It's beautiful, Dr. Crane."
Nervously, he ran his hand through his hair. "I'll just take this downstairs. I-um... I'm glad you liked it."
She noticed the grin that spread across his face continued as he walked into the hallway.
When he was gone, she rose from the bed and got dressed. As blissful as her stay with Niles had been, she
couldn't stay here forever. She'd have to start looking for another place sooner or later.
Might as well be now.
Throwing her overnight bag over her shoulder, she quickly made the bed and then walked out of the room.
"Daphne..." Niles said as she reached the first floor. "What's wrong? Why are you packed?"
She swallowed hard, trying desperately to keep from breaking down yet again. "I don't have a home anymore,
remember?"
"Daphne..."
"It's okay..." She said, the painful memories returning. "I'll just go to Café Nervosa and sit with me coffee and
read the want ads. Surely someone in Seattle needs a physical therapist. I only hope the job comes with a
place to live. Otherwise..."
To her horror, a tear escaped and slid down her cheek.
Wordlessly, Niles removed the bag from her shoulder and sat it on the floor. Then he took her in his arms and
held her. It was nearly impossible to hold back her tears as she laid her head on his chest, sighing at the gentle
way he caressed her back.
Minutes later, she reluctantly let go. "I-I'm sorry I keep cryin' like this. It's just..."
"You can stay as long as you like." Niles said. "F-forever in fact."
"Dr. Crane..."
"I-I mean it. I want you to stay." He said.
"Oh, but I refuse to be an imposition. You have your life-your career and I have..." Her voice trailed away.
"This is ridiculous! I can't believe that Frasier and Dad did this to you!" Niles said angrily.
"It's all right." Daphne said. "I've lost jobs before and... I'm sure I'll find another one."
"Look, I know you're going to hate this idea, but I insist that we go over to Frasier's and work this out." Niles
said.
Daphne's chest tightened with anxiety. "No, Dr. Crane! I can't! They hate me!"
"That's ludicrous." Niles said. "Dad and Frasier could never hate you! They love you!"
Daphne's heart warmed but the anxiousness still showed on her face.
"Daphne, the last thing I'd ever do is cause you to be uncomfortable, but I can't let them hurt you this way."
Niles said.
"But Dr. Crane..."
"I promise I'll fix this." Niles said, enveloping her in a warm hug. "No matter what it takes."