(Daphne's POV)

"Niles, will you stop pacing the floor? You're going to wear a hole in the carpet!"

From her place at the window, Daphne looked at her friend and his father. Martin was such a grumpy old man-especially when it came to things like this. Given that Martin had been through so much after he was shot in the hip, she thought that he'd have more sympathy when it came to hospitals and loved ones. But it appeared that the bullet lodged in his hip had only made him grumpier. It couldn't be easy, suddenly being forced to leave a job that had become so much a part of one's life, and that thought softened her a bit.

"Dear God, what's taking them so long? It's just a routine operation for God's sake!"

Niles' voice startled her out of her thoughts and she could see Frasier doing his best to comfort him. But sadly, it seemed to be of no use. Niles was much too apprehensive. The poor man, he was so worried about his wife.

Daphne wished there was something she could do, but she was certain that Frasier could do a much better job at comforting and reassuring Niles than she could.

After all, he was a trained professional and she was just a physical therapist from Manchester. She smiled, watching the Crane brothers talking quietly and she couldn't help missing her brother Stephen. She had seven other brothers, but she and Stephen shared a special bond. She could talk to him about anything-the way she could with Niles.

"Frasier, I appreciate what you're trying to do but I think I need to be alone." Niles was saying in a trembling voice that was loud enough for her to hear. "Now if you'll excuse me-."

"Niles, come on."

"Fras, leave him alone. He's just worried."

Daphne knew that she shouldn't intervene on such a private family moment, but Niles looked so sad standing there all alone, staring out of the window.

"Look, I'm going to get some coffee." Martin finally said. "Come on, Fras."

"But we can't just leave him-."

"Come on… he said he wants privacy, we should give it to him! Niles? Daphne? We won't be gone long."

"All right." Daphne said quietly.

When the Crane men were gone, Daphne slowly crossed the waiting room and stood next to her friend. She reached out and touched his back, hoping not to startle him. But when Niles turned around, she was stunned to see that he'd been crying. Clearly he was embarrassed at his display of emotion and he returned his gaze to the window. But she slowly touched his arm, coaxing him to face her once more.

"It's all right to be afraid." She said quietly. "Hospitals are scary places. I hate them myself. But everything is going to be okay. I know it."

"H-how? How can you possibly-."

"Because I feel it here… in my heart."

She smiled and took his hand, bringing it to her chest. The instant his fingers touched her blouse, she felt her heart rate increase and the rush of breath that left him.

"I-I can't lose her, Daphne! I just can't! I-."

His handsome face was blurred by the tears in her eyes and she pulled him into a hug trying her best to soothe his fears. "You won't lose her. I promise."

She could feel him holding onto her and she stroked his back, wishing she could take away his pain and fear. "It'll be all right. Just wait and see."

"It's just plastic surgery, they do these operations every day. And you're right… The doctors know what they're doing. I know it's hard… the waiting, but I'll stay right here… with you. Just… try to relax. Everything will be okay. Now, why don't you sit right here and I'll get you some tea?"

"But Daphne-."

She put her fingers against his lips, feeling the way her heart warmed at the softness. "Hush now. I'll be back before you know it."

When he gave her a small smile, she burned her fingers lightly across his tear-stained cheek and then hurried to the nearest vending machine. It wasn't gourmet tea by any means but it would have to do for now. Within minutes she returned and handed him the steaming cup of tea.

"Here you are, Dr. Crane."

He took the cup willingly. "Thank you, Daphne. I-."

"Dr. Crane?"

They turned around to find a man dressed in scrubs walking toward them.

"Yes, I'm Dr. Crane."

"I'm Dr. Sternsstein, your wife's plastic surgeon."

Niles swallowed hard and grasped Daphne's hand in hers. "H-how is she?"

When the doctor smiled, Daphne thought she might start to cry.

"She's in recovery. I'm sorry for the delay. We wanted to make sure that everything was all right before we gave you the news."

Daphne felt Niles' grip tighten and she ran her thumb over his soft, masculine skin. "How is she, Dr. Sternstein?" she dared to ask.

"Everything went beautifully. She's doing very well."

Niles gasped audibly. "Wh-what?"

"Maris is going to be just fine."

Daphne was so relieved that she impulsively hugged the stunned doctor. "Oh, thank you!"

"C-can I see her?"

Dr. Sternstein gave a nervous smile as Daphne pulled out of his arms. "Of course. Just give me a few minutes and I'll take you to see her."

"I can't thank you enough for this." Niles said, shaking the doctor's hand forcefully. "Expect a sizeable donation to the plastic surgery department for this."

"Well, that's very admirable Dr. Crane but it's not necessary. I'll be back in a few minutes."

When the doctor turned to leave, Daphne brushed the tears from her cheeks. She had a feeling that Maris would be all right, but there was always that small doubt….

And she wasn't prepared for the action that followed.

"Daphne, how can I ever thank you?"

The unexpected warmth of Niles' arms around her provided a warmth unlike one she'd ever known and she sank into his arms, daring to rest her cheek against his.

"You don't owe me anything, Dr. Crane."

In response, he held her tighter. "I owe you the world…. for being there for me. Thank you, Daphne. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Tears spilled onto her cheeks as she kissed his jaw. "I feel the same way about you."

"Dr. Crane?"

"Yes?"

"I'll take you to see your wife now."

"Oh… All right."

Niles pulled out of Daphne's arms and she watched with tears in her eyes as he followed Dr. Stentsein into the hallway, disappearing from sight. And not five moments later, Frasier and Martin turned

"Where's Niles?"

Daphne smiled at Martin, no longer caring about her disheveled appearance.

"He's with his wife… right where he belongs."