"Damn it, Niles..." I heard Dr. Crane mutter as he stared at the doorway. I sniffled, causing him to turn around in surprise.
"Daphne... I didn't know you were standing there. Oh dear God... You heard us talking didn't you?"
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop, Dr. Crane but I was stuck in the kitchen and I didn't really see any other way out."
"It's okay, Daphne... But what about you?"
Unable to hold in my emotions any longer, began to cry and held out my arms, prompting him to hold me.
"Daphne... It's all right." He said rubbing my back.
"No it's not, Dr. Crane! I hurt him so badly! And now he hates me!"
"Niles does not hate you! Clearly he's even more in love with you than he was before."
"I know, that's me point! I had no idea that what he was saying was true! I thought he was trying to look good for those horrid friends of Maris'!"
Frasier shook his head. "Dear God... Maris. She certainly was a bad choice on Niles' part wasn't she?"
"But he loved her... so much."
"That's true and I was truly happy for him. That's why it pained me so much that she never put as much into their marriage as he did. Because you see, when Niles loves someone, he loves them with his whole heart."
I looked away and blinked back tears when I felt Dr. Crane turn my face toward him.
"Daphne, you were only trying to help him and I truly believe that he hadn't planned on sharing his feelings. But now that things are out in the open, I think you should talk to him."
"But I can't! What would I say?"
When Dr. Crane smiled, I realized that Niles had said those exact words about me only moments before.
"Do you think he'll ever forgive me?"
"Oh Daphne... of course he'll forgive you. He loves you. But how do you feel about him?"
I thought about it, and there was only one answer. "I think I love him too."
"Then go talk to him."
"But where..."
"I can guarantee you that he hasn't gone far."
I hugged him again and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Dr. Crane."
I hurried to me bedroom and changed me clothes, hoping to find the perfect outfit.
But who was I kidding? Niles would never forgive me so what did it matter what I was wearin'?
I put the flowered dress I was holding back in me closet and opted for a pair of jeans and a light blue sweater.
I'd wanted to feel comfortable when the inevitable happened.
With a sigh I walked back into the living room and grabbed me purse.
"My, don't you look nice?" Dr. Crane said, smiling when he saw me. I know he was trying to be polite, but I was still grateful for his kindness.
"Thank you Dr. Crane but-."
He walked toward me and hugged me again. "Everything will be fine. I promise. Just go talk to him."
"But where-."
Dr. Crane smiled knowingly. "You'll find him."
And as I walked out the door, I knew just where Niles had gone.