Daphne Moon Married Me Again by Patrick Councilor
Niles had been kneeling at the front of the hospital's chapel for hours upon hours, trembling and praying. There was a new Crane born today, yet Daphne had fallen into a Coma. Niles was coming unglued. His face had dried streams of tears across his cheeks. He had no more tears left to cry. He had called to God and he requested the gathering of all the saints and angels in heaven to watch over his beloved Daphne.
He had given his blessings for his brother and father to go see his new born, but he didn't want to see his new child without his soul mate.
The door to the chapel opened and Martin hobbled in. "Niles, your brother is back with the food. It's time you ate something."
"I'm not hungry Dad," he said in a solemn tone.
"Niles, you gotta eat. You're gonna want your strength when Daph wakes up."
He glanced his father's way. "You're right. I just want to say another prayer or two."
"Well, alright, but don't take too long." Martin turned and started for the door.
"Dad?"
"Yeah, son."
"As a police officer, you must have dealt with a lot of people going through tragedies…"
"Sure."
"How do I get through this? How do I get through the next hour, the next minute, the next moment?"
"You pray a lot. And it also helps to remember the wonderful times you've shared."
"Thanks Dad."
[ Niles thought of the moment he returned from meeting with the Commodore ]
Niles put the key into the door of his Montana apartment. By the time he unlocked and opened the door, Daphne was right there to greet him.
"Roses!"
"Yes, my love," he kissed her before handing them to her.
"You're not acting like someone who just signed away two and a half million dollars. What happened?"
"I will tell you later." He threw an arm around to the small of her back and drew her in for a beautiful and generous kiss.
"Oh my, what is that for?"
"I have just realized, after signing away two point five mill, that I don't need money to know that I am the riches man on earth. No one can buy what we have."
"Oh Niles, I love you. Now, let me put these in water."
"Alright, but then I want you to get ready. I am taking you out tonight. We'll get a sitter."
"Out? What did you have in mind?"
"Oh… I want to dine you… and then take you out dancing."
"Dancing! Oh, that sounds wonderful."
He cupped her jaw with his hands and gave her a whispering kiss. "You have no idea just how much I love you."
"Oh? I don't?"
"No, you couldn't possibly."
"And why is that Niles?"
He leaned in to emphasize is words. "Because I have not yet begun to find any limitations to my feelings for you. It seems like they are stronger love."
"Stronger than love?" she questioned as she found a vase and put the flowers in it. She started for the kitchen for water, but stopped to ask, "Then what do you have planned after dancing?"
He couldn't stop grinning at her. "Funny you should ask. After dancing, I will take you home…"
"Yes?"
"And I will give you a full foot massage. Then I will proceed to paint your toe nails."
Daphne laughed that beautiful laugh. "Oh, I love you Niles Crane."
[ Back at the hospital's chapel ]
Niles whispered the words as he found more tears in his eyes, "I love you too Daphne Crane."