And before she could stop herself, she leaned over and kissed his cheek.
Amazingly, he opened his eyes, bolting upright at the sight of her.
"Daphne!"
"H-hello, Dr. Crane."
He looked around the Winnebago in confusion.
"What's going on? Dear God, you're crying! Did something happen? Where are
we?"
"We're at the Grand Canyon." She said.
"What? Well where are Dad and Frasier? Are they okay?"
"They're fine. They're at the visitor's center."
"Why aren't you with them? I thought seeing the Grand Canyon was your
dream."
"Well, it is..."
"But..."
She blinked, embarrassed when a tear slid down her cheek.
"You've been sleepin for hours and we couldn't wake you. Even Eddie tried! And when your father and brother left, I ran all the way back here. I've never seen you sleep so soundly before and I had to make sure you were all right because I was worried and I-."
She stopped suddenly as though horrified of what she was about to say.
Niles stared at her in disbelief. Surely he was still dreaming. "You came all the way back here for me?"
"You're my friend, Dr. Crane and I care about you... a lot. I don't want to lose you."
"Oh... Daphne..."
Niles held out his arms and smiled inviting her in for a warm hug.
"I'm sorry, Dr. Crane." She said tearfully against his chest as he rubbed her back. "I guess I'm just a bit of a worrier. Me brothers always made fun of me for that."
"I think it's wonderful and it makes you even more of an angel than you already are."
She lifted her head and looked at him. "W-what?"
"I'm so sorry for making you worry, Daphne. I guess I was a lot more tired than I thought. I took on a huge patient load, not knowing that this trip was on the horizon.
All the extra work I've been doing has been taking its toll I suppose, but I never expected to sleep so soundly. "
"I suppose your brother and father are going to be wonderin where we are."
"And I'd hate for you to miss seeing the Grand Canyon." Niles added. "And I can't thank you enough for your concern. You have no idea how much you've touched my heart."
He hugged her again before taking her hand and leading her out of the Winnebago; their fingers entwined as they walked across the expansive parking lot to the visitor's center.