My heart was beatin' so fast I could hardly think; let alone believe what I'd almost done.

"I'll just... go in here." I heard Niles say.

Thank God. I wouldn't want him to be around to watch his brother fire me.

When we were alone in the kitchen, I glanced awkwardly at me boss-or rather, my "soon- to- be- ex-boss".

After an uncomfortable silence, we both spoke at once.

"Daphne-."

"Dr. Crane-."

To my surprise, Frasier smiled. "Go ahead."

"I know what it looked like between your brother and me when you walked into the kitchen, but-."

"Daphne-."

"And if you want to fire me, I completely understand. I had no right to-."

"Daphne-."

"Yes, Dr. Crane?"

"I'm not going to fire you. In fact, the thought never crossed my mind."

I sighed with relief.

"Thank you, Dr. Crane."

"I just wanted to apologize for speaking to you so abruptly earlier."

"Oh, that's all right."

"Well, I can't speak for Dad, but my behavior was out of line and I'm sorry."

"Thank you, Dr. Crane. And I'm sorry too."

Dr. Crane smiled and hugged me warmly. When he drew back, he looked at me with concern.

"Is something bothering you?"

I looked away a little too quickly, turning back when I felt his hand on me shoulder.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

I sighed deeply. "It's about your brother."

"I thought so."

Frasier's comment surprised me.

"But how-."

"I saw the way you were looking at him earlier."

"Dr. Crane, I meant no-."

"You have feelings for him, don't you?"

I knew I couldn't lie to him. He'd see right through me.

"I-I never meant for this to happen. I was just tryin' to let Clive down as easily as possible, but-."

"Go on..."

I took a deep breath. "I think I'm in love with him."

To my relief, Frasier smiled. "Have you told him how you feel?"
"I-I don't know how."

"Just be honest. Your heart will speak for you."

I sighed and hugged him again. "Thank you, Frasier."

"You're welcome Daphne."

As Frasier turned to leave, a thought crossed my mind.

"Dr. Crane?"

"Yes, Daphne?"

Since I was so cross with you and Mr. Crane before..."

"Oh, Daphne, don't worry about that. I understand."

"Well, I-."

"Yes?"

I couldn't believe what I was about to say.

"I'll drive Mr. Crane and Stinky to Rattlesnake Ridge."

The mere thought made me cringe.

"Daphne, you don't have to. I already told Dad-."

"I-I want to. It's the least I can do after I put you through so much trouble."

"Are you sure?"

I couldn't help but smile.

"Yes."

"Well, all right. I'll let Dad know."

"Thank you, Dr. Crane."

Although I should have been dreadin' the thought of spending the day drivin' Mr. Crane and Stinky to Rattlesnake Ridge, I found myself smilin'.

Maybe this trip wouldn't be so bad after all.