As they reached the center of downtown, Niles looked at his watch and groaned.
"Oh no..."
"What's wrong Dr. Crane?"
"Well, it seems I was a bit hasty about getting here so quickly. I thought it would be a good idea to get here early, but I hadn't planned on arriving this early. We still have several hours before the fireworks start."
"We could explore the downtown area a bit." Daphne suggested. "Aftare all, I've never had a chance to see a real Canadian city."
"You're absolutely right." Niles agreed. "And we should start with my buying you lunch."
"Oh, but Dr. Crane you've already done so much for me. I can't expect you to do anymore."
"Nonsense. I want to, Daphne."
She squeezed his hand and smiled. "Thank you, Dr. Crane."
Niles parked the car and they walked hand in hand to a street filled with shops. Niles waited patiently while Daphne insisted on ducking into each and every one, emerging with a handful of shopping bags.
Several hours later they were sharing a table at a romantic sidewalk cafe3, enjoying a meal of croissant sandwiches and a bottle of wine.
Daphne laughed as she poured them each another glass. "The waiter certainly was amused that two Americans would order deli sandwiches and a bottle of wine."
"He certainly was." Niles agreed. "I suppose wine was the wrong thing to ask for."
Daphne clinked her glass against Niles' and took a sip of wine, letting the liquid warm her soul.
"Well, I think it's absolutely perfect."
"Thank you, Daphne." "What on erarth are you thankin' me for?"
"For allowing me to spend time with you. I hated seeing you so upset when Frasier and Dad-."
Her hand covered his, interrupting his thoughts.
"Let's not talk about that now." Daphne said. "I just want to enjoy this beautiful day."
"I'm sorry, Daphne. You're right. This is your day and I don't want to ruin it."
"Dr. Crane you couldn't possibly ruin me day. It's wonderful."
"I'm glad you feel that way, Daphne. But I still-."
"Oh! Can we go to the park?"
Her sudden outburst surprised him and he couldt' help but smile at the excitement that danced in her chocolate brown eyes.
"Of course we can."
Eager to store their packages, they returned to their car and drove to the famous park that lay on the outskirts of downtown.
"Oh my..."
"What's wrong?"
Daphne gazed at her surroundings as they walked through the elaborate wrought iron entrance.
"It's so beautiful."
It was indeed spectacular. Everywhere Niles looked, he could see an endless array of flowers in every type and color imaginable. He never dreamed anything so beautiful could exist in Canada, except for the exquisite creature standing next to him. With trembling fingers, he took her hand and led her into the park.
They hadn't walked more than a half mile when Daphne suddenly let go of his hand and pointed to something in the distance.
"Oh, Dr. Crane, can we go on a carriage ride through the park?"
He glanced up to see a white horse carrying a beautifully decorated carriage, complete with a driver. The thought of riding next to what was surely a filthy, mistreated and undernourished animal made him cringe and he was tempted to object.
But when he saw the dreamy faraway look in his angel's eyes, he knew he couldn't possibly say no.
"Of course we can."
"Oh, thank you, Dr. Crane!"
Before he knew what was happening, he was engulfed in her arms; the sweet scent of her perfume wafting under his nose. He held her close, taking the opportunity to rest his head against her soft skin.
If he could freeze this moment in time, he would be happy for the rest of his life.
