Chapter 14
Donny is still reeling from what Niles told him. He looks at Niles, not saying a word. Donny remembers when he first met Niles all those years ago. Now here he is standing next to Niles' hospital bed for what may be the last time. Even though he has never been particularly close to Niles, he has always respected him. Seeing him lying in this hospital bed sick and weak, Donny can't help but feel a bit of sadness and remorse. After all this is the man that won Daphne's heart, something that Donny himself couldn't seem to do. A man like Niles doesn't deserve this, Daphne doesn't deserve this. It will be so hard for her to lose Niles, she loves him so much. Their kids will be heartbroken and lost without their father. Donny is willing to do whatever Niles wants of him, whatever it may be.
"Donny? Are you there?" Niles asks.
Niles voice breaks Donny from his thoughts.
"Yes Niles, I'm here."
Frasier takes it as a cue to have everyone leave the room so Niles and Donny can be alone to talk. Once they are alone Donny asks Niles what he wants to talk to him about.
"So Niles, what did you want to talk to me about? When Daphne came to get me, she told me it was very important that you speak to me."
Niles swallows before answering.
"Yes, it is very important."
"Okay, what is it?" Donny asks.
"As you can see I'm not doing too well. I'm very sick and weak, I heard the doctors and nurses talking about how I may not make it through surgery."
"Yes." Donny whispers.
"Well, I was wondering if you could make sure my will is updated and complete. I want to make sure Daphne and the children get everything they deserve. I want them to be taken care of in case I don't make it out."
"I understand, Niles. I will take care of it. I will make sure your will is all up to date and complete. You can count on me. I will always care about Daphne, and I care about your kids."
"I know you do Donny, that's why I am about to ask you to do something that you will be shocked to hear."
"What is it, Niles?"
"If I don't make it out, I want you to take care of Daphne and the children. After a suitable amount of time has passed, I want you to marry Daphne and take care of our children."
Donny is shocked by Niles' request.
"Niles, are you sure?"
Niles nods.
"Yes, I am. I don't want Daphne to be alone, I don't want the children to be without a father figure in their life. I want you to marry Daphne and take care of my children. Can you do that for me, Donny?"
Donny just looks at Niles with a look of disbelief on his face. After a few moments, he finally answers.
"Yes Niles, I will marry Daphne and raise the children if that is what you really want. I will do anything you ask."
Niles grabs Donny's hand.
"Thank you, Donny. There is nobody else I would trust to take care of Daphne and the children."
Donny is speechless, he can't speak. The words just won't come.
Suddenly the silence is broken by a nurse and an orderly bringing in a gurney for Niles. It's time for him to go down to surgery. Donny steps out of the way to let them through.
"Donny could you please tell Daphne to come here?"
"Sure, Niles."
Donny leaves the room to find Daphne.
Meanwhile...
Daphne and the others are standing outside of Niles' hospital room waiting for Donny to come out. Once Donny comes out, he approaches Daphne.
"Daphne?"
Daphne turns and looks at Donny.
"Yes?"
"Your husband is asking to see you."
Daphne smiles.
"Of course, thank you, Donny."
Donny just smiles and nods as he watches Daphne enter her husband's room.
Daphne approaches the gurney that Niles is laying on as she grabs his hand.
"Niles? Donny told me you wanted to see me?"
"Yes, I do. Daphne, I just wanted to tell you that I love you, and I will always love you. Please don't forget that, okay?"
"I won't forget, and Niles, I love you too. I always will. I will be here when you get back, and so will the children. Your dad, Frasier, Roz, Ronee and Charlotte will be here as well. They all love you as well."
"Thank you for everything, my love. Thank you for marrying me and for our three beautiful children."
"No Niles, thank you."
As Daphne says this she leans over and gives Niles a big kiss.
"Okay it's time for us to take him down, Mrs. Crane."
Daphne stands up and wipes the tears from her eyes.
"Yes, of course."
The nurse and orderly start to push the gurney towards the door but Niles won't let go of Daphne's hand.
"Dr. Crane you have to let go of your wife's hand."
Niles let's go of Daphne's hand reluctantly as he drops it next to him on the gurney.
The nurse and orderly push the gurney out the door and pause for a moment so Niles' family can see him one more time.
"Good luck, Niles. We will all be here when you get back." Frasier says as he tries to keep from crying.
"Thank you." Niles says with a smile and a tear.
Charlotte wraps Frasier in a hug of comfort as they watch the nurse and orderly push Niles down the hall towards the operating room. Before long, they are out of sight.
The children begin to sob loudly. Ronee grabs her granddaughters and holds them as Roz grabs David. Even Donny wipes the tears from his eyes.
They all decide to go to the waiting room to sit down. It's going to be a long wait so they better get comfortable.
Donny excuses himself to check on his mother, but promises to come back as soon as he can. He still has to tell Daphne what Niles told him. He has no idea how she will take the news.
To be continued...