Niles moved closer and then stopped in his tracks, staring at her in disbelief. "Dear God…. Daphne?"

Tears streamed down her cheek and she somehow managed to smile and wave at him, despite her shattered heart. "H-hello, Dr. Crane."

He walked toward her, never taking his eyes off of her. "Wh-what are you doing here? H-how?"

But she suddenly realized that not only had she interrupted his evening, but she was keeping him from his company as well. "I-I'm sorry, Dr. Crane. This was a bad idea."

"Daphne-."

"I-I'm sorry."

Before he could say another word, she ran out of the restaurant. And she'd barely made it to the sidewalk when she burst into tears yet again. The door opened and she heard footsteps approach. But she couldn't turn around. That is, until she felt his hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see his beautiful blue eyes.

"Dr. Crane…"

"Daphne, what are you doing here? Not that I… Mind of course."

She swallowed hard. "I-I came to say that I'm sorry for hurting you, Dr. Crane. That night on the balcony before me wedding! I'm so-."

When she cried harder, she found herself wrapped in his arms. The scent of his cologne wafted under her nose and she clung to him, wanting to hold him for as long as she could. God how she missed him. He held her for a long time and then slowly drew back, his blue eyes filled with concern.

"I-I'm sorry about… my behavior in the restaurant, Daphne. I was just-."

She smiled and took his handkerchief from him, blotting her eyes. "I know… And I'm sorry too, Dr. Crane."

"Daphne, what could you possibly be sorry for? That night, I-."

"I'm so sorry that I hurt you, Dr. Crane! I never meant-."

"I don't understand. What are you doing here? H-how did you find me? Because I never-."

She tried to smile again, but this time it was nearly impossible. "Your brother told me. I know you didn't want him to tell anyone, but-."

Now it was Niles who smiled and took her hand. "It's all right, Daphne. I'm glad to see you. H-how are you and Donny?"

"I'm fine, but I'm sure that Donny isn't."

Niles' eyebrows rose. "I don't understand."

"I didn't marry Donny. I-couldn't…"

"Y-you mean…"

"We broke up. Right after…. I-I told him that I couldn't marry him."

"Daphne…"

"H-he was furious, but-."

Niles moved closer and put his arms around here, but she drew back. "I-I couldn't marry him, Dr. Crane. Not when I'm in love with someone else."

His eyes met hers, and it only took a second before the reality set in. "Oh…"

And her tears followed. "I'm so sorry, Dr. Crane. I never wanted to hurt you. And I only flew across the country to see you because… well, I couldn't just leave things the way they were. Apologizing to you over the phone or through email or even a letter seemed wrong. But I'm glad that you've moved on."

"But Daphne-."

"Well, I should probably let you get back to your-Mel… she's probably furious that I interrupted your meal. Tell her that it's my fault. I'm sure she hates me anyway, especially after… I-I should go." She turned to leave but he gently grabbed her arm to prevent her from doing so.

"Daphne…"

Slowly she turned to meet his gaze. "I-I'm sorry. I-."

"Mel's not here. In fact, we're divorced. Or we will be in a few weeks."

She gasped and her hand flew to her mouth. "Oh no…"

"It's all right. Marrying Mel was a mistake and I wish I had seen it earlier."
"Well, I'm glad that you've found someone else, then."

His mouth curved into a smile. "Actually I'm here alone."

Disbelief came over her. "Y-you are?"

He nodded. "Yes. But If you'd like to join me, I'd be honored."

She wanted to. God how she wanted to, but it was wrong. "I-I can't."

"Why not?"
"Because I…" She turned away once again, but the warmth of his gentle hand on her back made her shiver. Why did he have to be so wonderful?

"You never told me why you came all this way…"

She laughed softly, but then remorse set in once more. "Yes I did. I-I needed to tell you how sorry I ma, for hurting you. That night on the balcony at the hotel. I-I loved you so much. I-I do… love you so much. And after I hurt you, I went back to me hotel room and told Donny that I couldn't marry him."

Niles' gaze softened. "Oh Daphne..."

"H-he was furious. I'd never seen him so angry. I-I went to Roz's room and she convinced me to talk to you. but when I went back to your hotel room-." She knew that she was rambling but she simply couldn't stop. Not now.

"You went to my room?"

Her eyes met his and she thought she'd find anger there but she only found compassion. "Y-yes, I… but the room was empty."

He cursed under his breath, surprising her. "Damn that Mel."

"What?"

"Damn it!" he said louder. His anger toward his soon to be ex-wife surprised her, but she didn't question it. What went on between he and Mel was none of her business anyway.

"Daphne, I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault, Dr. Crane. Really. It's mine. I'm-I'm so sorry."

"Please stop apologizing, this isn't your fault."

"But, I hurt you, Dr. Crane! I-."

He moved closer, brushing a fallen lock of hair from her forehead. "Daphne…"

"I love you, Dr. Crane… I love you so much."

Instead of responding with words, he kissed her forehead and then pressed his lips to hers.