When they'd hugged the last guest and bade them goodbye, Daphne turned in her fiancé's arms. "I can't thank you enough for this, Niles. I love you so much."

He kissed her softly, lightly pressing his forehead to hers. "I love you so much too. And it was my pleasure."

She squeezed him tighter and gazed around the room at the scattered scraps of wrapping paper, colorful strands of ribbons, the helium balloons and the many gifts that were more than one baby could possibly need. The thought of Niles going to so much trouble to throw her a shower brought tears to her eyes, making her love him even more.

His hand moved upward, his fingers brushing her tears away. "Please don't cry, my love."

The softness of his voice earned him a tender kiss and she looked into his eyes of blue, smiling. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm a little emotional these days."

He drew in a breath that was slightly staggered, indicating that he was holding back his own tears. "I hate to admit it but I've been a little emotional as well. I can't believe we're going to have a baby. I actually broke down in tears at work a few days ago. Thankfully no one noticed"

"Are you really happy about this, Niles?"

He kissed her again. "Yes, I'm extremely happy. I can't wait to meet our son or daughter."

Daphne sighed and softly touched Niles' face. "What did I do to deserve you?" It was meant to be a compliment but his smile disappeared. "Niles?"

"I'm so sorry, Daphne."

She drew back, staring at him in disbelief. "What you do possibly have to be sorry for?"

"For being such a coward. For not telling you soon-."

His words were stopped by her lips on his. "Let's not talk about that anymore, all right? If anyone's at fault it's me, for not realizing sooner. I feel so terrible that you went through so many years of loving me. And all that time, I never knew-."

"It's all right, my angel. Please don't cry. It's in the past. I'm sorry I brought it up. You're right. It's not important anymore. The important thing is that we're together now. I know that the wedding is a little ways off, but knowing that you'll be my wife soon is well worth the wait." They kissed again, putting all of their heart and souls into the passionate embrace. But all too soon he pulled back, causing her worry yet again.

"What's wrong?"

His shy, mischievous grin quelled her worry but only a bit. "Nothing's wrong, my love. And as much as I want to continue kissing you... and other acts...there's something I want to show you in my apartment."

"In the bedroom, I hope." She said, giving him a mischievous grin of her own as she slid her arms seductively around his shoulders and kissed him deeply.

He laughed in that unique way that she loved so much. "Well, not exactly in the bedroom, but it's close by. I made sure of that."

Her eyebrows rose and she tilted her head. "I don't understand."

His hand slipped into hers and he brought it to his mouth for a kiss. "Come, my angel. Let's go home."


Later at The Montana

Their fingers entwined, he led her up the stairs, pausing for a moment to kiss her so gently that she felt tears spring to her eyes. His soft hands cradling her face, his gentle lips on hers made her heart feel as though it would overflow with love for him. "I love you, Sweetheart." She whispered against his lips.

He smiled but said nothing as he continued to lead her through the winding hallway until they came to a closed door. "All right. Are you ready for your surprise?"

"Yes, of course. But Niles, you really don't have to-."

"I wanted to." he replied when the impromptu series of kisses ended. "Now, close your eyes."

"Niles..."

"Go on."

His boyishness made her laugh but she did as he asked. She could hear him turn the knob and open the door. There was a soft creek and his hand was suddenly on her back guiding her through the doorway.

"All right. You can open your eyes."

Her heart was pounding as she did as he asked and she gasped, her hands covering her trembling mouth. "Oh Niles…"

In a daze she walked further into the room, which had once been a guest room. Now it was completely transformed. The room was much larger than she remembered, and now instead of a wooden desk and sleek wooden nightstands and a queen sized bed, it held a cherry wood crib, a bassinet, and matching wood dresser, stuffed animals of all shapes and sizes, a beautiful wooden rocking horse, blue and green bedding, a basket of toys, and everything a baby could need-even more than the gifts she'd received at the shower.

"Look up." He instructed.

Her eyes moved upward and he turned off the light, revealing an entire universe of stars that magically appeared on the ceiling. It was as though they were standing under a star-filled sky instead of the most beautiful baby's room she'd ever seen.

And the sight made her cry. "Oh Niles, this is beautiful. How did you ever-."

"Well, I had a lot of help, um, from Frasier, and Roz… and Dad. They all chipped in."

"Niles, I can't believe that you did all of this. I mean, it must have been so much trouble."

He turned to her, his hand running lightly up and down her cheek. "Oh my love nothing is too much trouble for you or our child. I want him or her to have the most wonderful childhood possible. And what better way to begin than to give a room that will grow with him or her."

She kissed him again and again. "Thank you so much, Sweetheart. I love it. I absolutely love it."

"And I love you, Daphne."

The kisses continued, and when they were both breathless, he took her hand. "Come, my love."

"Where are we going?"

"There's something I want to show you. In our bedroom."

"Niles, another surprise?"

"No, not a surprise. Well, perhaps. Depends on how you look at it."

"What are you saying?"

"I want to show you how much I love you."

Her heart fluttered. "Oh… Are you sure it will be all right? I am pregnant after all."

"What did your doctor say?"

She felt a familiar twinge but she let it pass. She didn't want to bring up the subject of doctors at the moment. It was much too complicated and she didn't want anything to ruin this beautiful moment. And so she simply smiled, grateful when he seemed to understand.

"Don't worry, I'll be very gentle."

The idea of losing herself for the first time to this man made her feel impossibly loved. But as much as she wanted to, she couldn't take the risk. "I-I know, but-."

His look was clearly one of disappointment and her heart sank. "I'm sorry Sweetheart. I just... I don't want to risk anything until-."

"It's all right. We have plenty of time for that. But would it be all right if I just held you in my arms and listen to your heartbeat?"

She kissed him softly, letting her lips linger on his for as long as possible. "My favorite place in the world is in your arms."

Once again his hand slipped into hers and he coaxed her out of the nursery. "Come, my love."