(A few weeks later)
True to his word, Frasier was very supportive and reduced her work load around the condo. He made sure that she took her vitamins and kept up with her doctor's appointments. But most of all (perhaps against his will) he made excuses for Daphne's absence whenever his brother came to visit, either unannounced or planned in advance. She would quickly excuse herself to her room or make arrangements to be gone whenever Niles was due to arrive. She knew it was childish, avoiding Niles in such a silly manner, but she simply wasn't ready to tell him that she was pregnant with his baby. She was barely able to believe it herself.
"You understand, don't you, Mr. Crane?" She asked Martin one evening.
He turned down the corner of his newspaper. "Look Daphne, this is between you and Niles. It's not any of my business. But honestly, I don't see him getting all upset over this, even though he's in for quite a shock."
She lowered her head. "It wasn't supposed to happen."
"Yeah, but Frasier is right. It did happen and you've got to tell Niles, and tell him soon! Otherwise he's going to figure it out on his own and I would hate to think of what would happen then."
She sighed. "He must absolutely hate me!"
"Na, not a chance in hell of that."
"But how can you be so sure?"
"Because he loves you. And you love him!"
"What? But I never-."
"You didn't have to. I've seen the way you two look at each other."
"But-."
"Look, just pick up the phone and call him."
"A-all right, but-."
"Oh yeah. Right." Martin scrambled out of his chair. "You know, I just remembered that I promised some of the guys that I'd meet them at... well, I can't remember where but I'll figure it out on the way. And Frasier has a late meeting tonight so you don't have to worry about him."
Daphne smiled and kissed Martin's cheek, much to his chagrin. "Thank you, Mr. Crane."
"Don't worry. Everything will work out fine."
When she found herself alone at last, she sank into Martin's chair and picked up the phone. With each ring her heartbeat increased. Finally the ringing stopped.
"Dr. Crane's office."
"Hello is this Mrs. Woodson?"
"Yes it is. I-Daphne, is that you?"
"Yes."
"Oh, how nice to hear your voice!"
"Thank you. It's nice to hear yours too. I-Is Dr. Crane in?"
"As a matter of fact, he is. I'll get him for you."
"Thank you."
She waited patiently, but it was hard to breathe. And then she heard his voice.
"Niles Crane."
"H-hello, Dr. Crane. Niles."
"Daphne…"
"You don't mind my calling you at the office, do you? Or that I'm calling you by your first name?"
"Not at all. I just… How are you?"
"Well, I-."
"I've been so worried about you."
Her heart caught in her throat. "You have?"
"Yes, you have no idea. It seems that every time I come over to Frasier's or call that you're not around and I-well, I can't help but worry. Are you sure you're all right?"
"Well, I wasn't feeling well a few weeks ago and your brother took me to the doctor and-."
"Dear God, why didn't anyone tell me? A-are you all right?" His voice was frantic and full of concern. This was why she loved him, and was beginning to realize that she'd loved him for a long, long time.
"I'm much better now."
"Well, thank God for that but I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I assume that Frasier took good care of you?"
She smiled. "Yes, he was wonderful, and so was your father."
"Thank God." He said again. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
She squeezed her eyes shut as the tears made their way down her cheeks and she worked to keep her voice steady. "Actually there is something."
"Just name it and I'll do it. Whatever you want or need or-."
"Niles? I need to speak to you right away. In person."
There was a pause, as though she'd caught him off guard. "Oh… all right. Of course. Well, I'll have Mrs. Woodson reschedule my remaining appointments and-."
"Café Nervosa?"
"Yes, that's fine. It's close to my office and-."
"I know."
"All right, I'll be there as soon as I can. And Daphne? Don't worry about a thing. I'm here for you always."
More tears slid down her cheeks. "Thank you, Niles."
After she hung up the phone she changed her clothes and ran a brush through her hair (with a spritz of perfume) and then ran out the door. Her life as she knew it was about to change forever.