Now I Know Love Exists
Standing Up For Niles Part Two
"As a wedding gift to both you and Niles, allow me the honor of officiating," Frasier requested upon hearing Daphne's idea of surprising Niles with a wedding at the park.
"Mr. Crane…" Daphne hesitated, uncertain how to ask her next request. "It would be mean a lot to me if you could walk me down the aisle."
Martin smiled. "I would be honored. But only on one condition Daph."
Through her tears of joy, "What's that?"
"You call me Martin or Dad, whatever makes you most comfortable."
She drew Martin into a hug and chuckled. "Thanks…Mr. Crane."
Now I Know Love Exists
"…my one true love. I will cherish you all the days of my life and treasure the journey that has brought us to this most wonderful perfect place. I spent my entire life looking for you My Love, but it had always alluded me until now. I even had doubts if love really existed until I met you. Not only did you take care of me, you mended my broken body and spirit…"
He lifted one of her hands that were now cupped in his, and placed it on his heart.
"…but you also mended my broken heart. In my most darkest of hours, you came to my rescue and stood by me. You taught me how to love and more importantly, how to be loved. Because of you and your love for me, I now know love exists because you are standing right in front of me and holding my hand. Daphne Moon, you are my one true love, not just today, but for the rest of our lives and I will devote the rest of my life to loving you and taking care of you. I love you now and always."
"I love you too Niles Crane," Daphne whispered.
Daphne sniffed and cleared her throat and in a much louder voice declared her love.
"I, Daphne Moon, do take thee, Niles Crane, as my husband. I promise you my fidelity and my support, my laughter and my tears, my constant friendship and my unending love as long as we both shall live. Niles. You've taken my childhood dream and have turned it into reality. No longer do I have to wish on shooting stars.
Niles Crane you will forever be my knight in shining armor. I love you."
"Niles and Daphne will now exchange rings to confirm the vows they have just made to each other."
Daphne turned to Audrey who handed her Niles' ring, as Frasier handed Niles Daphne's.
"Now repeat after me…I, Niles, give you this ring as a confirmation of the vows I made to you today."
Niles, followed by Daphne, exchanged their rings.
"Niles and Daphne would now like to share a poem by Goethe that they feel best expresses the love they share and have for one another."
"That is the true season of love…" Daphne began.
"That we alone can love…" Niles followed.
"That no one has ever loved so before us…"
"And no one will love in the same way after us," Niles concluded.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife…" Frasier declared. "You may now kiss the bride."
With trembling hands, Niles started to lift Daphne's veil.
In His Dreams
Just as he had done in every one of his dreams, and with her hands atop his trembling ones to guide him, he slowly lifted her veil.
Just as he had done in every one of his dreams, he had tears rolling down his cheeks.
Just as he had done in every one of his dreams, he was about to kiss the woman he loved more than anyone in this world.
Just as he had done in every one of his dreams, he cradled her face in his hands and prepared to kiss her.
With her assistance, he leaned in to kiss her.
He gasped and slightly staggered backwards.
He placed and ran his still trembling hand over his face and felt Frasier's strong hands on his weakening shoulders.
"Do you need to sit down Niles?"
Afraid he would pass out at any minute, he nodded.
With both Frasier and Daphne's help, Niles was guided to a nearby park bench.
"What's going on?" Martin asked as limped over to the bench.
"I'm sure it's just another one of his panic attacks," Frasier shared his snap diagnosis with Daphne and Martin, and then to Niles he instructed like he had done so many times, "Just put your head between your knees and I'll go get you some water."
He did as Frasier instructed.
"We'll be right back son."
"I'm terribly sorry, Daphne. I didn't mean to embarrass you, especially on your wedding day…" he breathlessly apologized.
She soothed his back with the palm of her hand.
"I-I don't what happened up there…" he attempted to explain. "I just suddenly felt weak in the knees and was feeling lightheaded…"
"You don't owe me any explanations," she lifted his face and now placed her hands on his cheeks and wiped away at some of his tears that were now flowing harder.
He sniffed.
This time was different.
This time he wasn't dreaming.
Sensing something was still wrong, "What is it My Love?" she pleaded for him to open up to her and to tell her what was wrong.
To be continued…