(Daphne's POV)
Martin took a bite of his breakfast and smiled. "Hey Fras, these pancakes are wonderful! Why in the hell don't you make these at home?"
Frasier of course wore a proud smile. "Well, thank you Dad. I think they're rather tasty myself."
"Sure are." Martin agreed, taking another bite. "They're a hell of a lot better than Daphne's pancakes, that's for sure! Those things are like cardboard!"
Overcome with emotion, Daphne burst into tears. Niles was beside her at once, attempting to comfort her while he and Frasier chided their father for his insensitive comment.
"Dad, how could you?" Niles shouted.
"You know she's pregnant!" Frasier pointed out. "And pregnant women are extremely sensitive!"
When Niles held Daphne close she leaned into him, crying into his robe. "I'm sorry…" She whimpered tearfully.
"Don't apologize, Daphne." Niles said in a soft, but firm voice. "If anyone should be apologizing here, it's Dad! He's been completely insensitive! His cruel and hurtful comments were uncalled for!"
But she shook her head. "No Niles…"
"No what?"
"I'm not upset about what your father said."
"You certainly should be." Frasier said. "Dad had no right-."
"But it's not your father who made me cry, Frasier."
"Then what is it, my love?"
She looked tearfully into her husband's crystal blue eyes. "It was you, Niles."
His mouth fell open in completely disbelief and even Frasier and Martin looked shocked.
"Me? Daphne, what are you saying?"
She took his hand and caressed it, bringing it to her lips for a kiss. "I'm saying that I love you so much, Niles."
"I love you too, Sweetheart, but-."
"When you said those things to Maris on the phone-."
He sighed deeply and hung his head low. "I know, Daphne. And I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have gotten involved but she doesn't have anyone else and-."
"It's not that, Niles. I understand why you did it."
He was looking at her with such concern that it made her love him even more. "But I don't understand, Daphne. What have I done to upset you?"
"Nothing. When you told Maris that you have a beautiful, pregnant wife who always comes first…"
He grinned shyly, clearly relieved that he was no longer the blame for her getting upset. "Yes, my love?"
She took his face into her hands and kissed him. "That's the sweetest thing you've ever said about me."
"Well, I meant every word."
"You really think I'm beautiful?"
"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."
But she shook her head. "No, I'm not."
"Of course you are!"
"I'm huge, Niles! I'll never get this weight off after the baby's born! I didn't want to say anything about it because I didn't want to worry you, but now…"
"I'll help you, my love. And don't worry. If it doesn't happen right away, you'll always be beautiful to me, no matter how much weight you lose or don't lose. I can't think of a better way to gain weight than to be carrying our child. I love you so much." He leaned down and pressed his lips against her stomach, kissing it softly. "I love you both more than you will ever know."
More tears slid down her cheeks and she kissed him passionately. When the kisses ended, she couldn't resist kissing him again… and again.
And soon neither of them realized that they were the only ones left in the living room of their home at the Montana.
