Their arms full of shopping bags, they paused in the doorway of Café Nervosa to kiss one more. The impromptu gesture made Daphne laugh.
"Niles, what was that for?"
"Well, because I love you and because I wanted to thank you."
"Thank me? For what?"
"For such a wonderful day. There's no one I would rather spend it with."
This time she took the initiative to kiss his soft lips. "You're sweet."
"What can I get you?"
"Some cinnamon tea, please. Oh, my feet are killing me!"
"Why don't you find us a table and I'll be right back?"
While Niles went up to the counter, Daphne smiled wearily when she spotted a table in the corner by the window and nearly collapsed onto the wooden bench. It had been a wonderful, tiring day of shopping and she still had not even begun to wrap the gifts in colorful paper. It was something that she usually enjoyed doing but now the thought of doing so made her even more tired. She closed her eyes and was almost asleep when she felt his lips press against hers.
"Are you all right, my love?"
Her eyes fluttered open as she gazed at the most handsome man she'd ever seen. As always, the sight made her smile. "I'm fine. Just a bit tired."
"Here. Hopefully this will help. But be careful. It's hot."
He handed her the steaming paper cup with the utmost of care as the aroma of cinnamon swirled under her nose. At the first, careful sip, she could feel the liquid trickle down her throat, warming her instantly.
He slid into the empty space beside her and they drank their beverages, laughing and talking about everything and anything. She couldn't remember when she'd had a more lovely time with her husband.
"As much as I'm enjoying this…" He said after a while, "We should probably get over to the office to pick up David."
"You're absolutely right. I-." She paused and looked away, embarrassed by the tears that escaped. True to his nature, his fingertips brushed against her cheek and then reached for her chin, gently turning her face toward him.
"Daphne?"
"Yes?"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I-."
"What is it?"
"I miss David. Isn't that silly?"
Niles smiled. "Of course it's not silly. Not at all. I miss him too. So let's go and get him and take him home."