She drew back and stared at him in disbelief. "You what?"
Dear God, please don't make me say it again. His silent voice pleaded. But he knew that there was no going back now. "I-I'm in love with you. A-and I know it's wrong… I've known it ever since Frasier first introduced us, but I can't help the way I feel. And if you can't, won't or have no desire to return my feelings, I'll understand. I'll leave and never bother you again. I-I just… Talking to Dad tonight made me realize that time is in limited supply and that there's so much I want to say to you and so little time to say it. But Daphne-."
She rose from the sofa in one fluid motion and went to the large picture window behind the piano. It was then that he realized that his father was no longer standing outside. And then he noticed a small sound, coming from the direction of where Daphne stood. He too rose fluidly and went to her, stopping just short of where she was. His hand trembled as he reached for her back, his fingertips brushing lightly against her hair. She whirled around, and he was crushed to find that she was crying softly He'd upset her; he'd made her cry.
"Daphne I'm so sorry, I never meant to upset you. I just-."
"Hold me, Dr. Crane, please." She said, surprising him.
"H-hold you? I-um, well of course. I can-." His arms went slowly around her and held her close. And this time he was vaguely aware of her arms around him. "Daphne, are you all right?"
She sniffled and lifted her head. "I will be. This isn't your fault. It's no one's fault and there's nothing to be guilty for because neither of us has done anything wrong. I guess the movie just made me a little emotional and now this…"
"I knew this was wrong. I should have never-."
Her fingertips pressed lightly against his lips, causing a shiver of desire to go through his body. "Hush… I don't want you to blame yourself. This isn't your fault. I'm just… surprised by all of this."
He nodded wordlessly, feeling like a dejected little boy. But then her fingertips were on his chin, raising his gaze to meet hers.
"But it's a wonderful surprise."
He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I-it is?"
"Well, yes, of course. I mean, I never dreamed that you felt this way about me and I don't know what to think about it."
"You don't have to-."
"Of course I do. You deserve an answer; an honest, heartfelt answer as quickly as possible. I've always loved you, Dr. Crane. As a friend. You're kind, sweet and always there for me. And even when we have our disagreements or you drive me completely batty, I know I'll never find another friend. I don't want to lose that; ever. So if you don't mind, I'd like some time to let this all sink in."
He nodded again. "Absolutely, take all the time you need. And if the answer is no, I can accept that."
Her lips went to his cheek. "I'm completely flattered by all of this. You're wonderful, Dr. Crane. Don't ever forget that, all right?"
"Thank you, Daphne."
"Now, why don't we go inside and finish watching the movie, all right? Or better yet, we can watch something that you want to see. I promise-."
"Um, do you mind if I talk to Dad for a minute?"
"Not at all. I'll just make us some tea."
"I won't be long." He assured her.
"Take your time, Dr. Crane."
He made his way through the hallway until he came to his fathers' closed door. He pressed his ear to the door where he could hear rustling, indicating that his dad was still awake so he knocked gently.
"Yeah?"
He opened the door and went inside. "Dad, can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure, son. What is it?"
Niles tilted his head. "I think you know. I-um… I talked to Daphne."
"I saw. So what happened?"
"She um, started to cry. And then she told me that she had to think about it."
"That's understandable. It's a lot to take in."
"I love her, Dad." he blurted out.
"Then go to her, Niles. She'll let you know how she feels when she's ready. In the meantime, just be there for her. That's what love is all about anyway, being there for each other."
Niles chuckled. "Thanks."
His heart pounding in his chest, he made his way into the living room. But when he reached the sofa, he froze. Daphne was curled up on the sofa, sound asleep. The sight warmed his heart. He moved closer and when he reached her, he lifted the blanket that lay across the back and draped it over her body. And then he sat down beside her and wrapped her into his arms, boldly kissing her soft-as silk cheek.
Almost immediately she snuggled against him, her head pressed against his chest. "I love you, Dr. Crane." She said.
The words made him feel like he could fly. It wasn't the heartfelt answer he'd been longing for, nor did it seem that she was even aware that she'd spoken them. But they were a promise of things to come. And that promise was more wonderful than he could have ever hoped for.
THE END