She was so deep in thought that the feeling of her husband's warm lips on her cheek and his embrace startled her. "Niles…"

"What's wrong my love?" he asked softly. "Did something happen today?"

She looked into his beautiful, compassionate eyes as even more tears fell onto her cheeks. "Oh Niles, I'm a terrible mother!"

He reached into his pocket for a handkerchief and blotted the tears from her eyes. And then he took her face gently into his hands, kissing her lips. "Daphne, don't ever say that. I beg of you. It's complete and utter balderdash and I can't understand why-."

"Because I'm exhausted, Niles! When David and I were walking around the zoo, I could hardly keep up with him! We saw each and every animal at least twice! He rode every ride, he-."

Niles chuckled. "Our son is quite the adventurous little boy, isn't he? No wonder you're tired."

But she shook her head. "No, you don't understand, Niles. I'm more than exhausted. Coming home tonight, I could hardly keep me eyes open while I was driving. You should have seen the angry looks people were giving me on the freeway! I was afraid that I was going to fall asleep and that something terrible would happen to us! I drove slower than your father!"

Again Niles' laughed but his amusement made Daphne cry even more. "It's not funny, Niles! I'm worried!"

His smile faded and his hand stroked her cheek. "What are you worried about?"

"I'm tired all the time, Niles! And I can't keep up with me son! I can't! Maybe I'm too old for this!"

"For what?"

"To be a mum!"

He drew her into his arms, kissing her forehead as she cried onto his chest. "Nonsense. You're never too old to be a mother Daphne. And you're a wonderful mother. David loves you very, very much and so do I.

"I love David too. And you, Niels. But I don't want David to think that I don't love him because I can't do the things he wants me to do."

"Sweetheart, David would never think that." Niles reassured her. "But here's what I think… in case you're interested."

She lifted her head from his chest and kissed him. "Of course I'm interested."

"You're right. You need your rest. You've been working so hard, taking care of David and Dad and even me. But Dad's getting stronger and better every day. It's true that he's older now and doesn't move as quickly as he used to, but you've helped him tremendously and for that I will forever be grateful. But I think that he could go without his exercised for one day a week. Two should be plenty."

"But Niles-."

"Daphne, I don't want you wearing yourself out." He said steadfastly. "It's not healthy for you or for anyone. And believe me… Dad will understand." Niles chuckled. "He'll probably be thrilled with the news."

Daphne laughed at the possibility. "He will, won't he? Oh, I love you, Niles."

"I love you too, Daphne."