Back at Martin and Ronee's, David was now awake and feeling much better. It seemed he had entirely forgotten about wanting to go home. Martin didn't bring the subject up, but he was secretly pleased that his instincts had been more accurate than Daphne's so-called psychic abilities. He knew he hadn't exactly been a model father when Frasier and Niles were growing up, but at least he had another chance to do things right with David.
The two sat in the living room, watching TV. It was difficult for them to find something they would both enjoy, especially since David shared so many of Niles' tastes. As Martin channel-surfed, he came across an opera on one of the public television stations. Naturally, David got excited at that, but Martin just shook his head. "Nope. I sat through enough of those with your father." He loved his grandson, but he had to draw a line somewhere. A few stations later, he happened upon Antiques Roadshow. "Hey!" Martin said, pleased to have finally found something worth watching. To his surprise, he looked over and saw David also perking up. I should've known, Martin thought, remembering how much Niles loved the show. In fact, it was probably the one show all three of the Crane men were able to agree about.
When David saw Martin put the remote down, he asked, "How come you're not changing the channel?"
"Are you kidding?" Martin asked. "I love this show!" The look on David's face was one of complete disbelief. He had never known his grandfather to watch anything other than ESPN or the occasional action movie. While David's shock slowly wore off, Martin turned his attention to the TV. The appraisers were looking over an antique cabinet that a woman had brought in. As the appraiser examined it, he noted that the doors had a wooden veneer on them. At the mention of the word "veneer," Martin shouted "Veneer," and immediately took a swig of his beer.
"What are you doing?" David asked, clearly concerned about Martin's sanity.
"It's a drinking game," Martin explained. "Your dad and Uncle Frasier and I used to do it all the time when we watched this show together."
"You watched Antiques Roadshow?" David asked. "Together?"
"Well, yeah," Martin said. "Don't tell me your dad never told you about that. I like watching people's reactions when they find out how much their stuff is worth. And of course your dad and Frasier like it 'cause they're into all that artsy antique stuff." As much time as Niles and David spent together, Martin was shocked that David hadn't heard any of this.
"No. I definitely would've remembered that," David said. How come Dad's never mentioned this, David wondered. He had a feeling there was a lot about his parents that no one had told him. "How come you and Dad don't watch it together anymore?"
Martin shrugged. "I don't know. I guess after your mom and dad got together, the three of us didn't really hang out all that much. And your uncle Frasier was busy a lot of the time, too." It was something Martin hadn't really given much thought to until now.
"Oh," David said. He still found it hard to picture his father, grandfather and Uncle Frasier spending time together like this.
Martin saw his grandson was a bit skeptical of the whole story. "We were even on this show once, you know," he said.
"Really?" David asked. Now he was certain his grandfather had made this whole story up just to impress him. There was no other explanation.
"Yeah! I found this old clock buried under a bunch of junk. Your uncle Frasier thought I was insane to have it appraised, until he found out it used to belong to the Russian royal family. That sure changed his tune!" Martin laughed as he remembered his sons' reaction.
Just then, Ronee came into the living room. "Marty -" she began.
David interrupted Ronee before she could finish. "Was my dad really on Antiques Roadshow with Grandpa and Uncle Frasier?"
Ronee shrugged. "How should I know? I only married into this family around the time you were born. Or, technically, just after you were born." Ronee knew she'd never forget Frasier marrying her and Martin at the vet's office, just after Daphne had given birth. She looked over at Martin, and knew he also vividly recalled their wedding day.
"You don't believe me, do you?" Martin asked. "When your dad comes to pick you up, ask him. I'm not making this up. I swear."
"OK. If you say so." David said, still clearly unconvinced. With that he went off to Martin and Ronee's guest room to play with some of the toys Martin kept there for him.
As soon as David was out of the room, Ronee turned to her husband. "So, were you really telling the truth there, or what?"
Martin laughed. "Of course I was."
But Ronee was still unsure. "So where's this clock now?"
"The boys sold it for me," Martin replied. "That's how I got the Winnebago."
Ronee thought for a moment. That part at least rang true. She remembered hearing the story of how Niles and Daphne had escaped from Daphne's wedding in Martin's Winnebago. But no one had ever told her how he'd gotten it in the first place. Maybe if that part was true, the rest of it was. And Martin definitely wasn't the type to make something like that up just to impress someone, not even his own grandson. "I guess that makes sense then," she said, leaving the room.
Now that Martin was alone, he thought it would be a good time to call Frasier back. When his son had picked up the phone, Martin said, "Sorry I had to cut you off earlier. David wanted something to eat, and I figured if I ignored him, he'd get himself into trouble."
Frasier laughed. "No problem. I guess, being part Moon, he's probably more of a handful than Niles and I ever were."
"Nah," Martin said. "He's not that bad. But I don't think he's going to be the sports fan I was hoping for. Oh well."
"Wow, Dad, I'm impressed," Frasier said. He was genuinely surprised that Martin would so easily accept that his grandson didn't seem to share his love of sports.
"I wish he'd gotten into baseball. But there's nothing I can do about it. Besides, maybe my next grandchild will be different. Right, Frase?"
"Maybe, but let's not get ahead of ourselves, OK?" Frasier said, picking up on his father's hint about future grandchildren. "I just hope I'm doing the right thing with Charlotte. I mean, I think I am, but who knows?"
"The only way to know if something's a good idea is to try it. I know you don't like to hear it, but there are some decisions you just can't make by thinking. You probably had a few doubts about letting your old man move in with you, and look how that turned out," Martin said.
Frasier couldn't help smiling. "That's true. And at least I know Charlotte doesn't come with an ugly green recliner."
"Oh, shut up," Martin laughed. "I hope Charlotte knows what she's getting into by marrying you."
"I have a feeling she does," Frasier replied. "And, amazingly enough, she still wants to." He couldn't help laughing. In spite of his doubts, he was anxious to start his new life with Charlotte.
"Well, I'm happy for you, son," Martin said. "Getting married again is a scary thing, but it can be worth it."
"I know that, Dad. You and Niles are both perfect examples."
"Don't get all sentimental on me now," Martin said. "Let's save that stuff for the wedding, OK?" He could hardly believe he was going to be attending Frasier's third wedding. It was even more incredible that Frasier had finally managed to pick a woman that the entire extended Crane family actually liked!
