Slowly they made their way to the parking garage where Daphne gently helped Niles into the car.
"I wish you'd let me drive, my angel." Niles pleaded for what was at least the tenth time since they'd come home from Tahiti. As though trying to tempt her, he reached for her hand and squeezed gently.
She shook her head and lightly touched his cheek. "Just relax Darling and we'll be home soon. I don't mind driving at all."
They drove in silence and when the car slowed in front of Café Nervosa, Niles sighed.
"Daphne can we stop for coffee?"
She turned to him in surprise. He usually didn't like going out this late and she had to admit that this unusual request worried her a bit.
"I think a hot drink might make your sunburn feel worse. Why don't I make you a nice iced drink when we get home?"
His pleading glance melted her heart; the way his eyes took on a boyish glow.
"Please? Actually I'm not really interested in a drink per say. I just thought we could talk."
More worry crept into her chest. This wasn't like him at all. But his sincerity caused her rationality to all but disappear.
"All right. I'll pull over here. Actually after that fiasco at your brother's I could use a bit of tea meself."
Minutes later they were walking through the door of Café Nervosa.
The baristas looked up in surprise; no doubt in shock at Niles appearance but the fact that he was arriving so late in the evening. Fortunately, no one made light of it.
"What can I get for you, Dr. Crane? Mrs. Crane?"
"Hello, Taylor. Nice to see you." Daphne said politely. "I'll have a cup of tea and would you please bring me husband an iced mocha?"
"Daphne, I'm perfectly capable of-."
"Now Niles, I don't want you drinking anything that will make you feel worse."
He reached for her hand bringing it to his lips for a kiss. "Thank you, my angel."
"Whoa! What happened to you?"
At Bulldog's hysterical laughter, Daphne looked up in annoyance. When she glanced at Niles, his expression told her that he was equally as annoyed.
"If you must know, Bulldog I acquired this horrible sunburn on my honeymoon with Daphne in Tahiti!"
"Wait... you did what?"
"I-."
Bulldog laughed even harder. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard! I mean, I can't believe this! Doc Crane ruined his honeymoon! So are you guys headed for divorce or what?"
"BULLDOG!" Daphne yelled, while Niles' mouth fell open in shock.
"Hey, it's just a question." Bulldog retorted.
"Yeah? Well here's an answer; Get out!" Daphne yelled.
When Bulldog was gone, she sighed and turned to Niles; surprised to find sadness in his eyes.
"I'm sorry about that, Sweetheart. Now what did you want to talk to me about?"
Niles took her hands and squeezed. "Daphne, I'm afraid that Bulldog is right."
"What are you talking about?"
He sighed deeply, looking as though he might cry.
"I've ruined our honeymoon."