Daphne, is something wrong?"

She smiled, brushing a tear from her cheek. "Actually no. It sounds silly but in a way I'm glad that Donny and I broke up. H-he was all wrong for me. More interested in his work than in his fiancé. I can just imagine what me life would be like if we had..."

Her voice trailed away, leaving her unable to continue. Quickly she brushed more tears from her cheek. "Look at me, crying like a child when you... ooohh..."

She winced, her hand moving to her injured wrist. "It seems that me pain pills have worn off already. I'd better take some more."

Niles sprang from the sofa. "Allow me."

He returned seconds later with her pain pills and a glass of water.
She smiled gratefully, taking the items from him and then took the medicine.

"Thank you, Dr. Crane."

Niles smiled. "You're welcome. Now, you should probably get some rest."

"I think you're right. I'm just going to lie down for a bit. Goodnight, Dr. Crane."

"Goodnight, Daphne."

She headed for the bedroom but then turned and walked back toward him.

"Is something wrong?"

"I've never thanked you for everything you've done for me."

"Daphne, you've thanked me more than enough. There's no need to-."

To his complete surprise, she hugged him once more and then kissed his lips. It wasn't a romantic kiss by any means but one of friendship and overwhelming gratitude.

And it was the most heavenly feeling he could have ever imagined.

"I'm so sorry about Mel." She said, finding comfort in the warmth of his chest as she rested her head against it. "I know how much you care for her."

"Thank you, Daphne. That means a lot to me. Especially since you and Donny-."

"I-I know."

"I'm so sorry, Daphne. Are you going to be all right?"

She held him a little closer. "I-I think so."

After a long moment he drew back. "Well, I should probably be going. You need your rest. Goodnight, Daphne."

As he turned to leave, she took his hand.

"Dr. Crane?"

"Yes, Daphne?"

"You probably have plans or work to do and I have no right asking you this but I'm a bit dizzy and getting to me room might be a bit difficult, so would you please-."

Niles' heart soared and he could barely fathom what he was hearing.

"I'd be glad to."

Daphne smiled and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you, Dr. Crane."

Feeling even weaker, she leaned against him as he put his arm around her. Together they went to her room and he helped her into bed.

"Would you like for me to read to you?"

"That's very sweet of you, Dr. Crane."

He sat down in the chair next to her bed and picked up the book, thumbing through the pages until he found the place where he'd left off.

He'd barely begun to read from the page when she stopped him.

"Is something wrong, Daphne?"

"I'm sorry, Dr. Crane. You read beautifully and I love listening to your voice but would you do me a favor?"

"Of course Daphne. I'll do anything for you."

Daphne smiled. "Would you just hold me until I fall asleep?"

Niles swallowed hard, realizing that his dream had finally come true.

She moved over, allowing him to climb onto the bed next to her. And when he took her into his arms, she leaned against him, feeling more content than she'd ever felt in her entire life.

Her eyes slowly closed and she drifted off to sleep. She awoke hours later, expecting to be alone.

But he was still there, holding her in his arms.

She smiled at his handsome face, illuminated by the moonlight and kissed his cheek.

"Goodnight, Dr. Crane."

And then snuggling against him she fell asleep once more, dreaming of the man she loved.

Her best friend...

Niles.

THE END