"Well, did you find anything you liked at the mall?" Niles asked when his wife came in the front door.

Daphne smiled. "Yes. Several things, in fact."

"I'm glad," Niles said, kissing her. He took her hand, examining her bracelet. "There are only two charms on here."

"I got this one because it says family, and that's the most important thing in me life," Daphne said, showing him the charm.

"That's very nice. I've always loved how much you care about others." From the beginning, Niles had been amazed by Daphne's' kindness. It was the reason she'd been accepted into the Crane family long before she and Niles were even a couple.

"Well thank you, darling." She reached into the bag from the jewelery store and pulled out a small box. "Here."

"Daphne, what is this?" Niles asked. "You certainly didn't have to get me anything."

"I realized today that I'm not used to being able to walk into a jewelery store and pick out whatever I like. When you've spent years counting every penny, you don't forget that so easily. If it hadn't been for you, I'd probably still be doing that."

Niles' heart broke, as it always did, when Daphne mentioned how often she'd had to make do. She was an angel who deserved so much more. He reached out, touching her soft cheek. "I do my best to help my patients each day, just so that you and David will never have to worry about not being able to afford the things you want. It's what Dad did for us while Frasier and I were growing up, but we didn't appreciate it at the time."

Daphne could feel tears starting to form in her eyes. How on earth did she deserve a man like this? She hugged him for a long moment. When she had composed herself once more, she released him. "Open this," she said, putting the box in his hands.

Still a bit confused, Niles did as she'd asked. He gasped when he saw the pair of cufflinks inside. "Oh, Daphne. These are wonderful. Thank you so much." He knew they were a simple thing, hardly the most expensive thing she could've given him. But the fact that she'd wanted to surprise him touched Niles a great deal.

"You're welcome." Daphne smiled at her husband. But her gaze moved behind him, to where David was playing with his blocks, oblivious to the conversation his parents were having. "And I could never forget about you." She gently ruffled his hair, causing David to look up in surprise.

The sight of her son's smile warmed Daphne's heart. Even three years after his birth, she was still shocked by how much she loved this little boy. "I wouldn't even be a mum now at all if it weren't for you," she said, bending to his height. "I saw this bear in a store window, and I thought he needed a home. Would you like to keep him in your room?"

David took the bear from her, nodding enthusiastically. He didn't know how to say thank you, but his grin got the message across. Daphne pointed to the bear's small shirt. "There's writing on it. It says Mommy loves me. And I do."

Niles walked over, placing a hand on his son's back. "Wasn't it nice of Mommy to buy you that? You love her, too, right?"

David nodded again. He quickly ran into her arms, giggling.

Daphne knew there was nothing better than holding David in her arms. She knew it would be only a few years before he would no longer be so willing to hug and kiss his mother. She would enjoy this moments for as long as they lasted. Gradually, Daphne realized she couldn't let this embrace last forever, no matter how much she wanted to. She let go, and David returned to his block tower.

"My love, what's wrong?" Niles asked when Daphne remained frozen in her position, kneeling on the floor.

"Nothing," Daphne said, standing. "I was just thinking how lucky I am to have the two of you in me life."

Niles put his arms around his wife. "Believe me, it is David and I who are fortunate to have you." He kissed her. He knew Daphne didn't fully agree. It was a topic they'd discussed countless times before. It didn't matter. Niles would simply have to show her how much she meant to him. It would likely take a very long time, but there was nothing on earth he'd rather do.

The End