Dancing In The Rain by Patrick Councilor
[ This Is Not Goodbye ]
Straightening his tie, Niles then tended to David's tie.
"Isn't Ronee's birthday next month?" Daphne asked.
"Yes. Yes, it is, but Dad's throwing this party early so she won't suspect that he's actually throwing her a party."
Daphne smiled when she brought Rozalynda into the room in her beautiful dress. "Martin's always doing things like that."
She leaned over and kissed Niles for an extra-long time.
"Wow, that was incredible. What was that for?"
"I'm just happy. You make me happy."
"Now Daphne I know your happy kisses. There is something more, isn't there?"
She blushed a little. "Now that you mentioned it…"
"Well, what is it? Tell me."
"Well… it's just…"
"Just what?"
"I had one of me visions."
"Oh, do tell. What was it about?"
"I had a vision that I was in the hospital."
"Oh my God. You were alright, weren't you… in your vision?"
"Oh yes. I was in there having our next baby?"
Niles jaw hit the floor and he became even more pail than he usually is. "You're… you're pregnant?"
"Oh no."
"So we're going to have a third child in the future?"
She smiled. "I believe so. But there's something more."
He couldn't contain his smile. "What is it?"
"I was having the baby here in Seattle."
"Oh?"
"Yes. And if this holds true, by the looks of how old David and Rozalynda are… in me vision, that is… we'll be back in Seattle in a year or so."
Niles hugged her and held her tightly. "I would love that."
"Oh Niles, this vision was so vivid. I even called the superintendent this morning to plea with him. He's willing to rent this apartment at a one year's lease when we move out. So if me vision is true, we can move back into our apartment."
He kissed her on her forehead. "I love you." Not all of Daphne's visions held true, but somehow, he truly believed this one.
At Martin and Ronee's house, Frasier and Martin set out the extra chairs while Ronee made a snack tray in the kitchen. "Frase, I'm sorry to hear about Regan."
"I am too, Dad."
"You know, I really liked her."
"Yes Dad, I know." Frasier's tone was tinted with hostility. "Well, Claire is back in town. I can set up a date with her."
The banner above their heads in the living room read, "God Luck Niles, Daphne, David and Rozalynda."
"Niles and Daphne don't suspect a thing, huh?"
"No Dad, you are quite the covert operator when it comes to surprise parties. And what's with that sign. What does 'God Luck' actually mean?"
"It's the latest thing. It's both 'God Speed' and 'Good Luck' combined… What, you don't believe me?"
"Oh yes, I believe you. What I can't believe is that you found a banner shop that would actually print that out for you."
Martin shot him a look.
Roz hurried over from the window. "Okay. They're here."
Alice followed closely behind her.
Martin called out. "Ronee, hon, they're here."
When Niles and Daphne came through the door, they were so taken back when everyone yelled surprise for their entrance.
"Oh dear," Daphne put her hand to her chest to catch her breath.
They saw that the banner was for them. This was their going away party.
Martin gave Niles a hug.
"You sure had us fooled," he told his father.
"I'll say," Daphne said as she hugged Roz and then Ronee. "We even brought you a birthday gift."
"Oh, I'll take that." Ronee said as she quickly took it from her. Everyone chuckled.
Martin started to get misty-eyed when he hugged Daphne. "We're sure going to miss you around her."
Frasier hugged the kids. "It is but sweet sorrow to be home and yet it doesn't really feel like home when the people you love must go."
He shook hands with Niles. "Are you ready for this? Is there anything I can do?"
"No, thank you Frasier. The movers did a wonderful job. Everything's handled and we're ready to fly out tomorrow morning. Thank you for asking." He leaned over to whisper to Frasier, "By-the-by, why does that sign read 'God Luck'?"
Frasier smiled. "It's a Dad-thing," was the only explanation he offered.
"Ah," Niles understood completely.
"I'm still driving you to the airport."
"Of course."
Martin wiped a tear from his eye. "Hey Frase, why don't you make a toast?"
"Certainly Dad. Everyone get a drink." He looked out among the faces; his family. The hearts that he loved so dearly. There were looks of happiness of being together and there were looks of despair from having to say good-bye. "I'm a little lost for words…" Frasier stammered.
"That's a first." Martin's comment got everyone chuckling.
"How does one go about a toast to family that is much more than family? You are all my greatest and dearest friends. Raise your glasses my friends. Let us not say good-bye. It brings to mind a poem by Jay Loveless:
This is not goodbye, we will meet again,
There's a reason you are my brother,
There's a reason we are best friends,
This love traverses time,
It pulled us closer from the start,
I feel your warmth with every beat of my heart.
But though these tears do fall,
From forest eyes to snowy skin,
I know this is not goodbye, we will meet again."