Niles had barely made it to the safety of his car, where he did something he rarely did. He began to just a few tear drops..in a matter of a few minutes, he was sobbing. It hadn't really sunk in that his dad wasn't going to be the same , not really. But with each passing visit, with each passing day, it seemed that stubborn, wise cracking, hard headed but ultimately loving father that he'd known all of his life was leaving him. It was a slow, painful process, and Niles just didn't feel like he could watch any more of his father's struggles.
He pulled into the parking area of the Montana, but he dreaded going inside. Not because of Daphne, or not because she had done anything wrong...he just couldn't bear the thought of her seeing him as weak. During both of his marriages prior to Daphne, no matter how strong he'd considered himself, both Maris and Mel had not shown a lot of respect for him. All throughout their tortured courtship, Daphne had always been kind, supportive, and she'd always believed in Niles. He couldn't bear the thought of disappointing her, not now nor ever.
But then as he sighed, knowing he couldn't hide from her, a knock on his window startled him. It was Daphne.
"Where's David?" Niles tried to wipe his face discreetly.
He shut his eyes, ready to be reprimanded for his weakness.
Instead after he'd rolled down the window, a touch of Daphne's hand caught him off guard. "Roz came over. Frasier called me.."
"Oh, Daphne.." he cried, looking away. "I'm sorry.."
"Ssh, my darling. You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm here for you." she stroked his cheek. And yet his tears fell.
She was hunched down, but still her touch brought an immediate sense of warmth to his cheeks. "I know I'm not supposed to cry.."
"Darling, I'm not Maris. I'm not bloody Mel. You don't have to hold it in. You can let it all out. I won't walk away from you. I promise you."
So many words ran through his mind, so many emotions. Yet all Niles could do was sob. Daphne walked over to the side of his car, let herself in, and she pulled Niles to her shoulder. She lovingly touched his hair and caressed his cheeks as he cried for a few more minutes.
After wiping his face with his handkerchief, Niles looked to her. "Daphne, I've never had anyone be so kind to me.."
"I'm not kind," she smiled. "I'm your wife. This is what you do when you love someone."
His eyes met hers, and then she leaned in, pressing her lips against his forehead. "There, there. I can't promise you that things will be easy, but I promise you that I will always love you, and I will support you and your family however I can."
"It's not just my family...they are your family..."
Daphne kissed them. "I love him like me own dad, you know."
"I love you forever for that. You always.."
"Ssh.." she pressed her finger over his lips. "Don't you be praising me, not now. Your mind is full of too many things. I know how you feel about me. I feel the same way. You take care of your patients, you provide for David and myself...how about you take some time to worry about Niles."
"What?" he looked at her in shock. No matter what he'd been going through during his previous marriages, neither wife had spoken to him in that matter. They had always expected him to be social, to indulge in their whims and wishes, to be the doting, loving husband..this was almost foreign for him.
"Niles, I know you love me. I know you love me more than you love yourself. Its high time you start seeing Niles Crane the way I see him. You give me the world, and more if I asked. Have you thought about doing something for yourself right now?"
"Daphne, I can't possibly.."
"you're not selfish, and you're not abandoning your father. David and I are all right. Why don't you, Frasier and Freddie go to the cabin for the weekend. I know that despite your bickering Frasier is your best friend, and you are his. I think any good doctor would make the same prescription," Daphne smiled and squeezed his hand.
"No one has ever given me such consideration..how can I.."
"I told you, you don't have to thank me. Your love is all the thanks I need."
Niles kissed her. "Then you will never feel unappreciated as long as you live. I love you, Daphne, more than you possibly could know."
"I think I have some idea. And I love you..you are the love of me life."
Niles looked at her, tears filling his eyes again.
They exchanged loving glances, then Daphne went inside to allow Niles to call Frasier. She would pack his bags for him, and he would spend the weekend with his brother and nephew.
Oh, how he loved that woman.
tbc
