"Are you ready to go Dr. Crane? I have your bags all loaded in the back for you."

"Yes, we're more than ready. Although you do have a beautiful state."

The pilot nodded. "It sure is. We hope you'll come back and do some exploring. Both of you."

Niles smiled as he stared at Daphne. "I hope so too."

"Dr. Crane may I see you for a moment?"

The pilot smiled knowingly. "Go ahead. We've got a few minutes before we have to take off."

Daphne stood staring at the beautiful scenery around her, trying to keep from crying. It was ridiculous getting so emotional about everything; especially John. She was finished with him forever and she needed to move on with her life. She couldn't dwell on the past forever.

And as for Niles, he was going through his own crisis, even more traumatic than her wife was having an affair right before his eyes and had treated him cruelly. It simply wasn't right. He was a sweet, gentle and wonderful man who deserved nothing but kindness and love. What he'd done for her was beyond anything she could have ever imagined; risking ridicule from his father and brother. But they would face that when the time came.

Now it was time to go home and start over. He was at her side now, looking so handsome in a casual shirt and slacks. The look was a nice change... a very nice change... and she felt her heart skip a beat.

"I'm sorry I kept you waiting, Daphne.. What's on your mind?"

"I just wanted to thank you, for everything. If it hadn't been for you... Well, I don't know what I would have done, but I'm grateful that we found each other and that we're going home. It's the only place I want to be."

"I'm glad, Daphne. I hate to see you so upset and I'm so sorry that man hurt you. I want you to know that I'm here for you, always, whenever you need me. I-."

The kiss that she initiated was unexpected, and she knew she should have drawn back immediately. What was she thinking, kissing a married man, let alone the man who was the brother of her boss? But from the way he put his arms around her and drew her closer, she realized that his feelings for her were more than friendship. They needed each other desperately; two lonely souls who had drifted out to sea.

When the kisses ended, she drew back in embarrassment to find the pilot smiling at them. "We should go, Dr. Crane."

She took Niles' hand and they boarded the tiny float plane. The engine was so loud that they could barely hear each other, but when they were finally in the air, he leaned into her ear.

"Daphne, about that kiss..."

"I'm sorry we didn't get to finish what we started. But there will be plenty of time for that when we get home." His face reddened in obvious surprise, making him even more handsome and she laughed. "I love you, Niles."

And then he smiled as the faintest hint of tears filled his eyes and he kissed her hand. "I love you too, Daphne."

THE END