Her mouth fell open in surprise; as though she couldn't believe that he was capable of such a thing. But to her credit, the only thing she said was "Oh…"

He couldn't help staring at her beautiful red lips that formed a perfect circle as she said the word. Had he not been in such a state of distress, he might have kissed her. But instead he looked into her warm brown eyes.

"Yes, Daphne, I'm afraid that this mess is mine. And it's only right that I be the one to clean it up. I'm going to do just that when I'm finished… If I'm ever finished..." He added.

"Well there's certainly no rush, but… may I ask hat you're doing? Whatever it is, it seems awfully important. Perhaps I should leave you alone. I'm sure it would be easier to work without the likes of me bothering you like this."

"Nonsense, Daphne you could never be a bother. In fact, I enjoy your company."

His words made her smile. "That's very sweet, Dr. Crane. I enjoy your company too."

"Thank you, Daphne."

"So you never told me. What exactly are you doing?"

He glanced at the mess he'd made on the breakfast table. There were pierces of crumpled paper everywhere. At his feet and underneath the table. On top of the table, however, flat, clean sheets of paper were scattered haphazardly. Normally it was a sight that would make him cringe; for he was nothing if not meticulously neat. But now…

"Dr. Crane, are you all right?"

He realized then, that he hadn't answered her question. She deserved that much at least. "Well, actually Daphne, I'm-."

"You know what, Dr. Crane? Never mind. I appreciate what you said about enjoying me company and I feel the same way about you. But it looks like you're working on something really important. I'm going to fix you some breakfast to enjoy while you work, all right? And then I promise I'll leave you alone."

He smiled gratefully at her offer to make him breakfast. She really was an angel. "It's not necessary for you to go to all that trouble."

"It's no trouble at all, and besides, you need your strength. I'm happy to do it. I'll be back in a bit."

She moved into the kitchen, but his smile faded as reality hit him once more He'd been sitting at Frasier's breakfast table for what felt like hours and at the rate he was going, he'd never get his letter written.

But then he had an idea. It was a brilliant idea and he wondered why he hadn't thought of it before.

"Daphne, can I ask you something?"

She popped her head out from the kitchen and smiled. "Of course."

"Well, I-." He sighed deeply and ran his hand through his hair.

Almost instantly her expression changed into one of concern. "Dr. Crane, are you sure you're all right?"

"No, actually I'm not. I could use some help."

Her eyebrows rose in surprise. "Oh… well, all right. But I'm not really-."

"Please?" he knew he sounded desperate, and perhaps even like a child begging for a favor, but he didn't know what else to do.

"I'd be happy to help you. What do you need help with?"

"Well, it's an apology letter."

"An apology letter? May I ask to whom?"

"Um… To M-Mr. Houghton."

"Your father's friend? The author?"

"Yes."

As suddenly as it appeared, her smile disappeared, replaced this time with a look of displeasure that he knew was meant solely for him. And he'd never felt more ashamed.