He reached into his pocket for his handkerchief, offering it to her. "Daphne, I'm sorry. I… I didn't mean to upset you."

She laughed and threw her arms around him; a gesture that completely took him by surprise. His arms encircled her and he held her close, never wanting to let go.

"Are you all right?" He dared to ask.

Her lips went to his cheek not once, but three times. "I'm more than all right." She replied. "I'm sorry for getting so emotional, Dr. Crane, but I can't help meself. It's the most wonderful letter I've ever read."

He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Really?"

"It's wonderful and lovely and I'm so proud of you."

He was flying higher than he'd ever flown before. "Y-you are?" The question immediately earned him another kiss on his cheek and a hug that was even tighter and warmer than the first.

"I've never been prouder."

Now it was impossible to hide his grin. "Do you think Mr. Houghton will like it?"

"He'll absolutely love it."

The door opened and Frasier and Martin stood in the doorway, staring at them in disbelief. Immediately Niles released his hold on Daphne, missing the warmth of her seconds later. "Um, Dad… Frasier…"

"What's going on here?" Frasier demanded. "Daphne, why are you crying?"

She picked up the letter and walked over to the foyer. "Oh Mr. Crane, Dr. Crane, Dr. Crane here has just written the most wonderful letter to Mr. Houghton."

Martin's eyes narrowed. "Ted? Boy, Niles you've got some nerve-."

"May I?" Frasier asked.

Daphne nodded. "Of course." She handed Frasier the letter, but to Niles' dismay, his father continued to grumble. He watched his brother's eyes move across the sheets of paper and then move to his face.

"Niles, this is…"

Niles stared at Frasier, hoping to find reassurance in his expression. But instead he received a hug.

"Oh, you know, I really should write Mr. Houghton a letter as well."

The so-called magic spell was broken and Niles drew back rather forcefully, startling not only Frasier but Daphne and his father as well.

"Niles, what's going on?" Frasier asked.

"Frasier, can't I just have this moment for myself?" Niles pleaded.

But Frasier still seemed at a loss, forcing Niles to explain.

"You always have to try to outdo me, don't you?"

"I don't-."

"That's right, you don't, do you?" Niles yelled. "Well, Nice try, Frasier, but this time, I won't stand for it! This is going to be my moment, not yours! I-."

Frasier's hand was on his shoulder and to Niles' disbelief he was smiling. "Actually Niles, I wasn't trying to outdo you at all."

"Really?"

"Yes. You're a true inspiration and I'm honored to have you as my brother. I only hope that someday I can be half the man that you are."

He could feel the tears rise in his throat and he blinked them away. It had been a very long time since Frasier had said something so touching. He didn't want to cry, but at that moment he couldn't help it. His throat was tight, but he forced himself to speak. "Thank you Frasier. And I'm sorry if I-."

"It's all right, Niles. I can't say that I blame you."

When he looked over at his father, he saw a familiar object in his hands.

"Niles, this is one hell of a letter." His dad said. "I owe you an apology. I'm sorry I got so mad at you before. I really am proud of you. I know I don't say it often, but I always have been proud of you and Frasier and I always will be."

A few embarrassing tears escaped before Niles could brush them away, but he no longer cared. And then he hugged his father tightly. "Thanks Dad."

"Well, you should probably that that letter to the post office so that Mr. Houghton will get it." Daphne said.

Niles turned to her and smiled. "You're absolutely right, Daphne." And then he paused, regarding her carefully. What happened next took him completely by surprise.

"Daphne, would you like to come with me?"

She looked at him in disbelief. "Dr. Crane…"

"I'll buy you a drink at Café Nervosa on the way home. But if you don't want to-."

"That sounds lovely, Dr. Crane."

His heart swelled with pride. Never before had he been so happy.