The outdoor seating area at Tucci Benucch was decorated in soft hues of maroon and green accented by white tablecloths and candles. Tiny white twinkle lights

illuminated the rows of Italian cypress tress that were placed sporadically around the terrace. And over the PA system, Sinatra crooned a sentimental tune.

"This certainly is romantic, isn't it?" Daphne asked, gazing at her surroundings.

Niles took a bite of his pasta. "Yes, it is... although a little more than I had anticipated."

Noticing his worried look, Daphne smiled and covered his hand with hers. "It's wonderful, Dr. Crane... If it weren't for me psychic visions, I doubt you'd gone to all of

this trouble. I hardly think I deserve such a fancy meal."

"Of course you do." He said quickly. "Actually, Daphne... there's another reason I asked you out to dinner. Other than just to thank you, I mean."

"I'm flattered; Dr. Crane, but I can't imagine why you'd make such a fuss over me like this."

"Well, there's something I've been meaning to tell you." Niles said.

"What is it? Is something wrong?"

He put down his fork and sighed. "This is rather difficult for me to say without stumbling over the words. I'm not quite sure how to say it."

"But you have a wonderful way with words, Dr. Crane!" Daphne said.

Niles smiled shyly. "Oh... well... Thank you, Daphne."

"So what did you want to talk about?"

"Daphne, we've known each other for a while now and... well..."

"Yes, Dr. Crane?"

"I just..."

Daphne couldn't help noticing that he'd stopped eating and was now staring into her eyes.

"Dr. Crane? What's wrong?"

"Daphne, I-."

"Yes?"

A new song began over the PA system; a song she recognized instantly. Ella Fitzgerald. Just the first few notes tugged at her emotions. She and Niles stared at each

other, blissfully unaware that they were now holding hands across the table as the song continued...

"Heart and soul... I fell in love with you, heart and soul..."

"Dr Crane..."

"I love you, Daphne."

She dropped her fork mid-bite; the clanking metal resounding loudly against the plate as she tried to absorb what she had just heard.

"What?"

He swallowed hard. "Well... this is rather awkward, isn't it? I knew I shouldn't have said anything. Daphne, I'm so sorry if I ruined your evening."

His sweet concern for her almost brought tears to her eyes. "Y-you didn't ruin anything, Dr. Crane. In fact-."

Niles looked away, sadly. "I suppose we should go. No sense in staying here any longer. I can see that I've made you uncomfortable and that certainly wasn't my

intention, but... well, I guess I should have seen it coming. Waiter? Check please!"

Reluctantly she waited as he paid the bill and followed him out of the restaurant, wondering if he had any idea how much his confession was affecting her.