Daphne's chest tightened in anticipation of what was to happen next.

"And now we have a very special treat for you." Mrs. Mailer began. "We have a very bright and talented young man who is going to sing a solo for us. I present to you,

David Crane, singing O Holy Night."

Niles squeezed Daphne's hand and she was sure that his heart was beating as rapidly as hers. The music began and David appeared taking center stage in front of

the other choir members. Daphne was amazed at how calm and collected he was. In his white robe, his vivid blue eyes shining in wonderment, David looked every bit

like the angel that Daphne knew him to be. And then he began to sing.

"O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining. This is the night of the dear Savior's biirrrth."

Daphne felt Niles slip his hand into hers, his fingers caressing her skin, and she knew that he was as proud as she.

"Fa-all on your kneeeesss... Oh hear the angel voi-ces..." David sang. "O ni-ight divine. O-oh Night when Christ was born."

When he reached the high note, Daphne and Niles glanced at one another and smiled. When the song was over, the sanctuary filled with applause. One by one the

members of the congregation stood, clapping for the angelic little boy who stood before them, beaming with delight.

Daphne felt herself being drawn into Niles' embrace and she leaned against him, knowing that if she were to look into his eyes she would find tears there; just as he

would find tears in hers.

"What beautiful voices." The Father said as he returned to the pulpit. "Praise God."

"Praise God." The congregation responded.

"And now I shall commence with the sermon entitled..."

"Niles..." Daphne whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Yes, my love?"

"We have the most wonderful son."

"And I have you to thank for that." Niles replied.

She kissed him then, not caring if others were watching and then returned her head to his shoulder.

"What are you thinking about?" Niles whispered.

Daphne laced her fingers through his. "That song... It reminds me so much of your father."

He turned and regarded her curiously. "Of Dad? How so?"

A twinge of disappointment filled her then, for she hoped that he'd been thinking of the same memory.

But as quickly as it came, it went away.

"I was thinking of that horrible Christmas; the one where you got hurt in the elevator from that bloody Christmas tree. A-and then your father was in that pageant but

everyone seemed to know it but me."

Momentarily forgetting that he was in church, Niles laughed out loud and then looked around in embarrassment, grateful that no one seemed to have heard him.

"God, I'd forgotten about that!Dad could never hit that high note, no matter how hard he tried! Frasier and I worked with him relentlessly. Poor Eddie kept burying his

head in the cushion of Dad's chair!"

But instead of laughing along with her husband, Daphne found the memory to be painful.