A Few Weeks Later…
Daphne held tightly to Frasier's hand as Martin followed them into the hospital.
"I can't understand why I'm so nervous; me heart is racing!" Daphne said, smiling at the abundance of flowers and gifts Martin held in his arms. He really did love his son.
"That makes two of us." Martin said. "It's a big day and I'm nervous as hell! Niles is finally coming home. And after all this time, Niles is coming home. And to think that I once believed that we'd lose him. I…"
When Martin's voice broke; Daphne turned to him with tears in her eyes and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I know, Mr. Crane. I never thought-."
Caught up in the emotion, Frasier cleared his throat. "It truly is a miracle, one that I'll never forget."
The three of them embraced as a wave of emotion washed over them. But the moment was short-lived.
"Come on." Frasier finally said, wiping away tears. "We can't let Niles see us like this. We… have to be strong."
"You're right Fras." Martin agreed. "Well, come on. I'm sure that Niles is anxious to get out of here."
They started down the hallway but Frasier remained in place. When Daphne and Martin turned in confusion, Frasier smiled. "Look, you and Dad go on ahead and I'll make sure that Niles' paperwork is taken care of."
"Are you sure, Dr. Crane?"
"I'm sure, Daphne. Now go on. Niles is waiting for you."
As she and Martin walked down the hallway, Daphne tried to hide her nervousness but the closer they came to Niles room, the more her nervousness increased. And with the nervousness came the question she'd been avoiding for weeks on end; the question about her future.
What if… after they returned home and things began to settle down, her relationship with Niles changed? Of course she loved him and would always love him, but what if that love was merely a product of the emotions set forth by near-tragedy? She didn't think that she could handle being alone again, not after having fallen in love so deeply.
And what if-
A pair of arms went around her shoulders drawing her close. "Hey, come on Daph. Don't talk like that."
She turned to find Martin smiling at her. His unexpected sentiment and his words made her realize that she'd spoken out loud and she could no longer hold in her emotions as she buried her head in his chest and cried softly.
"Ah, come on now! Niles loves you!" Martin said, patting her back. "I could see that from the very beginning. And I know damn well that Niles' visits weren't just to see Frasier and me. We weren't born yesterday, you know!"
Comforted by his kindness, Daphne drew back and kissed Martin's cheek. "I love you." The words flowed from her mouth unexpectedly, but she meant them just the same.
Martin's cheeks reddened and he turned his face, clearly uncomfortable with the sentiment. "Um, look… let's get going. I know Niles is ready to get out of this prison, otherwise known as a hospital. God knows that when I was shot I couldn't wait to get out of the hospital! But after what happened to Niles, I realize how lucky I am to be alive."
In the silence that followed, Daphne looked into Martin's eyes; really looked into them. And for the first time she realized how much he was like his sons; always showing an exterior bravery, but inside there was a frightened little boy.
"I'm sorry that happened to you." She said quietly as she gently touched his forearm.
He nodded, looking down at the floor. "Yeah, it was a damn shame, but some good came out of it, too."
The words made her smile. "I'm glad you're all right now."
"Yeah…" He said again. "I reconnected with Frasier and Niles and…. Well… you came along and-."
Touched by the compliment, Daphne blinked back tears and pulled Martin into a long hug. "Thank you."
Moments later, she let go and gave him a smile. And then she gently took his and followed him to Niles' room.
It was the first father/daughter moment that Daphne had experienced in a very long time. She missed her own father very much and although she and Martin weren't related by blood, she felt a connection to him like never before. And she knew that she would remember this moment for the rest of her life.