The soft kisses she placed on his lips went from gentle to passionate and she gave into her desires as much as she could. Her hand curled around his neck bringing him even closer. The kisses became deeper and she splayed her fingers through his hair.
"I love you, Daphne." Niles said when the kisses paused, but for a moment. "And I'm sorry. I-…"
He was quieted by her lips on his once again. She never realized that love could feel like this or that she could fall in love so unexpectedly and so deeply with a man that she knew better than anyone. It was like the beautiful aftermath of a horrific nightmare.
"Well, it looks like we're interrupting something." Dr. Watson's amused voice said. "Shall we come back later?"
Niles and Daphne pulled away from each other as Frasier, Dr. Watson and Martin entered the room with smiles on their faces.
"I'm sorry." Daphne said, fully aware of her burning cheeks. "Niles and I were just-."
"It's all right, Daphne." Frasier said with a light chuckle. "It's nice to see the two of you so happy but I bet that Niles would be a lot happier if we got out of here. I know I would."
"Well what are we waiting for?" Martin exclaimed. "Let's get out of here! The Mariners are playing the Yankees at five and I don't want to miss the first pitch!"
"Oh for God's sake, Dad!" Frasier said, shaking his head in disbelief.
Daphne laughed as Martin grabbed the rest of Niles's belongings, heading for the door as though the building were on fire. And after profusely thanking Dr. Watson and the rest of the hospital staff, they said their emotional goodbyes and made their way to the elevator.
"Wait a minute. I forgot me purse." Daphne said, turning away from the men. "I'll be right back."
"Want me to go with you, Daphne?"
She smiled at the man she loved and leaned to kiss his cheek. "Why don't you stay with your brother and father? I won't be long."
He grinned and kissed her hand. "I'll be waiting for you, my love."
Her heart beating rapidly beneath her chest, she turned and walked down the hallway to the hospital room and pushed the door open. At once she was hit with a flood of memories, both good and bad.
In the course of only a few weeks, her life had changed dramatically. So many things had happened in this room. One minute Niles was fighting for his life and the next they were in each other's arms, declaring their love for one another. And once again it felt like a nightmare turned into a fairy tale.
To think that she'd almost lost him, before she even knew how she felt about him. And the fact that he was on his way to tell her…. The idea was completely….
At once her entire body began to ache and she closed her eyes, letting the hot tears fall in rivers down her cheeks. Damn, she was so tired of crying, for it wasn't like her at all! She was stronger than this and Niles would be so disappointed in her.
But she couldn't help it. All of her life she'd been waiting for the right man, only to realize that he was right in front of her all along. And the worst of it was that it took almost losing him for her to realize it. What kind of person did something as cruel as ignoring their feelings until it was too late?
A few more tears fell and she released them freely, hoping that it would cleanse her soul. And when she was certain that she had no more tears left (for the moment anyway), she dried her eyes and looked around the room. Without the color and fragrance of the many flowers that once filled the room, it seemed lifeless.
She sighed deeply and crossed the room to the window, taking one last glance out of the window. And silently she said a prayer to the heavens for the miracle of love and life.
Her smile genuine, she left the room and walked down the hallway where she was greeted by Niles, Martin and Frasier.
"I-I'm sorry I took so bloody long." She stammered, working hard to steady her voice. And then she felt Niles' hand in hers.
"Is everything all right, Daphne?"
She smiled and squeezed his hand, bringing it to her lips for a kiss. "Everything is fine, Niles. Now come on, Sweetheart, let's go home."