"This… isn't so bad." He said, winded from the effort. Finally unable to take anymore, he collapsed against the wall of pillows and closed his eyes.
Watching him, Daphne felt tears spring to her eyes and she couldn't have been any prouder of him if he had run a marathon across the United States.
"You were wonderful, Darling." She said, gently rubbing his chest in gentle, circular motions.
"Thank you, Daphne." He replied breathlessly, his eyes still closed.
But suddenly her anxiousness returned and the loving moment was gone. "Niles? There's something I want to tell you."
When she paused for effect, he raised his head and opened his eyes. "What is it?"
She smiled and slowly helped him to a sitting position. "I'm so proud of you."
His response was quieted by her lips on his, rewarding his brave efforts with a kiss. It was a kiss that made her heart beat so rapidly, she could feel it beneath her chest. And when the kisses ended, she felt lightheaded. The sensation made her wonder if Niles felt it too.
"Would you like to try it again?" she asked quietly.
He sighed deeply. "I want to, Daphne… so much. But I think I've had enough for one day. I'm sorry."
She smiled and kissed him softly. "Don't be sorry. You did wonderfully. Now, what would you like to do?"
"I'm a little tired." He admitted, clearly ashamed of himself for tiring so easily. "I'm sorry."
She cradled his face in her hands. "Now you listen to me. Stop being sorry. There's nothing to be sorry about. I promise you will get stronger and the pain will go away. Now let me help you up and we'll get you into your wheelchair. I'm sure your brother won't mind at all if you sleep in his bed."
"Actually, I think I'll just sit here on the sofa."
"Are you sure?"
"I'll be fine."
She glanced at his wheelchair and sighed. She couldn't blame him for not wanting to be confined to something that lessened his independence and she supposed it would be all right for him to lie on the sofa. She'd make sure to keep a careful eye on him. It was a task she gladly accepted.
"All right then. Let's get you settled."
With the utmost care, she helped him to his feet and onto the sofa. And when he was firmly seated among the cushions, she eyed him with concern.
"Are you sure this is comfortable for you, Niles?"
He turned to her and smiled. "As long as you're here with me, I'll be just fine."
She smiled at him, wondering how she'd gone without his love for so long. "I'm going to get your coffee now." And when she turned to leave, she was stopped by the sound of her name.
"Yes, Niles?"
He smiled lazily, making him even more handsome. "I love you."
Her heart warmed at his words. "I love you too."