"It truly is a miracle." Frasier said, his voice trembling with emotion as he hugged Niles. "A gift from God, having you home and on the road to recovery."

"Thank you, Frasier." Niles replied.

Frasier looked at him thoughtfully. "Niles, I've said this before but I am sorry for the way I treated you. I should have supported your courageous decision to tell Daphne what was in your heart instead of ridiculing you. I'm ashamed of myself and it will be a long time before I can let go of the guilt that has risen within me. But as Dad said, the reward far outweighs anything anyone could have hoped for."

Daphne hugged Frasier tightly. "I love you, Dr. Crane."

But to her dismay, he drew out of her arms. "Now Daphne there will be none of that!" he said sternly, his expression never wavering as she stared at him in disbelief.

"What are you saying? Look, I'm sorry if I was disrespectful to you before. I just-."

And finally he smiled. "I meant there will be no more calling me Dr. Crane. You're family now. Call me Frasier please. I insist."

Daphne laughed and hugged him once more. "All right… Frasier."

"And you can call me Niles." Niles quipped, causing her to turn and face him. Without any regard for Martin or Frasier, she knelt in front of Niles and took him into her arms for a lingering kiss. When she finally drew back to look into his eyes, she felt as though they were the only ones in the room.

"I love you, so much, Niles." She sighed, wondering if she'd ever be able to say it enough. She'd missed out on so many things and she was determined to make up for lost time.

Niles kissed her again, making her weak with desire for him, and she melted into his warm embrace.

In the somewhat awkward silence that followed, Frasier glanced at Martin. "Um, Dad, what do you say we head over to Duke's for a beer? It's been a long time since we've been able to relax and I think that these two would like some time alone. We can even get dinner at the Timber Mill!"

"Hey! That sounds all right!" Martin said, grabbing his cane. "Let's go!"

"Well, we're off." Frasier said. "Unless you two want to come with us. I'm sure they have adequate seating arrangements."

Niles smiled. "Thanks for the invite Frasier, but I should probably stay here so that Daphne can take care of me. You know, in case something happens."

Martin chuckled. "Right. That's a good idea, son. Daphne will take good care of you. She takes good care of me."

Once again, Daphne hugged Martin tightly. "Thank you Martin. That means… so much to me."

"Yeah, well… I meant it, too."

When the elder Crane men were gone, Daphne closed the door behind them and turned to find Niles accepting welcome home kisses from Eddie. The sight made her warm with happiness. Finally they were all together again.

Frasier was right. Life was certainly a gift from God, but love was the greatest gift of all.