(Daphne's POV)
Daphne stood in the kitchen, working diligently on the hors d'oeuvres for Frasier's party. Normally she would be rolling her eyes, wondering why he cared so much about feeding pretentious snobs that always seemed to come to events like this. But today was special. The artist, Martha Paxton, who had painted the beautiful blue, green, black and gold panting that hung over Frasier's mantle, was the guest of honor Frasier wanted everything to be perfect, and rightfully so. It wasn't every day that a well-known artist came to the Elliot Bay Towers.
"Oh, Daphne! You're here too!"
Her heart warmed at the sound of her friend's voice and she smiled to herself, never daring to look at him.
"Why, Dr. Crane, shouldn't you be out there, mingling?"
"Don't mind me." Niles said. "I'm just getting some ice."
Her back still to him, she opened the oven door and carefully removed the tray of hors d'oeuvres placing them on the counter. "Lovely party, isn't it?" she asked, trying to sound as casual as possible.
"Yes, it is." Niles replied.
The sound of his voice made Daphne's heart warm and she held onto the counter to steady herself. "Look at this fresh fennel." She said. "It smells wonderful."
And then to her surprise, he moved closer and suddenly she felt his breath in her hair. He inhaled deeply and then sighed. "It certainly does."
She turned to him, taking note of how quickly he moved away. "Dr. Crane, were you sniffing my hair?" The idea was ridiculous, almost too ridiculous to even be true. But there was no denying that what she had felt was real.
The question made him step back a little too quickly. "Wh-why would I do a thing like that? I'm a married man! I love my Maris!"
Daphne swallowed hard and finally turned to face him, forcing a smile. But she couldn't hide the quivering in her voice. "I-I know you do. I just…"
"Niles, come here!" Frasier shouted from the living room. "There's someone I want you to meet!"
"Well…" Niles said quietly. "I suppose I should get in there. But I meant what I said. I love my Maris."
She smiled-a genuine smile- and took his hand, unable to believe how soft it was. "I know you do, Dr. Crane. I can tell by the look in your eyes. It's wonderful."
"Thank you, Daphne. I think so, too."
"Dr. Crane, I-."
"Niles, hurry up!" Frasier shouted again, sending Niles running to the living room. And when Niles was gone, Daphne blinked back tears. It was wonderful; the way
Niles spoke so highly of his wife… It was. She couldn't deny it. He deserved to be happy and it was obvious that Mrs. Crane had a lot to do with that. He was her friend and she wanted nothing but happiness for him.
So why did her heart ache so badly?