She was completely nervous about dropping in on Niles (unexpectedly or otherwise), but somehow the rose that she held in her hand made her feel a bit better. She took a deep breath and entered the building, absently pushing the elevator button for Niles' floor. The doors opened and she stopped out onto the plush carpeting, where she found herself face to face with the glass doors that led to his office.

Dr. Niles, Crane, Psychiatrist

The moment she entered the lobby, she was greeted with a smile by Mrs. Woodson, his longtime administrative assistant. She'd seen the kind woman only a handful of times before, on the rare visits with Frasier and Martin. But Mrs. Woodson was one of the sweetest women that Daphne had ever known and suddenly she wished that she'd come by Niles' office more often.

"Why Daphne, how are you?"

Daphne smiled. "Hello, it's nice to see you. Is Dr. Crane in?"

"Of course, I'll let him know that you're here." But just as she was about to push the intercom button, Daphne interjected.

"Actually, if it's all right with you, I'd like it to be a secret. I know it sounds silly, but-."

"Not at all. In fact I think that's a wonderful idea." The way she smiled told Daphne that she knew Niles' secret as well.

"But Dr. Crane said that he's in a meeting and I don't want to disturb him if he's busy."

"Actually you've come at the perfect time. The gentlemen he was meeting with left about fifteen minutes ago. I'm sure Dr. Crane will enjoy your company."

"Well, thank you. I appreciate-."

He certainly speaks very highly of you, Daphne."

Her hand instantly went to her beating heart. "H-he does?"

"Oh I know that you've been here many times before, but Dr. Crane isn't one to make small talk. However, on occasion-."
She swallowed hard, as the reality sunk deeper and deeper into her heart. "Thank you, that means a lot to me."

"Go on, he's in his office."

In a daze, she walked through the lobby to his office and knocked quietly on the door.

"Come in."

The sound of his muffled voice brought ridiculous tears that she quickly brushed away. What was wrong with her? The moment she turned the doorknob and opened the door, her heart skipped a beat. He was sitting at his desk, going through some papers. And she was struck by how handsome he was.

"H-hello, Dr. Crane."

The moment he saw her, he rose to his feet in one fluid motion. "Daphne…"

"Hello." She said again. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all. But-."

"Don't worry, your brother and father are fine."

The look of relief on his face made her feel the slightest bit guilty.

"I'm so sorry. I know I should have called, but-."

"It's all right. I just-."

"Your brother sent me."

"Frasier?"

Yes, he said that you had an early meeting and that you'd be here, but if this is a bad time-."

"No!" he yelled, startling her. "I-I mean, please… come in and have a seat."

"I should have called." She said again. "But I wanted it to be a surprise."

"Well, it certainly is that. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

The warmth of his compliment filled her body and she smiled. "Well, I-I need to talk to you about something."

"Of course. You know that I can't act as your therapist, but if it's just friendly advice you need-."

She went to him and took his hand. "You are my friend, Dr. Crane. My best friend."

The color rose in his cheeks. "Oh… Daphne… that's… that's very nice to hear. In fact, that means a lot to me, thank you. And you're my… um… what did you want to talk about?"

She wanted so badly to put her arms around him and hold him, but instead she took a deep breath, unable to believe that her life could change dramatically with her next words.

"Actually Dr. Crane, it's about us."