His mouth fell open and she could tell that he was just as surprised as she.

"Y-you want to talk about us?"

"Yes."

"Daphne, if I've upset you or hurt you in any way, I'm deeply sorry, but I wish you would have come to me sooner. I have no idea-."

"No, you haven't done anything, Dr. Crane. You're completely wonderful." Her face grew warm and she knew that she was blushing. What was she thinking, saying something so daft, even if it was true?

"Well, thank you. I think you're wonderful too. But I still don't-."

Nervously she twirled the tissue paper covered rose in her fingers.

"What's that?" Niles asked.

"Oh… a delivery boy sent it this morning."

"I see. Well, it's very nice."

"Yes it is. It's from your father."

"Dad sent it?"

"Yes…"

"Well that was very considerate of him."

Tears filled her eyes but she made no effort to brush them away. "Yes it was, wasn't it?"

"Daphne, what's wrong?"

"He really is the sweetest man, even though he can be a pain at times. Your father, I mean."

Niles nodded. "That's true, but-."

Feeling bold, she put the rose aside and went to him, putting her arms around his neck. As she expected, his breathing changed instantly.

"He's like his sons. His youngest, especially."

"I-."

"Dr. Crane, why didn't you tell me before?"

"Tell you…"

"I can't believe this is really happening but I'm so flattered, really. And last night, I couldn't sleep at all because I kept thinking about you."

"Flattered? Daphne, what are you talking about?"

"I guess I'm not explaining myself very well. You see, your father and brother, they told me your secret."

"My…"

"Niles, please don't be angry with them. I suppose I should have figured it out on me own; the way you're always being so sweet to me, complimenting me, coming over almost every day. I don't know why I didn't see it before."

"I-I'm sorry I never-."

"It's all right. I'm glad they told me. And if your father hadn't sent the rose, I never would have known…"

"Daphne…"

"I just… I guess I never imagined us being anything other than friends. And I was okay with that, but now…"

"How do you feel now?"

She moved her face closer to his and kissed his lips. They were softer than she ever imagined. "I think I'm in love with you too."

At his stunned expression, she drew back.

"I-I know I shouldn't have sprung this on you, as your father would say, but if we take it slow, then maybe... I mean, we already know so much about each other, but we could start over. Get to know each other in a whole new light."

He said nothing, and instead continued to stare at her.

"Why don't you come over for dinner tonight? Around eight? Unless you've already made plans."

"No, I-."

"Now, I know you don't like my cooking very much but I'll make your favorite dish. I'll even get your brother to help me or we can have it catered."

"A-all right."

"Your brother can help me pick out a wine and-."

"Actually Daphne that won't be necessary."

"Oh of course, you're the wine expert. If you want to bring your own-."

"I meant about my coming over for dinner."

The meaning of his words began to sink in almost immediately and suddenly she felt very small. She drew back even further and picked up the rose and her purse. "I-I see..."

Frasier and Martin hadn't actually come right out and said as much, but they implied that Niles was in love with her. Now she realized that she was wrong in her assumption. She had been very wrong. She turned away, as the hot tears filled her eyes.

"Daphne, are you all right?"

When she looked up, the concern she saw in his beautiful blue eyes was almost unbearable. "I-I shouldn't have bothered you at work like this, Dr. Crane. I'm so sorry. I-."

"Daphne, wait!"

But she was already rushing out of his office, past a surprised Mrs. Woodson, who called her name as well. But she didn't stop running until she reached her car. And it was there, as she leaned against it, she sobbed into her hands.