She froze, staring at him in disbelief. Rarely had she seen her husband cry. He was on the phone, the receiver pressed to his ear. And his other hand rested on his forehead, the way he'd done whenever he was suffering from a fierce migraine. She retreated into the kitchen and returned with an ice pack and a bottle of aspirin. No wonder he was in such a bad mood. She knew all too well that migraines made people do things that they wouldn't ordinarily do. She'd experienced it time and again.
But as she peaked into his office, she froze again.
"Dad, it's me, Niles. I-I know. I know it's late and I'm the last person that you want to talk to right now, but-."
Daphne saw Niles nod intently as he rubbed his forehead. "I-I know Dad. I know. I was terrible tonight. I –I don't know, actually. Yes, I know. I should show you more respect and you're right. I'm sorry Dad. I never-."
When Niles began to sob, Daphne's trembling hand went to her mouth and tears spilled down her cheeks.
Oh Niles…
Niles went on, nodding and crying quietly. Daphne could only imagine what his father was saying to him; most likely tearing into him about the way he'd been treated. And
Martin had every right to be angry But it was easy to see that whatever Martin was saying was tearing Niles apart.
"I know Dad." Niles said again. "No, they're great gifts and you know that Daphne and I sincerely appreciate everything that you and Ronee have done for us. I-I 'm sorry that I ruined David's birthday party. I should never have gotten so angry about the Seahawks' jersey. Look, I know that you tried your hardest to get Frasier and I to take an interest in sports. I mean, that's what boys are supposed to do, right? I'm sorry if we were a disgrace to you, Dad. We made an effort to like sports, but we never-."
Another pause, but this time she saw Niles' expression soften. And then he continued.
"You have two sons and you hoped that you'd be able to throw a football ball or a basketball ball around, but it's just not me. I'm sor-I-I'm sorry Dad. I never-."
With the phone still pressed to his ear, Niles sobbed quietly. And then he spoke again. "I-I know. I miss Mom terribly. God, I loved her so much. She'd be so ashamed of me, Dad. I-I disgraced my family tonight. You and Ronee, Daphne, and even David. God, I love her. I love her so much, Dad. And I thank the Gods above every day that you insisted on letting Frasier hire her."
Daphne stood in the doorway, watching him as even more tears spilled down her cheeks. "I love you too, Sweetheart." She whispered, blowing him a kiss.