Together they walked up the stairs to the nursey. The moment they reached David's crib, Niles picked up his son and cradled him against his chest.
"There's my handsome son." He whispered, kissing the baby's soft cheek. David calmed at once as Niles slowly moved him back and forth.
Daphne smiled, watching her husband and son. "You're a wonderful father, Niles. I don't tell you that often enough. I'm sorry."
"Well, thank you, but I haven't been a very good son."
She sighed. "Niles, please don't beat yourself up over this. I'm sorry that I was so cross with you before. I just-."
"Daphne, don't apologize. You've done absolutely nothing to be sorry for. I was a compete jackass and I ruined David's party. I know how much it meant to you. It meant a lot to me too."
"Niles-."
"You know Daphne, if he was old enough to understand birthdays I'd feel even worse, but-."
Daphne smiled and patted David's back, pleased to find that he was sound asleep. "It looks like David has already forgiven you."
"Well, at least that's one person."
Her heart went out to him and she drew her husband close, until she was holding both him and her son. "Niles, your father loves you. The things you said to him on the phone were lovely and I know that he appreciates it. David loves you too. He may be too little to show it, but I can see it in his eyes. I know that David's love for you will continue to grow just as mine has."
He leaned to kiss her and she found it hard to pull away. She moved closer to him and for a moment she forgot that he was still holding their son in his arms. Surprisingly,
David was unfazed by the sentiment of his parents.
"Perhaps we should continue this in our bedroom." Daphne whispered into Niles' ear.
"That sounds wonderful, but do you mind if I stay here for a little while longer?" Niles asked.
"Of course not. In the meantime, I'll go change into some more comfortable clothes." She gave him a seductive smile and her heart fluttered with desire at the smile she received.
"I'll see you soon, darling."
She kissed him one more time and smiled. "That's just a preview of what's to come." She whispered.
As she disappeared into the hallway, her heart warmed. She turned and smiled at the sight of Niles holding their sleeping son in his arms.
Oh how she loved them.