"Daphne…"

She brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Dr. Crane I'm so sorry about earlier. I never meant to hurt you. I hope you known that." Unexpectedly her voice broke and the tears were relentless. "I know it can't be easy forgiving someone whom you thought you could trust, but I hope you'll find it in your heart to try. Because if you can't, I… I don't know what I would do if I lost your friendship. I'm so sorry... I-."

She gasped lightly when he smiled and reached out his hand brushing the tears from her cheek in the most poignant moment imaginable. And somehow she could see the future in his gesture.

Their future.

"Daphne, I could never stay mad at you. Not when you've been such an angel."

"Why do you keep calling me that? I'm not… Oh! I almost forgot. I have something for you."

His mouth fell open in surprise. "For me? But what could you possibly-."

She reached into her shopping bag and sat the gifts on the table… several bags of candy covered chocolates in a rainbow of colors and flavors.

"What's this?"

She felt her cheeks begin to flush. "Well, I know it's silly, but I thought you could use these… for your sorting."

He lowered his gaze to the floor. "A-actually Daphne, I won't be doing that anymore. Sorting candies, I mean."

Daphne swallowed hard. She had caused this… this change in his routine. It was a bit unusual to see two grown men (and psychiatrists at that!) sitting at the table sorting candy by colors. But perhaps there was a reason for it that she simply couldn't see.

She had to admit that there was a certain mystery about Niles. He was definitely handsome, not to mention one of the best friends that she'd ever had. Maybe even her best friend. It could be fun to get to know him on a deeper level, to form a special bond. But the fact that she'd ruined her chance shattered her heart. He'd said that he'd forgiven her but how could he, when she'd managed to completely-

"Daphne, what's wrong?"

She looked at him, feeling unworthy of his kindness and concern. "Nothing, I… Oh Dr. Crane, I'm so sorry! I know I've been saying that over and over but I mean it! I don't want you to give up something that you love! It was wrong of me to laugh at you and I should never have blurted out those words in the kitchen-or at all for that matter! What was I thinking? You and your brother were right in the next room! How could you not have heard them? But I meant what I said before. Sorting candies is sweet and now I know exactly what it shows. It shows that you're a wonderful person and I love you for it."

His mouth fell open in disbelief. "You love me? As in…"

"Well… I'm not sure about the romantic sense but definitely as a friend. But perhaps in time…"

This time it was Niles whose eyes filled with tears and he impulsively engulfed her in his arms. "Oh Daphne…"

She clung to him sighing when he kissed her damp cheeks. It was like a wonderful dream from which she never wanted to awaken. But she knew that they couldn't stay like this-holding each other forever. And so she slowly drew back, instantly missing the warmth of his touch.

"Why don't we take these candies home so that you can start sorting them? I'll even help you if you like."

He smiled and took her hand, bringing it to his lips. "Actually Daphne, I have a better idea. But before I tell you what it is, I must ask that you call me Niles. Please. It would mean so much to me."

The fact that he'd asked her to address him by name touched her deeply and she moved closer to kiss him softly. "Of course I will… Niles. Now, what is your idea? Whatever it is, I'm sure it's wonderful."

"Well, it's still early and I've amassed an array of classic movies on DVD as well as some vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. I think these candies would be the perfect accompaniment."

Her eyebrows rose at this unusual suggestion, but she didn't dare let him think that it was a bad idea. She just wanted to understand.

"Accompaniment to what?"

"To the hot fudge sundaes that we can make in my gourmet kitchen. They can be as elaborate as you like and then we'll carry them into my living room, sit on my fainting couch and enjoy them while we indulge in a classic movie. Just the two of us. What do you say?"

Her arms went around him and she kissed his lips once more. "I think it's wonderful. You're the sweetest man I've ever met, Niles Crane. Even sweeter than candy covered chocolate."

His smile warmed her heart and she took his hand entwining their fingers together. "Shall we?"

Together they walked out of Café Nervosa and headed for the Montana. And at that moment she was certain that life couldn't get any sweeter.

THE END