She moved closer to him on the sofa, resting her head against his shoulder. But seconds later his head snapped up and he looked around the room.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. I just… I can't believe I didn't notice it before."
"Notice what?"
"How beautiful it is."
She looked around the room and laughed. "Oh, you mean the Christmas decorations? I have to admit that they're a bit dull, but I couldn't help meself. I knew your brother wouldn't go for putting the tree up on Thanksgiving night, but after hearing Christmas songs for days on end, and commercials for Christmas things on TV, I couldn't resist putting up a few decorations. I'm surprised that you even noticed. It's only a few garlands and lights. The real decorating will start tomorrow I suppose. I meant to do it when I got home from me shopping but I…. "
Her voice trailed away, and she shuddered, trying to forget about that awful night, being stranded in downtown Seattle with no way to get home. Out of what could only be called desperation, she'd called Niles and he'd come at a moment's notice, calming her fears in the process.
Now he looked at her, a boyish grin on his face.
"What is it?"
"Well, the decorations are beautiful, but I was talking about you."
She lifted her head from his chest and smiled. "Well that's awfully sweet of you but me hair is a mess and me outfit-."
He silenced her with a kiss that left her breathless. "You're beautiful, Daphne. The most beautiful woman I've ever seen. And I love you so much."
"And I love you." She said surprised at how easy it was to say the words. Her fingers trailed down his shoulders, until they reached his neck. And ever so gently she tugged on his black bow tie until the strands hung against his collar bone. "There, doesn't that feel better?"
"Yes, it certainly does."
"You look awfully handsome in your tuxedo. It must have been some party."
He leaned his head back, allowing her to rest her head against his once more. "Daphne, I was thinking…"
She smiled, listening to the way his heart beat steadily in his chest. "About what?"
"Well, I never got to have my party as planned."
She raised her head and looked at him in dismay. And at once the magical moment was broken.