They turned in each other's arms, falling against the pillows kissing with such passion that she never wanted to stop. But the sunlight outside was getting brighter and
they both knew that they had commitments awaiting them.
"We should get up." Daphne said between kisses. "David has school and I'm sure you have patients to see. And as much as Martin hates it, he really needs to do his
exercises."
Niles sighed. "All right, my love. But we'll be sure and continue this tonight."
"I can hardly wait." She replied, giving him one last kiss.
Hand in hand, they made their way downstairs where David was already dressed and ready for school, sitting in front of the television watching cartoons.
"Hi Mom! Hi Dad!"
Niles and Daphne looked at each other in amazement. David had always loved school but he was also not an easy little boy to awaken in the morning and it usually
took some coaxing by both his mother and father before he was fully alert and ready to head off to school.
"My you're up early and look, Niles... he's dressed himself so nicely this morning." Daphne said, winking at her husband.
"Like father like son." Niles quipped. "You certainly do look handsome, David. What's the special occasion?"
David shrugged, taking care to keep his gaze focused on the television. "Nothing, Dad. I just wanted to look nice for school. Everyone always wears dumb t-shirts with
stupid sayings on them. Do I look okay?"
Daphne looked her son up and down. Instead of his usual "dumb" t-shirt and jeans, David was wearing a royal blue polo shirt and a pair of khaki pants. He was indeed
the most handsome little boy she'd ever seen and she simply couldn't get over how much he looked like his father.
The sight nearly made her cry. But she swallowed her tears and smiled.
"You look wonderful, David. But it's not picture day is it? Oh no, I hope I haven't forgotten. I'm sure Mrs. Hale is going to want a check for the deposit. I'll get me
pocketbook."
David laughed "Mom, picture day already passed remember? There's my picture over there on the mantel!"
"Oh, right. How could I have forgotten? Well if it's not picture day then I can't imagine ..."
"What's wrong Daphne?"
She turned to her husband and smiled mischievously.
"I think I know what this is about!"
Amused by his wife's astonished expression, Niles laughed. "You want to share it with me?"
"Maybe I'll let David tell you!"
"Me? Mom I have no idea what you're talking about!"
Daphne smiled at her son's cheeks which were getting more flushed by the minute. He definitely took after his father.
"Well, I may be wrong but I think this has to do with a certain little girl from Texas that you helped onto the school bus yesterday."
"I was just trying to be nice. She doesn't know anybody, but..."
"But what, David?"
He sighed deeply as his expression turned serious.
"Some of the bigger kids were laughing at her, Dad! I could hear them when I was walking her to the bus. I know she heard them too. She told me that happened a lot
at her school in Texas. But I didn't laugh. Why do big kids think it's funny to make fun of people? Uncle Frasier told me about when the kids used to do that to you and
him. Andrea can't help it that she walks like that. She was born that way!"
Daphne wiped away tears as Niles walked over to David and embraced him. And for a long moment, neither of them let go. But when David finally drew back, Daphne
could see tears in her husband's eyes.
"Andrea is lucky to have a friend like you, David. And your mom and I are lucky to have a son that's so caring and selfless. We love you so much."
"I love you too. Now can I finish watching my cartoons?"
Niles and Daphne laughed, realizing that even though David was very intelligent for his age, he was still a little boy.
"Of course you can. But your breakfast will be ready in a few minutes and then we've got to get you off to school, okay?"
"Okay, Mom."
Niles put his arm around Daphne and led her into the kitchen, where she was still wiping away tears.
"Please don't cry, my love." Niles said, kissing her tenderly.
"I can't help it, Niles." Daphne replied, hugging her husband tightly. "He's just... the most wonderful little boy and I have you to thank."
Niles laughed. "Well you did most of the work. I just... helped out a little."
"But if it weren't for your father and brother, I wouldn't have any of this. And I'm so-."
He put his fingers to her lips. "Please don't cry, Daphne. I thank God for you every day and I can't wait until tonight when I can show you how much I love you-which is
even more than I loved you last night."
Wanting to stay in his arms forever, Daphne stole a glance at the kitchen clock, gasping when she saw the time. "Oh sod! David's going to be late for school if we don't
hurry."
She kissed Niles once more and then rushed around the kitchen, grabbing a bowl, spoon and a box of cereal.
"David, your breakfast is ready!" she called, bringing the items to the dining table.
"Okay Mom!"
Within seconds he was at the table, prepared to eat his breakfast.
"Well, I should go." Niles said. "And remember what we talked about last night. I really think it's a good idea. See if David will agree."
Daphne blushed fiercely. "Niles! I don't think we should be discussin' that around our son! He's much too young!"
"But why? It's perfectly-." Niles gasped when he realized what she was referring to. "Oh... I wasn't referring to that. I meant his little friend."
Daphne laughed out loud, falling into her husband's arms. "Oh Niles, what was I thinking? I had forgotten about your idea, and I think it's wonderful! Let's go ask him!"
They walked over to the table where David was finishing up his cereal.
"David, can we talk to you for a minute?"
The child's eyes widened. "I know I shouldn't be wearing my nice shirt, but I promise I won't get it dirty. I won't even go out on the playground at recess. Andrea
doesn't like to play on the playground anyway. Mostly we just sit and talk about stuff."
Niles smiled and put his hand on David's shoulder, watching as Daphne grabbed David's other hand.
"You're not in trouble David, far from it." Niles said. "In fact, we wanted to ask if you'd like to do something."
David's eyes lit up. "You mean you're going to take me to a baseball game? Grandpa said you would someday if I was good!"
Niles chuckled and glanced knowingly at his wife. "I know you want to see the Seahawks play, David. But I think I'll leave that up to your grandpa. I'm afraid I don't
know much about baseball, except that they hardly ever score any field goals."
David laughed. "Home runs, Dad! And the Mariners play baseball, not the Seahawks! They're a football team! Even Andrea knows that and she's from Texas!"
This time it was Niles who blushed, prompting Daphne to kiss his cheek. "David, I'm glad your grandfather is teaching you about sports, but your father means well. But
this doesn't have to do with that. We're trying to ask you, is if you'd want to invite Andrea to come over after school. You can show her your room and watch television.
And I'll make you a nice snack. She seems like a very sweet little girl and your daddy and I would love to meet her."
"But we don't want you to feel uncomfortable, David, so whatever you decide is fine with us." Niles added.
"Really? I can invite her over?" David's blue eyes were sparkling with excitement.
"Of course you can! But make sure that it's okay with her mom or Mrs. Hale, okay?"
David scrambled out of his chair and threw his arms around his parents' necks.
"Thank you! I can't believe that Andrea's going to come over here! I can show her the dragon statue!"
Daphne laughed, remembering how a ridiculous dragon statue played such a huge part in her and Niles falling in love.
"I think that's a wonderful idea. Now, we'd better get you off to school, or she's going to wonder where you are."
"Okay, Mom." David grabbed his backpack and his lunch and hugged his dad. "You're going to be here to meet her, right?"
"I'll be here waiting, David." Niles replied. He kissed Daphne and gave her a knowing smile. "And I'll be waiting for you too, my love."
"I love you, Niles." Daphne said, touching her forehead to his.
"Come on, Mom!"
Niles laughed as Daphne grabbed her coat and her car keys, hurrying to catch up with David who was already running out the door.
