She drew back and looked into his eyes of blue, not knowing what should happen next. But at that moment, there was only one thing to say. "Dr. Crane… Niles… I don't know quite how to say this but I've fallen in love with you."
When his eyes met hers, she could see the glistening of tears and for a moment she feared that she'd upset him. But the kisses that followed proved her wrong. And when the second set of kisses ended, he smiled.
"I didn't mean to blurt it out like that." She admitted. "I'm sorry."
"I'm glad you told me." He replied. "Because I love you too."
She could hardly believe what she was hearing. "You do?"
"Oh Daphne, I've loved you for so long. I just… never found the right words to tell you how I feel. I'm sorry I never said anything before. I'm a coward."
She brought his hand to her cheek caressing it softly before placing a kiss on his smooth skin. "You're not a coward. You're the most wonderful man I've ever known and I love you so much."
"I love you too, Daphne. And in answer to your question, of course you can spend the night. I'd be honored to have you as my guest."
She kissed him once more. "It's late and you need your rest. Why don't you get ready for bed and I'll check on you in a little while?"
"That sounds wonderful, Daphne."
After one last kiss, he headed upstairs and she smiled through her tears. She really did love him and he loved her. Life couldn't be more perfect.
With a sigh she went to the kitchen and made some tea, hoping the caffeine would keep her awake. She certainly couldn't be sleeping when she was supposed to be watching over Niles. It was nice, taking care of him this way. Her cup of tea in hand, she curled up on the sofa and turned on the television. There was bound to be something on that would hold her interest-at least for a little while.
She wanted to go to Niles right away, but he deserved his privacy while he got ready for bed. But after an hour had passed, she found that the urge to go to him was just too great. As quietly as possible, she crept up the stairs and down the hallway until she reached his enormous bedroom. It was such a beautiful room, even in the darkness that she gasped in awe.
Even more quietly than before, she moved into the dimly lit room, relieved to find him in bed sound asleep. But as she knew all too well from her schooling, head traumas had serious risks, even after the initial injury took place. And so she walked around to his side of the bed. He looked so peaceful that she hated to wake him but she had no other choice. And so she gently stroked his cheek with her fingertips. His eyes opened at once and he lifted his head, smiling at her.
"Daphne…"
"Hello…" She said with a smile. "How are you feeling?"
"Oh… I'm still a little tired, but other than that I'm fine."
Her hand moved through his soft blonde hair. "And your head?
"I think I'll be all right."
"I'll run and get you some aspirin and some ice in case it starts hurting."
"You're an angel, but that's not necessary."
She smiled and kissed his soft lips. "Hush now, I'll be right back."
Her heart beating steadily, she crept out of the room and hurried to the kitchen. When she had the things she needed, she brought them back to his room, smiling at the way he slept soundly. He was forever calling her an angel, but he was the true angel… and she loved him with all her heart.