And as she expected, they found themselves standing in front of the Elliot Bay Towers a short time later. But she wasn't expecting the sudden shyness that came over her as she stared into his eyes.

"Niles... I'm sorry for ruining your evening. Thank you so much for dinner. It was lovely."

He brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. "Daphne, you didn't ruin anything. I'm happier than I've ever been and I had a wonderful time."

"Well... I guess I should go inside and... face the consequences. I'm sure that your brother's long since noticed that his spice container is missing."

Niles spoke quickly. "I'll go in with you."

"No, that's not necessary. I-."

The door opened suddenly and her heart raced at the sight of her boss staring at them with an annoyed glare on his face.

"And just where have you been?" He demanded.

"Oh... Niles and I went out to dinner and-."

"Niles?"

Daphne laced her fingers through Niles' and squeezed.

"Since when do you call my brother Niles?"

"Since he asked me to! It is his name, you know!" Daphne replied. "H-he loves me."

"He told you that?"

"Well, yes but he didn't have to. I... I sensed it. You see, when your spice container broke-."

Frasier's eyes widened. "What?"

"I-I thought you knew! I'm so sorry! It was an accident! I-."

Anger flashed in Frasier's eyes. "You broke my spice jar? Daphne do you have any idea how much that meant to me? Dear God, that was irreplaceable! How could you be so careless?"

Tears welled in her eyes. "I-I'm so sorry, Dr. Crane."

"Frasier-."

"Niles, stay out of this! It's between Daphne and myself!"

"Niles, I-."

Niles put a soothing hand on her shoulder. "It's all right. I'll take care of it."

"Like hell you will!" Frasier yelled. "Niles, I can't believe this! You of all people-."

At the outburst, Martin hobbled into the living room. "What's going on in here?"

"Dad, it was an accident!" Niles protested. "You see, Daphne-."

"There are no accidents!" Frasier yelled.

Martin locked eyes with Daphne who had tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Dad-."

"Zip it, Fras! Daphne, what's going on?"

"I didn't mean to, I swear! I closed the bloody refrigerator door too hard and the spice container went crashing to the floor! If it weren't for Niles-."

Martin groaned. "Oh geez, not this again! No offense Niles, but I always hated that damn spice jar! If it was so important to you Fras, why did you keep it top of the refrigerator?"

"Dad, I-."

Martin held up his hand in protest. "Never mind, I don't want to know! Just shut your big bazoo and apologize! If Daphne says it was an accident, then it was an accident!"

"Frasier, I'll buy you a new one." Niles pleaded. "Really, it's no trouble."

"There, now. You see? Problem settled!" Martin nodded. "Now I'm going to bed! Goodnight!"

Daphne smiled and hugged Martin, kissing his cheek. "Goodnight, Mr. Crane. Thank you."

Frasier, Niles and Daphne stared awkwardly at one another and with a deep sigh, Frasier turned to Daphne.

"I'm sorry, Daphne. I was out of line and I shouldn't have yelled at you. That goes for you too, Niles."

Daphne smiled as she brushed away a tear and hugged her boss. "It's all right. I really am sorry."

"I'm sorry too, Niles. I'm sorry for standing you up for the opera." Frasier extended his hand, smiling as his younger brother did the same.

Niles grinned and turned to Daphne. "It's all right, Frasier. In fact, it's better than all right."

"Well, if it's any consolation, my date was a complete disaster, so I'm glad things worked out for you at least."

"What do you say we try for the opera again next week?" Niles asked.

"I'd like that." Frasier replied. "But now I'm going to bed. Goodnight all."

"Goodnight, Frasier."

Alone once more, Daphne hugged Niles warmly and kissed his soft lips.

"Thank you, Niles."

He held her close and stroked her hair. "For what?"

Daphne rested her cheek against his chest. "For being so wonderful. Thank you again for dinner."

"You're welcome, Daphne. Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Well, I was thinking... I need to get Frasier a new spice jar..."

She sighed and lowered her head. "I know, and I'm sorry Niles."

"I wasn't trying to make you feel bad. I was going to ask you if you wanted to come with me to help pick it out."

Daphne wrapped her arms around him. "I'd love to! So, I'll see you tomorrow?"

Niles kissed her one last time. "I can hardly wait."

Her heart fluttered, watching Niles step into the elevator and blow her a kiss just as the doors closed.

He really did love her. And she knew that it was just a matter of time before she would love him too. Because something told her that she was already there.

THE END