Emptying his glass, Niles stepped into the hallway, pausing for a moment when he reached Frasier's study; the room that once belonged to Daphne. He couldn't resist
running his hand against the smooth wood grain of the door; picturing her beautiful face.
When he heard a cry, he made his way into Frasier's room where his newborn son laid in his bassinet atop Frasier's king sized bed.
As he looked around the room, he shuddered at how bare it seemed; the personal touches; pictures, books, and knickknacks, had all been packed. Rows and rows of boxes lined the walls.
When David cried again, Niles reached into the bassinet and picked up his son, cradling him against his chest.
"It's okay... Shhh... Daddy's here." He said soothingly.
Minutes later, when David was calm, Niles carried him into the living room, kissing his soft forehead.
"Well! Look who's awake!" Martin exclaimed. "May I?"
"Of course, Dad." He smiled at his son. "Hey David, grandpa wants to hold you."
Niles handed David to Martin, who immediately began fussing over the baby.
When Niles moved his attention away from his son, he noticed that the guests were beginning to leave, saying their tearful goodbyes.
Boldly, Gil stood in the foyer, trying to collect himself.
"I don't want to get overly sentimental, Frasier." Gil said, extending his hand. "But it's been a pleasure working with you and having you as a friend."
Frasier looked at Gil thoughtfully. "You know, I don't think a handshake is appropriate in this situation."
Surprised, Gil withdrew his hand. "Oh... Well, you're absolutely right, Frasier. What was I thinking?"
Frasier smiled. "I was thinking that this calls for a hug, don't you?"
The smile that crossed Gil's face could light up a room. "Well, I say-."
Before Gil could finish, Frasier hugged him. "I'm going to miss you."
"Me too, Frasier." Gil said, wiping away a tear.
Niles sighed deeply as he watched the touching scene, waving to Gil as he walked out of the condo.
"All right, outta my way!" Bulldog said, pushing his way past the guests who were waiting to say their goodbyes.
"Look Doc, I know you're not much for sentiment and that's good because neither am I. I'm definitely not a sentimental guy! And I sure as hell ain't gonna cry!"
Frasier smiled. "And that's why you are the perfect person to do the Gonzo Sports Show, Bulldog! No sentiment! All seriousness and all sports! Go Sonics!"
"That's right!" Bulldog yelled. "Go Dawgs! Go S-Seahawks!"
There was a pause as Bulldog sniffled and turned away.
Finally he laughed and punched Frasier's arm a bit too forcefully, causing Niles to flinch.
"So, um... I guess this is it."
"Yes, well... it's been a pleasure knowing you Bob, and I hope-."
Bulldog burst into tears and threw his arms around Frasier.
"I love you, Man!"
Frasier looked around uncomfortably and tried with little luck to pry Bulldog away from his strong grip.
"Look Bulldog, I'm not leaving forever and I'll only be an airplane ride away!"
Abruptly Bulldog drew back.
"Right, um... I guess this is goodbye and... Well when you're there in San Francisco during football season just remember that the Seahawks are going to kick the
49er's-."
"I get it, Bulldog!" Frasier said. "I'm sure that despite my new home, I'll remain a loyal Seahawks fan. Um... Go Seahawks!"
At this, Bulldog laughed hysterically. "That's a good one, Doc!"
And then he too was gone.
"Frasier, I just want to say that it's been an honor knowing you."
Frasier shook Noel's hand. "You too, Noel."
Noel flashed Frasier the Vulcan sign, and smiled proudly. "Live Long and Prosper."
After a brief hug, Noel headed for the door, pausing in the foyer; his head hung low.
"You know, this is sadder than that Star Trek episode where-."
"Goodbye, Noel." Frasier said.
"Well, Frasier..."
Frasier turned and smiled at his boss. "Kenny, thank you for that beautiful toast."
Kenny smiled sheepishly. "Well, I meant every word."
"You've been a terrific person to work for, not to mention a great friend."
"Well thank you, Kenny. That ... means a lot to me."
"And Doc? I'm sorry for firing you... you know... before..."
Frasier put his hand on Kenny's shoulder. "That's all right Kenny. The important thing is that you hired me back!"
Mere seconds after they hugged, Kenny burst into tears.
"Good luck, Frasier."
"You too, Kenny. Hopefully I'll be able to get that radio station of yours on the Internet in San Francisco. I'm sure you'll be a wonderful DJ."
"Thanks, Frasier. That means a lot coming from you."
When Kenny walked out of the condo, Niles found the ability to maintain his composure becoming harder and harder.
And suddenly he needed his brother more than ever.
