Suddenly overcome with exhaustion, Daphne leaned her head against Niles' and closed her eyes, sighing when he kissed her cheek.

"Are you all right, my love?" He whispered.

But she shook her head, unable to lie to him. "No..."

He took her into his arms and held her as the tears fell softly onto her cheeks, dampening his robe. The feeling was blissful but she quickly raised her head when she heard a soft knock on the door.

"I'll get that." He whispered, kissing her lips.

"Dad..."

"May I come in, Son?"

"Sure." Niles replied, opening the door wider to allow his father to step inside. "Is something wrong?"

"Look, this isn't going to take long, but I have some things I want to say."

"Of course. Have a seat." Daphne said. "Martin, I'm sorry for speaking to Frasier that way, but-."

Martin sat on the sofa and held up his hand. "Don't apologize. He needed to hear it. He's been a damn fool. His apology was crap. I know how he meant well and I believe that he's genuinely sorry for what he did, but I'll be damned if I'm going to let him think that everything's all hearts and flowers now, because God knows it's not!"

"Dad..."

"I knew this was a bad idea and I should have never agreed to come on this trip! And now I wish I hadn't!" Martin grumbled.

"Dad, what are you trying to say?"

"I'm trying to tell you that I'm sorry for the way those damn friends of Frasier's treated you!"

Daphne sighed deeply as the hurtful words and laughter of Cliff, Norm and Carla came back to her.

"Martin if you don't mind, I'd rather not talk about those bloody people anymore! I-."

When she bit back a sob, Niles returned to her and held her close. "Dad, pheraps its best if-."

But Martin shook his head. "I'm sorry son, but I can't let this go. I owe you both a big apology."

"This wasn't your fault, Dad. What could you possibly be apologizing for?"

"Because, Niles... I stood back and let this happen. I saw the way they were tearing into you about a subject that was none of their damn business! And you, Daphne... The way they were carrying on like it was the funniest damn thing they'd ever heard! They should get down on their knees and beg your forgiveness, which I hope you don't give them. But even if they don't, I'm going to apologize. I should have said something right then and there insteasd of watching it happen, but I didn't."

"It's okay, Dad. We understand."

"No Niles, you don't understand. After Daphne ran out the way she did, I realized what a damn fool I was. So I marched right over to those morons and gave them a piece of my mind! I told them that they were lauging about something that happened a long time ago and that my son is smart, well-adjusted and most of all, happy. I made damn sure that they felt some remorse for what they put you thorugh."

"But Frasier thinks-."

"I don't give a damn what Frasier thinks!" Martin said. "You're my sons and anyone who messes with them is goingb to have to deal with me! I may be old, but that doesn't mean I don't love my boys enough to protect them-and you too, Daphne."

Niles blinked back tears and hugged his father. "I love you, Dad."

"I love you too, Son. And I'm sorry for disturbing you."

"Come here, old man." Daphne said, engulfing Martin into her arms. "You may drive me crazy sometimes but I still love you."
Martin smiled. "Aw, come on. I drive you crazy all the time!"

Daphne laughed and kissed his cheek. "You've got that right!"

When he was gone, Daphne slipped the Do Not Disturb sign onto the door and closed it quietly. Alone at last, she turned to Niles with a mischievous grin.

"Now... where were we?"

He smiled and kissed her hand, leading her back to the bed. Their robes lay at their feet as they entangled themselves in the sheets resuming their lovemaking.

"You're so beautiful." Niles sighed, pleasuring her in every way possible.

But what pleased her most of all was that her husband was happy again.