She was awake before the morning sun made an appearance over the horizon and when it finally rose, so did she. But the few moments she'd spent in bed just listening to the stillness were heavenly, because they were filled with thoughts of Niles.

For what seemed like the hundredth time, his sweet words came back to her.
I meant what I said... I do love you.

And as before, the words warmed her heart.

"I love you too, Niles." She said out loud in the seclusion of her bedroom. Suddenly she could hardly wait to see him.

With a sigh she hurried to change her clothes and she opened her closet sorting through the many outfits that she owned. There were so many possibilities and she wanted to look absolutely perfect. But as she pulled the I Love Seattle t-shirt over her head, and glanced into the mirror, she put it on again. A pair of black leggings and a red cardigan sweater completed the look; the red bringing out the red heart against the vibrant blue.

She wasted no time in heading for the kitchen where she began making breakfast and soon the condo was filled with the sweet aroma of maple syrup and cinnamon pancakes. Not surprisingly the smell sent the Crane men to the table in a hurry.

"Geez, something smells good!" Martin exclaimed as he sat down. "Did you order take out, Daphne?" He added with a laugh.

His sarcastic remark didn't faze her and she smiled, setting the plate of pancakes in front of him.

"What's this?"

"Cinnamon pancakes." She said. "I know I shouldn't be letting you eat things like this but one day won't hurt. Besides, it's... a special occasion."

Martin looked at her thoughtfully. "Special occasion? What special occasion?"

She said nothing and resumed putting food on the table. But Martin was persistent in trying to figure it out. "It's not my birthday. It's not Frasier's birthday, or yours..."

"Can't you just eat them, old man?" She yelled. "You'd better enjoy them because tomorrow it's back to bran cereal for you!"

"They certainly look inviting." Frasier said. His comment surprised her. It was the closest he'd ever come to complimenting her cooking. She smiled watching him dig into his plate.

"Thank you, Dr. Crane. Would you like some more?"

"Not right now, Daphne. In fact, I really shouldn't even be-." He stopped and looked her up and down, a scene that was becoming all too familiar.

"Is something wrong?"

The room was silent as Frasier exchanged glances with Martin.

"Dr Crane? Mr. Crane?"

They said nothing, leaving an ache in her chest. Why were they looking at her so strangely?

"What is it?"

"Um... Nothing Daphne." Frasier lied.

But she knew better. "Bloody hell, will somebody please tell me what's going on? Or are you going to stand there like idiots?"

"Hey!" Martin yelled. "We're not-."

But Frasier merely shook his head, silencing his father.

Daphne however, was so angry that she could barely think straight. The two men continued to stare at her as though she were from outer space.

"Bloody hell, will someone please tell me?" She yelled, louder this time.

"Daphne-."

"Look, if I've done something horrible, just... fire me and get it over with! I'm an excedllent physical therapist and I'm sure I'll have no troluble finding another job! Now if you'll excuse me, I have some packing to do!"

"Hey, Daph-."

She turned away, ashamed to let Frasier nad Martin see the tears that fileld her eyes, threatening to make their way down her cheeks. She'd already been humiliated enough for one morning.

"Hello all!"

The voice made her gasp and she whirled around, her heart beating at the sight.

"Niles..."

Wearing a dark suit with a blue shirt, red tie and red suspenders, Niles looked so handsome that she could hardly breathe. And without warning the tears began to fall.

"I'm sorry to intrude like this." Niles said. "I rang the doorbell a number of times but when I heard fighting I was worried and I used my key. Is everything all right?"

"Your key, Niles?" Frasier shouted. "You mean the one I specifically gave you for use in an emergency only?"

Niles walked further into the apartment. "Well under the circumstances I think this qualifies as an emergency!" He retorted. "Daphne..."

Without another word, he made a beeline for her and opened his arms, inviting her in. She accepted his warm embrace willingly, leaning against his chest where the steady beat of his heart began to soothe her. It felt so wonderful to be in his arms that she melted against him. And at that moment, all of her worries and insecurities vanished and there was nowhere on earth that she'd rather be.