"Ladies and gentlemen, in just a few moments we'll be beginning our descent into Seattle..."
The words lulled Daphne out of a sound sleep and after acclimating herself with her surroundings, she looked out of the tiny window, gasping at the sight. Thousands of feet below, the Seattle skyline came into view and as the plane dipped downward, the scene became bigger and bigger, leaving her more in awe. It was the most beautiful city she'd ever seen. And there off to the side, as though on its own pedestal, was the Space Needle in all its glory.
She was finally here.
As quickly as possible she gathered her luggage and exited the plane. When she entered the airport at Gate N7, she was relieved to see a phone booth in the distance. Her luggage in both hands, she rushed over and began flipping through the phone book. Her fingers trembled as they slid down the thin yellow and black paper, searching frantically for his last time. She could hardly believe the number of people named Crane who lived in Seattle. At this rate she'd never find him. But at last she was rewarded; for there it was...
Dr. Niles Crane.
Tears of joy filled her eyes and slid down her cheeks. She was really here and this was really happening. Ripping the page from the phone booth, she circled his name hastily with a red pen.
And then she ran.
She was breathless by the time she finally found Ground Transportation.
"Taxi!" She yelled, amazed when one came quickly.
"Where to, Miss?" the taxi driver asked through the open passenger window.
"Oh... Hold on. I have the address right here."
As she fumbled in her purse for the page from the phone book, she was more than a little surprised when the driver got out of the taxi.
"Let me help you with those bags." Without waiting for an answer, he began putting her luggage into the trunk; a gesture that was unheard of in New York City.
"Thank you." She said in amazement. "I-this is my first time in Seattle and I'm not quite sure where this is." She pointed to the yellow paper in her hand.
The driver glanced at the address and nodded. "No problem! I know exactly where this is!"
"Really? Oh thank you! Please hurry!"
The man smiled at her. "Visiting someone special?"
Her heart skipped a beat just thinking about him. "He's very special. Of course he doesn't know I'm here..."
"Ah... If you don't mind my asking... Is that an English accent?"
"Why yes it is. Manchester. How'd you know?"
The cab driver shrugged. "Just lucky I guess. You must really care about this guy to come all the way from England to surprise him."
"Well, actually I'm here from New York City. We met there."
"Welcome to Seattle."
As they drove along the freeway, Daphne was mesmerized by what a beautiful city it was. There were enormous trees and almost everything was green. And the mountain ranges were stunning. Despite the overcast skies, there was no place on earth she'd rather be.
"We're almost there ma'am." The driver said as he veered off the exit ramp. "Just a few more minutes."
She sat back against the seat and willed herself to relax. But it was impossible. She was much too excited. For soon she'd be in the arms of the man she loved so much.