Minutes later she was standing in the elevator of the Montana, waiting anxiously for the doors to open. It was crazy; part of her hoped and prayed that he'd be home and yet another part of her hoped he'd be out having fun, for he deserved it. If the latter were true, then she'd be happy for him. They could always enjoy her surprise another day.

Carefully she put the bags down on the floor and rang the doorbell. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stood waiting and waiting… Hoping, wishing, and praying.

And suddenly the door opened.

He stood before her wearing causal clothes and when he smiled her breath was but for a moment taken away.

"Daphne…"

She smiled in return, even more nervous than before. "Hello."

His gaze traveled up and down the length of her body, landing on the bags at her feet. "What are you… not that I mind of course. You're always welcome here."

His sweet comment made her blush. "Thank you, Dr. Crane. Actually the reason I've come is…. May I come in?"

"What? Oh, Dear God, of course! Please…." He stammered as he opened the door wider.

Her bags in hand, she stepped into the foyer, smiling when he took them from her. "What's all this?"

"Well, actually…"

"Where are my manners? Can I get you anything?"

"Actually I'm a bit hungry. I haven't eaten much today, but-."

"Say no more, Daphne. Just make yourself comfortable and I'll be right back."

Her words were a lie, for she'd eaten lunch in a deli only a few hours before. But when Niles disappeared into the gourmet kitchen, he gave her a chance to set up the things she'd brought.

She worked quickly, arranging the items on the coffee table; three brightly wrapped gifts, a bottle of wine in a festive gift bag, and the cake that she'd worked so hard to bake. Her attempt at decorating left a lot to be desired and she was certain that the taste wouldn't be nearly as decadent as the cakes sold in Seattle's finest bakeries, but she hoped that he would enjoy it just the same. A few candles, one for each year they had known each other, completed the ensemble.

When she heard the kitchen door move, she faced his direction, filled with childlike excitement. The door opened and he walked out carrying a tray of sandwiches and some fruit.

"Daphne, I'm sorry it took so long. I wasn't sure-." He stopped in his tracks staring at the coffee table with his mouth open in surprise. "What's this?"

She grinned and moved in front of the display of presents and the cake. "I have a surprise for you."

"For me? But what could you possibly-."

"Just close your eyes…"

He did as she asked and she took his hand, moving him closer to the coffee table. "All right."

He opened his eyes and his expression was like that of a little boy upon seeing his presents on Christmas morning.

"Daphne…"

"Happy birthday, Dr. Crane!"