They did not speak on the drive to the cabin and the unspoken words, as well as the guilt that he was feeling, filled the space between them. However, he refused to place blame on himself. He had nothing to feel guilty about. They were just two friends taking a journey to the cabin, just as they had done many times before. Only this time they were without the company of Frasier and his father. Otherwise it was no different. He had nothing to feel guilty about. They were just friends, good friends and nothing more.
He loved his Mel and he was going to marry her.
He reminded himself yet again that Daphne did not and would never have feelings for him, nor was she free to do so. And although he couldn't deny his love for her, a love that, in the time they'd known each other, had grown into more than just a simple crush or infatuation. But he knew that he was not free either, and neither was Mel. He'd promised her hand in marriage just as Donny had promised Daphne the stars.
Suddenly his mind was filled with images of the two women that he loved, as though they were unknowingly forcing him to decide between them. And worse, scolding him for putting himself into such a position in the first place. He tried to push the ridiculous thought from his mind but the images were still there.
Daphne… Mel… Daphne…Mel…
He looked to his right, remembering that Daphne was more than just a vision in his mind. She was sitting right beside him in the passenger seat, lest he could have forgotten.
As they drove past a familiar sign, he was suddenly aware of how much time had passed since they'd last spoken. Continuing the silence would never do. But when he finally spoke, the words were not at all what he'd intended to say.
"Did you remember to bring your thyroid pills?"
She didn't answer immediately and he turned to look at her, suddenly feeling as though he was treating her like a child. She certainly didn't need him reminding her of what she should bring on a trip; especially an impromptu one such as their journey to the cabin.
He may not have intended to ask the question but it was a very real concern. For the rest of his life he'd always remember that hot summer night when she'd arrived at his doorstep, asking to spend the night. The sexual tension between them (even in his home, which, because of the heat, could have been the backdrop for a Tennessee Williams play) felt so intense that things could have ended up very differently had she brought her thyroid pills. He'd never forgive himself for making the hasty decision to bring her back to Frasier's to retrieve them when he could have just as easily thrown his ethics out of the window for one night and make use of the all night pharmacy across the street.
If only…
But things were different now and he was determined not to make the same mistake again. The silence that still surrounded them was killing him. But he would not turn back even if she told him that she had forgotten her pills. He could only imagine the hell that would ensue if they returned to Frasier's. He'd be forced to explain-
No, he would not let it happen. He would not let this chance to spend time alone with Daphne pass him by, no matter how wrong it may have been.
When he looked at her again she was smiling. "Thank you Dr. Crane. They're packed in me over night bag. I made sure of it."
Her words made him smile and his smile was returned. The relief he felt was unimaginable.