His heart went out to her and he wished that he'd never made that damn phone call.
"Daphne, are you all right? I promise I won't be long. You can come with me if you'd like. I can drop you off at Frasier's so that you can do whatever you need to do and I'll go by my office and… take care of some things. When I'm finished, I'll come and pick you up and we'll be back on the road as quickly as possible."
"I'll stay here." She said quickly.
The statement surprised him. "Alone? Are you sure?"
"Yes. Unless you don't feel comfortable about it."
He smiled and boldly reached for her hand. "Of course it's all right, Daphne. You're welcome to stay here. I trust you completely. I just- Are you sure that you want to stay here by yourself?"
"Yes."
Her tone was harsh, but he didn't question it. And perhaps it was better if he went alone. If they were to go together, there was a good chance that one or both of them would change their minds about staying at the cabin for the rest of the week together. And he knew that he wouldn't be able to stay at the cabin alone for the rest of the week. He needed her… desperately. Especially now.
"Well, if you're sure."
She took his hand and squeezed it gently. And then she smiled. "I'll be fine."
He nodded. "All right. I just need to get something from my office and then I'll be on my way."
He turned on his heels and went to his office to collect his thoughts. And then he opened the drawer on the right hand side and removed the small black velvet box containing Mel's wedding ring. Technically it was his since he'd paid for it, but giving it to her was the least he could do after breaking off the engagement so suddenly.
Within seconds, he was back in the living room. "All right, then. I guess that's it."
"I'll walk you to your car."
His heart warmed at her thoughtfulness.
Together they walked out of the cabin, their footsteps the only sound as they made their way down the porch steps and to the driveway where his car was parked. They stood facing one another and neither of them seemed to know what to say. But the fact that they were able to smile so easily at one another made the awkwardness melt away… at least for the moment.
"If you need anything, anything at all, call Karen and Sook Kwen at the bed and breakfast. They cook, cater, deliver groceries and can repair practically anything from leaky faucets to computers." He was rambling, and he knew that he sounded ridiculous, but he was trying to make their goodbye last as long as he could.
To his relief, Daphne laughed. "I will, Dr. Crane. But don't worry about me. I'll be fine."
He stared at the ground and then looked up at her. "Well, I…"
"Will you do me a favor, Dr. Crane?"
He hadn't expected the question. "Yes, of course."
"There's a blue bag next to me door at home, just inside me room. Could you bring it when you return?"
His eyebrows rose. Why on earth would she have a packed bag in her room? But there was no time to question it. The sooner he went to Seattle and straightened out the mess he'd made of his relationship with Mel the better. Right now that was what was most important. But he had to answer Daphne's question and this time there was no hesitation.
"Um, yes, of course. I'll bring it." He said of the mysterious blue bag.
"It has everything I need." She continued. "I hope it won't be an imposition. Your brother-."
"Don't worry about Dad or Frasier. I'll deal with them. But Daphne, if you want to come along-."
"No."
Her quick response stung, but he simply dealt with the pain. And then she spoke again.
"I-I mean… I hope your father and brother won't be angry. I-I didn't exactly tell them that I was leaving."
"I'll take care of it." He opened the car door and was about to get in when he heard-
"Dr. Crane?"
He stopped and turned to her. "Yes?"
"Drive carefully. Please?"
It was the absolute last thing he expected her to say. And to think that she cared about him enough to say something so wonderful. Impulsively he hugged her and kissed her cheek. The kiss was an act that surprised them both. But he was even more surprised when she leaned against him; her scent lingering under his nose.
Still holding her, he sighed. "Thank you, Daphne. And if you need anything-."
"Yes, I know. I'll call the Kwens."
He smiled and touched her arm. "Good. But I was going to say that I have my cell phone with me, so please don't hesitate to call."
She hugged him again. "I will. Now you'd better go before it gets too late."
He said nothing as he walked to his car and climbed inside; realizing that he'd left the door open. Quickly he closed it and buckled his seat belt. The engine started and he carefully backed out of the driveway, wishing like hell that he didn't have to go at all. These next few hours away from Daphne were going to feel like an eternity.
As he drove off he waved to her, keeping his eyes on her in the rear-view mirror. Her beautiful image became smaller and smaller until she finally disappeared from sight.
"Don't worry Daphne. I'll be back soon."
Never had he meant anything more.