It was the soft touch of her sweet lips on his that lulled him awake. He opened his eyes and smiled at the vision that stood before him. She looked impossibly beautiful; even more so than she had last night.
"Daphne…"
"Good morning sweetheart."
He sat up and yawned. "What time is it?"
She laughed "It's much too early to be awake, but I wanted to surprise you."
"Surprise me?"
She crossed the room and returned with a tray of food. "Surprise, Darling."
He sat up straighter, his heart warmed by her thoughtful gesture. She had made him an elaborate breakfast. "Daphne, this is-."
"I know we've always made breakfast together; at least since we've been here but I wanted to do something to repay you for all that you've done for me. It's nothing special, but-."
He stopped her with a kiss. "Of course it's special, Daphne. It's wonderful. This is-." His eyes moved across the tray as the scent of croissants, waffles, potatoes and fruit wafted under his nose. Daphne might not have been the best cook but it was clear that she was improving. It smelled wonderful.
"Thank you so much for this, Daphne."
"You don't have to thank me. I was happy to do it."
"You must not have gotten much sleep. Aren't you tired?"
"A little, but-."
He moved closer to her and brought her into a kiss. "Thank you."
They stared at each other for a moment.
"Would you like some breakfast?" She asked, breaking the silence.
"Yes, thank you."
"All right, then." She began arranging the plate and silverware. "I hope you enjoy it."
"I'm sure I will" He said taking a bite. "But what about your breakfast?"
She looked away, almost embarrassed. "Oh, I'm fine, Niles. Don't worry about me."
"Nonsense. There's plenty here for both of us. I'd be honored if you'd share it with me."
"Oh… all right. That sounds lovely. Thank you, Niles."
She sat down on the bed beside him and they shared the breakfast until there was nothing left.
"That was truly wonderful, Daphne. The best breakfast I've ever had."
"Niles…" She laughed and began stacking the dishes. "Don't be silly."
"I'm not, I promise. It was amazing. I can't thank you enough."
"Well, I'll just put these in the kitchen."
He moved to climb out of bed. "I'll help you."
"No. Stay right where you are. I'll be back in a moment."
"All right but on one condition."
"Another condition?"
"I insist that you let me clean up. I won't take no for an answer."
She smiled. "All right. I'll just put these in the sink."
"No, allow me."
"But Niles-."
Against her protests, he climbed out of bed and took the tray from her. "Now, it's still early. I'll take these downstairs to the kitchen. You get back into bed. It's still early. I'll join you in a little while."
She looked as though she would protest again, but he could see how exhausted she looked. And finally she smiled. "All right."
As he'd done before, he sat the tray down and went to tuck her in, kissing her forehead. "Goodnight, Daphne."
"Goodnight, Niles."
When he returned from putting the dishes into the dishwasher, he paused in the doorway. Daphne was snuggled against the pillows, sound asleep. And he was only too happy to climb under the covers to join her.