Later that morning the sun had fully risen. It was rare for the sun to shine so brightly this time of year, but Niles didn't mind at all. It was a sign, or so he liked to think. Lying next to the woman he loved, surrounded by the sheets and thick comforter, the room was silent except for sound of her breathing. Without even looking at her he suspected that she was awake, but he didn't want to bother her. Like him, she was deep in thought. And they were both thinking the same thing. It was time to go home.
He didn't want to face the reality of it; going home. So much had changed between them in the past week and he wanted to hold onto it for as long as he could. They'd gone from friends to two people who shared an unbreakable bond as they confessed their deepest feelings and thoughts. They were more than friends but not yet lovers and it was the perfect place to be. Still, the inevitable question was always in the back of his mind. What would happen when they returned to Seattle?
There was little chance of Mel interfering in their lives. She knew better than to try and test the law when it came to restraining orders. It was a huge risk to take, having his lawyer draft up something so bold. Mel was capable of anything. And given the way that she reacted when they'd met just days earlier, he feared the worst. But he trusted his lawyer and he owed him the world.
Most likely Donny wouldn't be around either. Although Daphne had broken off their engagement, Donny was much calmer than Mel. But then again, Niles wanted to be prepared for anything that could happen. As long as he had Daphne by his side, they could face any obstacle together.
Frasier was bound to be angry when they arrived back in Seattle. His father might be angry as well. But so be it. Niles knew that he had acted in haste when he had invited Daphne to the cabin, but he knew in his heart that it was the right thing to do. If given the chance to do it all over again, he surely would do the same. The memory of the way she looked, alone in Frasier's living room, crying against his suit touched his heart. It was a memory that made him wrap his arms around Daphne and kiss her cheek.
She turned onto her side and smiled at him. "What was that for?"
"Because I love you." he replied. "I love you so much, Daphne."
"Niles, you keep saying that." She kissed him with everything she had. "I love you so much too."
The sweet and heavenly kisses lingered more wonderful than before and he sighed contentedly. It was the perfect way to spend their last morning together. But for the moment, he was happy to dream that they could stay like this forever.