When she awoke the next morning, Daphne decided that it was best to pretend that November 1st was just another day. And, essentially, it was. October was gone and a new month had begun. Perhaps it was a sign that she needed a new start in her life. One glance out of the huge window in the living room told her that fall was definitely in full swing. The few trees that were visible in the distance barely had more than half of their leaves and the ones that remained swayed briskly in the wind against an overcast sky.

She was still staring out the window when the doorbell rang.

"You gonna get that?" Martin barked from his chair.

She turned around, startled by the unexpected sound of his voice. "What?"

"Oh geez, what do you mean, what? The doorbell!"

When it rang again, she felt her heart skip a beat. "Oh…" Without so much as a glance at the old man, she hurried across the living room.

At once her breath was taken away. Dressed uncharacteristically in a dark green sweater and black slacks, Niles looked even more handsome than ever. Suddenly she felt a bit flustered.

"H-hello, Dr. Crane."

His expression changed and his sweet smile disappeared. He did not move, but stood perfectly still, causing worry to creep into her chest.

"Is something wrong?"

He looked down at his shoes and then returned his gaze to her. "Daphne, before I even come in, I have to say that I am mortified by my behavior last night. Honestly,

I don't know what got into me."

"About a quart of vodka for starters." Martin said without looking up from his paper.

"Be quiet, old man!" Daphne snapped.

Martin merely shrugged and returned his attention to his reading.

Her heart racing, Daphne looked at Niles.

"I-I really am sorry, Daphne."

Tears filled her eyes and she reached for his hand. "Please don't apologize, Dr. Crane. What you did was very gallant."

Martin laughed. "You did good, Niles. She said yes!"

Daphne's cheeks flushed and she stared at him. "I said be quiet!"

When she looked back at Niles he was staring at her in disbelief. In fact, he looked as though he might cry.

"Are you all right?"

"Y-you said yes?"

She swallowed hard as she squeezed his hands. "I-I did…"

A slow smile formed on his lips. "Oh…"

"I know that you only proposed because you thought that I was the one that was pregnant, but-."

"Daphne I'm so sorry about that. I should have never-."

Slowly she brought his hands to her lips and covered them with kisses. "Don't be sorry. It was the sweetest, most wonderful thing you've ever done."

This time it was Niles' cheeks that flushed with color. "Well, thank you Daphne. I-."

"I-I know it wasn't a real proposal, but to be honest, it was nice to pretend that it was. I guess it's over now, but I loved being engaged to you, even if it was just for a little while." She could no longer hide the tears that spilled onto her cheeks and the moment she turned away, she felt his arms wrap around her in the most perfect hug imaginable.

The hug was warm and wonderful and she wanted to stay wrapped in his arms forever. And just for a moment, she closed her eyes and leaned against him, content to feel the rhythm of his heartbeat against her own. After a long while she drew back and brushed the tears from her cheeks.

"I'm sorry for getting so emotional Dr. Crane."

"Don't be, I-."

"You look so handsome."

"Thank you, Daphne. You look absolutely beautiful."

She laughed, glancing down at her clothes which were anything but beautiful. An oversized purple sweater and a pair of leggings. "That's very sweet of you to say. I-."

"Yes?"

Suddenly she realized what was different about him. "If you don't mind my saying so, you look awfully tired."

"Well, I-."

"Planning that party must have taken a lot of work and I hope that the Literary Guild appreciated all that you did for them. I certainly had a good time, except for me damn lashes. I'm sure that you have a lot of cleaning up to do."

"Actually-."

"I want to help you."

He looked up in surprise. "What?"

"I want to help you." She repeated. "It's not right for you to do it all alone."

"That's nice of you Daphne."

"Why don't I come over tonight about six thirty? I'll make us a nice dinner and we can work on getting your place back together. And then maybe we can watch some Halloween movies. There's bound to still be a few on television, even though it's November. Oh, I know, I'll stop by the video store on my way home and rent us some! What kind of Halloween movie would you like?"

"It doesn't matter. I'll let you decide. I-wait, what are you saying?"

"She's asking you out on a date, Niles." Martin said. "If I were you I'd say yes!"

"Mr. Crane!"

Niles turned to her. "Is-is that what this is? A-a date?"

"Well, only if it's all right with you."

"Um, of course it's all right. I mean, I-."

She laughed at his nervousness and kissed his cheek. "You're sweet. Now go home and get some rest and I'll be over about six thirty. If you think of something you want for dinner, call me and I'll make sure I have the ingredients. You know I think there is probably some leftover Halloween candy around here as well."

"Thank you, Daphne."

She hugged him tightly, once again warmed by his embrace.

"Thank you… Niles, for the most wonderful Halloween of my life."

Before he could respond, her lips met his in a soft, sweet kiss. And when she drew back, he wore a stunned expression. Perhaps he was surprised by the way she'd called him Niles, or the way she had kissed him for the first time. But the kiss, she knew, held the promise of many more.

THE END