Frasier entered his apartment. He found Daphne sitting on the couch with a glass of ice water in her hands, obviously something his father offered her to help coax her into waiting for Frasier before she left.
Dad was right, her bags were packed and placed next to the front door.
"Doctor Crane!" She set her drink down and hurried into his arms with tears in her eyes.
"Oh Daphne, Dad tells me that you want to quit. I spoke with Niles and I understand how you must feel."
"I don't want to leave. You and Mr. Crane are family to me."
When they broke out of the hug, Frasier gestured for her to take a seat back on the couch where they both took seats.
"Now Daphne," he took ahold of both of her hands, "We are. We are family. It would break our hearts if you left. Right Dad?"
"Right Daphne. We love you."
"Apparently, some more than others."
Frasier handed his handkerchief to her so she could dry the tears. "Now, Niles told me that he had no intentions of making you feel uncomfortable."
"Right," Martin added. "This is just as much your home as it is ours."
Frasier continued. "Absolutely. Now, Niles hasn't made you feel pressured into going out with him, has he?"
"No, but I can't live this way."
"What way is that Daphne?"
"I can't be glared upon by me boss's brotha every time he comes over. I can feel his stares now and he's not even here. And I will not be looked upon as some mistress that broke up someone's marriage. I love you all, but I must go."
"I refuse to let you feel uncomfortable in this apartment Daphne. Do you think for a moment that Dad and I would not intervene if we noticed you feeling the least bit uneasy? Why don't you give it some time? Niles will give you the space you need."
"I'm sorry, but me mind's made up."
"Alright Daphne, but before you go, can you do me one favor? Will you speak to Niles before you go?"
"I can't."
"Daphne, Niles is on the other side of that door. He wants to speak to you. Now if you want, Dad and I will be right here for you."
She slowly nodded. "Alright. But you two better stay right in this room, right where you are."
"Daphne, you've known Niles for years. Do you actually think there would be a moment that he would make you uncomfortable without doing anything about it?"
"I suppose your right." She took a deep breath which ended in a heavy sigh.
"Don't you think you owe it to us… your second family that loves you so…"
"Fras, she already agreed to talk with Niles, now will you let him in before you oversell it?"
"Right Dad." Frasier jumped up. "Sorry Daphne." He hurried over and opened the door.
There stood Niles in a much more humble lighting than Daphne had ever seen him before. His eyes were saddened, yet his face bestowed a look of hope beyond all odds. He stood there, not moving, as if to be asked inside, not by the owner of the apartment, but by the one that mattered the most.