The drive back to the Montana was filled with pleasantries like small talk, comfortable silence and the presence of a handsome and thoughtful man at her side. Although she cared for him deeply, she'd never before considered that there could be anything more between them. It just didn't seem possible….

Until now.

Could she really do this? Ponder the idea that their relationship could grow into something other than friendship? And even if it were possible, she couldn't fathom the idea of losing him as a friend, if things were to go badly. He was much too important to her. It was best to let things fall as they may. If it was meant to be then it would happen. The evening had been truly wonderful and it was silly to let the promise of what could, or might not happen ruin it.

So it was with a little uneasiness that they stood at Frasier's door, staring at one another. She felt like a teenager on her first date, having no idea what to say. And surprisingly he seemed just as nervous. Could it be that he was feeling the same way?

She smiled at Niles, taking note of how handsome he looked in his dark grey suit and slate blue tie. For the first time she wondered how his wife could even think of letting him go. She knew his marriage wasn't going well, and sadly, his wife had made it a point to let him know in no uncertain terms that he wasn't the only man in her life.

"Are you all right, Daphne? You're awfully quiet."

The softness in which he asked the question was sweet and sincere and she reached for his hand. "I'm fine. More than fine, actually. I…. Thank you so much for this, Dr. Crane. I had the beset evening I've had in a long time."

"Daphne, I'm the one who should be thanking you. If it weren't for your concern I might have-."

Her fingers went to his lips, silencing him. "Hush now. That's in the past. I'm sorry that man came back into your life. I know it must have hurt, remembering the horrible things that he did to you. But you're stronger now. You worked hard in school and you're more successful than he'll ever be."

"Daphne, I love you."

Her eyes widened in disbelief at what she'd just heard. "You what?"

His feet shifted from side to side and he swallowed hard. "I-."

"Did you just tell me that you love me?"

His cheeks flushed and he looked away, returning his gaze to her only when she placed her hand softly on his chin.

"Dr. Crane…"

"Daphne, I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me or what I was thinking. I'm married… for now anyway, even though Maris doesn't seem to share my affection for her, she…. "

His voice was lost in her thoughts as she stared at his lips where her fingers had touched him. It was wrong wanting so badly to kiss him like this. So wrong. He was married and although she selfishly hoped that somehow, perhaps, if things didn't work out between he and his wife…

The possibly brought with it an emotion that was so strong that she could no longer contain it. Slowly she moved toward him and brought her lips to his. The touch clearly surprised him but he made no effort to move away. She kissed him again, and she could feel the kiss deepen. The way he drew her closer, his fingers entwined in her hair left little doubt in her mind that he wanted this as much as she did. After a few more sweet, passionate kisses, she drew back feeling suddenly timid.

"I guess you probably need to be going home."

"Yeah, I suppose I should. But thank you, Daphne…. From the bottom of my heart. And because of you, I won't let Danny Kinsel-or anyone-make me feel insignificant ever again."

She smiled and pressed her lips against his. "You're not insignificant, Dr. Crane. You're wonderful. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Daphne. And thank you, again."

"Dr. Crane, you don't have to keep thanking me. I-."She was drawn into his arms, the recipient of a wonderful hug. And it was so easy to rest her head against his chest while he stroked her back.

"Daphne, will you do me a favor?"

"Of course. I'd bed glad to. What is it?"

"I'm not sure where this is going... where we're headed, but it would mean so much to me if you could call me Niles?"

His question made her smile and she was touched by the honor of calling him by his first name. She kissed his cheek, just inches from his mouth and touched his face.

"You're the most wonderful person I've ever known, Niles..."

Minutes later when he left Frasier's condo, with a promise to return the next day, she smiled to herself. She didn't need to worry about him anymore. He would be just fine. Her vision of his future, when it came, had been strong. But then she felt something else. They would be together one day, she was certain of it. Because nothing was stronger than feelings that came from the heart.

THE END