Author's Note:Here's the final chapter. Please don't hate me for ending it this way. I really do love Niles and Daphne, but since this is Season 1, I didn't have much choice. (And believe me, it wasn't easy to find a way to write this without actually showing Maris!)

Niles arrived at his mansion just in time to see Marta, his maid, begin to pour one of his most prized bottles of wine into the sink. "Stop!" he said immediately. Marta jumped, but fortunately, no wine spilled. "Where's Mrs. Crane?" Marta pointed to the stairs.

Niles ran to the foot of the staircase, then stopped. Was he really ready to face Maris? Did he even want to talk to her? Part of him wanted to get in his car, drive back to Frasier's, and never leave Daphne's side again. But then he glanced at the wall, where a photo hung. It was taken on his wedding day. He could still clearly recall each and every detail of that day. Even though his father and brother had not exactly approved of the marriage, they had both come. Frasier and Lilith had flown in from Boston. It was the only time they'd seen each other since he'd moved across the country. Niles had thought it would be a sign that he and his brother might finally become friends. But then, during the ceremony, Lilith got an unfortunate case of the giggles. Something about their vows must have seemed funny to her. But Niles knew the truth. He and Maris had meant every word. And, even though they were having some difficulties now, he still meant them. So, maybe, his marriage was worth saving. Even if it meant keeping his feelings for Daphne to himself.