Daphne pulled him into a tight hug, overwhelmed with excitement to see him. When she pulled out of the embrace, she returned to her senses. "What are you doing here? Why aren't you in Boston? Did something happen?" All at once, terrible scenarios began playing in her mind.

"I'm terribly sorry to have frightened you, Daphne. I left Boston because...I missed you." He could think of no alternative to telling the truth.

"You missed me?!" Daphne asked in disbelief.

Niles nodded. "Thanksgiving at Lilith's wasn't going well. Frederick locked himself in his room to work on some school project. Frasier and Lilith couldn't go five minutes without arguing. And Dad insisted on watching a football game on TV. Apparently whichever team he was rooting for couldn't make a basket to save their lives."

Daphne grinned at his misuse of sports terminology. "Well, I'm awfully glad you're here. I've been feeling a bit sad. Me uncle Jackie got sick, so I had to cancel me plans. And of course Roz found a gentleman who wanted to bring her to his parents' house for Thanksgiving. I've been here all by meself. It's no fun being all alone on a holiday, Dr. Crane."

Niles hugged her again. "That's exactly why I came back as soon as I got your message. It seems we've both had miserable holidays so far. But that ends right now."

"I'm so glad you're here!" This had been the most wonderful surprise she'd had a long time.

Niles smiled. "Have you eaten yet?"

Daphne shook her head. "I was going to start making something..."

"Don't," Niles interrupted. "You work so hard all year. One phone call, and we'll have everything we need on its way here."

"All right, then!"

Niles nodded. He picked up Frasier's phone and quickly dialed Chez Henri. Sometimes it paid to have connections in the world of Seattle's gourmet restaurants. He hung up the phone a few minutes later. "It should be here within the hour."

"Thank you so much. I don't know what to say except thank you!" She once again threw her arms around him.

Niles inhaled, the scent of her perfume making him momentarily dizzy. "You're welcome, Daphne. I couldn't bear the thought of you being here, all alone." Suddenly, he had a thought. "Let's set the table."

Daphne agreed quickly. She and Niles went into the kitchen, finding Frasier's holiday table cloth. Niles located a pair of candlesticks. Then he looked in his brother's wine collection for something appropriate. When the table was set, Niles lit the two candles.

"Ooh, dinner by candlelight! How romantic!" Daphne exclaimed.

Niles grinned. "It is a holiday."

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Dinner had arrived. Within minutes, a sumptuous Thanksgiving meal was on the table. It looked like a picture from a magazine.

"I guess we should sit down," Daphne said as the restaurant staff left them alone once more.

"Allow me." Niles carefully pulled out a chair for her.

"Aren't you a gentleman?" Daphne said with a slight giggle. She began to sense that Dr. Crane was trying to impress her. It was working.

Once Daphne was seated, Niles took his place directly opposite her. The candles seemed to bring out her beauty even more. Before he even knew what was happening, his heart had taken over. "Daphne, the entire time I was on the plane coming back here, all I could think of was seeing you. This is supposed to be a day for giving thanks for the many blessings we enjoy every day. I don't think it would've been right for me to be away from someone who has done so much for me over the years."

Daphne gasped in surprise. "What do you mean? I'm so grateful for the way you and your father and brother have taken me in. I know it hasn't always been easy, but -"

Suddenly, Niles reached out and took her hand. He could hardly believe how soft it was. "Daphne, what I'm trying to say is, I love you."

"You do?!" Daphne asked. Suddenly, this whole thing made sense. His coming here unannounced, the candles, food, and wine. But she couldn't believe it. He'd done all of this for her?

Niles nodded looking into her eyes. "Yes. Frasier was reluctant to get me to the airport after I changed my flight. But he knew I meant business. Nothing would've kept me from coming here. If I'd had to, I would've rented a car and driven the whole way."

"But that's crazy!" Daphne exclaimed. "Why would you want to do that?"

"Because, when you love someone, all that matters is being there. Daphne, if you were ever in trouble, I'd find a way to get to you no matter what. I can guarantee it."

"Wow," Daphne whispered. No one had ever made a promise like that to her. But she could tell he meant it. She wasn't in the habit of needing help from others. Her first reaction was to say that she didn't need him. She was perfectly fine on her own. But that independence could sometimes be lonely. She'd seen that very clearly today. She knew that he, too, was well acquainted with loneliness. Perhaps the solution to their problems was much simpler than she'd ever thought. How could she ever be lonely again, knowing what she now knew?

She loved living here with the Cranes. At times, it made her feel like her family wasn't so far away. But that wasn't the same as really belonging to someone. It was an extra feeling of security that she liked. Suddenly, she knew. If he ever needed her, she would do every bit as much to get to his side as he'd done today. That was what love was, right? She leaned forward to kiss him. What started as a small, gentle kiss of thanks became something entirely different. The kiss made her feel alive as she never had before. When the kiss ended, they both began to eat. The meal was as delicious as it had looked. Within minutes, they were both full.

Daphne looked into his eyes and saw that he was tired. "You came all this way, and your brother's room is empty. I'm sure he wouldn't mind you spending the night."

Niles nodded. He didn't even have the energy to argue. "That sounds lovely. Are you sure I wouldn't be in your way?"

"Not at all," Daphne replied. "I know you're tired. Why don't you go and make yourself comfortable?"

Niles got up without further protest. He walked off toward his brother's room. He had a feeling he would sleep better tonight than he had in months.

While Niles got himself ready for bed, Daphne got busy clearing the table. As she did, she replayed the evening's events in her mind. It all seemed too good to be true. Just when she'd been thinking this was going to be the worst holiday ever, he'd shown up. And before she'd even gotten over the shock, he'd told her he loved her. It still didn't quite make sense, but she found that she didn't care. Maybe love didn't have to make sense.

Daphne smiled to herself as she finished putting the dishes away. Yes, she did like feeling this way. She thought of him in there, probably still reeling from tonight as well. Perhaps there was something she could do to help. Minutes later, she made her way toward her boss's bedroom, a mug in her hand. She stopped by the closed door and listened. Silence. She knocked gently. "Niles?" His name felt strange on her lips, but she found she liked saying it. "I brought you some hot chocolate in case you couldn't sleep." Still no answer. She opened the door. At first it was difficult to see in the dark. But she soon realized he was in bed, sleeping peacefully. She placed the mug on the nightstand, then took a moment to admire how handsome he looked, even now. She brushed a hair from his cheek. "Thank you, Niles. I love you." She leaned down to kiss his cheek. He responded with a moan. Daphne grinned, glad he was getting the rest he needed. She turned and quietly left the room. She closed the door and prepared to go to her own room. Within minutes, she was in bed herself. As she drifted off, a contented sigh escaped from her lips. This truly was the best Thanksgiving of her life. Never before had she had so much to be grateful for.

The End