A/N: This is probably one of the fastest chapter stories I've ever written, having gotten the idea on a whim while walking to work and seeing a beautiful church (that I've seen hundreds of times before). For some reason, inspiration struck and even though Christmas is over, I just to set this story on Christmas Eve. Thanks for reading and for any thoughts you have to share.
Daphne beamed with pride as she and Niles held tightly to David's hands. She paused, taking a moment to stare at the beautiful structure before her.
She'd seen this church hundreds of times before, when she'd walked Martin's beloved dog Eddie down Chestnut Street. But she'd never really noticed its beauty until now. And it was as though she was seeing it through new eyes.
"Come on, Mommy!" The seven year old tugged gently on Daphne's hand. "We're gonna be late!"
Niles chuckled. "Don't worry, David. We wouldn't let you miss this extraordinary event."
He walked patiently with his son as David carefully maneuvered the many steps that led to the large wooden doors.
As soon as those doors were opened, Daphne gasped.
"Oh Niles..."
It was truly the most beautiful sight she had ever seen.
The huge sanctuary with its wooden pews and festive decorations, along with hauntingly beautiful Christmas music provided a scene that she had only witnessed in the movies.
The pipe organ with its wide range of pitches and almost mournful sounds created a feeling in Daphne that was like no other.
When she felt a gentle squeeze of her hand, she turned to find Niles smiling at her.
"It is beautiful, isn't it?"
Before she could answer, David let go of her hand and ran down the aisle.
"Grandpa!"
Martin huffed as David unexpectedly jumped into his outstretched arms almost causing his grandfather to lose his breath. But Martin didn't seem to mind.
"Hey David!"
"Grandpa, you'll never guess what I'm going to do!" The child said excitedly.
"Oh, I bet I can guess!" Ronee offered. "But first you owe me a hug and a kiss."
David rushed over to Ronee and threw himself into her arms.
"Okay Grandma. I love-."
But Ronee shook her head. "Uh uh..." she interrupted. "What did I tell you about that?"
"Sorry... Aunt Ronee." David corrected. "But you're not really my aunt, so why-."
"It makes her happy, David." Martin explained.
"But Grandpa, all of my friends call their grandma's Grandma! Why can't I?"
"Because Ronee is special." Niles said when he and Daphne finally caught up to their son.
Ronee smiled at the handsome man that she once babysat. "Thanks, Niles."
"Grandpa, you never guessed what I'm going to do!" David said, barely able to contain his excitement.
Martin pretended to be deep in thought. "Oh, I don't know... Let's see... Oh! Wait, I've got it! You're going to be the starting quarterback of the Seahawks!"
David laughed. "Come on Grandpa, that's not it! Besides, it's not even baseball season yet!"
Ronee flashed Daphne an amused look.
"Like father, like son. But he's right you know. It's definitely not baseball season."
Martin, however, found no humor in the situation.
"Oh geez Niles, when are you going to let me teach David about sports? The right way?"
"Um... how about never?" Niles quipped.
"All right, that's enough." Daphne said. "David, you'd better get up there with your friends. I see Mrs. Mailer right over there. Daddy, Grandpa, Ronne and I will be in the congregation watching you."
Her eyes filled with tears and almost instantly she felt Niles' warm hand on her back, rubbing in slow, gentle circles.
"Oh, I can't believe my sweet boy is going to sing on Christmas Eve! All by himself!"
"Aw, Mommy, it was supposed to be a surprise!" David whined.
Niles scooped his son into his arms. "Well that was my fault, not Mommy's. I'm just so proud of you that I couldn't wait to tell everyone!"
"Even Uncle Frasier and Aunt Charlotte?"
"Even them."
"What about Aunt Roz?"
"I told her too."
"Are they coming?"
"No, I'm afraid not. Your Uncle Frasier and Aunt Charlotte are visiting Cousin Freddy in Boston and Aunt Roz and Cousin Alice are in Wisconsin."
"Aw, but that's not fair! I wanted them to hear me sing!" David protested.
"Well, I'm here! And Mommy and Grandpa and Aunt Ronee are all so happy that we could share in this wonderful moment. We're all so proud of you."
Finally David smiled and threw his arms around Niles' neck. "I love you, Daddy."
Niles kissed his son's cheek, tightening his grip on the boy when David leaned over to hug Daphne.
"I love you too, Mommy."
"And I love you, too, Sweetheart." Daphne replied, never tiring of hearing those words. "Now, you'd better run along and get changed."