Even in the dim light I could see her blushing. It was as though I was looking at an angel from heaven. And I wasn't yet convinced that I wasn't dreaming.

"I-is this real?" I heard myself ask.

She moved closer and kissed my lips once more. "Yes…" She whispered.

I tried to breathe but suddenly it became almost impossible. I stared at my angel, my goddess and I can honestly say that I'd never seen anyone more beautiful. I know I've said that before but there was no denying that it was true.

She wore a dress I had never seen before. A pink silk dress that reminded me of the hue that the Seattle sky takes when the sun sets over the mountains and it was adorned with pearl buttons and the faintest hint of lace. And on her neck was a familiar gold pendant of a little boy in a crescent moon. I knew that necklace very well, as I had gone to great lengths to find it for her. And she made certain that I knew how much she liked it by hugging me warmly and kissing my cheek she wore it often, but now…

"You're beautiful." I blurted out.

My words brought tears to her eyes and she smiled. "Thank you Niles. So are you. I mean…."

I knew exactly what she meant and the words meant the world to me. But as for myself I was at a loss for words. The sound of my name on her lips; hearing it for the first time, made me dizzy and she grabbed my arm to steady me.

"Are you all right?"

"I…"

"Perhaps we should sit down?"

In a daze, I did as she asked. "Daphne, what…"

"You want to know what I'm doing here."

"Well…"

She took my hand and squeezed. "I know you were probably expecting someone else and I'm sorry if I've disappointed you. I just… well, somehow in the last few months I've realized something. It's not Donny that I'm in love with .and I'm not sure it ever was. You see, the man I love... is you, Niles Crane. I love you."

"Daphne…"

"I hope you're not disappointed, but I didn't know how to tell you. I mean, you're with Mel now and I'm so sorry that I never-."

This time it was I who initiated a series of kisses. And in those kisses I could taste the saltiness of her tears. I couldn't bear the thought of my angel hurting, so I quickly brushed the tears away.

"Daphne… I'm… surprised by all of this and I simply can't believe that you're the one…"

She looked away but I gently turned her face toward me.

"I'm not disappointed. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. I'm absolutely euphoric. I'm… happier than I could ever be. You were the last person I was expecting but there's no denying that you are the only woman I hoped I would be meeting tonight. It's you… Daphne. It's always been you. The woman that I love."

More tears fell from my angel's eyes and she softly touched my cheek once more.

"Niles..."

"I may be with Mel, but our relationship…Daphne you are the woman I love and will always love. Mel and I were over a long time ago. And honestly I don't think we ever began. But Daphne…"

We were kissing again. I'm not sure who initiated it. Perhaps we both did at the same time. But I knew that I'd never been more in love than I was at that moment. And when we drew back, I brushed a fallen lock of hair from her forehead.

"I love you, Daphne."

She held me in her arms and afforded me the luxury of the scent of her hair and her perfume. And then she whispered into my ear.

"Wanna skip dinner?"

I didn't need to explain our reason for leaving to Victor for he knew all too well what was happening. And so did I.

I was going to spend the rest of my life with a woman whom I absolutely adored. Sometimes dreams really do come true in ten-fold.

THE END