Moments later the Jack Russell Terrier came bounding into the living room, several steps ahead of his owner.

"All right, what is this Niles? And it better be good!" Martin said.

Feeling a strange sense of pride, Niles began opening the bags, revealing the gifts he'd bought for Eddie. "We have a new goose down padded dog bed, a silver plated dog dish, enough gourmet dog food to last a lifetime, something called chew-toys…"

Daphne and Martin sorted through the items in disbelief.

"All of this is for Eddie?" Martin asked.

"Of course." Niles replied. "Here is a brand new blue and green collar, emblazoned with the Seahawks logo so that everyone will know what a big basketball fan Eddie really is! I know how much you want to take him to a game and now he can go in style!"

"But Niles, dogs aren't allowed in Key Arena and besides the Seahawks are-."

"…not playing another game for a long while yet. It's still baseball season. Isn't that right, Martin?" Daphne finished, winking at Niles' father.

"Oh… right. Sorry, Niles. Yeah, Eddie will really love this Seahawks collar to wear when he watches the games."

"I thought so Dad. But just in awe that wasn't enough I got these."

Daphne had to hide her laughter when Niles opened another bag revealing several dog clothes emblazoned with the logos of the Sonics and the Seattle Mariners.

"Niles, I can't believe this! It's not Eddie's birthday, so what is all this about?"

Niles smiled at his father, for he had expected this sort of reaction. It wasn't every day that he showered a dog with gifts.

"Actually these are merely my way of saying thank you to Eddie."

"Thank you? For what?"

He looked up to see tears in Daphne's eyes as she slipped her hand into his. "I think I know what this is. Your son wrote me a beautiful letter telling me that he loved me but before he could finish it, Eddie snatched it out of his hand and ran into the kitchen. I read it, but I didn't quite understand. And then I saw Niles standing in the doorway. He said the most beautiful things and… Oh, now I'm crying again."

Niles reached into his pocket and handed her his handkerchief.

"Thank you, Niles." Daphne said, blotting her eyes.

Niles smiled at Daphne and took her hands. "If it weren't for Eddie, I would never have had the courage to tell Daphne how I felt about her. I just… wanted him to know how much he's loved."

He looked at his father, fully prepared for a lecture. But instead he was enveloped in a hug. "Thank you Niles. I can't tell you how much this means to me. If you don't mind I'm going to go take a nap for a while and I'll put Eddie's things away later."

"I'll take care of that, Mr. Crane. You just get some rest." Daphne said. "Niles will keep me company while you're asleep."

"Come on, Eddie." Martin said. "Let's go."

But Eddie stayed right where he was, staring at Niles.

Martin rolled his eyes. "Aw geez, come on Eddie! Let's go!"

"Actually, Dad can he stay here with us?" Niles asked. "If it's okay with Daphne."

"Of course it is." Daphne said.

"All right. Goodnight, Kids." Martin said.

"So what would you like to do, Dr. Crane?" Daphne asked when Martin was gone.

"Well, I was thinking… I'll put these things away and then perhaps we can watch a movie? I know Christmas is a long way off, but would you like to watch It's a Wonderful Life? I haven't stopped thinking about it since you mentioned that it's one of your favorite Christmas movies."

Daphne smiled and kissed his cheek. "That sounds like a wonderful idea."

They sat on the sofa and were joined by Eddie, who thanked Niles profusely for the abundance of gifts by kissing his face. With the moonlight streaming into the large picture window they sat on the sofa enjoying the movie, while Eddie rested his head on Niles' leg. And at that moment Niles realized that he didn't need Maris after all.

It truly was a wonderful life.

THE END