They were still kissing as the snow fell softly around them like feathers from an impromptu pillow fight. But this was no fight. This was love. There was no doubt in Daphne's mind. Never before had she felt so deeply about anyone. How was it possible that this man, this wonderful, handsome and caring man had come into her life so unexpectedly?

When their lips parted, she drew back, unable to believe that she had fallen for a stranger so quickly.

"I love you." She said once more as she stared into his eyes.
"And I love you too, Daphne." Niles replied. But no sooner had he moved to kiss her, her tears resurfaced. Quickly he drew back and looked at her in concern. "Daphne?"
"I'm sorry Niles." She said tearfully. "I just keep thinking about what horrible things I did to that poor Mr. Kringle!"

"But Daphne that wasn't your fault!" Niles insisted. "You said yourself that this Mr. Jack Duff was the one who initiated those terrible acts!"
"But that poor man!" She cried. "He was so-."

His hand touched her cheek, brushing away her tears. "Don't..."

"Don't what?" She asked, with a sniffle.
"Please don't blame yourself, Daphne."
"But-."

He kissed her tenderly, brushing the hair from her face. "You're not a cruel person. You're kind and generous and the most selfless person I've ever met."
Tears splashed onto her cheeks and her heart was filled with love. "Oh Niles…"
"Please, let me buy you a gift, Daphne. You deserve something special."
"I already have something special." She whispered her lips just inches from his. "I have you."

His lips moved over hers, deepening the kiss and he drew her close. "Then let me do this for you, please."
Defeated, she sighed deeply. "All right. If it means that much to you."
He smiled and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, Daphne."
She took his hand and brought it to her lips. "But on one condition."

His eyes rose to meet hers. "What's that?"

Suddenly she couldn't help but smile. "Can we go to Cole's?"

"The department store? Of course we can. Come on."

They made their way through the snowy streets until they came to the famous department store that was situated directly across from Shopper's Express. It was hard not to feel some pain in the fact that she no longer worked there and that she had done so many cruel things, but when she caught a glimpse of Cole's, she gasped. For the first time she looked at it, really looked at it and now she couldn't believe her eyes. "It's beautiful…" she said quietly, gazing at the lights and decorations that adorned the store's entrance.

His lips touched her cheek, his breath warming her cold face. "You're beautiful."

She turned to face him and then kissed him once more. "Come on, let's go inside."