Author's Note: This story is short, but it's sort of a Chapter 3 of Kristen3's wonderful story, "A Memorable Birthday." While her story was awesome, she left it at such an evil ending, I knew I had to do something about continuing it! :) And I'm not sure if that was done on purpose! ;) I hope this lives up to the original story! *hugs*

Niles didn't know how long he'd been on the sofa, waiting for Daphne to come back. But he must've been there long enough to fall asleep, because the front door opening awakened him.

"I'm sorry, Dr. Crane, did I startle you? I didn't know anybody would be here!"

At closer glance, Daphne's eyes looked red, like she'd been crying. Niles' heart went out to her, this angel that he loved.

"I wanted to wait for you. I know you were at Donny's, and I figured you needed someone to talk to when you got back." He patted the seat next to him on the sofa, and Daphne made her way over to it and sat down and sighed.

Niles immediately put his arm around her shoulders, and happened to notice her bare hand, where her engagement ring had been just hours before. Although he was thrilled that Daphne had done it, he felt terrible for her. After all, she did love Donny enough to accept his proposal.

Niles reached for her empty hand, and intertwined it with his. A rush went through him. "I take it it didn't go well at Donny's?"

Daphne sighed again. "He was incredibly heartbroken. It wasn't an easy thing to do, but I told him me heart was with somebody else, and he said he didn't want to be with me anymore if I was going to break the promise I made him. So, we ended it. Or he did, rather. This is all so confusing to me! It was the hardest thing I've ever done."

Niles rubbed her back, intending to calm her. "Shh, you're here now. Everything's going to be alright."

Daphne leaned her head against his shoulder. "I thought about you the whole time. Even though it broke me heart to return Donny's ring, I knew there had to be a brighter future ahead. And that future is with you, Niles. I don't need to have psychic powers to prove that."

"Oh, Daphne. I love you." They kissed again, more passionately than ever before this time. Daphne intended to stay by Niles' side, leaning her head against his shoulder forever.

Morning came as it always did, and Frasier woke with his usual after-birthday hangover. While he appreciated everything that his family did for him on his birthday, he couldn't help but feel that something was missing. After all, Niles had a girlfriend, and he didn't. What did that say for him?

He got out of bed and put his robe on. He walked to the living room, ready for breakfast. Seeing nothing on the table, and no signs of life, he began to worry about Daphne. She ran out of the apartment last night, not even bothering to listen to anybody.

Just as he began to wonder if he was really worried or angry at Daphne, he noticed something on the sofa. For there, answered his question. Niles and Daphne were sleeping on there on the sofa together, with Daphne on Niles' shoulder.

He couldn't help but smile at the sight. He also noticed Daphne's left hand, and the missing engagement ring. A warm feeling started deep inside him. Who cares if he didn't have anybody special in his life. Niles had Daphne, and everything was right with the world.

Looks like Niles won't be going to the opera with me after all, Frasier thought to himself.

The End