A/N: Thanks to Dustinw522 for the prompt! I may not have been the first choice, but I am so honored to try my hand at this story. Those of you who've watched "Hot in Cleveland" and know the episode "One Wedding and One Funeral" will recognize the plot. Those of you who don't know it, don't be afraid! Hopefully the story is self-explanatory.

Daphne's heart fluttered as if she'd eaten a hummingbird for breakfast. Here she was, the keys to Donny's apartment already warm in her hand. She'd entered this apartment many, many times. This time, however, it would be for the last time. The decision hadn't come to her lightly. None of this was easy. But Daphne knew that going on like this would cause her – and Donny – even more pain.

"Donny?" Unlike the apartment she shared with the two Crane men, Donny's was cluttered. And just like always, Daphne picked up a few things from the ground. She used to be like this too; living in her own little chaos. When did everything start to change? She wondered as she put a book on the table. Dr. Crane would have a fit if he ever found a book on the ground. Daphne didn't want to think about either Dr. Crane. Not yet.

"Donny? Are you home?" It was awfully quiet and so very, very dark. Daphne was used to the spacious glass front in her own home. Home. She clutched her purse tightly and didn't even dare to sit down on the couch.

"Oh hey," Donny finally appeared and he wore a big smile upon seeing her, "I didn't expect you here just yet." He gently kissed her lips and that simple, small gesture brought tears to Daphne's eyes.

"Donny… we need to talk." She saw his heartbreak reflected in his eyes before she even said a word.

Driving home from Donny's apartment, Daphne thought something was missing. She didn't realize it until she stopped at a red light; her hand was so much lighter now that she no longer wore her engagement ring. Her heart, interestingly enough, was lighter too. And finally she could allow herself to think about Dr. Niles Crane. Immediately, her heart sped up. The light turned green and Daphne quickly stepped on the gas. She couldn't wait to get back and tell him – Niles – how she felt.

The decision to break up with Donny had not been easy, but she knew it was the only right one. Many nights she couldn't sleep; whenever she closed her eyes, she thought of the other man. She thought of Niles instead of Donny, who was sleeping peacefully next to her. Daphne knew she'd have to do something. And she'd always followed her heart. Always. Her heart was begging her to choose another path. Donny was nice and comfortable, but it was not enough. Whatever she and Niles could be, she needed to explore that possibility.

Yet another stop light prevented Daphne's fast journey to Niles' office. There was another big obstacle to deal with: Mel. Daphne didn't like the woman. At first she thought it was because she reminded her a little bit of Dr. Crane's ex-wife. Now she knew it was because she was jealous. If it was true what the other Dr. Crane had unwillingly told her – namely that Niles had been in love with her for years – then she had a chance. For once in her life Daphne felt absolutely sure about matters of the heart.

Nervousness sneaked up on her, though, when she finally reached Dr. Crane's office. He had told his brother that he was working late today. Daphne was glad of it, because she could be certain to catch him alone. His secretary Mrs. Woodson had already gone home and so Daphne knocked on the slightly ajar door.

"Daphne?" Niles was surprised to see her there, but Daphne noticed the way his eyes softened upon seeing her.

"Hello, Dr. Crane."

"Is something the matter?" Niles asked carefully. Daphne realized she was clinging to her purse, not saying a word. How do you tell someone you found out that they were in love with you? Daphne didn't know. She prided herself on being fast-forward and always saying what she thought. At the moment, however, she didn't know how to be herself.

"I came to talk to you about something." All of this was so eerily familiar. Not long ago she'd been in the same situation with Donny. Except this time instead of breaking a heart, she hoped to unite two hearts.

"Ah." He sat on the edge of his desk, looking at her. The softness in his eyes was no longer visible and there was an exhaustion about him that made Daphne forget what she'd come here to say.

"Dr. Crane you look tired." To her surprise, he gave a small, strangled laugh.

"Did you come here to tell me that? Thank you, Daphne. I appreciate your concern. It's just – just Mel."

"Did she do anything?" Daphne walked closer, suddenly angry with the other woman. If she had hurt Niles in any way…

"Well, she, too, came to tell me something today." His blue eyes were shimmering; Daphne wasn't sure if he was about to start crying or if he'd cried earlier. But she wanted to hug his obvious pain away so badly.

"She did?"

"Yeah. We- uhm, Mel and I are going to get married!" He tried to sound more cheerful than he felt. Daphne, however, couldn't tell. His words were like a slap. Married! She was too late. All this time and now she was too late.

"You what? I mean congratulations, Dr. Crane."

"Thank you, Daphne. That's not all." His voice sounded strange; strangled. Daphne knew what he was going to say before he said it. Her whole world seemed to shatter and fall at their feet.

"Mel is pregnant. We're going to have a baby."

Yes, Daphne was definitely too late.

tbc