While the tea was keeping hot, he retreated into Frasier's bedroom where to his delight he found a soft chenille blanket folded neatly on the bed. He threw it over his shoulder and then returned to the kitchen. As he carried the pot of tea and two cups into the living room, he noticed that she was resting her face against the sofa cushion.

"Daphne?"

She looked up and gave him a sad smile as she noticed him enter the room. "You made tea."

"Cinnamon. That's your favorite, right?"

Her smile grew bigger. "You remembered."

He sat the teapot on the coffee table and smiled at her. Even in her state of distress, she was the most beautiful angel he'd ever seen. His eyes barely left her face as he poured two cups of tea and handed one to her.

"Here you are, Daphne. This should make you feel better. But be careful, it's hot."

"This is so sweet of you." She remarked, warming his heart.

"It's my pleasure. I-Oh… heavens!"

"What's wrong?"

"I forgot one thing."

She looked at him in confusion and then her eyes moved to his shoulder. "What's that?"

"Well, it's a bit chilly in here." He said, draping the chenille blanket over her shoulders. When he sat down beside her and poured his own cup of tea, she instantly seemed calmer. They sipped their tea in silence, two friends sharing a wonderful moment together. Noticing that her cup was empty, he quickly lifted the teapot. "Would you like some more?"

She nodded, brushing the tears from her cheeks. "Thank you, Dr. Crane."

He smiled, pouring her some more tea. "You're welcome, Daphne. I-."

"I mean it." She said, surprising him. "I-IO can't than you enough for this. I'm sorry I'm-."

"You've nothing to be sorry for. I'm sorry that you were hurt so badly. I know what it feels like to be loved and not to be loved in return."

He lowered his head, shuddering at the irony. And when she took his hand in hers, his heart beat with new hope.

"I know you loved your wife. And I'm sorry that things didn't work out between you and Mrs. Crane."

His heart sank, but he shouldn't have been surprised. What else would she have gathered from his statement?

"When Frasier told me that you were hurting, I-."

"Frasier? You mean your brother-."

"We had coffee today, as we always do and he told me."

"Oh sod! He must hate me! I've been so awful to your brother and father lately, but I just… I don't feel like doing anything! I just wish this pain would go away!"

He gathered her into his arms once more, and let her cry on his chest. "I know… And it will… but it will take some time; perhaps a lot, maybe a little. But I'll be here for you if you need me."

"Thank you, Dr. Crane, but I still don't know why-."

"When I heard that you were hurting, I came right away."

She stared at him, as though unable to believe what he was saying. "You came all the way here just to see me?"

"You were hurting. You are hurting and I just wanted you to know that someone cares."

She kissed his cheek, the indentation in his chin and finally his lips. And he was grateful that he was sitting on the sofa, for he surely would have fainted.

"I care about you too, Dr. Crane. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She hadn't told him that she loved him, or even that she was in love with him at all. And of course, although he longed to hear the words, he hadn't expected them to come.

But the words she did say touched him all the same. How was it possible that she made him fall more and more in love with her each day? He took her into his arms and held her, running his fingers through her hair. "Don't worry Daphne. You never have to worry about that. I'll be here for you, always."

She kissed his lips once more and snuggled against him. And for a moment he was almost glad that the man had broken his angel's heart. It was a cruel and selfish thought and he should have chided himself for it. But it was also a true thought. For Daphne's heartache had led him to a blissful moment, holding her in his arms.

And for that he was eternally grateful.

"Daphne, I love you. I hope you know that." He whispered, no longer caring if she rejected him or not. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Dr. Crane."

He gasped in surprise, almost euphoric at her words. But then he noticed that she had fallen asleep. Her words were spoken in a state of slumber and she most likely wouldn't ever remember even saying them. But they were words he didn't mind hearing at all. And one day, he knew that they would take on a deeper meaning, if the Gods were kind to him. For now, however, it was more than enough.

THE END