Daphne jumped as thunder clapped. "This storm is getting worse."

"You love a good thunderstorm," said Niles.

"Yes, when I'm in bed, curled up with a good book... or with—"

As they kissed, the power went out, and their daughter screamed.

"Jane! It's all right, just be still... there you are." Daphne pulled the four year old into her arms. She held her while her eyes adjusted to the darkness and then made her way back to the sofa.

"Mommy, why did the TV go off?" Jane asked.

"Because the storm made the electricity go out, and the TV is electric."

"I'd better check on David," said Niles, standing up. He activated the torch on his phone and climbed the stairs.

"Are you all right, Darling?" Daphne asked.

"I'm a little bit scared," said Jane. Thunder rumbled, and she cuddled into her mother.

"Oh, Sweetheart, don't worry, the storm will pass. Meanwhile, we're all safe in our house, together. The electricity will come back on eventually."

Torchlight danced on the wall as Niles and David descended the stairs. They set up an antique candelabra on the coffee table and lit it. "There now, isn't that better?" said Niles.

David sat on the floor, and both children stared sleepily at the flames. Niles sat next to his wife and daughter and put his arm round them, pulling Daphne close, and she smiled at him.

"So what now?" asked David.

"We do what our ancestors did before cell phones and video games were invented and have a conversation," said Niles.

"Booooring," sang the seven year old.

"It's not that bad. Your dad and I had conversations all the time before we were married and had you two," said Daphne.

"Mommy, when will I get married?" asked Jane.

Niles opened his mouth, and then closed it again when Daphne shot him a look.

"Well, one day, you'll fall in love with someone wonderful. But make sure they're the right person before your wedding day."

"That's right," said Niles. "And it's important to marry for the right reasons, because divorce is no picnic."

"You married Mom because she's so pretty, right Dad?" asked David.

Daphne and Niles exchanged meaningful smiles. "Well, that was the first thing I noticed. But as I got to know her, I saw her inner beauty as well. She was kind and compassionate, she made me laugh, and without realising it, she brought me closer to my dad and my brother. She made me a better person."

Daphne smiled and patted Niles's thigh. "That's the thing, Children. A good partner makes you want to be a better person. Your dad helped me learn to trust, and not to settle for what seemed comfortable. I did very brave things because I loved him. Things I never would have dared."

"Like going to fat camp?" asked David.

Daphne laughed and held up a hand to stop Niles chiding the boy. "Well, yes, that's one example I suppose. But he loved me and supported me throughout that time, and all the time."

Daphne leant her head against Niles's arm, and he kissed her.

"Mommy, your heart is beating fast," said Jane.

"I've still got it," Niles mumbled.

Daphne gave a husky chuckle and caressed his face.

"So when did you know you loved Mom?" asked David.

"Do you really want to know?" asked Niles.

"He's a romantic, like his daddy," said Daphne.

"That or I can't watch TV," said David.

"Well, I guess it is time for a bedtime story..."

——

A/N: Since they have a son called David, I thought they might also have a daughter called Jane. It's also confusing me as I write, but hey ho!