"H-hello, Dr. Crane." I said, feeling shyer than a schoolgirl.

"I'm sorry to bother you like this, but-."

I rubbed me arms from the sudden chill in the air.

"You could never be a bother." He said opening the door further to allow me inside.

"Thank you." I said, my heart warming at his words.

"Wh-what are you doing here? Not that I... mind of course." He asked.

"Daphne, I know what you must think of me and-."

"I think the world of you, Dr. Crane."

He blushed, making himself look absolutely adorable.

"Well, that's very nice of you to say but I hardly think I deserve it." He said.

"Just like I don't deserve these." I said, revealing the bouquet of roses and the pink envelope.

"Oh..."

I hugged him fiercely. "I'm so sorry, Dr. Crane!"

"Dear God, Daphne what could you possibly be sorry for? I'm the one who-."

"For those horrible things I said to you." I replied tearfully.

I could feel his chin restin on me shoulder and I sighed.

"You had every right to say those things, Daphne. Dad and Frasier were right. I was horrible, insensitive and-."

"Wonderful..." I said, lifting my head to look at him.

"I can't believe I said that you weren't me friend. Because that's not true at all." I whispered. "You're me best friend."

"And you're mine, but I'm afraid I've tarnished our relationship badly." He said.

"Did you mean what you said... in your letter?"

He grinned then. "Every word, but I'm afraid it's not very eloquent."

Suddenly I couldn't help myself. I took his face in me hands and kissed him.

When he pulled back he looked at me in stunned amazement.

"Does that mean you liked it?" He asked with an adorable grin on his face.

"It's the most beautiful letter I've ever received." I said, hugging him warmly.

"I-I'm glad, because I really am sorry and-."

I took him in my arms and kissed him again, sighing when his arms went around me back, holding me closer.

"Dr. Crane?"

Quickly, I pulled out of the embrace.

"Yes, Marta?"

"Missy Crane no wants dinner. Says she has a bad headache."

I wasn't sure but I could have sworn that I saw him smile.

"Thank you, Marta." He said, returning his gaze to me.

Embarrassed, I looked away.

Oh God, what was I thinking? Kissing him when his wife was in the same house?

"Dr Crane, I'm so sorry. Mrs. Crane will be furious if she sees me here and-."

When I turned to leave I felt him grab my hand.

"Daphne."

Slowly I turned around.

"I don't want you to go."

"That's very sweet, Dr. Crane but your wife is going to think-."

His gaze went to the staircase as though he was deep in thought. "You know, I don't really care what Mrs. Crane thinks."

I smiled at his boldness. "Oh... Well in that case. My new car is parked in front of your house. Would you like to take a drive in it?"

"That would be wonderful, Daphne. But only on one condition."

I swallowed hard. "What condition is that, Dr. Crane?"

"That you'll call me Niles."

I was so relived that I kissed him again; deeper this time.

"Thank you for the roses." I said touching my forehead to his. "They're so beautiful."

"And so are you." Niles replied, kissing me again. "Now why don't we take that new car of yours to that new Italian restaurant on Queen Anne Avenue and I'll buy you

dinner?"

When Marta appeared in the hallway, I froze.

"Oh... I'm sorry." I said; embarrassed more for Niles than for myself. She was bound to tell Mrs. Crane and then I'd really be in for it.

"No problem, Miss Daphne." Marta replied with a smile. "Have a good time, Dr. Crane!"

Niles took my hand and threaded his fingers through mine. "Don't worry, Marta. We will!"

As Niles and I walked hand in hand down the sidewalk to my car, I looked back to see Marta waving at us and I couldn't help but smile as Niles stopped me at the car

to kiss me once more.

THE END