‘What have you got?’ He picked up a towel, rubbing it vigorously across his head, and Hannah peeled off her bathing cap.
‘I’ve got... Nothing. I’m still out of breath...’
‘You’ve got something. I know you have.’ Matt’s smile, and the look in his eyes was as intoxicating as when he’d kissed her. Taking her away from everything she thought she knew...
Suddenly a thought shot into her head. ‘Sam was born with a cleft lip and palate. You’ve noticed the scar?’
‘Only because I’m a surgeon. Someone did a very good job.’
‘Yes, they did. His was relatively minor, but it’s more common than a lot of people realise, about one in seven hundred babies. He had feeding difficulties, though, and it was a struggle for a while. A lot of kids have much more severe problems, ear infections and speech difficulties.’
Matt nodded. ‘What kind of project would have helped him?’
‘I don’t know... The surgery and care Sam had was marvellous. A lot of kids are hesitant about taking solid food, and they and their parents have problems with the way that people treat children with any disfiguring condition.’
‘So we concentrate on support, rather than medical treatment. You think that’s the best way to spend the money?’
‘Yes, I do. We can make more of a difference there, the money will go further.’
‘I agree. So we’ll go for that?’
He hadn’t suggested anything himself. If it were up to Hannah to spend the money, that would be her choice, but this team was made up of two people.
‘No. I’ll hear your ideas first.’
He shrugged. ‘Sam’s important...’
‘Yes, he is. Come on, Matt, what’s important to you?’
‘I guess...’ Matt thought for a moment. ‘Young people like Mia. We have all the facilities to give them the best medical care, but it’s difficult for them to stay positive. They have to really stick at the exercises.’
‘It would be really good to help them.’
‘It would be really good to help kids like Sam, too.’
They were at an impasse. Neither wanted to let go of the projects that were so close to their hearts, but neither could deny the other’s. Hannah stared out over the water, the overhead lights reflecting on its surface. It was restful. A luxury that wasn’t always available in the busy wards of the hospital...
‘A sensory room?’ Matt suddenly voiced the idea that had been forming in her head.
‘Yes! We could create an area that can be changed to meet different needs. Anyone benefits from being relaxed and happy, babies like Sam and youngsters like Mia.’
‘Maybe a pool...’ Matt was grinning now.
‘Earth to Matt. That’s far too expensive.’
‘So what if we build a capacity for expansion into the plan? Raising extra money is a possibility, isn’t it?’
‘I guess so.’ Hannah was almost breathless from excitement. ‘I want to start now, Matt. I mean this very minute...’
‘Me too.’ He jumped to his feet. ‘You reckon we have our idea?’
‘Yes, I do.’ A thought occurred to Hannah. ‘What do you think the hospital board will say?’
‘We can’t worry about that. We’re both medical professionals, and we understand what’s needed and what can and can’t be done. We have to just make the decision the best we can.’
‘Yes. You’re right.’
They’d done it. Together. His ideas and hers, twined together in something that felt like an embrace. Hannah slipped on her canvas shoes, and together they hurried away from the pool and up the stairs.