Page 67 of Dreaming

“Amanda?” She lifted her face and Nia smiled. “There are a handful of people in Hayden’s life who have become his friends. Tawny, your aunt, and I are in that group. I think what you did was one of the most selfless acts I’ve ever known. I can see how important he is to you.”

“He’s allowed so much time to pass,” she said softly. “Krystle said he changed his plans to be here at the last minute. Again.” With a self-deprecating smile, she added, “Listen to me. I sound like an angsty teenager.”

“May I confide something?” Amanda nodded. “He wants to be as good for you as you are for him.”

Inhaling deeply, Amanda said firmly, “He already is...but I understand. Thank you for telling me. I’ll be patient.”

Dennis entered the suite with coffees and looked back and forth between Nia and Amanda.

“Love,” he asked carefully, “is there a world-famous supermodel in the Think Tank?”

“There is, darling. This is Amanda Lang - model, author, and science prodigy. Amanda, this is my husband, Dennis Hancock.”

He set down the coffees so they could shake hands.

Amanda told him, “I see where your daughter gets her eyes. How lovely to meet you, Mr. Hancock.”

That was all it took for Dennis to launch into a ten-minute conversation about Davi. Arm around Nia, sipping his coffee, he went on and on about their little girl.

Nia was truly blown away by the questions Amanda asked about their daughter. She’d never met someone so interested and invested in children who wasn’t in some field of childcare or a parent herself.

Flicking her eyes to the upper corner of the room, Nia noted that the security camera had engaged.

It was something that never happened unless there was a medical emergency or one of the Thinkers was in the midst of a deep dive assignment as a safeguard for their health and general wellbeing.

There was no doubt in Nia’s mind that Hayden was currently in the Think Tank, in the security room, watching the love of his life from a distance.

She doubted it was the first time.

There was also no doubt that Hayden and Amanda were destined to be together.

She’d never seen two humans as mathematically suited.

Amanda smiled at them and said, “I don’t want to derail you since you just got back but...it was so great to finally meet you. I feel as if I’ve known you for years, Nia.”

“I feel like that, too. You’re a breath of fresh air, Amanda. Hang in there.”

“I think I’ll go for a run. Clear my head and process what you said. Thank you for giving me perspective. Dennis, it was nice to meet you. Your daughter is incredibly lucky.”

When the door closed behind her, Dennis said, “So that’s the woman Hayden loves.”

“That’s the one…and she loves him just as much.” Turning in his arms, she added, “I know what that’s like. They’ll figure it out. Soon, I hope.”

He kissed her and it felt like the first time, every time. “Time for a break, Nia. I need to spill some love on you.”

She grinned. “Is that what we’re calling it?”

He squeezed her and said, “You’re the one who wants a sibling for Davi before she gets much older...I’m helping. I live to help.”

“I know you do. This place was lucky for us once. I wonder if it will be again…”

“Only one way to find out.”

“Take me to bed and give me another baby, Dennis.”

“My pleasure, love...always my pleasure.”