Steve rounded the corner of the hospital corridor and walked towards the Intensive Care Unit. As he neared he could see Minnie and Gavin sitting outside. Steve nodded at Minnie as he reached her and said "Hi, how's Brian?" Minnie shook her head - she couldn't answer Steve. Steve turned to Gavin. Gavin shrugged his shoulders. "They're in with him now. His alarm just went off and we had to come out. We haven't seen anybody to ask since." he said sadly. Steve sighed and sat down heavily onto the seat next to Minnie. She was crying quietly. Steve put his arm around her to comfort her. He felt so sorry for them at that moment. They didn't seem to have much luck, he thought.
After a few minutes a doctor came out of Brian's room. Minnie looked up, searching the doctor's face for news. "Mrs Foley, we've stabilised Brian as best we can. It was touch and go for a while. Tonight will be the biggest test. If he can get through then I believe he stands a good chance of pulling through." Minnie thanked the doctor and asked if they could see him. "Just one at a time, I'm afraid and keep talking to him - he can hear you, you know." Minnie urged Gavin to go in first as she wanted to talk to Steve.
Steve fetched them both a coffee from the machine down the corridor and sat down again next to Minnie. Minnie turned her head to him "Steve, I'm so sorry about all of this." "What do you mean Minnie?" Steve replied. "Well, I didn't realise that Bent was bent." she said, making Steve smile. "I only wanted Gavin to have Follyfoot because he loves it so and he could keep Bobby there and look after him. He's spoken to me since and explained that he doesn't want to own the farm. He loves Dora and you, and Slugger and Ron. He was so upset by my behaviour. Honestly Steve, I had no idea about the.." Steve broke in "Minnie, don't worry, please. You're a good woman." Minnie started crying again. "I feel so embarrassed about what I've done. I was so lonely and the money just went to my head. I thought money could buy you anything but I was wrong wasn't I?" Steve held her head up and looked into her eyes as he spoke "You're a good woman Minnie Foley and don't let anybody tell you different. I really enjoyed your company... really." She smiled for the first time since Steve had arrived. "You're being very kind." she said. "You deserve to have a good life Minnie, after what you've been through and if I can help in any way I will. Let Gavin come and stay with us at Follyfoot while Brian's in here. I know Dora won't mind." Minnie kissed his cheek. "He'd love that Steve, thank you." Minnie told Gavin the good news as she changed places with him to sit with Brian.
Steve was pleased she'd accepted his offer and Dora would welcome Gavin, he knew that, but how the hell was he going to get her to accept him back into the fold!