Home for the holidays

 Christmas came early when Slater showed up. Minnie was shocked. She hadn't seen her husband's best friend in ages.

"What are you doing here?" She was naturally carrying a baby which he took and smiled even more.

"I got word Josh is in the hospital," Slater had been truck driving and decided to take a break for the holidays. 

She nodded and told him that she hadn't been able to see Josh who had Covid in a while, but hopefully, he was better. "How about you, how's Jess?"

"Oh, I think she's working hard in KC," he nodded.

"You think?" Minnie winced. If any two she imagined still together, she thought it would be Jess and Slater.

"We split up," He was quick to say as she went to get him black coffee. "But she is doing what she loves, and she loves nursing."

Minne felt her throat raw for a moment thinking she should have been a better friend to Jess. Of course, she'd called early on and then she'd text but Jess was always busy.

"And you're staying out of trouble?" She wanted to know why he hadn't let Josh know about the break-up.

"Of course, I'm no trouble at all," Slater grinned. "Are you staying out of trouble, Minnie?" He reminded her she was known to be mixed up with grave robbers and other adventures at least once upon a time.

"I was never like that," Minnie laughed. "I am very stationary." She pointed to her girls. She was a homeschooler now.

"Hopefully, you are behaving," Slater made himself at home with the girls and sampled the Christmas cookies and fudge she'd made.

She was glad he was here. If anyone could put Jay in his place, it would be Slater.