Grateful Hearts (Home for the Holidays)

Chapter Six

Zach’s hands rested casually on the steering wheel as he drove. They were about twenty minutes out from his parents’ house. The hum of the engine filled the comfortable silence between him and Chantel.

He glanced at her briefly out of the corner of his eye. She looked so beautiful with her head resting against the window as she watched the landscape whizz by.

He had to give himself a mental shake. How had this happened? He’d only met her a day ago, but somehow, she was all he could think about. It didn’t make sense, at least not for him. He was the guy who avoided complications, who kept relationships at arm’s length because they were safer that way.

And yet, here she was, effortlessly undoing all his carefully constructed rules.

Zach’s gaze flicked back to the road, his mind replaying moments from the past twenty-four hours: the way her eyes lit up when she laughed, the quick wit that caught him off guard, the kindness in her voice when she thanked him for simply being decent. She wasn’t like anyone else he’d ever met.

Chantel was sweet and genuine. She wasn’t trying to impress him or anyone else, like so many others he’d known. She was just herself.

It wasn’t just her sweetness, though. It was her humor, her quick retorts, and the way she didn’t shy away from calling him out. He liked that she wasn’t afraid to challenge him, even if it was over something as simple as which gas station snacks were the best.

All he knew was that Chantel was different, and for the first time in a long time, he didn’t feel like running from it.

The more he glanced at her, the more he could tell that something was bothering her. There was a slight furrow in her brow, and she was nibbling her lower lip.

She had been quiet for most of the trip. She either watched the landscape go by, or she was sleeping. He couldn’t blame her for sleeping. After the past two days, the poor thing had to have been exhausted.

“Hey, are you okay over there?” Zach asked, keeping his tone light but concerned. “You’ve been quiet since we left the hotel.”

Chantel blinked, snapping out of her reverie. She turned to look at him, a faint smile on her lips, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah, sorry. I’m just thinking.”

Zach glanced back at the road, giving her a moment. “Want to talk about it?” he offered, his voice soft. “Sometimes it helps to get things off your chest.”

She sighed, playing with the hem of her sweater. “I was just thinking about what I’m going to do after the holiday. You know, with everything that’s happened, I just need to figure out what’s next for me.” She paused, her fingers stilling. “It’s just a lot to process.”

Zach nodded, understanding the weight of her words. “That’s understandable. A lot has changed for you in a short time.” He hesitated for a moment, then added, “Do you have any ideas about where you might want to go? Or are you thinking about staying in Boston?”

Chantel shrugged as she seemed to think about his question. “I’m not sure. Boston has been home for a long time, but after everything that happened, I don’t know if I want to stay there. Maybe it’s time for a fresh start, somewhere new.” She glanced at him, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. “But starting over is scary, you know?”

Zach kept his eyes on the road but reached over to give her hand a reassuring squeeze. “I have no doubt you’ll find something great, whether it’s in Boston or somewhere else. Any restaurant would be lucky to have you.”

She smiled a genuine one this time. “Thanks. That means a lot.” She squeezed his hand back, then sighed. “It’s just hard to see a clear path right now. Everything’s so up in the air.”

Zach nodded, understanding the uncertainty she was feeling.

“It’s okay to feel lost. You’ve been through a lot. But you’re strong, and I know you’ll find your way.” He glanced at her, his eyes warm. “And in the meantime, you’re welcome to stay with my family for as long as you need. I know my mom would love that.”

Chantel laughed softly. “You’re sweet, but I don’t want to impose. I’m sure I’ll figure something out.”

Zach smiled, his grip on her hand tightening briefly. “You’re not imposing. We’re happy to have you. And who knows, maybe this holiday will help you decide your next steps.”

She nodded, a small smile on her lips. “Maybe.”

As they continued the drive, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, but Zach couldn’t help but think about how much he admired Chantel’s strength and resilience.

He hoped that this Thanksgiving would bring her some much-needed peace and clarity.

He stole another glance at her, and she smiled, giving him a soft, almost shy smile.

Zach felt a warmth spread through him as they continued down the road. He gripped the wheel a little tighter. It was ridiculous, really. He’d only known her for a day, but he already felt something he couldn’t quite name. Something he wasn’t sure he wanted to name.

◆◆◆

“Here we are,” Zach stated as he turned left on the main road into a driveway.

Chantel sat up straighter, and her breath hitched as they drove up the long driveway flanked by trees that were evenly spaced apart on each side. The glow of warm, white lights appeared in the distance, illuminating a sprawling house that seemed to belong in a Christmas card.

When they reached the circular part of the driveway, Chantel couldn’t help but stare.

The white house with stone accents was enormous, with a wide wraparound porch adorned with fresh evergreen garlands twinkling under strings of soft lights. Live wreaths hung from each window, and a pair of rocking chairs and a swing decorated the porch, their cushions patterned with cheerful plaid. Though it was only the week of Thanksgiving, the house looked like it was preparing to welcome Santa himself.

“Wow,” Chantel murmured, her eyes drinking in every detail. “It’s beautiful.”

Zach grinned, cutting the engine. “Mom doesn’t mess around with decorations. She always decorates the outside first. She’ll start decorating the inside on Friday.”

Chantel smiled, but a flutter of nerves tightened her stomach as she looked toward the glowing windows. “Zach, are you sure this is okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’m a complete stranger walking into your family’s house to spend Thanksgiving.”

Zach turned to her, his expression softening. “Hey, it’s fine. Don’t get yourself worked up. They’re going to love you. Besides, you’ve already met my parents at your restaurant, remember?”

“Meeting them for five minutes over dessert is different than walking into their home and sharing their family holiday,” she said, fiddling with the zipper on her jacket.

Zach chuckled, his teasing grin returning. “Look, my family trusts my instincts. And my instincts tell me you’re not a serial killer.”

Chantel smirked despite herself. “Oh! Well, if that’s the bar, I feel so much better.”

“Good,” Zach said, hopping out of the car and grabbing their bags from the back. “Now, come on. If we don’t get inside soon, Mom will send someone out to check on us.”

Chantel followed him. As if knowing she felt like a nervous wreck, Zach reached out and squeezed her hand reassuringly as they made their way to the front door.

“Ready?” he asked, smiling.

She nodded though nerves fluttered in her stomach. “Ready.”

The moment they stepped inside, Zach dropped the bags and called out, “We’re here!”

A warm voice answered from somewhere deeper in the house. “In the kitchen!”

The smell of cinnamon and fresh pine filled the air as they walked down a wide hallway. The sounds of laughter and conversation grew louder. When they stepped into the kitchen, Chantel froze, her eyes widening.

The kitchen was stunning. Gleaming marble countertops, double ovens, a massive island with stools, and every high-end appliance a chef could dream of. It was better than some professional kitchens she’d worked in.

Zach noticed her expression and grinned. “I told you, Mom’s a bit of a foodie. She spends more time in here than anywhere else in the house.”

Chantel didn’t have time to respond before the people in the room turned toward them, their voices overlapping with greetings.

“Zach!”

“You made it!”

“Come in already!”

Chantel smiled nervously as Zach began introductions. His mom, Jenelle, was the first to greet her, pulling her into a warm, one-armed hug. Chantel blinked in surprise, noticing the sling and cast on Jenelle’s left arm.

“Chantel, welcome!” Jenelle said, her voice was kind and sincere. “We’re so honored to have you here.”

“Oh, it’s no trouble at all,” Chantel said, her cheeks flushing.

Zach snorted. “I guess I see where I stand,” he joked, and his mom giggled as she released Chantel and hugged her son.

“Oh, you know I love you.”

Jenelle turned her attention back to Chantel, and her smile widened. “I can’t thank you enough for helping with Thanksgiving.”

Chantel waved her off. “Please, it is an honor. I should be the one thanking you and your family for opening up your home to me.”

Jenelle patted her hand. “We’re happy to have you, honey. Now please, make yourself at home. If you need anything, just let one of us know.”

Chantel felt her cheeks warm.

“Mom,” Zach interrupted, laughing. “Stop fan-girling. You’re embarrassing her.”

Jenelle smacked his shoulder lightly with her good hand. “Oh, hush.”

Jenelle motioned toward the large, intimidating man standing next to her. He was tall and had the kind of presence that commanded attention without trying.

“You might remember my husband, Ray.”

Chantel smiled. “I do remember.”

“It’s nice to see you again, Chantel,” he said, extending his hand.

Chantel shook his hand. His grip was firm but kind. She smiled, feeling an unexpected ease settle over her.

“Likewise, Mr. Walker.”

“Ray,” he corrected, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. “No need to make me feel older than I already am.”

Chantel laughed, her nerves melting away. She could see where Zach got his charm.

Next, Chantel met Zach’s younger brothers, Justin and Ethan. Both were tall, broad-shouldered and had the same easy confidence as Zach. She couldn’t help but wonder if they were in the military too.

Then a petite blonde stepped forward, her energy radiating even as she smiled warmly. “I’m Clover, and this is my boyfriend, Joker,” she said, nodding to the tall, grinning man beside her.

“Nice to meet you. Zach has told me a lot about you,” Chantel said, shaking their hands and feeling slightly overwhelmed by the warmth radiating from everyone.

Clover laughed. “All good things, I hope.”

“Of course. Though he did say that trouble was your middle name.”

Clover glared at Zach, and Zach held up his hands in defense. “Hey! I never said that.”

Chantel started laughing, and Zach gave her a playful glare.

“I’m just kidding,” she told Clover.

“Oh, I already like her,” Clover stated with a grin. “You and I are going to get along great.”

“Oh, brother,” Joker muttered, making everyone laugh.

Once the introductions were done, Jenelle smiled at Zach. “Why don’t you show Chantel to the guest room upstairs? I set up the one right next to your room.”

Chantel caught the glint in Jenelle’s eye and had a sneaking suspicion Zach’s mom was trying to play matchmaker.

“Dinner will be takeout from the pizza shop in town,” Jenelle added.

Chantel hesitated, then spoke up. “I could cook something if you’d like. It’s really no trouble.”

Jenelle waved her off with a grateful smile. “That’s so kind of you, dear, but no. Tonight, you relax.”

Zach grabbed Chantel’s bag and led her upstairs.

She followed him up the stairs trying to keep her eyes off his firm butt that fit nicely in his jeans. It was like a beacon that she couldn’t take her eyes off of. God, she was in trouble.

Once they got to the second floor, they went down the hallway before stopping at the last door on the left.

“This is your room,” he said, pushing open the door and revealing a gorgeous bedroom that looked like it was straight out of a Homes and Gardens magazine. The walls were painted a warm cream, which allowed the dark wood furniture filling the room to be the focal points.

She walked over to the bed and ran her hand over the carved footboard that matched the design on the headboard.

“This bed is beautiful. Is it an antique?” she asked, walking over to the matching armoire.

“It is. My mom loves antiques. I remember when she found this set.”

“It is a lovely set.”

Chantel walked over to the window, and when she pulled back the curtains, she gasped, seeing the amazing view of the mountains in the distance.

Zach set her bags down, and walked over to stand next to her.

“Mom wanted you to have the room with the best view.”

“It is an amazing view. It’s beautiful.”

“It is,” he said.

She looked up at Zach and found his gaze on her. She couldn’t help but wonder if he was referring to her being beautiful. Before she could ponder it anymore, Zach cleared his throat.

“My room is right across the hall. And the bathroom is the door next to my room.”

“Thank you again, Zach. And your family seems wonderful.”

“I told you they would love you. And like my mom said. We’re happy to have you here. Now, make yourself at home. If you want to relax a little bit, I can let you know when the pizza gets here.” He looked at his watch. “It should be about an hour.”

Chantel smiled. “That would be great. I think I’ll freshen up a bit.”

Zach smiled before he left the room, closing the door behind him.

Chantel walked over, picked up her bags, and placed them on the bed. She opened her suitcase to get her toiletry bag, but the first thing that caught her eye was Zach’s green T-shirt that he let her wear the night before. They were in such a hurry to leave Baltimore that she had forgotten to give it back to him. She set it aside so she would remember to return it to him later.

She heard her phone buzz, and she pulled it out of her purse. One look at the screen, and she rolled her eyes. She had six missed calls from Mario. Well, at least he didn’t leave any messages.

Feeling a little tired, she set the alarm on her phone. A quick cat nap before dinner would be good for her.

Moving her bags to the floor, she climbed on the bed and pulled the throw blanket that was on the bed on top of her. Within minutes, sleep pulled her under.