Grateful Hearts (Home for the Holidays)

Chapter Ten

Breakfast had wrapped up, and Chantel found herself back in the kitchen, surrounded by Jenelle, Clover, and Jocelyn. A thick notebook labeled “Thanksgiving Plans” was open on the counter, its pages dotted with handwritten notes, recipes, and Jenelle’s scribbles.

“So, Chantel,” Jenelle said, sliding the book toward her, “what do you think of the menu? Feel free to change anything you’d like. You’re the one doing all the work, after all.”

Chantel glanced at the list, noting some of the classics—turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. But there were also a few dishes that could use a modern twist. “Do you mind if I tweak a couple of things? Maybe swap out the sweet potato casserole for a sweet potato gratin? It’s a little less sugary but still rich and delicious.”

Jenelle waved her good hand dismissively. “You do whatever you want, sweetheart. I’m just grateful you’re saving me from cooking with this wrist.” She lifted her cast in mock exasperation. “It’s driving me nuts not being able to do anything.”

“It’s the least I can do,” Chantel replied with a smile. “But I’ll need to run to the store to grab a few things.”

“I can take you tomorrow,” Clover offered immediately. “If you want, I can show you around our little town. Then we could have lunch in town.”

“Thanks, Clover. That would be great,” Chantel said. She would love to see more of the area.

Jenelle smiled. “That sounds nice. That way, Chantel can see what all our little town offers.” Jenelle turned to Jocelyn with a mischievous gleam in her eye. “While you two are out, you could pick up some craft supplies I need.”

“Why are you looking at me like you’re plotting something,” Jocelyn asked, a small smile playing on her lips.

“I think I’m going to make a sign for the pantry door that says Do Not Disturb ,” Jenelle said, trying not to laugh.

Jocelyn groaned, her cheeks flushing pink. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, Jenelle. We were just... talking.”

“Sure, you were,” Clover chimed in with a grin. “I’ve heard a lot of things in my life, but I’ve never heard talking described as romantic pantry time .”

Chantel laughed as Jocelyn buried her face in her hands. “You people are impossible,” Jocelyn muttered.

“Don’t mind them,” Jenelle said, patting Jocelyn’s shoulder. “We’ve all had our moments of getting caught.”

Chantel tried to stifle her laugh at Clover’s scrunched-up face.

“Ewww…Mom, really?”

Jenelle laughed, which caused Jocelyn to start laughing.

The laughter settled as the teasing shifted targets. Jenelle arched a brow at Chantel, her tone suddenly curious. “Speaking of moments, you and Zach seem pretty close for only meeting two days ago in an airport.”

Chantel’s cheeks warmed under their collective gazes. “I... well, there’s just something about him,” she admitted, feeling both shy and oddly comfortable opening up. “It’s strange, considering I just ended a relationship. But Zach... he’s easy to be around. It feels like I’ve known him forever.”

“Your ex-fiancé?” Jocelyn asked gently. “What happened there, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Chantel hesitated, the bitter memories surfacing. “I caught him with someone else,” she said simply. “I can’t explain how someone could do that to the person they claim to love.”

“I can’t either,” Jenelle said firmly, her brow furrowing. “It takes a special kind of person to betray someone like that. Good riddance.”

“Exactly,” Chantel agreed, her voice steady despite the lingering sting. “I’m just glad I found out before it was too late.”

“So, what’s next for you after the holiday?” Clover asked, leaning her elbows on the counter.

“I’m not sure yet,” Chantel admitted. “Maybe I’ll travel for a bit. See where life takes me.”

Clover grinned, a twinkle in her eye. “Make sure you check out North Carolina.”

Chantel tilted her head, about to ask what she meant, when Amira and Max burst into the kitchen, their faces alight with excitement. “Grandma! Aunt Clover! You said we could make cupcakes!” Amira declared.

Chantel blinked, surprised, remembering Zach’s offhand comment about Clover not being much of a cook. She glanced at Jenelle for confirmation.

“Oh, Clover’s a disaster when it comes to actual food,” Jenelle said with a laugh. “But when it comes to baking, she’s the best in the family. It’s a completely different skill set.”

“She’s right,” Jocelyn added, nodding. “You won’t find a better baker. She makes the best desserts.”

Chantel smiled, understanding.”

As Clover gathered the kids and started pulling out ingredients, Chantel leaned against the counter, watching them with a contented smile. The lively chaos, the laughter, the effortless love that filled the room felt so natural. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she belonged somewhere.

Her gaze drifted toward the window, where the snow had begun to fall lightly. And as she thought of Zach, who was somewhere in the house with the guys. Her smile deepened. Maybe she should start believing in fate and that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

◆◆◆

The family room buzzed with the low hum of conversation and the faint crackle of the fireplace.

Zach leaned back into the worn leather couch, nursing a beer while half-listening to the football talk around him. His dad sat across from him in his favorite armchair, gesturing animatedly as he debated game stats with Bear, Justin, Ethan, and Joker.

“I’m telling you, the Lions are overdue for a win this year,” Bear said, taking a drink of his beer. “They’ve got the momentum.”

Ray scoffed. “Bear, they could have a ten-point lead, and they’d still find a way to choke. Mark my words.”

Ethan nodded in agreement. “Dad’s got a point. They’re consistent in their inconsistency.”

Zach chuckled absently but didn’t contribute. His mind wandered, slipping to thoughts of Chantel. He could still feel the almost electric charge of their near-kiss that morning. The way her stunning green eyes had locked onto his, and the way her breath hitched ever so slightly as he leaned closer. She had been about to kiss him back—he was sure of it. But then Bear and Jocelyn’s tryst in the pantry put an end to everything.

He hoped Chantel was having a good time with his mom, Clover, and Jocelyn in the kitchen. Knowing his family, they were probably grilling her with questions. But from the glimpses he’d seen of Chantel, she could handle herself. She was sharp, funny, and warm. She was someone who had fit right in despite only being here a day.

His sister’s words from earlier echoed in his mind. “Don’t screw this up, Zach,” Clover had said, cornering him near the hallway after breakfast. “Fate literally dropped the perfect woman into your lap. You better not be your usual clueless self.”

He hadn’t had the heart to argue, mostly because she was right. Chantel was something special, and deep down, he didn’t want to mess up.

“Earth to Zach,” Bear’s voice interrupted his thoughts, and Zach blinked back to the present. His brother smirked. “Thinking about Chantel?”

“Maybe,” Zach admitted, shrugging. “What’s it to you?”

Bear laughed. “Hey, I haven’t even gotten the full story yet. Mom said something about you meeting her in an airport?”

Zach gave a sheepish grin. “Pretty much. I was in a rush and accidentally spilled my coffee all over her. Not exactly a meet-cute, but it worked out.”

“And?” Bear pressed, clearly enjoying himself.

“And,” Zach continued, “we ended up spending a few hours talking while we waited for our flights. She was flying out to clear her head after dumping her ex-fiancé, and then Mom called, and, well, things just fell into place. She agreed to come here for Thanksgiving.”

Bear raised an eyebrow. “The ex-fiancé? What’s his deal?”

Zach’s jaw tightened. “I don’t know much about him besides he was also her boss. His name is Mario. From what I can tell, he’s a control freak. She caught him cheating, and now he’s been trying to weasel his way back into her life. He even left her a message last night that sounded borderline threatening.”

The room grew quiet as the others processed that. Ethan scowled. “You need backup, Zach, you let us know.”

“Same,” Bear said, his tone serious for once.”

Joker nodded. “You’ve got a lot of people here who’d have your back and hers.”

Zach felt a swell of gratitude as he looked around the room. His family already liked Chantel, and they were ready to defend her without question. “Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.”

Ray leaned forward, a grin spreading across his face. “Just don’t screw this up, son. I need more breakfasts like the one she made this morning. Your mom cooks fine, but Chantel’s pancakes? Man, I could eat those every day.”

The room erupted in laughter, Zach shaking his head. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dad.”

“Anytime,” Ray said with a wink.

The conversation shifted when Joker cleared his throat. There was a nervous but excited energy radiating from him. “Actually, since we’re talking about relationships, I wanted to tell you all something.”

The room quieted as everyone turned toward him, their curiosity piqued. Joker took a deep breath and smiled. “I’m going to propose to Clover.”

Bear clapped his hands together, grinning. “Finally!”

Ray leaned back in his chair, smirking. “About time, son. We were starting to think you’d lost your nerve.”

“Very funny,” Joker said dryly, though his smile didn’t waver. “I’ve had the ring for a while, but I wanted the timing to be right. And I can’t think of a better time than Thanksgiving, with all of us here.”

The room erupted into congratulations and back slaps, the energy buzzing with excitement. Zach clapped Joker on the shoulder. “She’s going to love it, man. And for what it’s worth, I couldn’t ask for a better guy for my sister.”

“Thanks, Zach. That means a lot,” Joker said sincerely.

As the conversation turned to proposal logistics and family memories, Zach found his mind wandering back to Chantel. He couldn’t help but wish they had some alone time, just a moment away from the chaos, so he could really talk to her.

Because, deep down, he already knew she was worth the effort.