Page 43 of Grateful Hearts

Zach couldn’t shake the feeling that he was missing something big. They’d been on the brink of something real, something he hadn’t wanted to admit until tonight. And now, without explanation, she was gone.

As he stood there, his mind raced, replaying the last moments they’d shared, wondering what he’d missed, what might have changed so suddenly.

Chapter Seventeen

Thanksgiving morning crept up before Chantel even realized it. By four in the morning, she gave up on sleep entirely, pushing herself out of bed after a long, restless night.

She just couldn’t shake the memory of Zach with that woman, leaning in close, their hands intertwined. Every time she closed her eyes, it was all she saw. She could practically feel the sting of betrayal all over again.

“Stupid,” she muttered, rubbing a hand over her face. She’d let herself get wrapped up in Zach’s charm, actually believing this was more than just holiday fun. It hurt to think he’d been stringing her along, but she knew she could get over it. All she had to do was get through today, serve the dinner, and make her quiet exit before dessert was even finished. She’d already decided to pack her bags so she could slip away unnoticed once the family settled in to enjoy the meal.

She remembered how Zach had come into her room last night, hovering in the doorway, probably thinking she was asleep. She’d kept her eyes closed, pretending to be asleep, but her mind was racing with questions. She’d wanted to sit up and ask him why he’d bothered to lead her on if he had plans with someone else. But she couldn’t bring herself to ask, maybe because a part of her didn’t want to hear the answer.

Sighing, she pushed herself out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. She took her time in the shower, letting the warm water wash away as much of the night’s disappointment as it could. When she finally got dressed, she picked out a pair of black leggings a cozy brown sweater, and slipped on her favorite calf-high boots with a rubber sole—perfect for a day spent onher feet in the kitchen. She pulled her long, wavy hair up into an updo, letting a few loose tendrils fall naturally around her face.

The thought of leaving Zach’s family left a hollow feeling in her chest. She’d grown to care for them more than she’d anticipated, and her heart ached at the idea of leaving them without a proper goodbye. But she’d written letters for them—one for Jenelle and Ray, one for Clover, and one for Zach.

She double-checked her reservation for the hotel she booked in Gatlinburg and confirmed the car service she’d booked to take her there. It was a bit of a splurge for the hour-long drive, but it would be worth it for a clean break.

She took a deep breath and headed downstairs, finding the house still quiet and dark. She made her way to the kitchen, smiling as she popped in her earbuds and queued up her favorite Christmas playlist. As the holiday tunes played softly, she felt a spark of joy. She loved the festive lights, the seasonal music, the warm memories of holidays past. She could at least hold onto that happiness, even if things with Zach hadn’t turned out the way she’d hoped.

She carefully took the turkey from the fridge, placed it on the counter, and set out the spices and herbs she’d need to prep it. As she rubbed butter and seasoning into the bird, her thoughts drifted to her menu. Once the turkey was roasting in the oven, she’d get started on the appetizers. She planned a whole spread: stuffed mushrooms, shrimp cocktail, savory sausage-stuffed dates, and cranberry-brie bites. She immersed herself in the familiar rhythm of cooking, letting it soothe her.

Lost in her work, she didn’t even notice she had company until she turned around, startled to see Zach’s dad, Ray, sitting at the island, quietly watching her.

“Ray!” she gasped, pulling her earbuds out. Her heart was still racing from the surprise.

He chuckled, his deep laughter filling the kitchen. Clover had told her once that her dad didn’t laugh often, but when he did, it was worth it.

“Sorry about that,” he said, still grinning. “Didn’t mean to scare you. But you were in your zone there. Thought it best not to interrupt a professional at work.”

Chantel let out a breath, trying to steady her heart. “You gave me quite a scare!”

Ray chuckled again, leaning back in his chair. “I used to sit right here and watch my wife do the same thing, year after year. I tried offering to help a few times, but she always waved me off. She told me I’d be more of a mess than a help.”

Chantel laughed, warming up to his company. “I understand that. When I’m in the kitchen, I have my own way of doing things. Besides, it’s kind of nice to have this time to myself, to get lost in the process.”

Ray nodded thoughtfully. “Well, I’m grateful you’re here, Chantel. We all are.”

She gave him a small smile, brushing off her hands. “It’s been my pleasure, truly. I’ve enjoyed getting to know all of you. This is definitely a Thanksgiving I’ll never forget.”

His gaze softened, but there was something else there, a question she wasn’t prepared for. “Why do I get the sense that once you leave here, we won’t see you again?”

Her heart stammered, and she quickly looked down, fumbling for a response. “What do you mean?”

Before he could press her further, Clover and Jenelle entered the kitchen, saving her from answering Ray’s question.

“Oh, Chantel!” Jenelle exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she took in the aroma of the turkey roasting in the oven. “You’ve done so much already. What can we help with?”

“Please, let us help,” Clover added, rolling up her sleeves and grinning. “Anything we can do to make this easier for you.”

Chantel felt a wave of relief wash over her, grateful for the distraction. “Thank you. Let’s get to work then,” she said, smiling as she returned to her preparations. They all moved around the kitchen, chatting and laughing as the holiday music played, creating memories for what Chantel hoped would be a Thanksgiving the family would never forget.

Moments later, Thanksgiving was in full swing as Chantel moved around the kitchen, entirely in her element. The turkey was roasting beautifully in the oven, filling the house with an aroma so warm and inviting it nearly made her forget the ache in her heart.

Jenelle stood beside her at the counter, attempting to chop vegetables for a salad, while Clover sat nearby, peeling potatoes and stealing bites of whatever Chantel handed her to sample.

“Chantel, I have to tell you,” Jenelle said, setting down her knife and wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. “This all smells incredible. You’ve outdone yourself.”

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