Page 11 of Grateful Hearts

“No. She and I just met today.”

“You just met her today at the airport, and you’re bringing her home?”

He laughed, knowing it sounded crazy. Especially the way he was wary of people.

“Hear me out, mom.” He then explained how they met and how that incident led them to sit and talk over coffee. He explained about her being alone for the holiday and what her fiancé did to her.”

“My, God. That poor woman. I just don’t understand people. Well, she is more than welcome to spend Thanksgiving with us. The more the merrier.”

His eyes rose, surprised by how quickly she welcomed Chantel. “You really don’t mind?”

“Why would I mind?”

“Because I’m practically bringing home a stranger.”

“I trust your instincts. You’ve always had a knack for reading people, and if you say she’s a good person, then I do not doubt that she’ll be an issue.” She sighed. “However, I hope she doesn’t mind a scaled-down kind of Thanksgiving dinner.”

Zach grinned. “What if I told you that Thanksgiving dinner can still be what you want it to be?

“I don’t understand.”

“Chantel loves cooking. She’s actually a chef, and I’m sure she won’t mind helping out after I explain to her what happened to you.”

“She’s a chef?” His mom asked, and he could hear her excitement in her tone.

“Yeah, and she’s apparently pretty good. At least according to the reviews she gained at the five-star restaurant she worked for in Boston.” Yeah, he had looked her up while she was in the restroom.

“Wait a second. You said her name was Chantel?”

“Yeah.”

“And she’s a chef from Boston?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Well, if it’s the same Chantel from Boston, I think I know who she is?”

“What? You do?” Zach asked, his eyebrows scrunching together.

“Remember that trip to Boston that you and your brothers and sister gave to your father and me for our anniversary two years ago?”

“I do.”

“Well, one of the restaurants I wanted to try was Harbor Stone Table. I had heard so many wonderful things about that place. Your dad and I had dinner there one night, and we had the opportunity to meet the Executive Chef, and her name was Chantel.”

“Are you serious?” Zach asked, thinking how this sounded unbelievable.

“I swear! I was so excited because, according to the staff there, she never comes out of the kitchen.”

“What are the odds that she could be the same Chantel?”

“I think they are pretty high. But regardless, Zach, do you think she’ll really mind?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Oh my gosh! Chef Chantel is coming to my house and cooking Thanksgiving dinner,” she squealed, and Zach had to move the phone away from his ear.

“Mom. Don’t get too excited. I need to ask her first.”

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