Page 12 of Grateful Hearts

“I know. But I just can’t believe it is actually her. And considering you and her met, and she is now single—”

“Mom, don’t go there. Don’t be playing matchmaker. She’s just someone I’m helping out. Plus, she literally just got out of a relationship.”

“If you say so,” she told him, though he could hear the smile in her voice.” When should we expect the two of you?”

“If we head out early and depending on traffic, we should be there early afternoon.”

“That’s good because that storm is supposed to hit our area overnight tomorrow.”

“As long as we don’t encounter any problems, we should be there before it rolls in.”

“Alright. Well, be safe and keep me updated.”

“I will, mom.”

“Love you, sweetie.”

“Love you too. Bye.”

After disconnecting the call, Zach headed back to the table. He wondered if the Chantel he’d been talking to was, in fact, the same person his mom had met.

He sat back down and looked at Chantel, and she flashed him a warm smile.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah.What are you doing?”

She gave her shoulder a shrug. “Figuring out what I’m going to do. Any suggestions?”

“Well, it’s funny you ask that.”

“It is?” she asked, one of her eyebrows were raised.

“How would you like to come with me and spend Thanksgiving with my family and me? Every year, my mom puts on a huge dinner. All my brothers and my sister will be there this year. They provide a lot of entertainment.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah.”

“Speaking of family, what would your family think?”

“About what?”

“They won’t mind having a stranger in their home and sharing a traditional holiday with them?”

“No. In fact, my mom insisted that I bring you to the house.”

“What?”

He chuckled, loving how cute she looked flustered.

“Relax. Plus, she is in a bind.”

“What kind of bind?”

“She slipped on a patch of ice this morning and broke her wrist.”

“Oh no! Is she okay?”

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