Page 20 of Grateful Hearts

Chantel smirked despite herself. “Oh! Well, ifthat’sthe 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.

---