Page 24 of Grateful Hearts

Zach gave her a long look, stepped closer, and shocked her when he wrapped his arms around her in a protective hug. Chantel let herself sink into him, the warmth of his body chasing away the chill in the air.

For a moment, it felt like the world had stopped spinning as if all the pain, frustration, and heartbreak didn’t exist. Surprisingly, she wished they could stay like that, suspended in time.

Zach pulled back just enough to look at her, his face inches from hers. Her breath hitched, her pulse quickening as his eyes dipped to her lips. The space between them grew smaller, and Chantel felt her heart leap into her throat.

“Uncle Zach!” a young voice shouted from inside the house, followed by the sound of a door slamming open.

They jumped apart as two children barreled out onto the porch, followed by a man who shared a resemblance to Zach, and beside him was a woman who was smiling as she watched the two kids run straight toward Zach.

“Hey, guys!” Zach laughed as he knelt to wrap both the little girl and boy in a big hug. The little girl squealed, her little arms flailing in delight, while the boy gave a dramatic groan. “UncleZach, you’re crushing me!” he teased, though his grin betrayed his words.

Chantel smiled as she watched Zach lift the girl off the ground, spinning her in a quick circle before setting her down.Shegiggled uncontrollably.

“You two are getting way too big,” Zach said with mock sternness, though his eyes gleamed with excitement seeing the kids.

Zach turned his attention to the couple.

“I thought mom said that you guys weren’t arriving until Wednesday.”

“That was the plan, but then we decided to leave early to get here before the snow hit,” the man said.

“Well, it’s good to see you both,” Zach said, giving the man a friendly slap on the back and then hugging the woman.

Zach then turned his attention to Chantel and waved her over.

“Chantel, this is my brother, Bear, and his wife, Jocelyn. And these little tornadoes are Max and Amira,” Zach said warmly. Turning to his family, he added, “Guys, this is Chantel.”

Bear’s handshake was firm, and Jocelyn’s smile was welcoming. “Jenelle has been singing your praises,” Jocelyn said.

“It’s nice to meet you. And Joce isn’t joking. My mom has been non-stop talking about your cooking,” Bear said.

Heat rose to Chantel’s cheeks.

“It’s nice to meet you both as well.”

The little girl Amira appeared by Chantel’s side, and she looked up at her. “Mommy said that you were a chef and were helping Grandma make Thanksgiving dinner because she got hurt.”

Chantel smiled and knelt next to the girl. “I am. Do you like to cook?”

Amira grinned and nodded. “Mommy lets me help her sometimes.”

“Well, if it is alright with your mom, how would you like to be my sous chef?”

The little girl scrunched her nose up. “What’s asoupchef?”

Everyone laughed.

“Asouschef is the chef’s top assistant. And with all the food I’m going to make, I’m going to need some help.”

Amira’s eyes widened, and she looked up at her mom. “Mommy! Can I? Can I please help Ms. Chantel make Thanksgiving dinner?”

Jocelyn laughed. “Of course.”

“Yay!” Amira shouted, then turned back to Chantel. “Are we going to make macaroni and cheese? I love macaroni and cheese.”

Chantel chuckled. “It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without macaroni and cheese.” She leaned in closer, pretending to be telling her a secret, though everyone standing around could hear her loudly and clearly. “I’ll even teach you my secret mac and cheese recipe.”

“Really?” Amira asked.

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