Page 30 of Grateful Hearts

Chapter Ten

Breakfast had wrapped up, and Chantel found herself back in the kitchen, surrounded by Jenelle, Clover, and Jocelyn. A thick notebook labeled “Thanksgiving Plans” was open on the counter, its pages dotted with handwritten notes, recipes, and Jenelle’s scribbles.

“So, Chantel,” Jenelle said, sliding the book toward her, “what do you think of the menu? Feel free to change anything you’d like. You’re the one doing all the work, after all.”

Chantel glanced at the list, noting some of the classics—turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. But there were also a few dishes that could use a modern twist. “Do you mind if I tweak a couple of things? Maybe swap out the sweet potato casserole for a sweet potato gratin? It’s a little less sugary but still rich and delicious.”

Jenelle waved her good hand dismissively. “You do whatever you want, sweetheart. I’m just grateful you’re saving me from cooking with this wrist.” She lifted her cast in mock exasperation. “It’s driving me nuts not being able to do anything.”

“It’s the least I can do,” Chantel replied with a smile. “But I’ll need to run to the store to grab a few things.”

“I can take you tomorrow,” Clover offered immediately. “If you want, I can show you around our little town. Then we could have lunch in town.”

“Thanks, Clover. That would be great,” Chantel said. She would love to see more of the area.

Jenelle smiled. “That sounds nice. That way, Chantel can see what all our little town offers.” Jenelle turned to Jocelyn with amischievous gleam in her eye. “While you two are out, you could pick up some craft supplies I need.”

“Why are you looking at me like you’re plotting something,” Jocelyn asked, a small smile playing on her lips.

“I think I’m going to make a sign for the pantry door that saysDo Not Disturb,” Jenelle said, trying not to laugh.

Jocelyn groaned, her cheeks flushing pink. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, Jenelle. We were just... talking.”

“Sure, you were,” Clover chimed in with a grin. “I’ve heard a lot of things in my life, but I’ve never heard talking described asromantic pantry time.”

Chantel laughed as Jocelyn buried her face in her hands. “You people are impossible,” Jocelyn muttered.

“Don’t mind them,” Jenelle said, patting Jocelyn’s shoulder. “We’ve all had our moments of getting caught.”

Chantel tried to stifle her laugh at Clover’s scrunched-up face.

“Ewww…Mom, really?”

Jenelle laughed, which caused Jocelyn to start laughing.

The laughter settled as the teasing shifted targets. Jenelle arched a brow at Chantel, her tone suddenly curious. “Speaking of moments, you and Zach seem pretty close for only meeting two days ago in an airport.”

Chantel’s cheeks warmed under their collective gazes. “I... well, there’s just something about him,” she admitted, feeling both shy and oddly comfortable opening up. “It’s strange, considering I just ended a relationship. But Zach... he’s easy to be around. It feels like I’ve known him forever.”

“Your ex-fiancé?” Jocelyn asked gently. “What happened there, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Chantel hesitated, the bitter memories surfacing. “I caught him with someone else,” she said simply. “I can’t explain how someone could do that to the person they claim to love.”

“I can’t either,” Jenelle said firmly, her brow furrowing. “It takes a special kind of person to betray someone like that. Good riddance.”

“Exactly,” Chantel agreed, her voice steady despite the lingering sting. “I’m just glad I found out before it was too late.”

“So, what’s next for you after the holiday?” Clover asked, leaning her elbows on the counter.

“I’m not sure yet,” Chantel admitted. “Maybe I’ll travel for a bit. See where life takes me.”

Clover grinned, a twinkle in her eye. “Make sure you check out North Carolina.”

Chantel tilted her head, about to ask what she meant, when Amira and Max burst into the kitchen, their faces alight with excitement. “Grandma! Aunt Clover! You said we could make cupcakes!” Amira declared.

Chantel blinked, surprised, remembering Zach’s offhand comment about Clover not being much of a cook. She glanced at Jenelle for confirmation.

“Oh, Clover’s a disaster when it comes to actual food,” Jenelle said with a laugh. “But when it comes to baking, she’s the best in the family. It’s a completely different skill set.”

---