Page 31 of Grateful Hearts

“She’s right,” Jocelyn added, nodding. “You won’t find a better baker. She makes the best desserts.”

Chantel smiled, understanding.”

As Clover gathered the kids and started pulling out ingredients, Chantel leaned against the counter, watching them with a contented smile. The lively chaos, the laughter, the effortless love that filled the room felt so natural. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she belonged somewhere.

Her gaze drifted toward the window, where the snow had begun to fall lightly. And as she thought of Zach, who was somewhere in the house with the guys. Her smile deepened.Maybe she should start believing in fate and that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

???

The family room buzzed with the low hum of conversation and the faint crackle of the fireplace.

Zach leaned back into the worn leather couch, nursing a beer while half-listening to the football talk around him. His dad sat across from him in his favorite armchair, gesturing animatedly as he debated game stats with Bear, Justin, Ethan, and Joker.

“I’m telling you, the Lions are overdue for a win this year,” Bear said, taking a drink of his beer. “They’ve got the momentum.”

Ray scoffed. “Bear, they could have a ten-point lead, and they’d still find a way to choke. Mark my words.”

Ethan nodded in agreement. “Dad’s got a point. They’re consistent in their inconsistency.”

Zach chuckled absently but didn’t contribute. His mind wandered, slipping to thoughts of Chantel. He could still feel the almost electric charge of their near-kiss that morning. The way her stunning green eyes had locked onto his, and the way her breath hitched ever so slightly as he leaned closer. She had been about to kiss him back—he was sure of it. But then Bear and Jocelyn’s tryst in the pantry put an end to everything.

He hoped Chantel was having a good time with his mom, Clover, and Jocelyn in the kitchen. Knowing his family, they were probably grilling her with questions. But from the glimpses he’d seen of Chantel, she could handle herself. She was sharp, funny, and warm. She was someone who had fit right in despite only being here a day.

His sister’s words from earlier echoed in his mind. “Don’t screw this up, Zach,” Clover had said, cornering him nearthe hallway after breakfast. “Fate literally dropped the perfect woman into your lap. You better not be your usual clueless self.”

He hadn’t had the heart to argue, mostly because she was right. Chantel was something special, and deep down, he didn’t want to mess up.

“Earth to Zach,” Bear’s voice interrupted his thoughts, and Zach blinked back to the present. His brother smirked. “Thinking about Chantel?”

“Maybe,” Zach admitted, shrugging. “What’s it to you?”

Bear laughed. “Hey, I haven’t even gotten the full story yet. Mom said something about you meeting her in an airport?”

Zach gave a sheepish grin. “Pretty much. I was in a rush and accidentally spilled my coffee all over her. Not exactly a meet-cute, but it worked out.”

“And?” Bear pressed, clearly enjoying himself.

“And,” Zach continued, “we ended up spending a few hours talking while we waited for our flights. She was flying out to clear her head after dumping her ex-fiancé, and then Mom called, and, well, things just fell into place. She agreed to come here for Thanksgiving.”

Bear raised an eyebrow. “The ex-fiancé? What’s his deal?”

Zach’s jaw tightened. “I don’t know much about him besides he was also her boss. His name is Mario. From what I can tell, he’s a control freak. She caught him cheating, and now he’s been trying to weasel his way back into her life. He even left her a message last night that sounded borderline threatening.”

The room grew quiet as the others processed that. Ethan scowled. “You need backup, Zach, you let us know.”

“Same,” Bear said, his tone serious for once.”

Joker nodded. “You’ve got a lot of people here who’d have your back and hers.”

Zach felt a swell of gratitude as he looked around the room. His family already liked Chantel, and they were ready to defend her without question. “Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.”

Ray leaned forward, a grin spreading across his face. “Just don’t screw this up, son. I need more breakfasts like the one she made this morning. Your mom cooks fine, but Chantel’s pancakes? Man, I could eat those every day.”

The room erupted in laughter, Zach shaking his head. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dad.”

“Anytime,” Ray said with a wink.

The conversation shifted when Joker cleared his throat. There was a nervous but excited energy radiating from him. “Actually, since we’re talking about relationships, I wanted to tell you all something.”

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