Page 44 of Grateful Hearts

Chantel gave her a grateful smile, flipping a batch of herbed rolls that were browning in a cast-iron skillet. “It’s been fun cooking for everyone. It takes my mind off things.”

Jenelle gave her a knowing look. “Good food has that power, doesn’t it?”

Chantel nodded, glancing away to check on the tray of stuffed mushrooms. She didn’t want to dwell on what she was trying to distract herself from.

Clover, ever the chatterbox, looked over with a grin. “My mom and dad are right. It has been so nice having you around here the last few days.”

Chantel smiled, though it felt bittersweet. She had grown to love this family more than she’d expected. They had become like a second home, and that was what made this morning both sweet and painfully hard. Today would be the last day she spent with them.

At that thought, she blinked back an unwelcome wave of emotion and stirred the pot of cranberry sauce, forcing herself to focus on the tart sweetness filling the air.

“Alright, what’s next?” Jenelle asked, clapping her hands with a smile.

“Mashed potatoes,” Chantel replied, keeping her tone light. “They just need to cook, and then they'll be ready for mashing."

“Chantel, honey,” Jenelle said quietly once Clover was across the room. She placed a gentle hand on Chantel’s arm, making her pause. “Thank you again for being here. You’ve made it feel just like the holidays should.”

Chantel swallowed, forcing a smile. “It’s been my pleasure, really. I’m happy to help.”

But even as she spoke, she could feel that ache deepening. What would they think when she slipped away?

Before she could dwell on it, Clover glanced at her. “How are you feeling?”

Chantel gave her a confused look. “What?”

“You left the pool hall last night because you said you didn’t feel good. How are you today?”

Damn. Chantel almost forgot that she faked not feeling well in her haste when leaving the pool hall.

“I think it might have been the alcohol that upset my stomach.” Chantel felt horrible lying to Clover, but she had to.

Seconds later, Zach walked into the kitchen, looking both curious and impressed. His eyes roamed the kitchen, taking in the organized chaos of mixing bowls, trays, and steam rising from pots on the stove.

“Smells amazing in here,” he said, his gaze settling on Chantel. She glanced away quickly, focusing on the rolls she was turning.

“Well, it’s all Chantel,” Clover piped up, casting her brother a sly grin. “We’re just here for moral support.”

Chantel forced herself to smile as she wiped her hands on a towel. “Glad you approve, Zach,” she managed, hoping her voice didn’t betray the mix of emotions swirling inside her.

He stepped closer, reaching out to taste a small sample of the stuffing she’d been working on. “More than approve.” His voice was soft, just for her.”

She forced a chuckle, aiming for casual. She tried keeping her eyes on the countertop, but the warmth in his gaze was hard to ignore, and the way he looked at her made her heart skip. She reminded herself that she had a plan.

The morning moved quickly, each dish coming together with ease, the kitchen filling with delicious smells and laughter. Chantel found herself, despite her determination, drawn into the warmth of the family’s dynamic. Zach stayed nearby, helping when he could but mostly leaning against the counter and watching her work. It felt almost like he was trying to say something each time their eyes met.

When he looked at her that way, it was difficult not to fall back into the rhythm they’d had before she’d seen him with that woman. But she couldn’t risk it. She reminded herself that she’d already been fooled once; she wouldn’t let herself fall twice.

She was stirring a pot of green beans when Zach’s dad wandered back into the kitchen. He gave her a subtle, approving nod before glancing at Zach.

“Son, if you’re as smart as I think you are, you’d do everything you could to keep this one around,” he said, giving Chantel a wink.

Chantel felt her cheeks flush, and Zach laughed, though there was a seriousness in his eyes that made her look away. She couldn’t afford to dwell on what might have been. She just had to get through the day, share one last meal with this incredible family, and then quietly slip away.

Once everything was prepared and spread out beautifully on the dining room table, Jenelle called everyone to sit down. As the family gathered, Zach offered Chantel a seat beside him, but she politely declined, saying she wanted to get everything set up for them first and clean up the kitchen.

She watched as Zach’s family settled in, their faces lighting up at the sight of the feast spread out before them. Zach looked at her, and for a moment, something unspoken lingered between them. She pushed it away, focusing on the fact that this meal was her gift to them, one last way of showing her gratitude.

Finally, as the family began to serve themselves, Chantel slipped away to pack the last of her things. She felt the weight of her decision settling on her shoulders, but she reminded herself that it was for the best. As much as she would miss them, she couldn’t stay where her heart might get broken again.

---