Page 47 of Grateful Hearts
The driver’s voice broke into her thoughts. “Miss, we’re here.”
Chantel stepped out of the car and nodded her thanks as he pulled her bags from the trunk. She handed him a generous tip along with a small tin of cookies she’d brought with her.
The driver blinked in surprise at the tip and the unexpected gift. “Wow, thank you! And cookies, too? You didn’t have to do that!”
She gave him a small smile. “Happy Thanksgiving. And thank you for the ride.”
Leaving him with a smile, she took her bags and walked into the hotel. The lobby was like stepping into a holiday wonderland—garlands twined around every railing, a towering Christmas tree adorned with glass ornaments and shimmering lights stood in the corner, and the scent of pine and cinnamon wafted through the air. Everything about it felt warm, cozy, and festive.
Once checked in, she made her way to her one-bedroom suite on the fifth floor. The suite itself was even decorated with a small, elegant Christmas tree by the window, and garlands hung over the fireplace mantel. Soft lights cast a gentle glow around the room, making it feel like home, even though she was miles from anything familiar.
After setting down her things, Chantel took a few minutes to just breathe, letting herself settle into the quiet and warmth. Twenty minutes later, her stomach growled, reminding her she’d barely eaten all day. She shrugged on her coat and hat and left the hotel in search of food.
The town was lively despite the holiday, with families strolling down the decorated sidewalks, laughing and pointing at the beautiful window displays. She walked slowly, soaking in the charm of the small town, noting the open shops and the welcoming glow of lights spilling out onto the snow-dusted streets. A familiar ache tugged at her as she watched couples and families bundled together, sharing smiles and laughter. It made her wonder if she’d ever have something like that.
Ahead, she spotted a cozy restaurant that looked inviting, and she started walking towards it, weaving through the crowd. But then, she noticed something odd. The people around her began to part as if making way for someone.
She stopped, her eyes widening in disbelief as Zach appeared in the crowd, his familiar face set with determination. Behind him, his entire family followed closely, looking like they were on a mission. They were all there—Clover, his mom and dad, evenhis brothers and the kids. And they were all walking straight toward her.
Her heart stopped as a hundred questions flooded her mind.What were they doing here? Why had they followed her?
Chantel stood frozen, watching as they came closer, her thoughts spinning wildly.
The large group was blocking the entire sidewalk. The bustling crowd had to step around them, a few glancing back at the unexpected reunion, curiosity in their eyes.
Her voice finally returned, shaky but clear, as she looked at Zach.
“What are you all doing here?”
Zach looked a little nervous himself, hands stuffed in his pockets, but he finally stepped forward with a small, almost boyish smile. “We’re here to find you, Chantel. Because you belong with us.”
Chantel’s brow furrowed. “What are you talking about? I thought my letter was pretty clear. I can’t be…” She took a steadying breath, her words almost choking in her throat. “I can’t be the girl on the side, Zach.”
Before Zach could respond, Jenelle stepped forward with a warm, knowing smile. “Maybe the two of you should take your conversation over there,” she said, nodding towards a small, quiet area off the main street, its bench surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights. She smiled at Chantel and, with a subtle tip of her head, encouraged them toward a more private space.
Chantel gave a small nod, nerves tingling as she followed Zach, who pressed his hand gently to the small of her back. That touch, light but comforting, sent a spark of both excitement and worry through her. The little nook was beautiful and festive. It was surrounded by evergreen branches woven with tiny, glowing lights, the kind of spot that felt like it was made for first dates and whispered promises, not goodbyes.
But before she could even sit down, Zach surprised her by pulling her into a hug. His arms were warm and strong, enveloping her in a familiar, steady presence she’d missed more than she wanted to admit. For a moment, she let herself feel everything—his warmth, the steady thrum of his heart, the comfort of being held by someone who made her feel safe.
But the memory of him with that other woman that had driven her to leave in the first place cut through the moment like a cold wind. She took a shaky breath and stepped back, and Zach’s face registered a flash of hurt. She looked away, biting her lip, not wanting to see the effect her withdrawal had on him.
“Let’s… let’s talk,” he said softly, gesturing for her to sit.
She settled onto the bench, her nerves still high, and was surprised when the first words out of his mouth were, “I’m sorry.”
She blinked, unsure how to respond. “What are you sorry for?”
Zach sighed, his hands clasped together as he leaned forward, sincerity shining in his eyes. “For making you think I was seeing someone else. For making you feel like you had to run. That was never my intention, Chantel.”
Before she could respond, he continued, his voice quiet but steady. “That woman you saw me with, her name’s Naomi. She’s an old friend from high school. She was my high school girlfriend, actually.” Chantel felt her stomach twist, but he reached out, gently taking her hands in his own. “But we haven’t been a thing for years. She’s engaged now and expecting a baby. She was just sharing her news with me, and I was congratulating her.”
Chantel’s eyes searched his face, finding nothing but honesty there. He held her hands a little tighter as if reassuring her of his sincerity. “You’re the only woman on my mind, Chantel. I swear it.”
Hearing his words made her heart flutter, a mix of relief and something else—something deeper. She met his gaze, feeling a mix of happiness, excitement, and, yes, nervousness.
Zach’s face softened as he went on, his voice low but warm. “Honestly, I never expected to want something serious with anyone because of my job. But after these last few days, I realized what I’d been missing out on. I’ve fallen head over heels for you, Chantel.”
Chantel’s breath hitched, her mind whirling. He’d fallen for her? After all these years of protecting her heart, here was someone who saw her, who wanted her. She was quiet for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts, and when she finally spoke, her voice was soft, almost shy. “I feel so stupid for overreacting. I should have just asked you instead of assuming the worst. I was just—” She paused, glancing down at their joined hands, her cheeks warming. “I was scared, I guess. And your family—they must think I’m terrible.”