Page 50 of Grateful Hearts
He smiled and kissed her, slow and deep, the laughter and cheers of his family fading into the background. When they finally broke apart, Amira’s voice piped up.
“Can we go home now? I want to put the star on the Christmas tree!”
The room burst into laughter again, and Chantel couldn’t help but join in. As they all headed out together, she couldn’t stop smiling. She had found something special here—a family, a place she belonged. And as her hand found Zach’s again, she knew her heart had found a home, too.
Chapter Nineteen
The cozy warmth of the Walker household wrapped around Chantel like a favorite blanket as she stood in the living room, carefully hanging a silver snowflake ornament on the massive Christmas tree. Laughter and chatter filled the space as everyone participated in the annual post-Thanksgiving tradition of decorating the tree.
Zach stood next to her, handing her ornaments from the box on the coffee table. She couldn’t help but sneak glances at him, her heart skipping a beat every time he smiled her way.
“Hey, Chantel!” Clover called from across the room, where she was untangling a string of lights with Jocelyn. “So, what are your plans now?”
Chantel paused, a glass ball ornament in her hand, before turning to them. “Actually…” she began, her cheeks heating up under Zach’s curious gaze. “I’m thinking about visiting North Carolina.”
Zach’s head snapped toward her, his gray eyes lighting up. “Seriously?” he asked, his voice full of excitement.
She nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah. I figured it might be nice to explore a bit. And, well…” She glanced down at the ornament in her hand, suddenly shy. “Someone told me it’s got a lot to offer.”
“Someone, huh?” Zach teased, his grin wide and boyish.
Clover and Jocelyn exchanged looks, their faces lighting up with matching smirks. “Did you know Camp Lejeune is only about four hours from Virginia Beach?” Jocelyn said casually, though the glint in her eyes betrayed her mischief.
“Really?” Chantel asked.
Clover nodded enthusiastically. “Yep! And Virginia Beach is gorgeous. You’d love it there. Plus, you’d have plenty of tour guides,” she added with a wink.
Chantel laughed, but Zach was already leaning closer to her. “If you’re serious about North Carolina, I could show you around,” he offered his voice softer now, meant just for her.
The promise in his words sent a warm flutter through her chest. “I’d like that,” she admitted, meeting his gaze.
Bear’s booming voice interrupted them from across the room. “Hey, Zach, stop flirting and lift your niece up so she can put the star already!”
Zach chuckled, stepping away and lifting Amira in his arms.”
After placing the star at the top of the tree, she clapped her little hands. “It’s perfect!”
Chantel stood back, taking in the scene. The glowing tree, the laughter of Zach’s family, and Zach himself—it all felt so right.
Clover sidled up next to her, nudging her gently. “So, North Carolina, huh?”
Chantel smiled, her gaze fixed on Zach as he spoke with his brothers. “Yeah. I think it’s time for a new adventure.”
Clover’s grin widened. “Something tells me you’ve already found it.”
As the family admired the finished tree, Zach returned to Chantel’s side, his hand brushing against hers. She glanced at him, feeling a sense of certainty she hadn’t felt in a long time.
It wasn’t just North Carolina she was curious about. It was the chance to see where this unexpected connection with Zach might take her. And as she stood among the Walkers, she realized she wasn’t just visiting their home—she was finding a place she wanted to belong.
“Hey, where are mom and dad?” Justin asked.
“They said they had something they needed to do,” Ethan replied.
“Can we have cookies and cupcakes now?” Max and Amira asked.
“Of course, you can,” Clover said.
Chantel smiled. “Come on, I’ll help you guys carry them.”