Chapter Seventeen
Thanksgiving morning crept up before Chantel even realized it. By four in the morning, she gave up on sleep entirely, pushing herself out of bed after a long, restless night.
She just couldn’t shake the memory of Zach with that woman, leaning in close, their hands intertwined. Every time she closed her eyes, it was all she saw. She could practically feel the sting of betrayal all over again.
“Stupid,” she muttered, rubbing a hand over her face. She’d let herself get wrapped up in Zach’s charm, actually believing this was more than just holiday fun. It hurt to think he’d been stringing her along, but she knew she could get over it. All she had to do was get through today, serve the dinner, and make her quiet exit before dessert was even finished. She’d already decided to pack her bags so she could slip away unnoticed once the family settled in to enjoy the meal.
She remembered how Zach had come into her room last night, hovering in the doorway, probably thinking she was asleep. She’d kept her eyes closed, pretending to be asleep, but her mind was racing with questions. She’d wanted to sit up and ask him why he’d bothered to lead her on if he had plans with someone else. But she couldn’t bring herself to ask, maybe because a part of her didn’t want to hear the answer.
Sighing, she pushed herself out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. She took her time in the shower, letting the warm water wash away as much of the night’s disappointment as it could. When she finally got dressed, she picked out a pair of black leggings a cozy brown sweater, and slipped on her favorite calf-high boots with a rubber sole—perfect for a day spent on her feet in the kitchen. She pulled her long, wavy hair up into an updo, letting a few loose tendrils fall naturally around her face.
The thought of leaving Zach’s family left a hollow feeling in her chest. She’d grown to care for them more than she’d anticipated, and her heart ached at the idea of leaving them without a proper goodbye. But she’d written letters for them—one for Jenelle and Ray, one for Clover, and one for Zach.
She double-checked her reservation for the hotel she booked in Gatlinburg and confirmed the car service she’d booked to take her there. It was a bit of a splurge for the hour-long drive, but it would be worth it for a clean break.
She took a deep breath and headed downstairs, finding the house still quiet and dark. She made her way to the kitchen, smiling as she popped in her earbuds and queued up her favorite Christmas playlist. As the holiday tunes played softly, she felt a spark of joy. She loved the festive lights, the seasonal music, the warm memories of holidays past. She could at least hold onto that happiness, even if things with Zach hadn’t turned out the way she’d hoped.
She carefully took the turkey from the fridge, placed it on the counter, and set out the spices and herbs she’d need to prep it. As she rubbed butter and seasoning into the bird, her thoughts drifted to her menu. Once the turkey was roasting in the oven, she’d get started on the appetizers. She planned a whole spread: stuffed mushrooms, shrimp cocktail, savory sausage-stuffed dates, and cranberry-brie bites. She immersed herself in the familiar rhythm of cooking, letting it soothe her.
Lost in her work, she didn’t even notice she had company until she turned around, startled to see Zach’s dad, Ray, sitting at the island, quietly watching her.
“Ray!” she gasped, pulling her earbuds out. Her heart was still racing from the surprise.
He chuckled, his deep laughter filling the kitchen. Clover had told her once that her dad didn’t laugh often, but when he did, it was worth it.
“Sorry about that,” he said, still grinning. “Didn’t mean to scare you. But you were in your zone there. Thought it best not to interrupt a professional at work.”
Chantel let out a breath, trying to steady her heart. “You gave me quite a scare!”
Ray chuckled again, leaning back in his chair. “I used to sit right here and watch my wife do the same thing, year after year. I tried offering to help a few times, but she always waved me off. She told me I’d be more of a mess than a help.”
Chantel laughed, warming up to his company. “I understand that. When I’m in the kitchen, I have my own way of doing things. Besides, it’s kind of nice to have this time to myself, to get lost in the process.”
Ray nodded thoughtfully. “Well, I’m grateful you’re here, Chantel. We all are.”
She gave him a small smile, brushing off her hands. “It’s been my pleasure, truly. I’ve enjoyed getting to know all of you. This is definitely a Thanksgiving I’ll never forget.”
His gaze softened, but there was something else there, a question she wasn’t prepared for. “Why do I get the sense that once you leave here, we won’t see you again?”
Her heart stammered, and she quickly looked down, fumbling for a response. “What do you mean?”
Before he could press her further, Clover and Jenelle entered the kitchen, saving her from answering Ray’s question.
“Oh, Chantel!” Jenelle exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she took in the aroma of the turkey roasting in the oven. “You’ve done so much already. What can we help with?”
“Please, let us help,” Clover added, rolling up her sleeves and grinning. “Anything we can do to make this easier for you.”
Chantel felt a wave of relief wash over her, grateful for the distraction. “Thank you. Let’s get to work then,” she said, smiling as she returned to her preparations. They all moved around the kitchen, chatting and laughing as the holiday music played, creating memories for what Chantel hoped would be a Thanksgiving the family would never forget.
Moments later, Thanksgiving was in full swing as Chantel moved around the kitchen, entirely in her element. The turkey was roasting beautifully in the oven, filling the house with an aroma so warm and inviting it nearly made her forget the ache in her heart.
Jenelle stood beside her at the counter, attempting to chop vegetables for a salad, while Clover sat nearby, peeling potatoes and stealing bites of whatever Chantel handed her to sample.
“Chantel, I have to tell you,” Jenelle said, setting down her knife and wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. “This all smells incredible. You’ve outdone yourself.”
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.
Her hand brushed over the letters she’d written, carefully placed on the nightstand. She knew she couldn’t say goodbye in person, but at least they would know how much this time had meant to her.
Taking one last look around, she grabbed her bags before steeling herself and closing the door behind her.
◆◆◆
As Zach sat at the dining table, he couldn’t shake the thoughts running through his mind. Chantel had been quiet all morning, and though she’d smiled at him when he thanked her for everything, something seemed off. He couldn’t put his finger on it. She’d been so vibrant last night, laughing and engaging with everyone, but then suddenly disappeared, claiming she wasn’t feeling well. Then, today, she was like a ghost of that energy.
Looking down at the beautifully prepared meal spread across the table, Zach’s chest tightened with appreciation. Chantel had put her heart into every dish, from the herb-roasted turkey to the decadent stuffing, and it showed. The food looked and tasted amazing. He’d sampled a bit of everything when she was prepping, and each bite had been a reminder of why he was so drawn to her. She was talented, caring, and strong, and just beautiful. Inside and out.
As if summoned by his thoughts, Chantel entered the dining room with the last of the serving platters, carefully setting it on the table. She moved gracefully, her face a mixture of pride and humility as his mom and dad immediately praised her.
“Chantel, we can’t thank you enough,” his mom said with a warm smile. “You’ve made this day truly special for all of us.”
His dad chimed in, nodding appreciatively. “Couldn’t have said it better myself. This is a Thanksgiving feast like we’ve never had before, and it’s all thanks to you.”
For a moment, Zach saw Chantel’s eyes glisten, and he thought she might shed a tear. She looked both touched and embarrassed by the attention, casting her gaze down with a soft smile.
Zach pulled out the empty chair beside him, patting the seat with a grin. “Come on, Chantel. Take a seat. You’ve more than earned it.”
But she shook her head politely, looking at everyone as she said, “Thank you so much, really. But I need a few more minutes in the kitchen. Please, go ahead and start without me.”
Zach’s heart dropped just a bit, sensing there was more to her excuse than met the eye. His gaze flicked to Clover, who was watching Chantel with a slight frown. She’d noticed it, too. Something wasn’t right. He wondered if her ex had contacted her again. The thought made him clench his jaw. He wasn’t about to let anyone interfere, especially not some guy who’d taken her for granted.
I’ll talk to her after dinner, he told himself, pushing aside the growing feeling of unease.
Everyone filled their plates and dove into the meal, the conversation flowing with a mix of laughter and praise. The food was delicious, even better than he’d anticipated. Bear, Jocelyn, and their kids were raving about the spread, and even the kids were eating things they usually wouldn’t touch.
“This stuffing is unreal,” Bear said, shaking his head. “Zach, you might need to make sure she cooks for every family gathering from now on.”
“Agreed,” his dad said, grinning as he took another bite.
The table erupted in agreement, including his mom, and Zach couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. Chantel had done all of this, making their holiday unforgettable.
Zach’s mom suddenly looked around, brow furrowing. “I wonder if she’s alright. She’s been gone for quite a while, and she hasn’t even had a chance to sit down and eat.”
Before Zach could respond, Clover was already rising to her feet. “I’ll go check on her,” she said, her tone light but her face showing traces of worry.
As Clover left, a strange feeling twisted in Zach’s stomach. He couldn’t explain it, but something about this didn’t sit right with him.
Moments later, Clover hurried back into the dining room, her face unusually tense. Her eyes darted from one family member to the next before finally landing on him.
Joker, her boyfriend, was the first to jump up, his hand resting on her shoulder as he asked, “Hey, you alright?”
Clover shook her head, her gaze still fixed on Zach. She took a deep breath. “Chantel left.”
The words hit him like a punch to the gut, and for a moment, he just stared at her, not fully processing. “What do you mean she left?”
“It means exactly what it sounds like,” Clover said, her voice soft but firm. “She’s gone. Her stuff is gone.”
Zach’s heart plummeted as a chorus of questions rose around the table, everyone asking what happened, where she might’ve gone, and why she would leave so suddenly. Clover raised her hands, gesturing for them all to quiet down.
“She left this for you,” Clover said, extending an envelope toward him.”
Zach felt his throat tighten as he looked at the envelope, his name written in Chantel’s neat, graceful handwriting. He wasn’t sure he even wanted to touch it. Something about seeing that envelope made this all too real, and he suddenly dreaded reading the words inside. But he took it from Clover, slowly slid his finger under the flap, and pulled out the folded paper.
Dear Zach,
I’m sorry for leaving without saying goodbye. I didn’t mean to disappear like this, but I couldn’t bring myself to say it face-to-face. Please know that I’m grateful for the time we had, and spending Thanksgiving with you and your family is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Your family welcomed me in as if they’d known me forever, and you… well, you gave me a place to feel whole again, even if only for a few days. I don’t know how to thank you for that.
I won’t lie—I found myself hoping for something more. And maybe that was foolish on my part, especially since I’ve barely untangled myself from a messy relationship that left me hurting and doubting. But being around you, I started to believe, just for a moment, that maybe there could be something more.
When I saw you with that woman at the pool hall, I was surprised by the pang it left me with. You don’t owe me anything, and I know we were just two people caught in a whirlwind holiday, but I realize now that it was silly to expect you’d feel the same. I blame myself for letting my heart wander so soon. I didn’t want this to become awkward for either of us, so I decided it was best to step away now before I could get hurt even more. Leaving without a proper goodbye might seem abrupt, but it’s my way of preserving all the good memories from this week.
Thank you for everything, Zach—for the invitation, the laughter, the sarcasm that drove me crazy, and especially for trusting me with your family’s Thanksgiving meal. It’s been a Thanksgiving I’ll never forget, and I’ll always remember this time fondly.
Take care of yourself, and I hope you find whatever you’re looking for. I’ll miss you—your wit, your kindness, and even the sarcasm you dished out so easily. You’re one of a kind, and I’ll always be grateful our paths crossed, even if just for a little while.
With all my best,
Chantel
He looked at the letter again, and a wave of emotions crashed over him as he reread it. The opening lines were calm, even grateful, but soon, he reached the part that cut him to the core. She was upset and deeply hurt because she saw him with another woman.
She saw me with another woman? he thought, confused. He and Chantel had spent nearly the entire evening together, except for that one moment when she’d gone to the restroom. And then he remembered—Naomi.
Chantel must’ve come out and seen him and Naomi together and jumped to the wrong conclusion.
“Fuck!” he exclaimed, drawing everyone’s attention.
“What is it?” his mom asked, frowning in concern. “Zach, what did she say?”
He looked up, his face a mixture of regret and hurt. He then explained what the letter said and then told them about running into Naomi last night.
His dad shook his head in disbelief. “Damn. But after what her ex-fiance did, you can’t fault her for thinking the worst.”
Zach knew his dad was right. But she could’ve at least spoken to him.
Clover crossed her arms, looking at him intently. “So, what are you gonna do about it?”
“I’m going to find her, of course,” Zach said, pushing his chair back from the table and standing. He wasn’t going to let her slip away over a misunderstanding. He couldn’t.
Jocelyn, Bear’s wife, leaned forward, her face alight with excitement. “Do you know where she might’ve gone?”
Zach thought hard, remembering how disappointed she was when their flight first got canceled. She had been looking forward to seeing Gatlinburg. If he had to guess, she was probably heading there.
“Gatlinburg,” he said with certainty.
Ethan and Justin sprang to their feet, clapping him on the back. “Well, what are we waiting for?” Ethan grinned. “Get your keys. Let’s go bring her back where she belongs!”
Zach chuckled at their enthusiasm, his spirits lifting a little. He darted upstairs to grab his keys and wallet, but when he returned to the foyer, he stopped short, baffled by the sight before him. His entire family was at the front door, bundled up in their coats and pulling on their shoes.
He raised an eyebrow, glancing between them all. “Uh, what’s going on?”
Clover gave him a sly grin, arms crossed. “Please. You don’t think we’d just leave you to handle this on your own, do you? Someone’s gotta make sure you don’t mess this up.”
Jocelyn laughed, slipping on her gloves. “Besides, we like Chantel too. We all have a stake in getting her back.”
Zach couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head. His heart swelled, seeing his family rallying around him. “Alright, alright. Let’s do this. But no overbearing. Let me actually get a word in before you all swarm her.”
With everyone chuckling and jostling each other in good spirits, they piled into two SUVs and set off toward Gatlinburg, determined to bring Chantel back where she belonged.