Epilogue

EPILOGUE

G erri Wilder sashayed through Letty Madden's opulent Central Park South penthouse, a vibrant vision in her navy blue cocktail dress that complemented her silver bob. The scent of cilantro and lime mingled with the rich aroma of slow-cooked barbacoa, transporting her senses straight to the heart of Mexico City.

Her gaze swept across the room, taking in the elegant fusion of Mexican tradition and New York sophistication. Hand-painted talavera tiles adorned the bar where a mixologist crafted smoky mezcal cocktails with expert precision. In the corner, a mariachi band in elaborate charro suits strummed their guitars, their harmonies weaving through the chatter of excited guests.

"Gerri! There you are," Mara Ashford's melodic voice cut through the festive atmosphere. The statuesque shifter matriarch glided toward her, two flutes of champagne in hand. "We've been looking for you everywhere."

Gerri accepted the proffered glass with a wink. "You know me, always on the prowl for the next perfect match."

Mara laughed, the sound as warm and rich as the music filling the room. "Well, you've certainly outdone yourself with Zy and Ellie. I never thought I'd see the day my son would settle down, let alone with a human."

"Love knows no boundaries, my dear," Gerri replied, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "Especially when I'm involved."

As if summoned by their conversation, Letty Madden appeared at their side, her arms laden with a tray of bite-sized sopes topped with cochinita pibil . "Ladies, you must try these. My abuela's secret recipe."

Gerri plucked one from the tray, savoring the explosion of flavors on her tongue. "Letty, you've outdone yourself. This fiesta is absolutely divine."

Letty beamed with pride. "It's the least we could do to celebrate our children's marriage. And to thank you, Gerri, for bringing them together."

A hush fell over the room as Mara clinked her glass, drawing everyone's attention. "If I could have everyone's attention, please. Letty and I would like to say a few words."

The two women stood side by side, a picture of elegance and joy. Letty spoke first, her voice thick with emotion. "When Ellie was born, I dreamed of the day she would find her perfect match. But after her divorce, I feared that day might never come."

Mara picked up where Letty left off. "And our Zy, so focused on his work, we worried he'd never open his heart to love. But thanks to the incomparable Gerri Wilder..."

Both women turned to Gerri, raising their glasses in salute. "Our children have found not just love, but a true partnership. To Gerri, the miracle worker of the Paranormal Dating Agency."

The room erupted in cheers and applause, and Gerri felt a warm glow of satisfaction spread through her chest. This was why she did what she did – to see the joy on parents' faces, to witness the blossoming of true love.

As the party resumed its jovial atmosphere, Gerri found herself surrounded by a gaggle of excited Matchmaker's Book Club ladies.

"Oh, Gerri," gushed Marie, a plump Italian socialite with a penchant for romance novels, "do you think you could work your magic for my Louis? He's such a catch, but he's so shy around girls."

"And my Dina," chimed in Anna, a willowy heiress. "She's brilliant, but she buries herself in her lab work. She needs someone who can draw her out of her shell."

Gerri held up her hands, laughing. "Ladies, ladies! One at a time. I promise I'll do my best to help all your children find their perfect matches."

Love was definitely in the air tonight. And she, Gerri Wilder, would make sure it blossomed in all its glory.

As the mariachi band struck up a lively rendition of Cielito Lindo , Gerri raised her glass to the room at large.

Here's to love , she thought. May it continue to surprise and delight us all.

The End…for now.

Don't think for a second the matchmakers are done. With the success of these four couples, there's no stopping them.