PROLOGUE

THE MATCHMAKERS

“I just don’t know,” Agnes says, her halo of fine white hair bobbing as she shakes her head.

Elliot lets out a small hum.

Margot has never been able to get a firm read on Elliot, a former district attorney, and can’t decide if the sound is one of thoughtful reflection or an expression of disapproval. Refusing to fidget, she waits patiently while Agnes and Elliot exchange glances.

“They’re not our grandchildren,” Charlotte puts in gently, reaching for a chocolate from the near empty box. She’s given up on her diet and has decided that if chocolate makes her happy, then why not enjoy it? It is her golden years, after all, and it’s not like she’s worrying about her figure that much anymore.

Though that new resident, Mr. Jacobs, is rather cute. At seventy, he’s a few years younger than her, but probably best at this stage of life to have a younger man. Instead of taking two chocolates, she takes just one and makes a mental note to stroll by Mr. Jacobs’ room later on and see if he’d fancy having dinner together.

“Or nephew,” Linda supplies with a smile and wink. Her mood has been excellent since her nephew Henry found love with Margot’s granddaughter, Yvonne. Feeling a kinship with the other woman, she throws her support behind the idea. “But what’s the harm in a gentle nudge?”

“It might ruin our track record,” Roberta argues, crossing her arms and glaring from across the table.

Sandra’s laughter explodes out of her. “Oh, pooh. It’s not an official matching, we’re just giving them a nudge, like Linda said.”

“What if it’s a bad nudge?” Brooke pipes up. Her blue eyes are wide with worry as she looks up from her writing. She’s been putting together a list of her granddaughter Alice’s strengths, likes and dislikes, and any other valuable information she feels Deborah’s grandson will need to properly romance and win Alice’s heart.

“Then they’ll go out, decide it won’t work, and that will be the end of that,” Deborah says. “I mean, what’s the big deal here?” she asks, looking around at the other eight matchmakers.

Margot brightens. “Exactly. Yvonne just wants her friend to realize what’s right in front of her face.”

“Maybe she needs glasses?” Roberta offers with a smirk. “If this man is so good and they’re already friends, why haven’t they dated yet?”

Elliot’s multitude of charms on her bracelets jangle as she waves her hand airily. “Young people seem to have a problem seeing what’s under their nose the whole time. I agree that we can be the push this couple needs.”

“Shall we put it to a vote?” Agnes asks, gazing about the room.

Several heads nod and a few giggles break out. Agnes smiles. “All in favor?”

Eight ayes ring out. After a moment, even Roberta grudgingly does.

Agnes locks eyes with Margot. “Okay, Margot, you work out the details with your granddaughter, Yvonne.”

Letting out a pent-up breath, Margot sags back in her seat and grins.

Agnes shuffles her ever-present papers despite all the matches having already been made. “Next order of business, Brooke, and Deborah, how goes the matchmaking? Has a date been set up?”

“Well-” Brooke starts only to be cut off by a swell of laughter as the other ladies crack up.

Charlotte dabs at her watering eyes. “Oh, that’s a good one. As eager as Brooke’s been, I bet our last couple has already been on a first date and are halfway in love.”

Deborah lets out a snort, rolling her eyes Brooke’s way. “Not quite. Brooke is preparing a list for me to give to my grandson, Marcus.”

“A list?” Sandra asks. “What do you mean, a list?”

Brooke opens her mouth, but Deborah cuts her off. “Apparently, it’s a list extolling her granddaughter’s many virtues.”

Poor Brooke’s entire face blazes as all eyes turn to her. “I just want to make sure they have the best possible chances,” she whispers, looking down at her paper and blinking rapidly.

Linda places her hand on Brooke’s thin, slumped shoulder and rubs gently. “Of course you do. Why don’t you read us some of the things on your list? I’m sure Alice is a remarkable girl.”

Sniffing, Brooke lifts her face and smiles. “Oh she is! She has it all. She’s beautiful, talented, so sweet and kind.”

“Then why is she still single?” Roberta demands.

“Why were any of our grandchildren.. and nephew.. that we matched single?” Elliot says, raising a dark penciled in eyebrow. “They hadn’t met their perfect match yet.” She winks at Brooke, leaving the other woman gaping at her in shock.

If not for this group, Brooke never would have spoken with Elliot. To be honest, even now, she’s not the most comfortable around the formidable other woman.

“So true,” Sandra sighs, thinking fondly of her granddaughter Winnie and her romance with Reed, the dashing attorney.

“I have always wondered why Alice had relationship issues,” Brooke muses.

Deborah nods. “It’s the same with Marcus. He has issues connecting with people too. He’s very strong-willed.” Chuckling, she shakes her head and mutters, “he needed to be to survive what he has.”

“A strong man is just what Alice needs! Someone that’s able to go head-to-head with her and match her step for step.”

Deborah opens her mouth, intending to correct Brooke on one assumption, then decides better of it and smiles. They’ve already been matched, so Marcus’s disability shouldn’t be an issue. It’s better for the two to meet first, anyway. Too many people hear the word wheelchair and immediately jumped to preconceived notions.

Not that Alice would be one of them, but why chance it? Let the two get together on a date and hopefully the matchmakers will be putting their picture up on the couple’s board in no time.

“Then why are we beating around the bush? Let’s get these two set up,” Deborah says.

Brooke glances down at her list and nods. “You’re right. I’m wasting time. Let’s call.”

Cheers erupt from the other matchmakers.

Agnes waves her hands to restore order. Eventually, everyone quiets down.

“Our last official match is a go,” she declares with a grin. “Deborah and Brooke report back when the date is set and keep us posted.”

“Ready or not, the matchmakers are on it!” Charlotte calls out.

Brooke exchanges grins with Deborah and the two put their heads together to figure out a time and place for their grandchildren to meet.