Prologue

PROLOGUE

T he grand living room of Catherine Parker's elegant Manhattan penthouse buzzed with anticipation as the members of the Matchmaker's Book Club gathered for their monthly meeting. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the plush cream-colored sofas and the delicate china tea set arranged on the glass coffee table.

At the center of attention stood Gerri Wilder, famous matchmaker known for her uncanny ability to bring together even the most unlikely couples. With her silver-white hair styled in a chic bob and her blue eyes sparkling with mischief, Gerri commanded the room with her vibrant presence.

"Ladies, I have a special treat for you today," Gerri announced, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "Martha Ellis and Catherine Parker, I believe it's time we discuss your children's futures."

Martha Ellis, a petite woman with blonde hair and kind blue eyes, sat up straighter, a hopeful smile gracing her lips. Beside her, Catherine Parker, an elegant brunette with an air of sophistication, leaned forward, eager to hear Gerri's insights.

Gerri turned to Martha first. "Martha, tell me about your daughter, Brianne. What makes her unique?"

Martha's face lit up with pride as she began to describe her beloved daughter. "Brianne is an incredibly talented game writer. She's passionate about her work and dedicates herself fully to every project she undertakes. But..." Martha's smile faltered slightly. "She struggles to find men who aren't more than big children."

Sympathetic nods and murmurs rippled through the room as the other women related to Martha's concerns. Martha elaborated further, her voice tinged with frustration. "Brianne has encountered so many immature men in her dating life. They're needy, whiny, and just can't seem to keep up with her. It's no wonder she's refused to marry until she meets a man who can truly be her equal."

Gerri listened intently, her eyes filled with understanding. She then shifted her attention to Catherine. "And what about your son, Reid? What's his story?"

Catherine sat up, a confident smile playing on her lips. "Reid is a successful security consultant and an incredibly attractive man. He's popular with the ladies, but that's part of the problem. He's become dismissive of serious relationships, insisting that he'll only settle down with his fated mate."

Gerri nodded. "Typical shifter. But he won't go out there and find her, huh?"

Catherine nodded, her annoyance evident. "Reid stubbornly refuses to commit to anyone who isn't his destined partner. He enjoys the bachelor life too much, and with so many women vying for his attention, he sees no reason to change or even to go searching for his mate."

As the women discussed Reid's resistance to commitment, Gerri reached into her designer handbag and produced a sleek business card. "Catherine, I believe I have the solution to your problem."

Catherine's eyes widened as Gerri handed her the card which bore Reid's contact details. "I met Reid at a charitable function through an associate," Gerri explained, a twinkle in her eye. "Now, I want you to pass this card to Martha."

Martha hesitantly accepted the card from Catherine, confusion etched on her face. "What am I supposed to do with this, Gerri?"

Gerri leaned back, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. "Trust me, Martha. Very soon, you'll hand that card to Brianne, and things will take off from there."

The room was abuzz with excitement as the women eagerly speculated about Gerri's mysterious plan. Eyes darted back and forth, and whispers filled the air, each woman trying to piece together the puzzle of how Gerri would bring Brianne and Reid together.

Amid the chatter, a curvaceous redhead with a mane of fiery curls raised her perfectly manicured hand. "Gerri, darling," she drawled, her voice dripping with curiosity, "do you ever get tired of playing Cupid? It must be positively exhausting at times, what with all the stubborn singles out there."

Gerri threw her head back and let out a hearty chuckle that seemed to fill every corner of the room. Her laughter was so infectious that soon the other women found themselves giggling along, their own worries and cares momentarily forgotten.

"Tired? Me?" Gerri exclaimed, placing a hand on her chest in mock surprise. "Why, matchmaking is my lifeblood, my dear! It's what gets me up in the morning and keeps me going through the day. That and some good-looking men, of course. Sure, there are challenges and the occasional mishap - like that time my assistant accidentally set up a vegan with a butcher - but that's all part of the fun."

The women roared with laughter as they imagined the awkward encounter between the plant lover and the meat lover.

A slim brunette with a pixie cut leaned forward, her eyes wide with curiosity. "But, Gerri, has anyone ever gone against your wishes? How do you handle such insubordination?"

Gerri leaned in conspiratorially. "Oh, darling, you'd be surprised at the lengths some people will go to resist love. They'll run, they'll hide, and even try to disappear from sight."

The women gasped and then erupted into another fit of giggles, some of them clutching their sides as they imagined Gerri fending off the advances of a geriatric suitor.

"But fear not, my dears," Gerri continued, her voice taking on a tone of mock seriousness. "I have my ways of making even the most stubborn of hearts see the light. It's all about persistence. And if all else fails, I'm not above a well-timed ‘accidental' meeting or a strategically placed mistletoe."

The women nodded in appreciation, their eyes shining with admiration for Gerri's determination and clever tactics.

Delicate tea sandwiches, buttery scones, and an assortment of pastries were presented on silver platters, accompanied by steaming pots of aromatic tea.

Gerri's famous Mexican wedding cookies and blueberry scones were the highlight of the spread, eliciting delighted gasps from the women as they savored the delectable treats.

Over the next hour, the women took turns asking Gerri about her matchmaking experiences. They listened with rapt attention as she recounted hilarious anecdotes and shared wisdom gained from years of bringing soul mates together.

"You see, ladies," Gerri said, her eyes twinkling, "love has a way of finding us when we least expect it. It's my job to give it a little nudge in the right direction. And trust me, when it comes to Brianne and Reid, I have a feeling their story is going to be one for the ages."

Martha and Catherine exchanged a hopeful glance. Gerri knew their hearts filled with anticipation for what the future might hold for their children. That future, Gerri already knew would be absolutely magical. As the meeting drew to a close, the women lingered, chatting animatedly about their own romantic aspirations and the promise of new beginnings.

Gerri bid farewell to each woman with a warm hug and a knowing smile, leaving them with a sense of excitement and possibility. As she stepped out into the bustling streets of Manhattan, Gerri couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and determination.

She knew that Brianne and Reid's path to love might be filled with challenges and unexpected twists, but she had no doubt they were destined for each other. With a spring in her step and a mischievous glint in her eye, Gerri set off to put her plan into motion, ready to watch another beautiful love story unfold.

Little did Brianne and Reid know that their lives were about to be turned upside down by a matchmaker's intuition and a series of serendipitous events.