Epilogue

EPILOGUE

G erri Wilder settled into the plush armchair in Catherine Parker's opulent penthouse, a knowing smile playing on her lips as she surveyed the room. The Matchmaker's Book Club buzzed with excitement, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and the clinking of champagne glasses.

Catherine and Martha, beaming with pride, stood at the center of attention, their voices carrying over the chatter as they recounted the tale of their children's whirlwind romance.

"And to think," Catherine gushed, her silver-streaked hair gleaming under the crystal chandelier, "it all started with a simple business card."

Martha nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, Gerri, we can't thank you enough. Brianne and Reid are so perfect for each other."

Gerri waved off their praise with a graceful hand, her silver bob swaying slightly. "Now, now, ladies. I merely nudged them in the right direction. They did all the hard work themselves."

A chorus of "Oohs" and "Ahhs" rippled through the group, and Gerri found herself suddenly surrounded by eager faces.

"Gerri, darling," a woman in a designer suit pleaded, "surely you could work your magic for my Timothy? He's such a catch, but he's just so focused on his career..."

Another chimed in, "And my Sophia! She's beautiful and smart, but she keeps attracting the wrong type. Maybe you could?—"

Gerri held up a hand, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ladies, ladies! One at a time. I'm good, but I'm not a miracle worker... well, not always."

As the women laughed, Gerri's gaze swept the room, landing on a figure sitting quietly in the corner. The woman's shoulders slumped slightly, her eyes downcast as she nursed a glass of champagne.

Intrigued, Gerri excused herself from the group and made her way over. "Well, hello there," she said, her voice warm and inviting. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure. I'm Gerri."

The woman looked up, startled. "Oh! I'm... I'm Suzette. Suzette Reeves."

Gerri settled into the chair next to her, studying Suzette's face. "Now, Suzette, why don't you tell me why you're not over there, vying for my matchmaking services like the rest of them?"

Suzette sighed, a rueful smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, Gerri. As much as I'd love to see my daughter happily matched. She's... well, she's stubborn as a mule. Set in her ways. I'm afraid even your considerable talents would be wasted on her."

A snort from nearby drew Gerri's attention. Another woman, her salt-and-pepper hair elegantly coiffed, leaned in. "If you think you've got it bad, Suzette, you should meet my son. I swear, he's giving me new gray hairs every day with his lack of interest in finding a mate. It's like he's allergic to commitment."

Gerri glanced from one woman to the other, a slow smile spreading across her face.

"Ladies," she held up her champagne glass with a wink, "I think it's time we add a little spice to your children's lives. Now, let's talk strategy..."