Matchmaking Magic: 'Tis The Season For Love, #3

By Nicole Taylor Eby

 

'Tis the season for unexpected matches…

 

Matchmaker Charlotte Newman believes there is someone for everyone…

 

… even grumpy, fire chief Grant Kennedy.

 

As the owner of Love Notes Matchmaking Services, helping others find true love is Charlotte's job. But it's also her passion. And there hasn't been a client she didn't want to help.

 

That is until Grant.

 

As cranky as he is sexy, Grant is a reminder that she almost burned her condo building down while wearing sheer reindeer lingerie. Not her best moment.

 

And he witnessed it all.

 

But as the winner of the Firefighters' Gala door prize of three Love Notes sessions, Grant can demand her help. Plus, he is a widower with three daughters. She can't turn him away.

 

After a practice date elicits feelings she would rather not examine, Charlotte is determined to help the lonely chief find his match before she does something reckless.

 

Except he seems to prefer being single to taking her professional advice.

 

When they both end up in Christmas Cove for the holiday, and Grant responds to her 911 call, Charlotte needs to make a decision…

 

… to do her job and let her heart burn.

 

… or fall in love.

 

Matchmaking Magic is a Canadian holiday romance featuring a matchmaker in need of her own soulmate, a cranky fire chief, and two rival hearts that were made for each other.

 

This enemies-to-lovers romance stands alone but is best enjoyed within the 'Tis the Season for Love series.

 

If you love great friendships, men who are as sweet as they are sexy, and a bit of fun with your angst…

 

Don't miss out on finding midlife love because romance isn't just for twenty-somethings.

 

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sail Away Press
• Release date: Nov 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781990545085

Nicole Taylor Eby

NICOLE TAYLOR EBY writes contemporary romance novels set on the west coast of Canada. She has been in love with romance since she first discovered boys and has been devouring romance novels since grade school. Her novels are set in the Pacific Northwest and feature relatable heroines, the sexy men who fall for them, and a happily-ever-after. NICOLE lives with her husband and three children on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada. She is an avid outdoorswoman and is currently working on mastering the art of sailing. While not an actual Ninja, she does have a few secret skills like being trained in Ground Search and Rescue and can tie knots—lots of different kinds of knots.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

I straighten in my chair, arching my back to relieve the pressure between my shoulder blades and low down in my hips. Both spots are perpetually knotted, and I can never quite reach to massage them, no matter how I twist and stretch. The sitting-at-my-desk-too-long-peering-at-financials ache has settled in like it’s ready to ride out a blizzard. But as the owner of a small business at year end, I don’t have a choice but to push through.

Not that Vancouver Island is prone to blizzards. Despite the one that hit last year while we were in Christmas Cove.

I roll my shoulders, then press my fingers to my temples. The dull ache behind my eyeballs says I either need glasses or a holiday.

Probably both.

I tip my head to one side then the other, wincing when the muscles scream. The Love Notes office is quiet, except for the muffled sound of the radio. When she left a few hours ago, Ruby—my friend and assistant—left it on the local station that plays only Christmas songs in December.

The tinsel and snowflakes decorating the window and the Christmas tree are also care of Ruby. I just haven’t had time to focus on the holiday season.

On the wall opposite—partially obscured by the tree—dozens of happy couples smile down from their frames, reminding me that even though business has slowed a little in the last quarter, we are doing good things here at Love Notes.

Love Notes is a full-service matchmaking service, completely different from all the dating apps out there, because we—as in Ruby and me—actually care about whether our clients find love and, more importantly, happiness. I started the company after watching my friends struggle to make lifelong commitments. I lived through their frustrations with apps that were more focused on sex than compatibility. And I knew I could offer a better way. Finding love takes skills. Skills that can be learned.

And based on the number of couples smiling down from the wall, I was right.

The success wall was another of Ruby’s ideas, and it does make it a little easier to keep pushing through on long days like this. Glancing through the gloom at the clock, I groan. It is later than I thought. And while I was hunched over spreadsheets, the sun set. It does that early this time of year, especially when rain clouds shroud the sky, just waiting to douse everyone in a good west coast winter rain shower.

It is Friday, but I have several hours of work left, and at least one more client check in, before I can head home for the weekend.

Not that the weekend is going to be relaxing. It is too close to Christmas for that. The days are counting down until I head for Christmas Cove—a delightful coastal village that we discovered last year when Kelsey agreed to be Nolan Ascot’s fake date for the holidays and dragged us all there under the guise of Ruby needing a love intervention—with my friends for the rest of the holiday. And between cramming the last bits of work in and finishing my shopping, the weekend will be a success if I can squeeze in time to read one chapter of my romance novel.

No surprise that as a matchmaker I devour romances—movies and books. Or at least I do when I have time.

Standing up to stretch my legs, I wander around the office, absently scrolling through my Instagram feed to give my brain a break. My thumb freezes on a picture of Mia Grady flaunting a ring with a diamond big enough to be visible from space.

But it isn’t the picture that has me breaking out in a cold sweat.

I already know about her high-profile engagement to millionaire Eton Bulgari. It’s been all over her social media, which, since Mia is a former client of Love Notes, should have me excited.

But it doesn’t because Mia wasn’t exactly a willing client. It wasn’t her idea to sign up for a little matchmaking. It was her mother, Chenille Grady, who decided that her twenty-five-year-old daughter was approaching her best-before-date and needed some assistance finding her perfect—rich and connected—husband. And she never let us forget it. From the moment Mia walked through the Love Notes door, she wasn’t shy about telling us she thought she could do it better than any matchmaking program, no matter how custom made.

Turns out she was right, and her engagement just proves it. But that is old news, and I am completely over it. What has my gut twisting is the caption underneath where Mia calls me out as a fraudster.

I can almost imagine Mia’s sugary voice as I read. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t find love. Especially not a single fraudster styling herself as a matchmaker. I didn’t need her, and neither do you. What exactly are her qualifications for peddling love? She’s permanently single #inlove #etonandmiaforever

The list of cutesy hashtags goes on, but they blur until I can’t read them. She might not have named me, but who else could she be referring to?

My chest tightens, and I clench my jaw. My relationship status is a choice and has nothing to do with my professional abilities. I am single because I choose to be. I don’t need to be searching for my soulmate because I’ve already found him.

And until he is ready to be in my life again, I am content to stay single and wait. I am happy. And somewhere in my Grinch heart, I am happy for Mia too. The bitterness in my chest has nothing to do with my own situation and everything to do with hating to see a spoiled brat win the day.

My phone vibrates in my hand. The shrill tone echoes through the empty office lit only by the glow of the Christmas lights over the door, yanking me out of my downward Mia spiral.

Frank! So good to hear from you. I grimace at the over-the-top cheerfulness in my voice. I don’t need Frank suspecting something is up. In the year he has been using Love Notes services, our relationship has morphed into something between client and friend. He is so sweet that he is always trying to help me, when it is me who is supposed to be helping him. Which means I need to work hard to keep the focus on him.

Charlotte! I was expecting Ruby.

Ruby went home early. Her entire gang is due for dinner tonight. And in typical Greg fashion, he has made the amazing decision to move into Julia’s place next door. Which means Ruby’s two stepkids are joining the chaos. When you add in her boyfriend Simon’s two, it makes seven kids. I don’t know how she does it. But you didn’t call in to talk about Ruby, I say quickly. It doesn’t matter how rattled I am by Mia’s post. I shouldn’t be spewing Ruby’s personal details to a client. Even if Frank is almost more like a friend and already knows all the details around Ruby’s ex’s antics.

Always good to hear the gossip. Ruby’s life is so much more interesting than mine. Frank chuckles, but it sounds forced, and my matchmaker instincts tingle.

Your life could be exciting. You just need to get out of your own way. I have told Frank this many times before, but he needs a little extra encouragement to believe it.

You sound like Sheila. Frank’s tone is hard with bitterness.

Do I have to make an actual rule about not using her name? Frank and Sheila split up about four years ago. Of all the clients to come through Love Note’s door, Frank just might be the most stuck. And while I believe everyone deserves to find their true love, Frank, in particular, needs someone to love him for the amazing man he is.

Maybe, he grumbles under his breath.

What’s going on? My eyes narrow, even though I can’t see him. His dejected tone suggests this is more than just his being hung up on Sheila.

Oh, you know. It’s time to renew my contract with you guys, and as per usual, I can’t decide which program to go with. Sheila hated my indecision.

Frank, I almost growl his name. If I ever have the chance to meet Sheila, I have a few things I want to say to that woman. None of them complimentary. What she did to this man should be a crime.

Do I stay on the same one or upgrade?

That’s a tricky one, I say slowly, dropping into my chair with frustration. Frank is sweet, but sometimes he gives me the urge to pull my hair out. He doesn’t need a different plan. He needs to go on some dates! We need to change something, because you’re kinda bringing my average down. I hope I use the right amount of dryness for him to catch my teasing.

I know. That’s why I think I should just cancel. What’s the point?

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! I was kidding. You can’t quit. It is always up to the client what they want to do next, but with Frank, it is necessary to be a little more directive.

And I can’t let Frank quit. Deep down, he believes Sheila was his soulmate, and I need to help him change that view, because if it is true then I can’t believe in love anymore, and Love Notes is doomed.

Besides, Love Notes really needs a win. Business has been slow this fall. And with Mia’s smear campaign, I need a win too.

I don’t know. You’re right. I’m not getting anywhere. I’m just wasting everybody’s time. He sighs.

She’s out there—your soulmate—I know it. I grimace at my intensity. If Frank was here, I would shake him. He needs to get Sheila out of his system.

Maybe you shouldn’t be focusing on my soulmate, Charlotte. Maybe you should be out there looking for yours.

His words hang in the air as my throat closes, the change of direction too quick and shocking for me to process, especially after Mia made me doubt myself.

I already found my soulmate, I choke out. And I just need to wait a little longer for it to work out. I close my eyes, trying to grab some calm to stop this speeding train before it wrecks. I didn’t mean to say it. Not here at work, and definitely not to a client.

This is not the moment to start thinking about my ex, Michael. Except, I can’t avoid it. He is always there, just waiting for a gap in my defenses—especially at this time of year.

Right. Frank’s tone suggests he doesn’t believe me. We’re kind of a pair that way. Maybe what we need is one of those pacts. If we hit our fifties, and we’re both still alone, then we agree to shack up and be partners. By Frank’s brittle chuckle, I can tell he is only half joking.

Don’t be crazy. That kind of stuff only happens in movies. Neither of us needs that. I’m happy like I am. And you just need something to catapult you out of your funk. You’re an amazing guy. You need to let someone see that. Except I thought fake relationships were only in movies too, and Kelsey had one that turned into a sizzling hot romance last year, so what do I know? Someone who isn’t Sheila, I add quickly, before Frank can bring up his ex.

She isn’t exactly a fan of mine, Frank mumbles, but I barely hear him. I am too focused on trying to shove thoughts of Michael down long enough so I can find a solution for Frank.

The 12 Days of Christmas song comes on the radio, and a eureka sensation explodes in my brain. Frank needs something different. And what is the opposite of no dating?

I’m signing you up for the 12 Dates of Christmas Dating Challenge.

Nope. I don’t need to know what that is to say no.

I leap up from my chair and pace across the office. This is it. I know it is the right thing. I can feel it in the way my blood sizzles. Mia may have made me doubt myself for a minute, but this is what matters. And I’ve got this.

No. You’ve got to try. We can’t just keep doing the same thing and hope it works. It’s time for me to shove you off the cliff into the deep end.

I’m not sure I like that analogy—

It starts really soon. I cut him off, not wanting to lose the momentum. This is the right thing for him. I can feel it. But it’s okay because I know the organizer. I can still get you signed up. I swing back around to my desk, leaning over to tap at my computer to bring up the website.

Charlotte, you need to slow down. Speed dating isn’t for me. I don’t have the right abs for that kind of thing.

It’s not speed dating. You’ll be fine. My reassurances are absentminded. I need to find all the information. I should’ve thought of this sooner. It’s perfect. All you need to do is go on twelve dates between the twelfth and the thirty-first. Simple.

Simple? Are you crazy? I haven’t even gone on twelve dates this year. Maybe my entire lifetime.

That’s the whole point. We’ve got to try something different. I frantically type on my keyboard to fill in his information, shooting questions at him to get his details. Then I hit the enter key with a satisfying tap. Alright, you’re all signed up.

Frank groans. I don’t know why I let you talk me into these kinds of things.

Because you know I’m right. And she’s out there, Frank. I know it; I can feel it.

Well, maybe you should join me. I think you need it just as much as I do.

Nope. Not going to happen. My situation is completely different from yours.

I am on the phone with Frank for a few more minutes, getting everything sorted out and giving him all the details about the orientation happening on Saturday. Then I gather my stuff to head out for the evening. I didn’t quite get through all the tasks on my list, but I can do them at home with a glass of wine and maybe some Yule Fuel from Merridale Cidery.

Before I tuck my phone into my purse, I bring my Instagram feed up one more time, intending to leave a comment on Mia’s post, then mute her. But my finger freezes mid scroll. Mia’s account isn’t the only one that I shouldn’t be following.

And she isn’t the only one who has gotten engaged. Right there on my feed is Michael, looking fabulous in a dark suit with a festive tie. His arm is wrapped around a woman that almost glitters with perfection, and the rock on her finger rivals Mia’s.

Maybe I should’ve taken Frank up on his offer to be my backup plan because it turns out that my soulmate is marrying someone else.

CHAPTER 2

Let me help you with that. My neighbour, Ryan, pops out of his condo and takes my grocery bags as I shuffle by.

You look like you have a hot date tonight. I eye him up and down while I unlock my door. As my friends are fond of reminding me, Ryan is the epitome of a sexy firefighter.

And it looks like you haven’t made any progress on your renovations. Ryan’s mischievous grin only enhances his sheer sexiness.

Remind me why I invite you in?

Like most women, you’re a sucker for a man who can save your life. Ryan winks.

I shake my head, clamping down on the sick sensation spiking low in my belly. Ryan is kidding—sort of. Last year my condo building almost burned down after a mishap that I can’t quite forget, involving a dishcloth, my stove, and a skimpy reindeer outfit. And I can’t quite seem to get over it. Luckily, due to the quick actions of my then unknown neighbour, Ryan, it was only my suite that was impacted.

The renovations have been a slow process. Apparently, if you have the batteries out of your smoke detector—which I have a perfectly good explanation for—then your insurance doesn’t cover much. These renos are just one more reason that Mia’s social media war has me wanting to binge eat chocolate. What I wouldn’t give for a bottle of Christmas Cove Jingle Juice right now.

Maybe this year I will follow Marisol’s lead and bring a case home after the holidays.

I drop my purse and jacket on the table at the entrance, then flop down onto my couch while Ryan puts the grocery bags on the counter. He really is sweet, and if he was about fifteen years older, I might even break my dating embargo to go out with him. As it is, he has become a good friend—unlike the other firefighter hero from that night.

I shove down the thought before the tingling in my core gets intense. The fact that almost a year later, I still get flushed and giddy at the thought of getting naked with Fire Chief Grant Kennedy is more concerning than my inappropriate social media obsessions.

Grumpy, condescending jerks aren’t my type, no matter how sexy he looks in bunker gear.

Whoa. Ryan cocks his head at me. Do you really think you have time for lounging around?

I sigh and close my eyes. Ryan is right. The Love Notes financials and next year’s business plan aren’t going to finish themselves. And I want them taken care of before I head to Christmas Cove for the holiday. I am already leaving after the rest of the gang, and I don’t want to further delay my departure.

Last year’s trip to Christmas Cove might have been a last-minute response to an emergency in Ruby’s love life, but it was amazing. And I am glad it is turning into a tradition, but getting away at this time of year is challenging.

What was the point of spending all that money on this couch if I’m not going to enjoy it?

Maybe. But tonight isn’t that night. He comes over and starts chivvying me off the couch. You need to get ready.

Ready? I wiggle away from him, sinking down further into the cushions. The first couch I bought for this place was sleek and modern. This time I went for comfy.

The Firefighters’ Gala. Ring any bells?

I can’t go, I groan inwardly. With all the chaos at work, with end-of-year financials, setting Frank up with the dating challenge, and Mia’s Instagram antics, I completely forgot. And I don’t have the energy now that Ryan has reminded me. I donated some matchmaking sessions. It should be good enough.

He cocks his head and gives me some side eye. You agreed to be my date.

I was banking on you standing me up for one of those models you like. When he invited me, I didn’t think he was serious. Figured he was taking pity on me and trying to pull me out of my funk.

Nope. It’s you and me.

I groan out loud this time and flop my arm over my eyes. My headache flares. Can’t do it. I don’t really have the energy to fight him, but I also don’t have the energy to get festive. I just need this day to end. Tomorrow, I won’t feel like such a fraud.

This is non-negotiable. All the donors will be there.

I groan again. I wanted to give money, but Ryan convinced me it would be so much better to give a gift certificate for Love Notes services. It would help the community by raising money, maybe help a lonely firefighter find their soulmate, and it would get the Love Notes name out there. It was all