The Matchmaker

By Alexa Milne

Sometimes you need a little push.

Josh is a carer and Simon is his employer. Each has a secret they keep from each other, but not from the other person in their lives.

Tom may only be a teenager, but he can see the attraction between his father and Josh. Can he bring them together and create a happy ever after for all three of them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Nov 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781786516428

Alexa Milne

Originally from South Wales, Alexa has lived for over forty years in the North West of England. Now retired, after a long career in teaching, she devotes her time to her obsessions. Alexa began writing when her favourite character was killed in her favourite show. After producing a lot of fanfiction she ventured into original writing. She is currently owned by a mad cat and spends her time writing about the men in her head, watching her favourite television programmes and usually crying over her favourite football team.

Book preview

The Matchmaker

ISBN # 978-1-78651-642-8

©Copyright Alexa Milne 2017

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright November 2017

Edited by Sue Meadows

Pride Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2017 by Pride Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, UK

Pride Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

THE MATCHMAKER

Alexa Milne

Sometimes you need a little push.

Josh is a carer and Simon is his employer. Each has a secret they keep from each other, but not from the other person in their lives.

Tom may only be a teenager, but he can see the attraction between his father and Josh. Can he bring them together and create a happy ever after for all three of them?

Dedication

Thanks to Cath for the quick beta on this and Sue for editing. And to carers everywhere, I know how hard you work.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Velcro: Velcro Companies

Scrabble: Mattel, Inc.

Brokeback Mountain: Focus Features

Captain America: Civil War: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The Avengers: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Skype: Microsoft Corporation

Kindle: Amazon.com, Inc.

Google: Google, Inc.

Chapter One

I know you like him.

Josh pressed the first Velcro strap across to make sure Tom’s shoe was tight on his foot. Did I hear him correctly? Sorry? he said, still kneeling.

My dad, Simon, Tom continued. I know you like him.

Josh’s heart leapt to his throat. What had Tom seen? He’d tried so hard to keep his feelings under control. He needed to shut this down. Of course I like him, otherwise I wouldn’t put up living with the pair of you. He stood. There, that’s you ready for school. Let’s get this show on the road.

Tom grinned at him, mischief filling the twelve-year-old’s expression. I won’t give up, you know. He moved the handle forward and maneuvered his wheelchair toward the door.

Still reeling, Josh grabbed Tom’s backpack and followed him. He opened the car, pulled out the ramp which allowed Tom to guide himself inside then secured the chair before getting into the driver’s seat. Perhaps Tom would give up if he said nothing to encourage him. Perhaps pigs might fly, too. After two years of working with Tom, Josh knew better. His cerebral palsy might cause physical problems, but he had a fiendishly clever mind. Josh pondered the situation as he drove. Should he simply give in and admit his feelings for Tom’s father, after all?

Anything special going on at school today? he asked, hoping to change the subject.

Nah, just the usual. Me and Jake have our science project to finish, and we’re making volcanoes in geography. You remembered to pack my PE kit, didn’t you?

Of course. Do I ever forget anything?

We’re playing cricket today.

Tom could stand for short amounts of time. He’d worked hard with his physiotherapist and, with the help of his teaching assistant, Mr. Grant, he managed to do many more activities.

Josh sighed. I can’t remember the last time I played cricket. I used to be a good bowler in my school days.

We could play in the back garden. The more practice I get, the better, Tom said. We’re still having pasta for dinner, aren’t we? You promised. Dad said he’ll be on time tonight, and you know how much he likes your lasagna. I’ll eat the salad, as well, I promise.

I said I would and I keep my promises.

Josh turned into the school yard. Mr. Grant waited at the entrance to accompany Tom into the building. Tom waved. Josh liked Tom’s teaching assistant.

Simon, Tom’s father, had been determined to have Tom attend an ordinary primary school. He’d explained to Josh how hard it had been at first. He has problems with his body, not his mind. Simon dealt with people every day, getting his way more often than not, so pushing for his adopted child to be treated like any other had been successful in the end. Fortunately, his secondary school had been designed to cater for students in