The Matchmaker's Match: Mail Order StarBrides

By Betsy Love

Elspeth is an intergalactic matchmaker who has never failed in her job—until now…

For over a decade, Elspeth has protected her heart from the scars of abuse and found solace in matchmaking. She's good at what she does and is determined to prove it. She'll find that new match for Alem, even if it kills her. And it just might. Her heart stops beating every time he touches her hand.
Alem's starbride left him standing at the altar, so he crosses the galaxy to confront Elspeth requiring her to find a replacement to fulfill her contract, or she faces losing everything she's worked for.
While Elspeth is indeed beautiful, she doesn't have the healing ability that comes from the alien bloodline so vital to his home world. Yet, Alem simply cannot deny his attraction to Elspeth.
When war erupts, their quest is interrupted. As they work side by side to rescue abducted women from certain death, Elspeth and Alem find it harder and harder to resist the attraction that draws them together.
Elspeth knows Alem's vulnerability and will do anything to protect him, even if it means spending the rest of her life without the man she loves.
To stay true to his quest of finding the perfect bride, Alem must deny his growing feelings for Elspeth.
You will love this enemies-to-lovers space opera romance. Grab your copy now!
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: LoveLight Press
• Release date: Feb 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201567804

Book preview

Chapter 1

Elspeth considered the baby in her arms as she might a painting, but decided the price outweighed the benefits. The puking, drooling tiny bit of a thing was good for one thing at this point in her short life - smiling.

Mallory leaned over the infant and gave her a quick peck on the nose. Mommy will only be gone for a few hours.

Or eternity. Though Elspeth had watched her niece frequently, she tried not to enjoy having Little Bit in her home too much. Sharla must feel the same by her constant, raucous complaining.

Mallory put up her hand. Really, Sister, you’d think that Sharla had some disease with the way you are holding her. She took the baby from Elspeth and rubbed noses with the driveling creature. Mommy will be back before you have to endure too much of your auntie. Mallory’s cooing over the baby was positively disgusting.

Elspeth took Sharla back, stuck out her lower lip, and mimicked her younger sister. Auntie will care for little snookums with the most doting attention. Little Bit wouldn’t starve or suffer from diaper rash. She might even try to get her to smile.

Mallory laid a blanket on the carpet. Right, like Elspeth’s floors were dirty. Never mind that she kept them immaculate. Sharla is learning how to lift her head, so let her lay on her tummy so she can practice.

Practice? Like it was some Olympic training? Trying not to roll her eyes, Elspeth took the baby to the blanket and laid her down, while Mallory set several toys in front of her.

The door chimed and announced the person on the other side. Alem Balek.

Mallory stood. I didn’t know you were expecting anyone.

Elspeth’s stomach fluttered out of control; her hands shook. I’m not. She bit her lower lip. Alem was supposed to be on Jesighe, a planet several galaxies away.

Mallory tilted her head and raised her eyebrows. You don’t seem excited to see him. Her voice took on a lilting tone with her next question. Or are you?

Not really. Yet as she said it, she knew it was inevitable that Alem would come calling. She had no idea he would show up this soon. Alem is a client.

Practically dancing to the door Mallory peered through the one-way glass. Ooo, he’s a look! Is he rich?

I suppose. Elspeth followed Mallory to the door. From his tailored suit to his shiny, black shoes, Alem was exactly as he appeared in his hologram a few months ago. In person, he was taller than she imagined, his curly brown hair and skin both a deep brown, like cacao. She could get lost in his chocolate eyes. They reminded her of a rich cup of bista and probably twice as addicting for the woman who fell for his charms.

Mallory studied him. Is he Polynesian?

Elspeth had to shake herself out of her thoughts of the handsome man. Originally. His progenitors migrated to Jesighe with the first colonists.

Mallory clasped her hands together and turned to Elspeth. Oh, that romantic planet where all the lovers want to go for their honeymoons.

That would be it. Elspeth didn’t want to admit that she’d always wanted to visit there as well. After what had happened with Alem and his intended starbride, she’d squashed that desire.

Alem pressed the notification button again.

Aren’t you going to let him in? Mallory reached for the panel to open the door.

With a quick slap to Mallory’s wrist, Elspeth spoke, Not while you’re here. I’ll let him in on my terms. Then she answered Mr. Balek through the comm unit, I’ll be there in a moment.

Mallory pouted. Come on, I’ve never met a starbride’s husband.

Right now, Elspeth had no intention of her sister meeting any of them. You may either take my Spitfire and leave through my garage, or if you insist on meeting Mr. Balek, you may take your own dilapidated car and your brat with you. Elspeth stood with her hands on her hips waiting for Mallory to respond. I’m sure you don’t want to stay around anyway as it’s going to get ugly because of a misunderstanding we had. Elspeth knew her sister hated confrontations at all costs.

Mallory’s gaze went back to the man at the door, then to her sister. I won’t get anything done if I have to take Sharla, you know that Rubio never allows children.

With a victory smile, Elspeth patted Mallory’s arm. Of course, dear.

Mallory turned back to Alem where he stood drumming his fingers along his pant leg, then with a tone of resignation she turned back to Elspeth. You won’t spare a detail when I return, right?

Elspeth ushered Mallory toward the garage door. Of course not, dear. Like she really wanted to tell her sister anything about the man who’d come to demand a refund after his starbride bonded with another.

Tootles, Mallory threw over her shoulder before the door whisked closed.

Sharla let out a wail. Mr. Balek could wait one more moment. Elspeth scooped up the child.

Chapter 2

Alem studied the name plaque as he stood outside the marriage broker’s apartment:

Elspeth Montgomery

Procurer of Oddities and Commodities

Was his starbride the oddity or the commodity? He’d paid a small fortune for his bride, and if it hadn’t been for that mix-up, he’d be at home on his own planet, in his own home, enjoying his Has’e starbride. Watching his friend with a starbride of his own, Alem couldn’t stand to spend one more day on Jesighe. His only course of action was to pay Elspeth Montgomery a visit, not that he wanted his money back. All the money in the universe didn’t matter if he didn’t have anyone to splurge on. Alem was going to make sure the marriage broker made good on her promise and deliver a bride.

The door opened. Madam Montgomery, holding a crying baby, was not at all what he imagined. Although he’d communicated with her through holograms, he didn’t expect someone so young, or beautiful, or shapely. Her old-fashioned 1900s dress narrowed at her waist and fanned out over the tops of her shoes. Her full lips, painted red, turned up in a half-smile. Dark eyelashes fluttered over bright blue eyes, almost the same color as the ocean on Jesighe. Her chestnut-colored hair, swept into an old-fashioned bun atop her head, revealed a low and smooth brow above dark, arched brows. Loose ringlets hung in front of her ears, giving her features a soft, delicate look. He hadn’t meant to stare, but in real life, she took his breath away. If he wasn’t so intent on a half Has’e bride, he might have considered her a possibility.

Elspeth cleared her throat. Mr. Balek, won’t you come in. She motioned for him to enter.

Alem pulled his gaze from Elspeth and entered the living area. The front room sported delicate furniture, not sturdy enough to hold his large frame. Instead of sitting, he stood in the middle of the room looking down at the blanket spread out on the floor. Your baby is so tiny. How old is she? He motioned to the infant, surprised Elspeth did nothing to comfort the child.

Elspeth raised one brow. Little Bit isn’t mine, and she’s three weeks old. I’m watching her for my sister.

Perhaps that explained her lack of motherly instincts. She’s a pretty little thing. He had to speak over the crying.

I suppose so, as far as babies go. I’ve never had any of my own. She shifted the baby from one arm to the other.

Alem reached out his finger and smiled when the baby wrapped her bitty hand around his index. What’s her name?

Sharla.

A beautiful name for a pretty baby. He held out his arms to take the child. May I?

Gladly. Elspeth dumped Sharla in his arms. Their hands touched for a brief moment. He shouldn’t have been surprised by the softness of them. What did take him aback was the tingle that raced across his skin raising his arm-hairs, like an electrical shock, not unpleasant, but rather stimulating. It had been too long since he’d held a woman. He needed a wife, soon.

Elspeth’s hand snapped back. She stared at him with wide eyes.

Alem nestled Sharla in the crook of his arm and rocked her back and forth, bouncing and cooing at her. He’d nearly forgotten how that felt - missed it with his own son. When she brought his finger to her mouth, she gnawed on it. Finding no satisfaction, she wailed again. Perhaps she’s hungry?

Elspeth turned and retrieved a bottle from a bag and handed it to Alem. Once the baby settled to eat, Elspeth motioned for him to sit.

He eyed the sofa. Are you sure it won’t break? The last thing he needed was for the chair to collapse while holding a baby.

It’s sturdier than it looks. Elspeth hadn’t sat. May I get you some yousa?

That would be great.

While Elspeth went to the kitchen, Alem studied Sharla, her round face, her dimpled hands, the sweet sucking sounds. Was it silly for a man to long for more children? His wife had only blessed him with one son. A daughter would have left him over-protective; he was sure. Still…

Elspeth returned with two steaming cups and set one on the side table next to him. Now then, about your starbride.

This is precisely why I have come here today. He turned the baby over his shoulder and patted her back.

I was furious with that captain who’d claimed her heart before you even had a chance.

Alem shrugged. You found one; I suppose you can find another. He should be furious as well. After watching his best friend, Mehlo, with his starbride and how happy they were, Alem had come to hope that there must be a woman God had made for him, out there somewhere. He just had to find her.

Elspeth set her cup down. I’ll do my best. I must warn you; she may not be half Has’e as you first requested.

Sharla fussed again. Alem stood and paced the room, bouncing her. Finding brides for men like me shouldn’t be a difficult task. I’m sure there are other Has’e on Earth. How challenging can it be?

I hardly think you understand the care that goes into finding the right match. Elspeth stood, her gown swishing as she returned her half empty cup to the depository. Not only must we find someone who is compatible, but someone who fits the groom’s temperament.

And what’s wrong with my temperament? At the harsh sound of his voice, Sharla cried again. He hadn’t meant to raise his voice like that. Sh, sh, sh… He rocked her.

Elspeth pointed to the baby. That, dear sir, is why I must take my time finding the right wife. Matchmaking is much more difficult than handling negotiations.

You know nothing of governing. Alem snorted. Your little occupation is simply to find women agreeable or perhaps desperate enough to accept a marriage proposal to a complete stranger. What did she know about running an entire planet?

Oh? You think that what I do is a mere trifling to your grand and glorious occupation of ordering people around? Elspeth paced, her flowing skirt swishing around her ankles.

By now Sharla’s full on cries nearly drowned out Alem’s words. I didn’t say that. He crossed to Elspeth and glared down at her.

Her hands flew to her hips. But you are suggesting that you could do my job better?

I could, indeed. The matchmaker had no idea the complexities of governing, especially on a planet like Jesighe with all its dangers.

Then why did you come all the way across the galaxies to get me to find a wife when you are so confident of your abilities? Her voice rose to match his.

He softened his voice. Madam Montgomery. Alem found that when he had to deal with obstinate negotiators, yelling got him nowhere. I am sure I could not only find a wife, but I could procure one with half the sinas I sent to you.

Elspeth marched to her desk and pulled up her bank app. If you think you could do a better job at finding a wife, then I’ll return your sinas to you, and you may procure one on your own. Her eyes narrowed. I would make a better governor than you would be a marriage broker.

I hardly doubt that. Alem set the crying baby into her infant carrier, punched in the code to rock the seat, then turned to Elspeth. You have no idea the duties entailed in my position. It’s not only negotiations but keeping peace between the residents and making sure the off-worlders have an enjoyable visit without disturbing Jesighe’s environs or get eaten by the indigenous animal life.

Elspeth huffed and leaned on the desk, her hands splayed before her as if trying to keep her balance. "That sounds like a job I could do easier than you would even have the first idea about running my business."

Alem crossed to the desk and put his hands on top of hers and leaned in until he was a breath away from her face. Lowering his voice until he knew it was dripping with nectar he asked, Are you willing to wager? He kept his hands on top of hers. At first, he’d merely meant to demonstrate one of his tactics of gentle force when negotiations came close to a stalemate, but the longer he held her hands, the more his stomach fluttered.

What are you suggesting, Mr. Balek? Elspeth raised an eyebrow. That I take over your position as governor and rule your world, and you find a match for yourself?

He kept his hands on hers, liking the warmth of her skin. As you say it.

What shall the winner extract from the loser?

Flustered, he couldn’t think of anything at the moment. Negotiations with Amahrians had gone easier than this. Let me ponder on it.

She yanked her hands from his and crossed to Sharla. With the baby in her arms, she brought the child to her cheek and snuggled her. Did that man upset you, precious? The baby stopped crying and smiled.

Alem stared at Elspeth. Maybe he’d misjudged her mothering instincts.

Elspeth spun and glared at him. I believe you can find your way out.

Govern Earth - Kailua’s big hind end. Elspeth could barely speak civilly to a simple request to find him a wife. How could she even consider governing an entire world? He’d show her exactly how he intended to up the ante. I’ll contact you later. You can suggest a place to meet and discuss our terms. Alem turned and left her apartment.

Chapter 3

The door closed behind Alem. Honestly, the man had no idea what he was getting himself into. No