*****
Samuel rubbed the back of his neck as he walked into the parsonage, inhaling the scent of fresh-baked bread. The casserole and bread had been left on his table for him and he was thrilled with that. Most nights when he got home from work, there was food waiting. He felt a lot less lonely on the nights people remembered to cook for him.
He looked down at the two letters in his hand, knowing he’d read them while he was eating his dinner. He always saved letters for his dinner, because then he felt as if he had a companion eating with him. It was a small way to trick his mind out of feeling lonely.
He said his prayer and served himself a plate of the casserole. He forked up his first bite and smiled. Mrs. Landry must have made this one. She was the best cook in town, and he loved the days when she brought food by. He opened the letter from Sally first, not recognizing the name on the other. He stared down at the words for a moment, shocked at what she’d written.
“Dear Samuel, I’m sorry to hear you’re lonely in your assignment, as are many of the other men we’ve trained. I believe I’ve come up with a good solution for everyone, though. I have started a class to train women of good moral character who desire to leave Dallas to be pastor’s wives. One of the young women from my first class, Kristen Walston would be perfect for you. She is a pretty little thing with dark hair and brown eyes. I believe she is the perfect wife for you. She is a hard worker and seems to truly love the Lord. I hope you will read her letter with an open mind and at least agree to make the trip to Dallas to meet her. Yours in Christ, Sally Anderson.”
He read through it all again, hoping he’d misread it. He had been upset the night he’d sent her the last letter because for some reason, the woman assigned to bring his dinner that night had forgotten. He was over it by the next day, but the letter had already been sent. He took careful stock of his emotions. Did he want a wife right now? Was that even on his mind?
He picked up the other letter and glanced at the name again. Sure enough, it was Kristen Walston. He was almost afraid to open the letter. If he did, would he be obligated to marry the woman? Did he have any desire to marry a stranger?
He carefully opened the letter and read through her words. Was she seriously willing to travel that far to marry a stranger? What were her parents thinking to even let her go? He knew that the Andersons would have vouched for him, of course, but how could that ever be enough? If he didn’t marry her, would she agree to marry another stranger? Should he marry her just to keep her from marrying a wicked man who might hurt her? He had no idea of the right thing to do at that point, but he knew it was time to pray about it.
He finished his dinner, his mind not on his food. Once he was finished, he spent the night praying, wanting to do whatever God wanted him to do. “Not my will, but yours Lord. Please help me to know what your will is in this matter.”
When he woke the following morning, he felt that he had his answer. God wanted him to marry Kristen. He sighed, wondering how it would work out. He thought it would be best if he offered to drive to Dallas and marry her there, so he could at least meet her parents before bringing her home. He couldn’t let her father worry about her for the rest of her life, simply because he was too busy to make the drive.
While eating his breakfast of toast with butter made from the bread brought the previous night, he hastily responded with a letter to both Kristen and Sally. “Dear Sally and Kristen, I would be pleased to marry Kristen. I will leave here on the thirtieth of August, a Monday, and plan to make the drive in a single day. Please plan a small ceremony for Wednesday morning, September first. We will then have two days to travel home. Could I spend the first night or two that I’m there at the seminary, Sally? I look forward to meeting you upon my arrival in Dallas, Kristen. Yours in Christ, Samuel Benner.” He walked the letter to the mercantile and mailed it before going on to the church.
He had doubts about his decision all day, but finally decided it was in God’s hands. He would do everything he could to make it work out.
Bride of Paradise: Book 1 in Mail Order Ministers Page 7
