Bride of Paradise: Book 1 in Mail Order Ministers Read online

The two days of the seminar were grueling. They learned how to make different dishes, how to give advice to parishioners wives and how to be supportive to their husbands. At the end of the second day, there was yet another sign-up sheet, so each woman could meet with Sally Anderson personally, and discuss what man they would be best suited for. There were six women left at the end of the second day, and Sally seemed thrilled to have that many left.

  Kristen signed up for a time slot on Wednesday morning, so she would talk to Mrs. Anderson before she got dirty working in the garden at the orphanage. She carefully dressed in her favorite red dress and tied a blue ribbon in her hair. Her white sash completed her ensemble perfectly. She walked the short distance to the seminary, excited about the prospect of meeting with Mrs. Anderson one on one. She’d enjoyed her during the class, but she could tell she’d be a lot more fun in a less formal setting.

  She knocked on the door, and straightened her dress, making certain there were no wrinkles. Mrs. Anderson opened the door wide, “Come in, Kristen! I’m so glad you’re here.”

  Kristen took the seat she was offered and sat with her ankles crossed like her mother had taught her, her hands folded politely in her lap. She smiled as she waited for Mrs. Anderson to take her seat.

  “Are you still feeling positive about the idea of marrying one of our ministers?” she asked.

  “Oh yes, ma’am. I love the idea of serving God as a minister’s wife. Also, I really want to see more of our great state than just Dallas. I mean, I’ve lived in Dallas my whole life, and really? I don’t think I’ve ever been out of the city except for a picnic once.” Kristen knew she was babbling a little and forced herself to stop.

  Mrs. Anderson smiled. “Do you want to stay close to Dallas? So your family would be within a day or two drive? Or do you want to go out further than that?”

  Kristen bit her lip. She wanted to say she wanted to go further, but she knew it would upset her mother. “My mother would definitely be happier if she could see me at least at Christmas time.”

  “I understand! What does your father do?”

  “He’s a manager at one of the textile plants,” Kristen explained. It was the reason she had so many dresses and was able to color coordinate so well. They weren’t a wealthy family, but he got good discounts that she wasn’t afraid to take advantage of.

  “I see.” Mrs. Anderson smiled her head tilted to the side. “I think Samuel Benner is the man for you. He lives in Paradise, Texas, which is only about a day’s drive from here, so your parents could go see you, or you could come visit them on occasion.”

  Kristen smiled, nodding happily. “That sounds good. Tell me about Samuel. Do you know him?” She couldn’t wait to hear all about her future husband.

  “Oh, I know each of these men personally. They were all students here at the seminary.” She paused as if thinking about what to tell Kristen. “He’s a tall thin man. He has dark hair and eyes, and he has a true love for the Lord. He’s wanted to be a minister since he was a little boy, and like most of the men who came to the seminary, he didn’t take time away from his studies to court a bride. He got all the way out to Paradise, and realized he was lonely.”

  “That makes sense.” But didn’t tell her much at all. “Do you know what he likes to do? In his spare time?”

  Sally Anderson sat back in her chair startled. “You know, I don’t think I do. He never really had spare time while he was a student. I know his favorite foods, and I know he’s a hard worker, but I really only saw him around the seminary.” She thought about it for a moment longer. “I know he’s an animal lover. I remember there was a time when a mother cat was killed, and he took in all the kittens and bottle fed them. It was a real chore, but he was willing to do it. I know he enjoys reading a great deal.” She shrugged, obviously wishing she had more information to share with Kristen.

  Kristen nodded. He sounded like a fine man. “He sounds like we might suit well. Where do we go from here?”

  “Let’s each write him a letter, and we’ll see if he’s even interested. I started this based on all the unhappy men who send me letters, but if he’s not interested, we’ll find someone else.”

  Kristen nodded. “That sounds good.” She accepted the pen and paper Mrs. Anderson gave her and wrote a letter quickly, using her usual neat penmanship. “Dear Samuel Benner, I’m writing you because I’ve been told you are searching for a wife. My name is Kristen Walston and I’m nineteen years old. I’ve been a Christian my entire life and was born and raised just a few blocks from the seminary you attended. I’ve recently gone through a two day class taught by Mrs. Sally Anderson teaching me what I need to know about being a pastor’s wife. From what I’ve heard about you, I believe we’d suit. I enjoy working in a garden, cooking and being with small children. I’d love to travel to Paradise to be your bride. I’m anxiously awaiting your response. Yours in Christ, Kristen Walston.” She folded the letter in half and handed it to Mrs. Anderson.

  Sally didn’t read the letter, but tucked it under the letter she’d written and addressed them both. “I’ll get these off in the mail immediately. I’m glad you chose Samuel. Some of the men who have come through the seminary have touched my heart more than others, and he’s one of those.”

  As Kristen walked to the orphanage she had a slight smile on her face. Soon, she hoped, she would be Mrs. Samuel Benner, pastor’s wife. What better way to serve the Lord could there be than to support a man as he shepherded his flock? She sighed happily. She was doing the right thing. She just knew she was.