The Parson's Daughters Boxed Set: Sweet and Clean Christian Romance - 4 Book Bundle

by Annie Boone

  Helen lovingly put her hand on his shoulder. “Still, it’s okay to be upset,” she answered, “He was your father, after all. This isn’t what most people expect out of their father.”

  Albert nodded before he took in a deep breath and sighed slowly. Then, he turned to Helen and smiled, “You’re right. He was my father and that was all I ever wanted from him. I guess we disappointed each other.”

  Albert looked over at Helen and found that she was staring at him with tears in her eyes. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  She smiled carefully and replied emotionally, “You really are one of a kind. I can’t imagine anyone who would react as you did to the news you got today. To lose a family fortune to your father’s business partner would be devastating to most. I’m so proud of you. I love you, Albert.”

  He reached over and took her hand. “Thank you, Helen. I love you, too. With all my heart I love you.”

  After the experience with his father’s will, everything began to fall into a sense of calm perspective for Albert. He returned to the dependable and jovial man of God he’d been before his father’s death. The transformation was beautiful.

  Having next to nothing after his father passed away, Albert was learning to figure things out on his own. He received a small stipend from the church and he had been saving every penny, except his tithe, since he began receiving it. He hadn’t needed the money while his father was alive because his expenses were taken care of.

  He didn’t live extravagantly while under his father’s roof, but he couldn’t deny that he had comforts and conveniences not available to many because of his father’s wealth. Losing these amenities hadn’t been as difficult as Albert expected.

  Word traveled quickly through their Atlanta community. Within the week, most everyone knew what had happened during the reading of Horace Barnesdale’s will. Some would figure it all out, and others would speculate about the reasons behind the will.

  Those who cared for Albert understood that he had raised his father’s ire by choosing God over business. He had chosen a God-fearing woman that he loved over a marriage of convenience and connections. His influence increased because of his life decisions. He was proving to be a good example for young men to follow.

  It was time to follow through on his efforts to find a place of his own to live. He had started a search right before his father died and those plans had been put on hold. He had some money in savings and he expected to be able to afford a room.

  He found a family that had an extra room and needed a little extra money. They struck a deal and Albert had a new place to live. He was happy to be independent, even if that independence didn’t include his own house at the moment. He knew that his salary would increase and he would be able to afford more one day. For now, he was happy.

  Every night, when he had a full meal and a warm bed, he liked the knowledge that he had worked hard for it. He looked forward to the prospect that he was going to work hard again the next day to earn his keep.

  It didn’t take long for Albert to truly began to thrive. He was happy and following God’s plan and it showed in all he did.

  He invited Helen for an afternoon trip to Berkeley Lake. They’d been here several times since they’d met and it was a favorite spot for each of them. When he picked her up for the journey, she was radiant.

  “You look absolutely stunning, Helen,” he said. “But it’s more about your smile and demeanor than anything. Obviously, I think you’re the most beautiful woman in the world, but today, your radiance is more brilliant than usual.”

  “I’m so happy that you’re back to yourself, Albert. That’s the source of my happiness today. Do you realize we haven’t been to the lake since before your father died?”

  “Yes, it’s been a while. Let’s make today a new beginning.”

  “Let’s do that,” replied Helen with a broad and genuine smile.

  Albert wondered if she knew something was up. It didn’t matter if she did. I’ll show her my idea of a new beginning soon enough, he thought with an anticipatory grin.

  They were taking a walk around the lake, reminiscing about their very first date, when Albert stopped Helen under a tree. He took her hand and held it tightly in his.

  “I love you, Helen. You know that,” Albert breathed, trying not to act as nervous as he felt. He’d been so sure of himself on the trip up to the lake and now he had sweaty palms. “And I can honestly say that you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You are my perfect, better half and I would be lost in this world without you.”

  Helen giggled nervously while her cheeks reddened and she answered, “Oh Albert, you’re so sweet.”

  Albert dropped to one knee and reached inside his pocket. He pulled out a small box and held it out to her. “I know I don’t have much to give you, especially now. But together, I’m certain that we will be able to conquer the world, as long as we’re together. Helen, will you please marry me?”

  He opened the little box, revealing a beautiful and simple ring. Helen covered her mouth with shock at first as tears came to her eyes. This time Albert wasn’t dismayed by her tears.

  Almost immediately she exclaimed, “I love you, Albert. You’re all I’ve ever wanted. Of course I’ll marry you!”

  Albert stood and grabbed his fiancé. He swept her off her feet and swung her around and around. An older couple was walking by and they stopped to watch this happy event. They clapped and waved and continued their walk.

  “Albert, this ring. It’s beautiful, but how did you afford it? Please tell me you didn’t go into debt to get it.” She clapped her hand over her mouth in horror. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to sound so bossy! We’re not even married yet and I’m starting out on a sour note. Oh, my.”

  She was flushed and contrite, but Albert wasn’t put off by her reaction. Not even a little.

  “It’s a reasonable concern. I’m happy that you’re conscious of such things. I’m afraid we’ll have to be that way on a parson’s salary. This ring is special. It was my mother’s,” he said.

  She looked at him in surprise. Then she looked back down at the ring on her left hand. “How did that happen?”

  “You won’t believe it when I tell you,” he said with a smile. “The day after father’s will was read, I had a visitor. Eldridge. He brought me a box from the house. It had some pictures, some papers, and a few keepsakes from both my father and my mother.”

  She looked at him, nodding and smiling. “That’s wonderful! I’m so happy you’ll have at least some important things to keep from your family. He’s really a wonderful man, isn’t he?”

  “Indeed. He also brought my mother’s wedding rings with him. He told me that my father had intended to give them to me when I was ready to marry. He had planned to give this to me no matter who I chose. I am overjoyed that Father had at least softened on this point.”

  “Do you know the story of your parent’s courtship?” she asked.

  “Not all of it. I do know that they married before my father was so successful. He wasn’t a pauper, but certainly not the wealthy man he was at his death. I think he grieved for her and put all his effort into his business. He loved her.”

  “That’s obvious. I’ll cherish this ring forever. Thank you, Albert.”

  On the day of the wedding, Albert was confident and excited. He couldn’t wait to see his bride walking up the aisle on her father’s arm. Taking this step into the future with her before God and their friends and family was a dream come true.

  He still had some time to spare and he was pacing the floor in nervous anticipation. There was a knock on the door. He pulled the door open and smiled at the person standing there. “Mrs. Fanning! I didn’t expect to see you until later. Come in, come in!”

  “I won’t take much of your time, Albert. I just have a few things to say. Listen carefully. My granddaughter is a special woman. She has many talents. I know that society says that the man is most important, but I don’t think that’s true. Do
you?”

  “Um, well, I think that in a marriage each person is equal. I’d never do anything to make Helen feel that she’s unimportant or less than me,” said Albert. He was a little uneasy as he had no idea where this conversation was going.

  The woman nodded. “As a pastor’s wife, she will be called on to support you while she carries a heavy load of her own. And she’ll probably have to do all this while raising children. It won’t be easy. Always remember this. It will be just as hard to lead a church for her as it will be for you.”

  “I understand. I will always remember that. I thank God every day for your granddaughter, Mrs. Fanning. She’s a blessing to me. I hope that one day, I’ll learn how to be the kind of blessing to her that she needs. I promise you I’ll never stop trying.” He smiled at her, hoping that saying what was in his heart would be enough.

  “Thank you, Albert. And please. Stop calling me Mrs. Fanning. I’d prefer that you call me Boopi.”

  Albert was scratching his head in amusement as Helen’s grandmother turned without another word and walked out. As she stepped into the hallway, she almost ran into Parson Keller.

  “Watch where you’re going, Parson. There’s no need to knock an old lady over,” she said as she skillfully sidestepped him.

  “I’m sorry, Mrs. Fanning. I’ll pay more attention next time,” he smiled. “My gracious, she’s a funny old lady.”

  Albert nodded. “Indeed, she is.”

  Parson Keller smiled briefly and then because serious. “Albert, I’ve got something I want to talk to you about. This may seem like an inappropriate time to bring this up, but hear me out, all right?”

  Albert nodded with a puzzled look on his face. “Of course, Pastor. Go ahead, I’m listening.”

  “You know I’m getting on up in age. It’s harder and harder for me to do all the things I need to do to be a good parson. I’m planning to retire. Very soon.” The older man looked at Albert to gauge his reaction. Albert stood patiently taking the information in.

  He continued when Albert didn’t speak. “I’ve recommended that you be my replacement. The board has approved.”

  “What? Me the new parson? Why didn’t you tell me before now?”

  “I hope you’re not angry, Albert. My purpose was simple. I thought this would be a wonderful wedding present to you and Helen. I asked the board for a favor – to keep the secret until today. Do you mind that I withheld this news?”

  Albert broke into a big smile. “Not at all! This is wonderful! I can’t think of a better wedding gift ever. Helen will be delighted, too.”

  “I thought so. I’m very happy to hand the reins over to you.” Pastor Keller reached out to shake Albert’s hand. “What better time to share this news, I thought, than on the day when you marry the woman of your dreams with the Lord’s blessing?”

  Albert didn’t know what to say. Close to tears, he hugged the preacher who had been his mentor and would probably continue to be. It hit him that finally, he had made at least one of the men he respected as a father figure proud. That was a great way to step into the next phase of his life.

  When it was time, he stood at the front of the sanctuary beside Parson Keller and Martin Jacobson, his best man. The church was decorated charmingly, but nothing could compare to the radiance of his bride. When he saw her walking toward him his heart did a big flip.

  By the time Helen was given to him, he couldn’t wait for their life together as man and wife to begin. He wondered if everyone could tell that he was shaking, but when he looked into the glorious eyes of his beloved, his nerves calmed. He knew that no matter what trials came their way life was going to be perfect.

  They had come too far together for it to be any less. Besides, marrying the woman of his dreams, Albert had good news to share with her when they were alone. He knew she would be happy that she had married a man who had a full time job that paid a full time salary. They would be able to afford a little house.

  Albert was nervous. He just couldn’t stop pacing. His feet tapped against the floor of the kitchen when he wasn’t walking. Pastor Keller was with him and watched the worry that clouded his face.

  “Come on, Albert. Sit down and try to relax. Pacing isn’t helping anything.” the preacher urged.

  Albert stopped for a moment and glanced at the door. What is taking so long? he thought.

  After the wedding, Albert had taken over as pastor of the Peachtree Gospel Church under the direction of Parson Thomas Keller. The transition was thorough and now complete.

  “I can’t sit down. This is torturous!” Albert answered before grumbling nervously and beginning his pacing again.

  “Everything will be fine. These things just take time.”

  Just as the older parson spoke, the door that Albert had stared at for hours finally opened.

  Albert is relieved to see that the doctor of the town was smiling as he walked out, “Congratulations, Albert! You have a perfect daughter.”

  “Really? Oh, thank you, God! Everything is fine? Helen?” Albert blurted, just before he heard the cries of a newborn coming from the other room.

  “It couldn’t have gone better. Your wife is a strong woman,” the doctor assured.

  “Thank you!” Albert practically yelled, shaking his hand quickly before he rushed past him. He ran into the room to comfort his wife and meet his new baby girl.

  When he made it through the door, he saw Helen staring at him with the biggest smile he had ever seen. Tears of joy streamed down her face.

  Albert rushed over to Helen, already crying himself. As he looked into the sweet and wrinkled face of his daughter he fell in love. This little girl took his heart in a way he’d never thought possible until now.

  His wife looked up at him and held the child out to him. “Albert, meet our daughter.”

  Carefully, Albert took her. This was the first time he’d ever held a baby. He was nervous and afraid he’d drop her. After waiting on her to arrive for so long, then being this nervous in her presence made him smile.

  “She’s beautiful!” he exclaimed. “How are you? I’m sure you feel terrible. But look what you did!”

  “I’m all right,” she answered. “We never did settle on a name. We really need to do that now, you know. I like the idea of giving her a Biblical name. Maybe not such a traditional one, though.”

  He smiled at the mother of his daughter. “What do you have in mind?”

  “Faith. It’s the basis of what brought us here today. Do you agree?”

  “I agree with all my heart. I think Faith is a lovely name for a lovely little girl.”

  “So we have that other issue to resolve. I know you probably don’t want to think about anything else right now, but I’ve got to tell the board tomorrow if I’ll take the church in Sweetwater Creek or not.”

  “We can talk about it now, but there’s not much to say is there?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “They need you there. Do we really have a choice? My choice is always going to be to follow God’s call, Albert. Yours, too.”

  Albert nodded. “I’ll tell them we’ll do it.”

  “Just tell them we’ll need some time to make the move. I don’t want to have to recover from this birth, learn to care for a baby, and pack to move all in one week.”

  Albert laughed quietly as his daughter slept sweetly in his arms. He looked down at her in awe. “I’ll tell them.”

  Helen reached up to take Faith and snuggle her up against her side.

  “I have something to tell you,” he said.

  Helen raised her eyebrows in question. “What?” she asked, cautiously.

  “I got a package this morning. You were laboring. It distracted me for a moment.” He smiled at her hoping to ease some of her anxiety over the unknown. Realizing he’d possibly caused her undue stress, he continued quickly. “It’s a good thing.”

  She nodded, clearly relieved. She relaxed back into the mattress and pulled the covers around herself and Faith.
>
  “The package was from Jemison Cross. In case you don’t recognize the name, he was Father’s business partner. He sent me some money and a note. It’s not much money, but maybe it will help us buy a decent house in Sweetwater Creek.”

  Helen nodded thoughtfully. “What did the note say?”

  “It was simple. Just that he was sorry Father did what he did. There wasn’t much in the way of personal assets. Father had almost everything tied up in the business. Jemison sent the money that was received after the sale of some of the furniture and such.”

  “Hmm. Interesting. I think I’m going to take a nap now.”

  In that moment, Albert realized, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that when he was having his doubts about his faith and calling, Helen had been right. God always has a plan.

  Now, knowing what He had in mind for him, as he held that healthy, gorgeous baby girl and gazing into her eyes, Albert knew that he wouldn’t change a moment of his life for anything.

  More by Annie Boone

  If you’d like to see more by Annie Boone, here’s the list of titles. Just click the cover photo to go to the Amazon page to check them out!

  Short Stories

  Persistence Pays Off

  Kansas Mail Order Bride Novella Series

  Collaborations

  Christmas Mail Order Bride Romance

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  Dear Reader,

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read When God Closes a Door. I hope it gave you an enjoyable interlude to slip into the past for just a while.

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