I Was a Mail Order Bride

Kate's boss at Contemporary Woman Magazine assigns her to cover mail-order brides as part of a feature on women's stories. Although she has no interest in the topic and is passionate about trains instead, she reluctantly places the advertisement to satisfy her editor's demands. This creates the initial connection with Robert Fitzgerald.

Robert's colleague Joe Kimbel challenges him to take in a mail-order bride and abstain from sexual relations with her for two weeks. This is presented as a practical joke bet between the two men. The challenge becomes the driving force behind Robert's involvement in the arrangement and sets up the central premise of the story.

Kate cancels the commissioned article because she genuinely falls in love with Robert during her time in Los Angeles. Her professional journalistic assignment transforms into real romantic feelings, and she can no longer proceed with what would essentially be a deceptive expose on someone she cares about.

After drinking together, Kate brings Robert home with the intention of seducing him. However, Robert falls asleep during the intimate moment, so nothing physical actually occurs between them. The next day, Kate jokingly claims they had sex, which creates a critical misunderstanding.

Robert believes he has lost the two-week bet because he thinks he fell asleep and therefore had sex with Kate. Feeling he has failed the challenge, he confesses that he has genuinely fallen in love with her. However, Kate refuses to believe his claim, thinking it's part of another deception.

Kate is furious when she discovers she was part of a bet and feels used and deceived by Robert. Believing his confession of love was just part of the scheme, she returns to Chicago and writes an offensive, libelous article about him as a way to retaliate emotionally.

During the libel lawsuit, both Kate and Robert are forced to confront their past actions publicly. Despite the anger and legal tension, they realize their feelings for each other have not disappeared. The courtroom drama becomes a moment of emotional reckoning that helps them acknowledge their lingering love.

The story foreshadows this reconciliation earlier when Kate begins questioning her assignment and Robert shows genuine kindness.

After the court case, Kate's father sees that Robert genuinely loves his daughter and wants to see them together. He encourages Robert to go after Kate and not give up on their relationship, giving Robert the confidence to make a bold romantic gesture.

Robert climbs aboard a moving train to reach Kate as she returns home to Chicago. This dramatic romantic gesture demonstrates his commitment and determination to salvage their relationship. The pursuit leads to their reconciliation and a hopeful final kiss.

Kate's earlier passion for trains hints at the significance of this final scene.