My Rock Island Lighthouse story, Emma’s Engagement, is here!

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Finally, the third and final story in the Love at a Lighthouse series is here! It’s called Emma’s Engagement and here’s what it’s about:

Emma Row embarks on a journey that will test her resilience and love. She marries Michael Diepolder, the Rock Island Lightkeeper and widower, a man who seeks a companion for both himself and his eleven-year-old daughter, Ada. But as she steps into the role of lightkeeper’s wife with a heart full of hope, little does she know that the idyllic setting conceals challenges that will shake the foundation of her happiness. Isolation creeps in, compounded by Ada’s determination to keep her father all to herself. As a storm looms, Emma must grapple with the difficulties of being a stepmother and lightkeeper’s wife. Will she find her place, or will the tumultuous waves of doubt and isolation tear them apart?

For Michael, Emma is not just a wife but the hope for his future. But the lighthouse life and being a stepmother proves harder for Emma than he ever imagined, and Ada’s animosity only intensifies it. When the lighthouse inspector questions Emma’s place due to her Canadian heritage and Ada become deathly ill, the very foundation of their family is shaken. Can their family find solace and unity on this tiny island? Amid the swirling tempest of challenges, Emma, Michael, and Ada must discover the strength within themselves and each other to weather the storm. Emma’s Engagement is a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds that can form in the most unexpected places. This fictional story is based on the actual lives of Michael and Emma Diepolder.

Here’s an excerpt: The Night Sky 

When they reached the parapet, Emma poured them each a glass of tea and handed them a cookie. The night sky unfolded before them, a vast canvas of twinkling stars. The cool breeze tousled their hair, and Ada’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She studied the sky and pointed. “Look, Emma. Over there is Orion, the mighty hunter. See those three bright stars in a row? They make up his belt. And if you follow the belt down, you’ll see his sword hanging from it.”

Emma’s eyes widened, captivated by Ada’s enthusiastic explanations. “That’s incredible, Ada. I’ve heard of Orion, but I never knew how to identify him in the sky. You truly are an expert.”

Ada beamed with pride. “Papa taught me all I know. He’s the brilliant one. But thank you. Orion is my favorite constellation. Cassiopeia is my second. See that group of stars over there? It looks like a big ‘M’ or ‘W’ depending on how it’s positioned.”

Emma stared at the sky for several moments and frowned. Michael helped her see it by coming behind her and pointed within her field of vision. Finally, she exclaimed, “I see it! I see it, Ada! Show me more.”

Ada grinned wide. “Your turn, Papa. I want to eat my cookie.”

Michael chuckled. “You can have mine, too. You need to put some meat on those bones, my girl.”

She rolled her eyes and took a bite, while Emma waited expectantly, her eyes trained on the stars. What a glorious night, having both of his girls with him on this clear, still summer’s eve!

He searched for the next constellation he could introduce her to. “Look there, just above the horizon. That is Ursa Major, the Great Bear.”

Emma nodded. “I only knew one until now. There…those seven stars are the Big Dipper.”

Ada clanged her glass on Emma’s, almost making her spill it. “Good for you. That’s a start. And now you know lots more. Won’t your friend be pleased?”

“She will indeed.”

The hour slipped away as they immersed themselves in the celestial spectacle above them. They marveled at the beauty of the stars, connecting the dots to form mythical creatures and heroes of ancient tales. Laughter and whispers filled the air, blending with the distant sound of crashing waves.

Suddenly, a streak of light shot across the sky, leaving a trail of shimmering stardust in its wake. The three of them gasped in unison, their eyes fixed on the falling star.

Emma cheered. “Quick, make a wish!”