Inspecting Rock Island

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Enjoy an excerpt from Emma’s Engagement, book three of the Love at a Lighthouse series.

Michael escorted Lieutenant Worthington across the grounds of Rock Island Lighthouse, the inspector’s keen eyes taking in every detail as he inspected the smokehouse and carpenter’s shop. Worthington paused beside the smokehouse, running a hand along the freshly painted wall. “Impressive work, Michael. Your smokehouse is in excellent condition.”

Michael nodded gratefully, his chest swelling with pride at the praise. “Thank you, Lieutenant. It’s served us well over the years.”

Moving on to the carpenter’s shop, Worthington examined the tools and equipment with a critical eye. “And your carpenter’s shop seems to be well-stocked and organized. You’ve done a fine job maintaining it.”

He nodded, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. “Yes, sir. We do our best to keep everything in working order. You never know when you might need to make repairs around here.”

As they continued their inspection, Worthington’s gaze fell upon the well, and he motioned toward it. “How’s the well working? Any issues with water supply?”

Michael shook his head and gave the pump a firm pat. “No, sir. The well has been working perfectly fine. We installed the new pump last year, and it’s been running smoothly ever since.”

Worthington smiled, his expression turning thoughtful. “And I see you’ve dug a root cellar as well. That’s a wise investment, especially for storing perishable goods.”

Michael’s pulse ticked up a notch at Worthington’s commendation. “Yes, sir. The board’s improvements have been a blessing to us in the past few years. The fertile soil brought in to cover the bare rock has sure helped. And though it took a few years to coax the grass to grow, it’s thriving now.”

Worthington’s eyes scanned the lush green grass that now covered the once-barren rock. “Well done, Michael. It seems you’ve made some significant improvements to the grounds here at Rock Island Lighthouse. Keep up the good work.”

The inspector glanced up at the lighthouse as he prepared to inspect the light tower. He scratched his chin. “I don’t understand why this is still set so far back on the island. After the A.E. Vickery shipwreck in ’89, we can’t afford to take any chances with the safety of our navigational aids.”

Michael nodded solemnly, his mind already racing. “I agree, Lieutenant. Moving the lighthouse out to the shore or raising it would greatly increase its visibility and reduce the risk of future accidents, as I’ve mentioned every year in my report to the board.”

Worthington sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Take heart, Michael. There’s a plan to help, at least in the short term. In the fall, the platform will be raised by five feet. Workers will set the platform atop a solid octagonal wall of granite laid in Portland cement with sufficient mortar beneath. That should significantly increase the visibility from the water. But we’ll continue to push for approval to move the lighthouse out to the shore permanently. As you’re well aware, such decisions require approval from higher authorities, and the bureaucratic process can be slow-moving at best.”

About Emma’s Engagement:

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.

Mark A. Wentling, a descendant of the Rock Island lightkeepers, says, “Although I never met my ancestors Michael and Ada Diepolder, I truly felt transported into their time by Susan’s story. I thoroughly enjoyed imagining their world and the moments they might have shared through Mathis’s storytelling.”