The Old Maid Marries!

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Finally, the third and final story in the Love at a Lighthouse series is out. Here’s an excerpt from Emma’s Engagement that you might enjoy.

At the ripe old age of thirty-seven, she could hardly believe that this day had finally come—the day she had dreamed of since she was a little girl. As she took her first steps down the aisle, her eyes fixed on the altar where Michael stood waiting for her, a sense of peace washed over her.Top of Form

The soft strains of the organ filled the air, and the congregation stood to watch her. Ada, in her pretty pink dress, was already halfway down the aisle, dramatically scattering wildflowers that matched those on the altar.

Emma’s heart raced as she caught Michael’s eager gaze. He offered her a reassuring smile, his eyes filled with love and devotion. Her smile blossomed so wide it almost hurt.

When she reached his side, they exchanged a tender glance and their hands found each other’s in a silent promise. Michael leaned in and whispered, “Good morning, my love.”

“Good morning, Michael.” Emma smiled at her soon-to-be husband, but out of the corner of her eye, she caught Ada’s, who shot her a narrow-eyed scowl.

Pastor Wiseman, their elderly friend who had matched them up, began the ceremony, his voice echoing through the hallowed halls. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Emma Row and Michael Diepolder in holy matrimony.”

She listened attentively, for she wanted to remember every moment of this day. Amid the solemnity of the moment, a sense of joy and expectancy filled her heart.

“Marriage is a sacred covenant, a union not to be entered into lightly, but with reverence and respect. Emma and Michael, as you stand here today, may your love continue to grow and flourish, may you support and cherish one another through all the joys and challenges that life may bring, and may God lead the way.”

Pastor Wiseman continued the ceremony speaking of love, commitment, and the sacred bond of marriage. Surrounded by their loved ones, they recited their vows, their words carrying a lifetime of promises. With each “I do,” Emma’s anxiety about Ada melted away, replaced by a sense of joy and celebration.

Finally, with a triumphant flourish, the pastor pronounced them husband and wife. The church erupted into applause as they enjoyed their first kiss as a married couple, sealing their union with a tender embrace.

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.”