Finding Hope: Hope Harbor, #1

By Dawn Luedecke

Rocked by tragedy, three siblings join together to discover a new life for themselves. What better way to do so than to build a Bed & Breakfast at a newly auctioned off lighthouse in the town of Hope Harbor, Maine? In the process, they discover love and a beacon with more loss and legend than they could ever imagine.

OLIVIA THOMPSON needs a change. After losing her parents and discovering that her husband has been cheating on her, Olivia and her siblings buy a lighthouse in the small town of Hope Harbor, Maine. There they hope to create a new life and move on from tragedy in a place where the past can no longer touch them. What Olivia discovers is a lighthouse with more secrets than she has and a man willing to risk it all for her. However, she's not ready to give up her newfound freedom for anyone. 

Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer BEN PIERCE has problems of his own. Unable to get past his last failed rescue mission, all he wants is to live quietly and rediscover who he was before so he can go back to saving lives. But when Olivia moves into town, everything changes. Now all he can do is wait until she's ready to love again. 

When Olivia's past finds her once more and the lighthouse legends jeopardize her newfound peace, she discovers secrets and betrayals within her own family that threaten to take away everything she has. Can she fight to overcome these trials and allow herself love again, or does she give up everything?
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dawn Luedecke
• Release date: Nov 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393842965

Dawn Luedecke

A country girl born and bred, Dawn Luedecke has spent most of her life surrounded by horses, country folk, and the wild terrain of Nevada, Idaho and Montana. As a child she would spend many afternoons reading books, watching western classics, and Rogers and Hammerstein movies. When she grew up she decided to leave the quiet country life for a chance to find adventure by serving a successful tour in the United States Coast Guard. During that time she found her soul mate (and alpha male) and started a family and writing career. She enjoys writing historical and paranormal romance and spends as much time as she can working on her current manuscript. For more information visit www.dawnluedeckebooks.com.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The cold winter wind kicked up at Olivia Thompson’s back urging her to take another step forward, but if she did, she’d plummet to her death. She stood at the edge of the world—or at least the edge of Hope Harbor. The frigid winter wind formed icicles inside her nose. Had she made a mistake using her family’s inheritance to buy this particular lighthouse? She studied the rocks and crashing waves below as another gust of wind pushed against her backside.

"Olivia," a voice called from the breeze.

Stepping back, she pivoted toward her niece, Amanda. Did you hear that?

All I can hear is the ocean, Amanda shouted above the roar of the waves below.

Hello, the wind called again, only this time a flash of color caught her eye as it disappeared into the top of the lighthouse structure—which sat in the center of the island. Her island. The one she’d bought along with the lighthouse.

Turning back to the ocean, she leaned over the precipice as a wave crashed against the side, almost reaching the top of the cliff. The water is fierce.

Looks dangerous. Amanda scrunched half her face up in disgust, watching another wave lick the top of the cliff.

Olivia stepped tentatively toward the edge hoping to see the rocks below. Her heart pounded in her chest, causing her hands to grow numb.

She kicked a stone, and it tumbled down into the ocean, only to disappear when another violent wave crashed against the rocks. Sea spray hit her face with an icy force that took away her breath, causing her right foot to slip on the saturated stones. Before she could catch her footing, someone grabbed her around the waist and yanked her backward.

A hard body pressed against her back. She stumbled away from the wave as it reached its crest where she’d stood mere seconds ago. Her heartbeat sped up as the water disappeared back into the ocean.

She struggled to control her breathing enough to force her heart to an even rhythm.

The man sounded familiar. She’d heard his voice several times over the phone the last few months.

Ben Pierce.

Her contact with the Coast Guard, and the one she’d dealt with for the purchase of the lighthouse and island. The one who’d called her for business, but had always ended up talking with her longer, calming her anxiety during her divorce with meaningless chats.

He let her go, and she spun around.

Chief Pierce? she asked, reaching up to grab her necklace.

He nodded. You shouldn’t lean over the edge. Especially there. The waves tend to yank people into the water. The sheriff’s wife fell off the cliff just last year.

Really? Her ears began to ring. Whether because of the crashing waves nearby or the sudden thought she’d made a mistake buying this lighthouse for her bed-and-breakfast, she didn’t know. But she’d made a commitment. She and her siblings had overcome their grief and chosen to start a new life far away.

She turned her gaze to the lighthouse and keeper’s quarters below the tower—her tower, and her new home next to it.

Promise you won’t lean over like that again. His chest rose and fell in short, rapid movements as though he fought to control his breathing.

She frowned. Is it really that dangerous?

Yes.

Something about his tone warned her to take him seriously. We’ll stay away from the edge.

He parted his lips and gave a single nod. Good.

Old people freak out over everything, Amanda mumbled under her breath and unlocked her iPhone.

Sorry about her. Olivia shot Ben an apologetic look and then glanced around the island.

Ben shook his head. It’s fine. My friend has teenagers. I get it.

I can hear you talking about me. I’m standing right here, Amanda said, not bothering to glance up from her phone.

Olivia sent him a wide-eyed expression and shook her head. He smiled back.

After a few heartbeats, Ben angled his body away from her, opening up the view to the island. Beautiful, right?

Olivia faced him, confused. I’m sorry?

He waved toward where she’d stared. The lighthouse is really pretty in this weather. It looks like we’re about to have a storm, and I’ve always liked how it looks with the snow behind it.

Oh, right. The lighthouse.

He smiled. What did you think I meant?

Uh… She searched the clouds above for answers. Me? Amanda?

He chuckled.

I mean, you’re both cute in your very large winter coats… He tilted his head and ran his gaze down her overly warm body. You came ready for winter, didn’t you?

There it was, the teasing she’d grown to love as she’d spoken to him on the phone during the purchase of the lighthouse and island. He had a way of easing the tension and making her feel comfortable. Strong. He’d been her rock, a man she’d never really met except over the phone, and one who’d lived thousands of miles away.

Justin picked them up for us in Ohio. He said the man at the sports store claimed these were perfect for winters in the Northeast. She glanced down at the ankle-length fluffy coat her brother had bought on the way here. Although the high desert winters could get chilly, they were nothing compared to this. Now that I think about it, I think the salesperson just wanted to get rid of them.

Ben’s mouth twitched as he struggled, unsuccessfully, to hold back a smile. Do you want to see the buildings?

She nodded, and Ben pivoted to walk away, leaving her to follow with Amanda.

She glanced up at the scene in front of her as she walked. He was right. The lighthouse tower was breathtaking, white-washed and serene with a black balcony encircling the top of the structure. The light itself shined bright against the dark clouds coming in from the ocean.

Olivia had pitched the idea of using the inheritance they got from their parents’ to buy a cheap lighthouse, and after some convincing, her brother and sister had agreed. Like her, they’d needed a change after all they’d been through in Nevada over the last few years. Hope Harbor would give it to them.

Olivia walked behind Ben, turning the collar of her jacket against the chill of the winter sea breeze. Amanda kept step beside her while Ben lead the way.

That’s Ben? Amanda slowed down and whispered.

I guess so. He’s a lot different from what I pictured.

At least he’s cute. You should go after him. Then you wouldn’t be all up in our business, Amanda mumbled the last and opened her phone again.

You’re too young to think men are cute.

I’m sixteen. She didn’t even glance up from her phone as she spoke.

A very young sixteen, Olivia teased, not that her niece ever laughed at her jokes. Olivia was the boring aunt, the responsible one, the mean one, but someone had to be.

It’s not like her brother Justin ever put her in check. Not since his wife left years ago. Ever since, Amanda had been free to do as she pleased, and it showed.

God, you’re lame. Amanda shook her head and scowled—as she’d done every day since she’d left her friends behind in Paradise.

Olivia shook her head. Her niece would make new friends. People moved all the time and adjusted. Amanda would have to figure out how to be happy in Hope Harbor. And if Olivia had to be the mean one to hold everyone accountable, then so be it.

She rounded the lighthouse and stopped next to Ben before a red door.

This is the tower. Ben gave a quick glance at the white concrete walls. I thought you might want to see the view from up here and then go in the house.

Sounds good. Thank you.

Shall we? Ben walked through the lighthouse door and flicked on the light, illuminating the inside as they entered.

Within a heartbeat, the warmth of the lighthouse replaced the cool air from outside. The staircase spiraled up into the sky... or rather to the top of the building. From where she stood—with the light burning bright above her, circling—it appeared as though the stairs disappeared into heaven.

They say this place is haunted, Ben said, climbing the spiraling staircase. But I haven’t seen anything weird happen.

What? A ghost lives in here? Amanda began to climb as she stared straight up, her head at an angle that must have started an ache in her neck.

Olivia stretched her own crick out of her neck and glanced at Ben while she followed, quickly brushing past Amanda as they climbed.

Bethel roams the whole island, Ben said. But it’s not her you have to worry about. It’s the smugglers’ treasure that really makes the locals crazy. You’ll see a lot of them trespassing on your island. I’ve even seen the museum curator out here recently, and I think he’s the one you need to keep an eye on the most. I’m not sure if he’s just looking for the treasure, or if he has something else going on.

I don’t mind treasure hunters.

It might be more than that. He had his sights set on winning the bid for the lighthouse. I heard he might be taking out a petition against the bed-and-breakfast. Ben shook his head and held out his hands as he continued to climb the staircase. Like I said, though, it’s just a rumor.

I hope you’re wrong.

My sister works for a lawyer, he said. I’ll see if she can find out whether it’s true or not. If you want.

That would be great. Thank you. Olivia stared at the metal stairs and stepped up, struggling to breathe.

Ben pulled his phone from his pocket and began to text someone as he took the steps without a care to his footing, as though he knew this lighthouse as well as he did his own home. His phone beeped a few seconds later, and he checked it. She’ll see what she can find out.

Wait, Amanda said, drawing attention to her once more. Back to this ghost, is she a good ghost or a bad one? Like is she going to chop our heads off in the middle of the night?

That depends on if you believe her story. Ben shrugged. I don’t.

What story? Amanda asked.

Olivia slowed to let her niece take a few steps ahead of her and smiled. At least she’d found something to take her mind off her friends back in Paradise. Olivia, on the other hand, couldn’t stop thinking about the petition, if one existed.

The museum is a better place to hear the legends surrounding the lighthouse. They have a whole room about Bethel. Ben crested the top of the staircase. I can meet you there tomorrow afternoon. Say three o’clock?

Olivia stepped up the last stair and emerged into a large, circular room spanning the inside of the top of the lighthouse. To her right a door opened to a balcony, and to her left a smaller staircase led to a loft surrounding the lens. She’d always wondered what it would look like inside one of these buildings.

I don’t know about the rest of my family, but I’ll be there. Amanda began to pace the room.

That sounds fun. We’ll all go. It’ll be a good change of pace. While she’d rather jump right into fixing the place up so they had a house to live in, learning all about the lighthouse would be a good diversion for Amanda. And it seemed like she’d finally found something to get excited about.

Amanda circled the room, peering outside the open door. Holy cow! It’s like high up.

Olivia peeked outside the door as well, and all her doubts melted with the view. The ocean so serene, yet gray and violent, gave her a peace she’d only felt once. The day she’d visited her parents’ gravesite to tell their headstones that she was moving away from Paradise.

This was right. This was where she needed to be.

Ben drew close to her and leaned in to give them some privacy. Don’t worry. I’ll see what I can find out. Don’t stress out about it just yet.

She tucked one arm underneath the other to cradle her stomach and sighed. I hope you’re right.

I am. Trust me.

Ben’s words resonated in her mind. She struggled to take her eyes off the islands sitting in the middle of the bay. Trust was difficult for her, especially after her ex. As it was, the only people she truly trusted were her family. Together they’d left a town full of legal battles and betrayal. The last thing she wanted was to come to her new town, a fresh start, and have to fight a whole new set of troubles.

I fixed the door for you, Ben said, when Olivia entered the house. Her heart dropped to her stomach. The tower had been serene, perfectly maintained, but this—the dilapidated mess before her—wasn’t even habitable. Ben continued to speak as he circled the room. I didn’t have time to check the fireplace. You should call a chimneysweep before starting a fire.

Olivia half expected the interior to be better maintained than the outside, but whatever she imagined it to be, she wasn’t ready for the dank smell or gray stone walls beneath the peeling wallpaper.

The floor groaned as she stepped, and her stomach twisted the further she moved into the house.

What had she done?

We could have bought something like this in Florida or Hawaii. Amanda’s booted feet clicked on the floor next to her, pulling Olivia out of her distracted thoughts. Disgust etched in the lines on the teenager’s face as she moved into the hallway. But noooo, we had to come to Maine.

Amanda wandered deeper into the house, drifting from room-to-room, leaving Olivia alone with Ben.

It’s not much to look at yet, but it has potential. Ben brushed past her and toward the fireplace. He ducked and used his phone to look up into the chimney.

You aren’t a carpenter too, are you? she said, picking up a broken piece of 2x4. My brother Justin is a good handyman, but even he can’t fix everything alone.

No, but I helped a buddy remodel his kitchen before. I could help your brother out with a few things. Let me know.

We may take you up on that. Olivia pinched her lips together and moved deeper into the house. To her right, the hallway opened up to a kitchen, and to her left Amanda wandered from room-to-room, her expression the same.

Olivia moved about the kitchen, testing the stove and water faucet, but neither worked.

She didn’t expect the place to be perfect, but would have appreciated running water at least. By the looks of things, they wouldn’t be able to move into the house for weeks, maybe even months.

When does your moving truck get here? Ben asked when he entered the kitchen. I can give you the number to the storage unit in town.

We have a small Uhaul, but we sold as much as we could before we left. Some stuff we gave away. She tried to make her voice even, not show the disappointment she felt in her core, but she didn’t think it worked. She wiggled the faucet handle again.

The water is probably turned off, he said, drawing close to her and testing it as well. I can check on that for you. Do you have a place to stay until you can move in?

Uh, her voice shook as she took a deep breath to help boost her spirits. We have a suite at the hotel in town.

I hope I’m not crossing any boundaries or anything, but I have a few spare rooms in my house. If you get tired of living out of a suitcase, you’re always welcome to rent my rooms. I might be leaving for a few months to stand temporary duty on a boat, anyway. Or if you want, I can give you the number to the rental company I used.

Olivia stood on her tiptoes to look out the window, but years’ worth of grime prevented her from seeing much more than the gray clouds off in the distance. She brought a shaky hand to her forehead. Yeah. Maybe.

Before she could move on, Ben stepped up next to her again. He leaned over the counter and used the sleeve of his uniform to wipe what grime he could off of the glass, allowing her to view the edge of the cliff behind the lighthouse. Beyond that the vast blue-gray of the winter-kissed ocean. It’s not as bad as it seems. I promise. I’ll go check on the water for you. The main valve is in the basement.

The basement?

It’s more of a cellar. You can only access it from the storm doors outside. The gas you’ll probably have to get filled, but I’ll check on the tanks to make sure they’re healthy enough to use.

Thank you. Biting her bottom lip, she turned back to watch the scene outside. Her niece was right. What had she done?

Aunt Olivia. Amanda stepped into the room from the hallway while Ben disappeared the way they’d come in. There’s mouse shit in every room and the bathtub looks like it has rust in it.

Olivia licked her lips and tugged at the collar of her coat. Normally she’d scold her niece for her language, but right now she didn’t care enough. Hell, she wanted to say a few choice words herself. Okay. I’ll look into it.

Dad’s going to be pissed that he stayed back with Aunt Lilian to get groceries and stuff. He’d shit bricks if he saw this.

Amanda, she finally scolded. I said I’d handle it.

Whatever. Just thought you might want to know what sort of place you bought. Amanda walked out of the room again, leaving Olivia alone with her doubts.

Were her brother and sister going to hate her for bringing them here to a broken house? Could they do this? Could they make this work?

A knock at the open door of the living room took away the moment she needed to answer her own questions. Who would knock?

I swear, Amanda, she mumbled, stomping out of the kitchen, only to stop as a short, plump man limped inside—one hand holding a cellophane-wrapped gift basket while he grasped a cane with the other.

Ms. Thompson I assume, he said.

Yes. Olivia frowned. Do I know you?

Greyson Mills. He juggled the basket into one hand, extending the other. She shook his clammy hand and then wiped her palm down her hip. Mr. Mills shoved the basket toward her. I’m the curator of the local museum. Just wanted to welcome you to town.

Thank you. Her heart began to beat fast. She took the basket from him. Greyson Mills, the man who may or may not be plotting something against her.

Nice place you got here. He took a few steps and kicked at the broken board on the floor. I see the Coast Guard hasn’t maintained the keeper’s quarters.

No. They haven’t. It will be a lot of work, but we’re up for the task.

If you’d like— he began but stopped as a shadow in the doorway darkened the light within the room.

Ben walked in, sweeping his ball cap off his head.

Mr. Mills, he greeted, drawing close to Olivia, enveloping her in warmth again. The sound of his voice helping to boost her spirits. Ben shuffled his feet. If you’ve come to argue about the sale to Ms. Thompson, you’re too late. And like I told you before, you’ll have to take that up with my Officer In Charge.

No. No. Mills waved as if to shoo away Ben’s words. I’ve come to greet our newest resident. That’s all.

That’s all? Olivia couldn’t help but scowl. She didn’t believe the man for one second. You’re not planning anything?

Planning anything? What do you mean? Greyson glanced innocently between her and Ben. No. Not planning anything unless you count children’s day at the museum. We’ve been working on that for weeks.

Not what I was talking about. Olivia crossed her arms.

If you want to sell after seeing the place, I’d be more than happy to purchase it from you.

I’m not— Olivia began, but stopped as Greyson continued.

I couldn’t give you full price for it, you understand. But I will take it off your hands for a reasonable price.

Olivia drew her eyebrows together and frowned. I believe we’ll stay. Now if you’ll excuse me, we have stuff to do.

Yes. Yes. Of course. Greyson turned as if to leave. The offer is only good for today, you understand?

The corner of Ben’s mouth tipped ever-so-slightly in a forced smile. He scratched his cheek and flexed his jaw. At least he was on her side, as far as she could tell.

Whether purchasing the lighthouse was a mistake, it didn’t matter. She’d committed to this new venture, and she would see it through. No matter what.

If you change your mind the museum is in the center of town. Can’t miss it. Greyson nodded a goodbye and turned to leave.

Beside her, Ben watched him walk away and then turned his attention to her once more. Sorry about him. You handled it well, though.

She scoffed. Not good enough.

Well, at least the water works. I checked it with the faucets outside but kept it off for now. In these temperatures you’re likely to bust a pipe if the house isn’t warm enough to keep it flowing.

Olivia opened her mouth to speak, but at that moment Amanda stomped down the stairs. Is that pug guy gone?

Pug guy? Olivia asked.

Amanda checked outside the front door as she answered. Yeah, the guy that looks like a pug dog. I saw him coming to the house while I was upstairs. He looks gross.

He’s gone, Olivia said, holding back a smile. Leave it to teenagers to lighten the mood.

I got a call from the base while I was outside. They need me back. Ben held out his hand, and keys dangled from his fingers. Here are the keys to the house. As per our agreement, you own the island and buildings, but the Coast Guard maintains the right to use and keep the beacon lit. We’ll do all of the maintenance on it. We keep it locked so vandals can’t get in, and we have the only keys since everything inside is government property. If you see anything happening, call the number you did during the sale of this place. The fresnel lens is damn expensive, and as you can see by the keeper’s quarters, people in the town like to come up here and try their luck. I hope you don’t have too much trouble.

Try their luck? Amanda asked, yanking her earbuds down.

He nodded. Like I said before, the locals all try to find the treasure. You’re bound to have a few visitors, especially once it warms up.

Olivia nodded and worked through the jumble of information she’d learned over the last hour. God she hoped this wasn’t all a mistake. Thank you.

He nodded and pivoted.

Chief Pierce... err... Ben. She reached out and grabbed his arm to stop him from leaving, but quickly snatched it back to her chest when he glanced down at her fingertips.

He faced her again. Yes?

Do you like it here?

I do. It’s a nice town. I needed the change, and Hope Harbor gave that to me. He shrugged. It’s a little slow, but I don’t think people come here to find adventure. No matter how many ghost stories the town has.

Fair enough. How do we get to the museum? I’d like to hear more about Bethel.

He took a step closer to her, and the look in his eye warmed. Head to town from your hotel, take a right at the only fast food restaurant in town, and then turn into the third parking lot on the left. Can’t miss it.

Hhm. That sounds difficult, she teased. I’ll have to check my map for the only fast food restaurant in town and the third parking lot. I might get lost.

You? Never. You made it all the way across the United States.

Yeah with a GPS. I feel like using my GPS for a right and then left would be like cheating.

He smiled and gave a single nod. See you tomorrow.

Olivia shut the door behind him and then turned to view the front room of her new home once more.

It might be hard work to fix this place up, but this was where she needed to be. She just hoped her family would feel the same. Eventually.

Chapter 2

Ben adjusted his position in his seat as he drove out of the base and headed toward the museum to meet Olivia the next day. He dialed his sister Michelle’s phone number and put it on the speaker in his truck. He knew what was coming next: more lectures and more sisterly advice. He’d about given up talking to her by the third ring when she answered.

Hello.

Hey. He turned down the road leading to town.

Did you get the folder Dan left in your truck? she asked.

Ben glanced to the large manila envelope on the seat next to him, grateful to his brother-in-law for dropping it off. Yep. Thanks.

Sorry it’s not better news for your friend. I can have my boss look at it to see if there’s even anything behind it if you want.

Thank you. I’ll let her know.

Is she what you expected?

Who? Olivia?

Yeah. Olivia. The woman you fell in love with over the phone.

I didn’t fall in love with her. He wouldn’t say fall in love, necessarily. Couldn’t stop thinking about, sure. Enjoyed talking to, of course. But love was a stretch. He’d never been in love. He’d been too busy serving his country. I just sold her a lighthouse.

Right. The tone of his sister’s voice spoke volumes. She didn’t believe him. So, is she cute?

Chelle. He hoped his tone would warn her off. God she was nosey when it came to his relationships—or rather lack thereof.

What? You’ve talked about this girl for months. Why don’t you ask her out?

"She just got here, and