It will only take you less than 30 seconds…

Was there a part that bored or that you didn't really like in the book?

Even a character, a scene, or anything. You could say no if nothing bothered you.

Which was the part you liked most in the book?

Even a character, a scene, or anything that you enjoyed.

Is there one (or more) character(s) in this book that you would like to read more about in a sequel?

It could be any character from the book. You could say no if there isn't any.

Do you enjoy reading book previews? *

• Yes, I love sneaking a peek at a new book before it comes out.
• No, I want to keep it a surprise for when I can get the whole book.

Are you a preorder fan like me? *

• Yes, I prefer to preorder so I can get the book as soon as it comes out.
• No, I only buy books that are already out.

Submit

Ada

Two years Later

I’ve never been this exhausted or satisfied in my whole life.

Maeve and I found a perfect space for my agency about nine months ago, and we opened a month ago. The launch has been so successful that I almost have no time for myself whatsoever. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve managed to create a space that emphasizes inclusivity and positive representation. I’m proud of myself. It’s such a new and incredible feeling that I’m constantly on cloud nine.

I often collaborate with Maeve’s now booming fashion brand.

Together, we’re revolutionizing parts of the fashion industry, making it so much more welcoming and diverse. I don’t turn anyone away. They are all given the same opportunity and training. It’s thrilling, and challenging all at the same time. It’s so worth it to be exhausted knowing that I’m making a difference and providing opportunities for those that might have otherwise been overlooked.

Life doesn’t have to be something that just happens to me anymore, I can be in control too, in a good way.

Cristiano, of course, is thrilled about our business venture but he’s still not overly thrilled about Kieran’s existence in my life. They are circling one another without fangs bared, that’s the best that I can possibly hope for at a time like this. Granted, it’s been years now and I don’t think they are going to improve much. The alliance, however, has proven to be more than beneficial for all involved. Their collaborative efforts have brought stability to both territories without either having to reign with fear or overt usage of violence.

And when Kieran just needs to work out that unreleased tension? I’m only too happy to accommodate those needs for him.

I think that my son’s the real glue keeping the alliance together.

Family meetings like this, in particular, tend to be where all of the pretenses and grudges get forgotten. For Maeve and I? It’s the first day off in nine months. For all of the boys lingering near the grill? It’s an unspoken peace. Nothing happens today on pain of exile.

Crisitano is chasing my son across the yard. Rowan cackles and throws his head back as his little legs pedal as fast as they possibly can to keep away from his uncle’s outstretched hands. He could catch him, of course, but he won’t until he’s ready. Then, he will scoop him up and tickle him until his own child starts to get jealous and demands the same sort of attention. His normally stern exterior softens in this setting, and it’s delightful to see. I know he’s proud of the family and alliances that he’s made since our father passed. Father would be so proud of him, I just know it.

Not that family are the only people in attendance today. Alberto and Lila are frequent visitors as well. I know there’s tension between them lately, but neither of them seems willing to tell me what’s the story. Alberto and I aren’t as close as we used to be before Kieran. He seems to like him even less than my brother does and it drove a wedge between us. Lila doesn’t want to explain her part in it all, and I love her enough to respect her privacy.

But if I had to guess I think it’s something a little more than just friendship that’s building between them now. I don’t know if anything has happened, and it’s not my place to ask but I hope that if it has, they are happy together. Lila deserves every happiness in the whole world. Most of all after she had to live through what her bastard of an ex put her through a handful of years ago.

Liam hovers over by where Kieran is flipping meat on the grill. He always insists on cooking it himself, says that it’s cathartic for him. My cousin-in-law finds every excuse to spend time with Kieran. I know he won’t cop to it, but he’s lonely at the top of his clan. He speaks right now with large, animated gestures as he recounts some story or another that Kieran is desperately attempting to ignore.

We both have been pressuring Liam to settle down. He wouldn’t feel so lonely if he had a wife and child of his own. He will have to find somebody to make his heir sooner or later. But no matter how many models I offer to send his direction, he doesn’t seem interested in any of them. The harder we push, the more he insists that Rowan can lead the Doyle clan someday.

I watch their interaction with a mixture of amusement and curiosity, wondering if Liam will ever take his cousin’s advice or not.

A deep sense of gratitude for the life that we’ve built together nearly overwhelms me.

Kieran catches my eye from across the yard, motioning with his head for me to come over and join him. I’m only too happy to do so.

“That smells wonderful.” I say, his arm automatically lifting once I’m close enough to pull into his arms. He kisses my forehead, looking down at me with all the same love and determination that had drawn me to him those two years ago. I lay my head on his shoulder as I turn my focus to my child, happily toddling after a butterfly.

I couldn’t ask for a better life. I wouldn’t trade this for anything.