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.

Did you enjoy the development of Ciara & Aidan's relationship or you think they developed feelings for each other too quickly? *

• Yes, I found their connection genuine and believable.
• No, I though they needed more time together to develop such strong feelings.
• I can't really decide. It's normal for their feelings to grow faster in a delicate situation like theirs, but at the same time I'd like to see more moments between them.

Did you get frustrated by the fact that, in the beginning, Ciara was using Aidan to her benefit? *

• Yes, I didn't like it.
• No, I understood her reasons and fears.
• I was frustrated a bit, but at the same time I understood why she did it.

What is your favourite trope in Highland romances? *

For example, arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers, stuck together, etc.

What is your LESS favourite trope in Highland romances? *

For example, arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers, stuck together, etc.

Submit

One year later

Ciara smiled as she watched her newborn baby sleep soundly, and her heart filled with joy at the beautiful sight in front of her. Her smile widened when he suddenly stretched and let out a sweet little yawn before wrapping his tiny hand around the finger she had been running up and down his arm.

Ciara let out a yawn herself. It had been exactly one month since she had given birth to her baby, and while he was such a beautiful angel she was not used to catering to the high demand a child often came with. She refused to let anyone else take care of him, refusing the offer of a wet nurse even. This was her chance to create a bond with the life she had carried inside her, and nothing would get in her way.

She would give him the life and the family she never had, and nothing made her happier than knowing her child would never have to suffer her fate.

She shivered as she remembered how intense her labor had been. Ronan had been a restless baby in her womb, constantly kicking and turning, as though he was impatient to come out and greet the world. There were days when she woke up extremely tired, yet nothing could have prepared her for how intense his birth had been. A panicked Aidan had run out in search of Maria the moment her water had broken, and soon the pain came as she prepared to welcome the life she had carried inside of her for nine long months.

At one point, Ciara had looked up to see the worried look on Maria’s face, before she rushed out and returned soon enough with some concoction that she encouraged Ciara to drink. Soon the sound of her crying baby filled the air, and the door had opened to show Aidan with tears in his eyes as he reached out to touch their son.

Now Aidan’s hands wrapped around hers, and he placed his head on her shoulder as he stared in wonder at their sleeping babe. He had had that same look of awe on his face since the day his son was born, and it seemed he would not be losing it anytime soon. Ciara did not know what it was about the sight of his face, but something in it made her heart swell and her eyes fill with tears of joy.

She blinked to stop herself from tearing up. He had been a wonderful and supportive husband during this time, always eager to take care of the baby and trying to coax her to relax whenever he thought she had overworked herself. Her eyes would close, and she would hear him come into the room where she had begun to rest, and he would place a soft lingering kiss on her forehead.

Aidan had not been sleepwalking, and she could not have been more grateful. She had woken up so many nights to make sure he was asleep beside her and was always glad to find him there. They did not even have to lock the doors anymore. On the few nights Ciara had woken up to find his side of the bed empty, she had known where to find him. He would always be in Ronan’s room, watching over him as he slept and sometimes rocking him back to sleep if he was restless.

“I still cannae get over how perfect he is,” Aidan whispered into her ear, careful to not wake him up. “Thank ye for making him.” He kissed her once again before returning his stare to the child. As he did, his hand lowered to caress her stomach, and Ciara smiled.

There were so many things that had made her pregnancy easier, and many of those things revolved around Aidan and her newfound family. Maria had made sure to check up on her and give her herbal mixtures that would alleviate whatever cramp she was feeling. Darragh and Hannah had made sure that she was never bored. Her Aidan, her very protective Aidan, had done exactly what he had promised. He made sure to shield her from whatever could harm her or make her sad. He gave her whatever she wanted and what she didn’t even realize she needed. He was so in tune with her emotions and needs that Ciara wondered whether he could read her mind.

So far everything has been wonderful, and she could not have asked for better. She sighed with contentment and pulled away from her husband to stare into the crib once again.

“I received a letter from Darragh. He said he is on his way back and is excited to see Ronan,” Aidan said, pulling her away from her thoughts.

Ciara was excited at the news. Darragh had been on a trip to broker new trade deals with other clans for a long while, and also to prepare for the time when the MacNeil clan would be joined to the MacDonald clan.

A few months after their troubles, her father had passed on the battlefield, struck down by one of his countless enemies. A lot of things needed to be sorted before Aidan met the new leader of Clan MacNeil, a young man who had won the title by vote, given the scarcity of Keir’s heirs. Darragh was the one in charge of taking care of these things and making certain everything went smoothly.

Ciara was not the only one who had missed Darragh, however. It had saddened her to see Hannah sitting alone, staring out into space, visibly sad. She knew that their romance had not blossomed into anything more while they were together, but she felt bad for the girl who was clearly in love with him. It was obvious for everyone to see. Yet who knew what would happen when he came back…

“That is wonderful news, Aidan,” Ciara said after a while. “I have missed him, and I ken that ye have as well.”

Her mind flashed to her sister-in-law. Lillie had been drawn to Ronan the moment she saw him, asking if she could give him a name. Ciara had been so touched by Lillie’s display of love that she had agreed to it without thinking twice.

Ciara and Aidan were wrapped in each other’s arms in silence when they heard a knock on the door, and they turned to see Lillie, who smiled at both of them as she made her way in.

“There’s my favorite person,” she said as she got closer.

“Ye are speaking of me, aye?” Ciara teased and smiled brightly.

“What? Och, of course, I mean my second favorite person.” Lillie smiled teasingly at both of them and walked to the opposite side of the crib, peering at the still-sleeping Ronan. “Och, he’s so precious,” she cooed. “I cannae get over how perfect he is, nae matter how many times I see him.”

The parents smiled and nodded in agreement. “I suppose that is why ye have completely abandoned us now that ye have this perfect little human to play with. How cruel ye are, Lillie,” Aidan chastised playfully.

“Well, maybe if ye looked anything like this,” Lillie gestured at Ronan, “I would want to play with ye, but ye dinnae and it is no fault of mine.”

“Ye wound me, sister.” Aidan placed a hand on his chest, a mock frown on his face, and Ciara rolled her eyes, stifling her laughter at their antics.

“I will be taking my love with me,” Lillie said, as she picked Ronan up. “Only beautiful people allowed.”

The laughter Ciara was holding escaped her lips as Aidan glared at his sister before smiling. “Ye are lucky I love ye, else I wouldnae stand fer this betrayal,” he said to Lillie.

Ciara smiled. Everything was right in her world. She had the love of the people that mattered to her, and there was nothing about it that she would change.

The End.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

Darragh MacDonald follows a perilous path when, unbeknownst to him, he saves Lara, his enemy’s daughter; surrendering to his irresistible temptation. Little does he know, a single sinful lie will be the only thing protecting his life once her father finds out: that he has taken her hand in marriage. Yet as their deceit happens to break an old vow, it turns out Lara’s father will not be the biggest danger they must face…

Wicked Kilted Highlander