Hiding Katherine by GG Shalton (most difficult books to read txt) 📕

well. They ran away and met the other men near the trees. Katherine saw James and hugged him. “Your mother is going to be so mad at me. She is probably wracked with worry right now.”

Daniel looked at Ian saying, “Sir, I owe you my life. Thank you. We will not be any more of a burden. I will escort my mother from here, so you and your men can be on your way. I will be forever in your debt.”

Ian said nothing but looked at Katherine. She patted her son’s shoulder. “I need a private word with Sir Ian. Can you wait for me by the horses?”

The men backed away and left them alone sensing a need for privacy. Katherine looked down at her hands and then tried to smooth her dirt-ridden skirt. “He reminds me so much of you.”

Ian cracked a smile. “I forget how impulsive his age can be. You need to warn him about taking chances. He is skilled but has a lot to learn.”

“I will ask Dorian to talk to him. He wants to conquer the world but needs guidance.”

Ian nodded in amusement. “I know the feeling.”

She looked away biting her lip. “I am sorry, Ian. For everything. I know I lost the right to have your affection when I didn’t wait for you. For that, I will always have regrets.”

“Katherine, it doesn’t matter now. We have changed.” He couldn’t meet her eyes and looked toward the woods.

Glancing at him, she tried to capture his attention. “Please, let me finish. I need to say this.” She begged breathlessly. “That day you came to Edinburgh, my heart died. I was never the same after that. I lived for my children, but my existence was hollow. I have never loved any man but you. I just need you to know that.”

Ian sat in silence. Seemingly lost in his own thoughts.

Katherine had said her peace and needed to move on. She took a hard swallow and wiped her face with her hand. “We must leave. They will discover the bodies soon and I hope we are far from here when they do.” She started to walk away and felt him pull on her arm.

“Wait.” He didn’t let go. “I am not good with words.” He ran his hand down her arm taking her hand and lifting it to his mouth. Softy kissing her hand he looked into her eyes. “I want to escort you back to Dorian’s.”

A slow smile crept across her face as her eyes burned with unshed tears. “I see. What else do you want?”

He opened his arms and wrapped them around her. She could not hold it in anymore and started sobbing. He held her close to him and closed his eyes. Placing his chin on top of her head, they held each other for a few moments before they heard Daniel complain.

“Mama! We need to leave.” Daniel was already mounted on his horse.

She slipped her hand into Ian’s. “Ian has agreed to escort us to Deanna’s.”

Daniel smiled knowingly. “Hmm.”

Katherine looked back at Ian and whispered. “I think our son has the same sly smile as you.”

Daniel turned his attention to Ian. “Sir, could I convince you not to kill me and ask you for one more favor?”

Ian snorted. “Depends. I may rather kill you.”

Daniel laughed. “Will you train me?”

Ian pondered his question. “Aye, I will train you.”

He looked at Katherine and then bent down and kissed her on the cheek. “You will ride with me.”

She smiled, her heart finally feeling full and complete. “Always.”

Epilogue

6 years later

“I think he is too young to get married.” Ian crinkled his nose looking at Katherine as he straightened his tunic.

“He is twenty-two, not much younger than you when we met.” She sprayed some perfume on her dress.

He smiled looking down at her, pulling her into his arms. “I pray he has an easier time than we did.” He brushed a kiss across her lips. “There is still so much I want to teach him. I was cheated out of his childhood.”

“He is not dying, Ian. He will always need you. Daniel has asked to tell his fiancée the truth about you. He wants no secrets between them.”

“Do you think that is wise? We have kept it a secret, so he can remain the earl. Although many suspect by our appearance.”

“No one would dare ask. Even with the rebellion over, the king would not want to make you his enemy. Your relationship has repaired with him and the nobles over the years.”

“A truce, not an agreement.” He stepped away and sat on the bed to put on his shoes.

“Regardless, we are no longer enemies and can build our life together. Daniel knows you are his real father. He respects and loves you as well as the girls. Not to mention, Benjamin. Getting married will not change him.”

He smiled as he stood and walked towards her. “Speaking of Benjamin, I think it’s time to get him a horse.”

Katherine shook her head. “Oh, no. He is only four. Way too young to start riding horses.”

Ian smiled as he held out his arm to escort her out of the room. She took it as they joined Deanna and Dorian downstairs. The wedding would be held at the chapel on the grounds.

Daniel stood in the church with his bride. Katherine snuck looks at Ian as their eyes would meet. She loved him and thought back to the day he rescued her from her brothers. When he offered to take her back to Dorian’s, she made a vow that she would remain by his side no matter the cost. Luckily, the king was anxious for the rebellion to end and Ian wanted her more than vengeance.

Looking over his shoulder she noticed Mary sitting on the other side of Ian. She had her head leaning on his arm. At sixteen, she considered Ian her father. She was very young when Alexander died. Ian embraced all her children, but Mary had