Author's note: This is the final chapter, y'all. Be ready for some awesomeness! Epilogue to come very soon. I did some reworking there and sent it back to my beta for her notes. So when I get that back, I'll be editing and posting as soon as possible.
Speaking of my beta, a huge shout-out to JavisTG for taking up beta duties when my first beta Everlylark had to step away. You are both fantastic ladies and I thank you for helping me get this story written.
I also want to thank my bestie writingbutunpublished who reads everything I write and tells me when I need to get things moving forward when I just want to drag my feet.
And I want to thank you, my dear readers, for sticking with me through the end. I can't wait to hear what you think of this final chapter.
Happy reading!
Chapter Twenty-Six
Katniss and her girls moved in with Peeta in early fall. Becca was excited to be sharing a room with her bestest friend. Sam was just happy she could still have her own space. Peeta even promised to paint her a few pictures to decorate her walls. Anything she wanted.
One weekend in late fall, Peeta was stretched out on the couch with his head resting on Katniss's stomach. She combed her fingers through his hair and he caught one of her hands to bring to his lips.
Callie and Becca giggled.
Sam lowered her book to look over, rolled her eyes, and went back to reading.
The little girls continued to giggle.
"What's so funny over there?" Katniss asked.
"Nothing." Callie said. They laughed some more.
"Doesn't sound like nothing." Peeta lifted his head and looked at the two younger girls. "What is it?"
"We want to know when you're getting married." Becca giggled.
Katniss laughed. "Next Friday."
Peeta turned his head to her. "You serious?"
Katniss shrugged. "You wanna?"
Peeta nodded and returned his head to her stomach. "Sounds good. We should do it in the yard between Dad's house and the bakery."
"And not a lot of guests." Katniss went back to combing her fingers through his hair. "Our girls, your parents, my sister and Rory."
"Works for me." Peeta pulled Katniss's leg around his waist and messaged her foot.
Sam dropped her book. "Do we have to get all dressed up like we're supposed to for Daddy's wedding?"
"I don't think so." Katniss said. "I could buy a simple dress." She leaned down and kissed Peeta's forehead. "You should wear those one jeans I like you in."
Peeta grinned up at her. "Sure thing." He looked toward Sam. "Wear your favorite outfit."
"So I can wear my princess dress?" Becca asked.
"You can definitely wear your princess dress." Peeta chuckled.
Later, after they finally got the girls all asleep, Katniss settled into bed beside Peeta.
"Are we seriously getting married next week?" Peeta asked, pulling her against his side.
"If you want to." Katniss kissed his cheek. "I mean, we don't have to, I just thought—"
"I want to." He rested his forehead against hers. "It's not like we haven't talked about it before. Especially with Gale and Madge planning their big thing."
"I don't want Madge to think I'm stealing her thunder." She sat back. "That's my main concern. Along with worrying that it's too soon."
"You've been split from Gale for almost a whole year."
"Yeah, but what will people say?"
"Nothing worse than has already been said." Peeta pulled her close. "Now, let's celebrate this engagement quickly before one of those girls decides she'll sleep better pushing us off the bed."
Katniss laughed and rolled on top of him, slipping her hand down his boxers.
Katniss picked up all three girls from school the following Friday and brought them home to get changed into their wedding attire. Katniss and Peeta had both taken the day off to get things set up, though there wasn't much.
The little girls played in their bedroom while Katniss braided her hair around her head. Sam sat on the bed and watched her.
"Mom, is this really our house now? For good?" Sam asked.
"Yes." Katniss turned and tucked the ends of the intricate braid in. "Is that okay?"
Sam nodded. "I like my bedroom here."
Katniss sat on the side of the bed. "But?"
"Are you and Peeta gonna have babies?" Sam asked softly.
Katniss wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "We haven't decided yet. But if we do, we'll take a lot of time for all of us to get used to the idea. And it takes a while for the baby to grow anyway." She kissed Sam's temple. "You get the bedroom downstairs if we do, though. Peeta and I did decide that."
"Peeta's studio?" Sam looked up with wide eyes. "But where will he paint?"
"He'll find a place." Katniss combed her fingers through Sam's hair. "But that room is a little bigger and when you get older, you can have even more privacy. And you have your own half bath downstairs. We could even see about pushing it out a bit into the den to add in a shower."
"But only if you have a baby?" Sam asked.
Katniss shrugged. "We can talk about it for you when you're a little older if we decide not to have a baby after all. So Becca and Callie can get their own rooms too. We'll see." She gave Sam a squeeze. "Want me to braid your hair?"
Sam nodded.
Katniss gave all the girls French braids and sent them off to put on the outfits they'd picked out the night before. Sam was wearing jeans and her favorite red shirt. Becca and Callie both decided they wanted to wear their princess dresses from their Halloween costumes.
Katniss pulled on the dress she'd bought the day before with Prim's help. It was a soft orange, Peeta's favorite color, and went to just below her knee. It had a scoop neckline and three quarter sleeves. She paired it with white flats.
"You're so pretty, Mama." Becca said in wonder when Katniss walked out of the bedroom.
Katniss smiled. "Thank you, Becca. So are you."
"But no, Mama, you're the most beautiful woman ever!" Becca wrapped her arms around Katniss's waist.
"Daddy's jaw is gonna fall to the floor." Callie said in wonder.
Katniss chuckled. "You think so?"
Callie nodded.
Katniss rubbed Becca's back and leaned down to kiss her forehead. She did the same to Callie. Then she pulled Sam in for a tight hug. "I'm glad you all approve. Let's get going. Peeta's probably wondering where we are."
The bakery was closed early for the ceremony. Peeta and Katniss had set up mismatched chairs for the guests. They draped ribbon around the roof and railing of the front steps to the house. When Katniss pulled into the driveway, she saw that everyone was already there. Good, we can get started right away.
Peeta smiled and walked over to the car. He opened Katniss's door. "Go find seats, girls." He looked over his bride. "Wow."
"You think it looks good while I'm sitting, you should see the full effect." She held out her arms for him to help her down.
He grabbed her waist and lifted her out of her SUV. He looked her up and down, giving an appreciative not. Then he pulled her close and kissed her deeply. "The JP is here and ready whenever we are."
"I'm so ready." She pressed a kiss to his lips. "I love you. I can't wait to be your wife."
"And I can't wait to be your husband." He let go of her and slipped his hand into hers.
They walked up to the steps. The ceremony took all of ten minutes. The rings Katniss and Peeta picked were simple bands of silver. When they kissed, everyone cheered. Even baby Iris let out a soft coo.
They walked out to meet their family.
Becca jumped up into Peeta's arms and kissed his cheek. "Welcome to our family, Peeta."
Peeta chuckled and gave her a hug. "I'm so glad to be part of it, Becca."
Callie lifted her arms up to Katniss. "Will you hold me, Katniss?"
With a smile, Katniss swooped the little girl up into her arms. "And what are you thinking, Miss Callie?"
"That I'm happy we're in this family all together." Callie grinned. "Now we need a baby brother."
Katniss laughed. "Did your Uncle Rory put you up to that one?" She looked toward her brother-in-law who made a big show of talking to his baby girl.
Sam laughed. "Uncle Rory said we need more boys."
"Well, maybe in a year or two." Peeta said.
"Or three or four." Katniss leaned over and Peeta met her for a kiss. She sat Callie down. "How about some food? I'm starving."
The girls ran inside the house for the table that Cara set up. She had spent all day putting together an array of finger foods for snacking on all evening.
There was a lot of laughing and stories. And quite a bit of kissing on Katniss and Peeta's part.
Every time Peeta and Katniss leaned in for a kiss, Callie and Becca giggled. Katniss looked across to Sam to see her smiling.
Katniss crooked her finger at her older daughter. Sam walked over and Katniss pulled her onto her lap. Sam wrapped her arms around Katniss's neck.
"Are you having a good time?" Katniss asked softly.
Sam nodded. "Yeah."
"Good." Katniss pressed a kiss to her cheek.
Peeta leaned over. "Hey, Sam, you want to help me get the cake from the bakery?"
Sam worked the muscle in her jaw a moment. "I don't know."
"Well, you had a hand in decorating, you should be part of the big reveal. Don't you think?" Peeta smiled. "We'll get my dad to help with the heavy lifting, but we could use your help with the doors."
Sam nodded again. "Okay."
Katniss kissed Sam's cheek before she stood and followed Peeta and Conrad out the door.
Prim and Iris took Peeta's empty seat. "Iris wants her Aunt Katniss."
"She does?" Katniss scooped the tiny baby into her arms. "Hello, sweet Iris. How's my adorable niece?"
"She slept for five hours last night." Prim said, kissing her daughter's forehead. "Had Mommy and Daddy worried for a bit."
Katniss grinned down at the baby in her arms. "Well, I hope you keep it up. You were turning Mommy and Daddy into zombies."
Prim laughed. "It was getting pretty bad."
The door opened and Sam called, "Here comes the cake."
Katniss stood and carried Iris toward the table that Cara cleared. Peeta and Conrad sat it down and stepped back. Katniss was floored by the beautiful simplicity. There were Katniss plants around the edges with little paint brushes and pencils scattered throughout.
"It's beautiful." Katniss said softly. "You did such a great job."
"Sam helped a lot." Peeta pointed out the art supplies. "She made those with modeling chocolate. Even got to paint them." He draped an arm over Sam's shoulders.
"Sam-Sam, they are so good." She dropped a kiss to the top of her head. Then she turned to Peeta. She gently cupped his cheek with her free hand. She whispered, "Thank you so much. For the cake and for everything. You're the best man I could have ever hoped for. To marry me and to be stepfather to my girls."
"Have to thank whatever powers made us soulmates." He leaned in and kissed her softly. "I love you."
"I love you too." She whispered, her voice thick with tears.
Prim stepped close. "Hey, why don't you give me my baby so you two can cut the cake?"
Katniss laughed and handed Iris back to her sister. She threw her arms around Peeta's neck and gave him a long, lingering kiss as the crowd whooped.
Gale sent Katniss a text later that evening. Here for the girls.
She glanced out the window to see him parked behind her. Heading out. Got a minute to chat?
Sure. He responded.
Sam and Becca ran out the front door and headed for Katniss's SUV to get their bags. Katniss stepped out of the house a few seconds behind them.
Gale slipped out of the front seat and nodded. "You look good."
Katniss smiled. "Thanks." She smoothed her hands down the skirt. "How are your wedding plans going?"
He rolled his eyes. "Don't ask. I almost wish Madge had decided to go this route." He indicated the ribbons on the porch railing. "We're still trying to find the right venue for the reception, even though I have told her a million times that my parents' house would work. Or the fellowship hall at the church."
"This is her only wedding. She wants the memories." Katniss opened her arms for her girls when they came near. "You'll be fine. You survived the first time around."
"Because you and I agreed on the easy things." He waved at Peeta on the porch. "Where's Callie staying?"
"Here with her grandparents." Katniss kissed the tops of her daughters' heads. "Why don't you two go inside and tell everyone bye?"
The girls ran inside, pausing to hug Peeta on the stairs. Peeta walked down the steps.
"How you doing?" Peeta asked as the men shook hands.
"Good. You?" Gale asked.
"Never better." Peeta wrapped his arm around Katniss's waist. "We wanted to know if you would watch Callie for a couple days this week. My dad and stepmom are gearing up to go out of town for their anniversary next weekend."
Katniss added, "Prim and Rory offered, but Iris is still so small, we don't want to impose."
Gale nodded. "Oh, sure. No problem. Just let me know which days."
"Well, she's here with my folks for now, but they're leaving out early Thursday. Probably Wednesday and Thursday."
"I can do that, yeah. Just get her from school with Becs and Sami?" Gale asked.
Peeta breathed out a sigh of relief. "Yes. Thank you. I'll make the call so she can go with you."
Katniss added, "And we'll get her on Friday after school."
"Okay. Good." Gale smiled. "Should be interesting."
"She'll fit in just fine." Katniss smiled. "Thank you so much, Gale. We really appreciate it."
"No problem." Gale patted her arm. "Are you guys going anywhere?"
Peeta chuckled. "Katniss convinced me we needed to rent a camper and rough it for a few days out in the wild."
"Oh, you'll have fun." Gale said.
Peeta chuckled. "I know we will. I just haven't gone camping since I was a Boy Scout."
Becca and Sam came out the front of the house with Callie hot on their heels. "Do they have to go?" Callie whined.
"Sorry, kiddo." Gale said. "But you're going to come stay with me a few days later in the week and you'll see Becca a lot sooner than normal."
Callie's eyes widened. "Really?" She looked up at Peeta. "Is it true, Daddy?"
"Yep. Gale said you can stay there. He'll get you from school Wednesday and you'll stay that night and Thursday. And then on Friday, me or Katniss will get you from school. Okay?"
"Okay!" She hugged Becca. "See you at school!" She skipped off toward the house again.
"Thank you again, Gale." Peeta said. "We really appreciate it." He held out his arms for Becca. "Can I get one more hug?"
Becca and Sam both gave Peeta another hug.
"See you Friday. Have fun with your dad." Peeta shook Gale's hand once more and then gently scratched Katniss's back before he went back inside.
Katniss hugged her girls close, whispering in their ears how much she loved them. After another round of kisses, they loaded up in the truck. Katniss watched as Gale backed out of the drive and headed down the road.
Katniss stepped into the house and right into Peeta's arms. "I'm ready to get back home with you." She whispered.
"Yes, ma'am." Peeta made a very quick excuse and they said their goodbyes.
Callie wouldn't let go of Peeta for several minutes. She cried, "But I'm going to miss you, Daddy."
"I'll miss you, too." Peeta said. "But you'll have such a good week. And it's only seven days until I see you again, okay? And we can talk every night before you go to bed."
"Promise?" Callie asked.
"Promise." Peeta kissed her cheek and sat her down.
With one more wave, Peeta and Katniss were out the door. She drove as quickly as possible. She was ready to get him alone. The house was quiet for once. Even when it was just Callie, there always seemed to be constant noise.
Katniss leaned against the closed door as she kicked off her shoes. "Woo! What a day!"
Peeta leaned his hands on either side of her head. "We got married today."
"We did." She slipped her fingers into his belt loops and pulled him forward. "You're sure it's okay I don't change my name again?"
He kissed her softly. "You just changed it back to Everdeen a few months ago. I don't expect you to change it again so quickly." He kissed her again. "Or ever."
"Thank you." She slipped her hands under his shirt. Sparks jumped into her fingertips as they brushed over his skin. "I'm so happy, Peeta. You make me so happy."
"You make me happy, too." He leaned in and gave her another kiss, deeper than the last, and pulled her body close to feel his arousal. "Let's go up to our room."
She slipped out of her arms. "Come get me." She dashed up the stairs with a giddy laugh.
He laughed along with her and followed, catching her around the waist just inside the bedroom. He pressed his mouth to her neck as he lowered the zipper at the back of her dress. His lips traveled around the back of her neck to her shoulder as the dress fell to the floor.
She reached back and tangled her fingers in his hair as his hands roamed over her body. She was on fire. And she was aching for him.
She turned in his arms and quickly relieved him of his clothes. She pulled him toward the bed. "We're going to have an amazing long life together this time around."
"We are." He laid her out on the bed and pulled off her panties. He pressed kisses along her thighs and stomach. "I've wanted to get my mouth on you all evening."
Katniss bit her lip and combed her fingers through Peeta's hair. "I just want you inside me already."
He chuckled and stood, shucking his boxers in the process. "I can make that happen."
She moved up onto the bed and gave him a sexy smirk. "Well?"
He laughed and stretched out over her. "Ruthie," he sighed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Robert." He kissed her nose. "Patience." He kissed her cheek. "Aida." He kissed her other cheek. "Katniss." His mouth made contact with hers and sparks flew between them.
He slipped inside her and she let out a loud moan. "It always feels so good."
"Because we were made for each other." He started moving slowly. "Body and soul."
Katniss gripped at Peeta's skin, digging her nails in. She wanted him to crawl inside her. It wasn't enough. It was too much. It was everything.
She closed her eyes and threw her head back, crying out a string of names. She came back down whispering, "Peeta. My Peeta."
"Yes, Katniss." He panted. "I'm yours. Completely lost to you and I don't mind." He kissed her and moved away.
She slipped her hand into his. "There are so many days I've wished to go back to our pasts and fix it. But I don't think our life now would be nearly as satisfying."
"You're right." He rolled into her. "Everything is perfectly in place now. I will fight tooth and nail to keep you and to make us work in this lifetime."
She wrapped her body around him. "I'll fight right by your side." She brushed her lips against his as her eyes slowly fell shut. "I love you."
"I love you too." He whispered back. He pulled the blanket over them and ran his fingers up and down her spine. They fell asleep wrapped up in the comfort of their promise.
Post chapter note: I accidentally paraphrased Evanescence. Peeta's line "Completely lost to you and I don't mind." sounds an awful lot like the the line in Good Enough "I've completely lost myself and I don't mind." That was a totally subconscious thing since I feel like Good Enough is one of the most Everlark songs to exist. You should go listen to it and let me know if you agree. :)