Author's note: Let me tell you all how important reviews are. A lot of people have made comments that brought it to mind that I have left out some things that I am now going to start addressing. So thanks for making those comments. Let me know what you think.

Happy reading!

Chapter Twenty-Six

Katniss's phone rang as she was unlocking the door to the range. She decided she needed some extra practice time herself. And she needed to get out some of her frustration from a day without Peeta. She was leery seeing his name on her screen. She hadn't been very nice to him, she knew. But she was so scared. Did he know just how scared she was?

"Hello?" She said tentatively.

His voice was steady, but she could hear disappointment in it. "Hi. I thought I'd come over early and hang out. But you're not here."

"No, I needed to get out."

"Oh." He said softly.

"I'm at the range if you need to talk about something." Please say no.

"No. It's fine. I'll just get to work. I'm almost done."

"Oh." She swallowed and looked down at her feet. "Um, how much longer do you have?"

"I'll probably be here until late. If that's okay. I have stuff I know I need to finish and then I want to go over every inch and make sure it's all okay. But I think today's it."

"Sure. Is Callie riding the bus over?"

"I may have her. If you don't mind."

"I don't. Would you like to spend time with Caleb?"

She could almost hear his smile. "Yeah, I'd like that."

"Then I'll call the school and send him there."

"Cal really wants you to spend some special shooting time with her. I think mostly she wants to spend time with you."

"Can she and I maybe spend a couple hours together Saturday. We'll just shoot and hang out and have girl time."

"She'll love it."

"Good." Katniss leaned against the wall. "I want you guys to come to dinner tonight at Hazelle's. She's Gale's mom, so he'll be there. And he's got two brothers that are pretty cool. And you know Posey. I don't know who else will be there. But we were invited and I'd like to introduce you two to them."

Peeta's steady breathing came through the phone. He answered after several of them. "Yeah, okay. I'll have to go home and change out of paint clothes before."

"That's fine. You can bring Caleb over there with you if I'm not back and I'll pick you all up. Is that okay?"

"Fine."

There was another pause. This one was a little awkward.

Katniss sighed. "Look, about yesterday—"

"Don't worry about it."

"But I do. I want you to know that what you said was a shock. A major one. I trust you with a lot. You have to understand that. I wouldn't leave my son with just anyone. And to give you a key was a big step. To me, letting you into those parts of my life are definitely bigger than the sex." She stopped. She took several calming breaths. She went on, "I like you a lot, Peeta, but I don't know how far I'm willing to go just yet."

"We'll just start over. How about that?"

"Okay. We'll start over. Just hang out with the kids and in groups."

"Yes."

"I'll call the school."

"So will I. See you this evening."

She made the arrangements for Caleb to ride the bus home and took her bow out of its case. She set up the target against the back wall and stepped back farther than the kids she coached would stand. She fired off arrows rapidly, hitting the center every time. She lost track of how many until she reached for another one and there were no more.

She put the bow down and took a long drink from her water bottle. She gathered her arrows and went again. She was on her third round when Gale came in.

"Hey." He said.

"Hi." She wiped her brow and shot one more arrow. She packed up her bow and gathered her arrows to put away as well. "How are you?"

He shrugged. Then she noticed his grin.

"Didn't Prim have an appointment today?"

"She did." He pulled his phone out of his pocket. "Look at my little nugget!" He stood beside her and scrolled through some ultrasound pictures. "Still a little too soon to tell the gender. The tech said she could make an educated guess, but the baby wouldn't give us a good view." He put his phone away. "So how's Caleb?"

"He's still trucking along." They walked out to set up the targets. "Can I talk to you about something?"

"Anything."

She crossed her arms. "Do you think I should start dating?"

He chuckled. "I thought you and Peeta were."

She looked up sharply. "What would give you that idea?"

"You. And Caleb. It seems like every other day you're hanging out with them. And every time Caleb talks about him, it just seems like he's talking about people that are dating."

"Well, we're not dating. But I think he has feelings for me. And I don't know what to do about it."

Gale stuck his hands in his pockets and thought a moment. He said, "Let me buy you a drink." He walked toward the cooler and took out two bottles of water. He handed one to her as he sat down on the bench at the back.

She sat beside him. "Are you going to tell me again how I need to get some help?"

"I don't know why you haven't." He took a sip of his water. "Mom put us in counseling right after Dad died. It's been a fact of life."

"Well, my mom was pretty busy avoiding her responsibility as a parent to also avoid her grief." She picked at the label on her bottle. "I know it would probably help, but I don't like talking about everything."

"You've told Prim and me. And with the way Peeta acts around you, I guess you've told him a bit."

"I've told him a lot, actually."

Gale nodded. "I like that you let him in."

Katniss's mouth slowly stretched into a smile. "I do too."

"So?" He bumped his elbow against her arm. "What's going to happen with him?"

She returned his bump. "I don't know. He's coming to dinner at your mom's tonight."

"As your boyfriend?"

"As my friend." She brought the water bottle to her lips and mumbled, "with benefits."

Gale spit his water out. "What did you just say?"

Katniss grinned. "I didn't say anything."

The door opened and she hurried over to greet the young man coming in. That set off the rest of the day and they had no chance to talk again until they cleaned up for the day. By then, Katniss was ready to head home for a quick change and to pick up Caleb and the Mellarks.

Callie and Caleb were intently playing a video game when Peeta opened the door for Katniss. He smiled and ushered her inside. He sat down to put on his shoes and called for the kids to as well.

"In a minute, Dad." Callie said. "I'm about to be killed."

"Yeah, you are so dead." Caleb said as he aggressively pushed the buttons on the controller.

Katniss chuckled and smoothed a hand down Peeta's arm. "How was he this afternoon?"

Peeta liked up and caught her hand. "He did really well. He was excited to be home." He stood. "If you ever want, he can come to the bakery for an afternoon to give him a little change of scenery."

She nodded. She pulled him into the other room. "I kinda said something to Gale. About our arrangement. But not completely. I wanted my best friend to know too."

Peeta nodded. He leaned against the counter and pulled her closer. "Look, I know that I sprung something big on you yesterday. I didn't mean to, but you were just so beautiful. And I couldn't keep it to myself anymore."

Katniss nodded and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I appreciate all you've done. And I want you to know that I'm going to work on it. I'm going to figure me out. And then we can figure us out."

"We're still just friends?"

"Yes. For now." She looked up. "Is that okay?"

"That's perfectly fine. But can I have a kiss?"

She smiled and nodded. "Yes."

He slanted his lips over hers in a soft kiss.

The kids both giggled from the living room and Katniss quickly stepped away. She pushed some hair out of her face and smiled. She asked Caleb, "Ready to go hang out with Posey?"

"Yes!" The boy exclaimed. "Cal, you'll like hanging out with Posey. She's a cool girl like you."

"Okay, thanks." Callie said with an odd look on her face.

"What Caleb is trying to say, Calliope, is that Posey isn't a girly-girl. He didn't mean to sound insulting, but he's starting to think girls are icky."

"We're looking forward to it. Posey was a pretty cool kid when she was in the bakery." Peeta chuckled. "And Caleb's right. Girls are icky. With all your hair and your perfume and cooties."

"Mama's got cooties!" Caleb exclaimed. "And you just kissed her, Peeta. You got the cooties, too."

"Oh, no! Get 'em off me!" He picked up Caleb and kissed his cheek several times. "Now you have the cooties." He sat the boy down and ran across the room.

"Ew! No! Take them back!" He ran around the room after Peeta. They both laughed happily.

It warmed Katniss's heart to see them playing together like that. Callie soon joined in and pulled Katniss along. They eventually collapsed together on the couch in a heap of laughter.

Katniss said, "We need to get going. I'm sure everyone is wondering where we are." She stood and pulled her keys from her pocket. "Load up, guys."

The kids ran ahead. Peeta turned out the lights and locked the door. He slipped his hand into Katniss's as they walked toward her car.

Hazelle was very happy to meet Peeta and Callie. She loved bringing extra people in. She'd unofficially adopted many of her children's friends over the years. Prim even lived with them the last three years of her high school career.

"Cal, come talk to Posey. The grown-ups are boring." Caleb dragged her away to the other room.

Peeta, who never met a stranger, asked if he could help Hazelle in the kitchen.

"No, I'm fine here." She said. "It's almost done anyway. Katniss, introduce him to Rory and Vick. But send Gale in here to carry these chickens into the dining room."

"Yes, ma'am." She took Peeta's hand and led him into the den where everyone lounged.

Prim was curled on Gale's lap. Rory had some girl clinging to his side. Vick had a pair of friends on either side. The three wrestled a little, laughing about some inside joke. Katniss relayed Hazelle's request to Gale.

He heaved a dramatic sigh and unfolded himself from the chair. He kissed Prim's cheek and then sat her gently back on the chair.

"Everyone, this is Peeta." Katniss said. She pointed out all the people she knew and introduced them and let the boys introduce the people they had with them.

Peeta dropped into a chair between Prim and Posey.

"You're the guy that owns the bakery Posey worked at this summer, right?" Rory asked.

"Yep, that's me." Peeta watched as Katniss took a seat on the floor in front of her sister.

"They loved the cheese buns." Posey said.

"Everybody loves those things." Peeta said with a grin and a wink to Katniss. "Best-seller. I should have brought some more tonight."

"Don't worry, I went and picked some up." Prim reached forward and started massaging her sister's shoulders. "Gale told me to."

"When? It was a crazy afternoon." Katniss asked, rolling her shoulders into her sister's hands.

"A text. You know what those are."

Katniss chuckled. "Yeah, I guess I do know." She patted her sister's leg.

Prim kissed the top of her head. "Why are you so tense?"

"A lot going on." Katniss said vaguely. She looked over at Peeta and saw he was deep in discussion with Rory about the baking business. She turned and looked up at her sister. She asked softly, "Did you talk to anyone after Dad died?"

Prim shook her head. "I had to go to the school counselor right after, but only once."

"I think I may need to talk to someone."

Her sister nodded. "I think you might too. And maybe Caleb. At least an evaluation for him. He seems well-adjusted, but it could be just under the surface."

Katniss watched as Caleb climbed up on Peeta's lap like it was a normal occurrence. Peeta just wrapped his arms around the boy and continued with his conversation. "I think he'll be just fine. But you're right, he should be evaluated."

"Supper!" Hazelle called.

"You better get in there quick, Peeta." Prim said. She stood and yelled, "You better let the pregnant lady get food or my husband will kick your ass."

"I already made you a plate, babe." Gale said as they walked into the dining room.

"Aw, I knew there was a good reason I married you." Prim took the plate and sat down.

Vick and his friends filled their plates, even as Hazelle scolded them.

"We have other people to feed. Slow it down a little, boys." She said.

Peeta chuckled and sat back as everyone passed the bowls and platters around. He ended up with more than enough. Hazelle kept spooning potatoes onto his plate.

"Thanks, Mrs. Hawthorne."

"Please, call me Hazelle. Posey has told me so much about you and Caleb wouldn't stop talking about you when he was in my office the other day."

Peeta smiled. "All good things, I hope."

"Oh, yes." Hazelle leaned in. "Give Katniss a little more time."

"I…"

The older woman smiled. "I know that look she has. She'll come around if you let her."

Peeta looked over just in time to see Katniss look away. She smiled and looked at him out of the corner of her eyes. There was a little color in her cheeks. She shook her head at something Posey asked her.

Katniss called across the table, "Peeta, have you taken a picture of Caleb's wall lately?"

"Yeah, I took one today." Peeta pulled his phone out of his pocket and opened the gallery. He passed it across to her and she leaned close to Posey to show off his work.

"Isn't he amazing?" He heard Katniss say. The way she said the last word sent a jolt to his groin and he had to focus on Hazelle.

The phone was passed around until it returned to Peeta's hands. They all agreed he was talented.

Prim said, "I might have to get you to paint something for the baby's room."

Peeta smiled. "Gladly. Just tell me a theme."

"We can talk later." Prim said.

The meal finally wound down. Peeta insisted on helping with cleanup. Gale was put to the task, too. Gale told his mother to relax. The two men were alone.

Gale leaned close to Peeta and said, "You force her into anything and I swear to God I will tie you up and shoot arrows right at you. And I won't promise to miss."

Peeta put up his hands. "Whoa, man. Chill. Katniss and I know our limits. And I know how to listen. She says stop and I stop."

Gale pointed a knife at him. "You damn well better." He stabbed the knife into the dishwasher.

"Anyway, it's a non-issue at the moment. So no worries."

Katniss came into the kitchen. "I need to get Caleb home. How much more? How can I help?"

"I can finish this." Gale said.

"You sure?"

He nodded. "Go on. I'll have to be the one leaving early before long."

"Thank you." Katniss clapped him on the shoulder. "See you tomorrow."

"See ya."

Peeta slipped his arm around Katniss's waist as they walked out of the kitchen together. Caleb had dozed off against Hazelle's side. Peeta leaned over and lifted the boy up into his arms.

"He has legs." Katniss said.

"I know." Peeta smiled. "Thank you for supper, Hazelle. And thanks for the conversation, everyone." He looked at Posey. "If you decide you can work in a few hours a week, I could use some help on the weekends."

Posey smiled. "Thank you, Peeta. I'll consider it."

He nodded and headed for the door.

Katniss slung her arm over Callie's shoulders. "I really like spending time with you, Calliope."

"I like it, too, Katniss."

"Want to shoot for a bit Saturday? Just us?"

"I sure would!" She said. "Can I, Dad?"

Peeta sat Caleb in his seat. "Sure can. And I think Caleb and I will hang out if it's okay with Katniss."

Katniss nodded. "Yeah, I like that idea."

"Thanks, Daddy." Callie got into the car and buckled her seatbelt.

Peeta handed his keys to Callie when Katniss stopped the car in front of their house. "Go unlock the door, sweetie. I need a minute to talk to Katniss."

She got out and so did he. Katniss followed. He walked around to the back of the car and leaned on the trunk.

She stood in front of him. She rested her hands on his waist. "I'm going to get some professional help. And I need you to bear with me while I do."

"I'll stand by you. I'll help you. Anything you need me to do, I will."

She leaned in and brushed a kiss over his lips. "Do you know how much I appreciate the way you treat him?"

"I'm beginning to get a good idea."

"It's been hard for me to trust."

"I know."

"And I trust you. You have to know how big that is."

"It's huge." He slid his hands up her arms. "And I will do everything I can to keep that trust."

"Good." She kissed him again. "Are you coming over tomorrow?"

"I think I'm done with the wall."

"Can we have lunch tomorrow, then? We'll talk about the kids and Saturday."

"Okay. I'll be there around noon. And I'll bring you something." He pulled her hands away from his waist and kissed them one at a time. "Until tomorrow, Katniss."

"Goodnight, Peeta." She got in her car and headed home.

Caleb spoke from the back seat, making her jump. "Mama, do you love Peeta?"

She looked in the rearview mirror and smiled. "I don't know. But I love you."

"I love you, too, Mama. And I love Peeta."

"I know you do. And he loves you."

"Is that okay?"

"It is." She thought, Very okay.