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Chapter Twelve

Haymitch had not been to church since Caleb's funeral. He'd avoided them at all costs. It's not that he didn't believe in God, it's just that he didn't believe in being forced to follow a certain set of rules he didn't believe in completely.

But Effie had been hinting at this for a while before she finally asked him to go with her. So he dressed in his best shirt and a pair of slacks and headed out to pick her up. The church was the one where the AA/NA meets were held, so he knew it well. The preacher was sometimes around when the meetings took their breaks or at the start to welcome everyone. He'd offered prayers any time a person might need it.

Effie ran out of the house in a bright yellow dress that fell to her ankles and a pair of heels to match. He didn't know how she moved so well, but he wasn't a model. Her blond hair was pulled into a simple braid down her back. When she slid into the car and leaned over for a kiss, Haymitch wrapped his hand around the braid and tugged gently.

"Not that I'm complaining, but this isn't nearly as complicated as you usually do your hair." He commented.

She shrugged. "I saw Katniss's braid the other day and decided to try it out for myself. It looks bad, doesn't it? I didn't want to go to church with my hair in anything too elaborate."

"It looks great." Haymitch kissed her again and then took off. "Look, I know you're trying to find something new for yourself and I totally get it, but I want you to know that I don't know how I'm going to feel about this."

She rubbed his arm. "I understand. I just want to go to a new place with you at least the first time so it's not so awkward. If we like it, fine. If not, that's fine, too." She was quiet for a few minutes as she picked up his hand and trailed her fingertips over the palm. "I went every Sunday as a kid. When I first got into the modeling world, I was sort of teased for my faith. So I backed off. And the more I've been thinking about it, the more I think that's why I got so into the pills and the drinking and why I had so many problems with my body. I put my faith in the world. And now as I'm finally getting better, this feels like the last piece of the puzzle to me. So you never have to go with me again. But I'm going from now on."

He nodded. "You're a grown woman, Effie. I'm never going to hold you back. Dating or married or just friends, you make your choices and I'll support you."

She kissed his hand. "Thank you."

"You are very welcome."

Haymitch paid very little attention to the service. Instead, he watched Effie as she took it all in. Her face took on a new smoothness that he'd never seen before. Even in sleep, there were always worry lines around her mouth and eyes. Here she was…peaceful.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and she leaned into him. He saw her wipe at a tear as the preacher concluded his sermon. The final song started and the man walked to the back of the church.

"You okay?" Haymitch asked.

"More than okay." Effie turned and looked into his eyes. "I don't think I need help anymore. Not at the clinic, anyway."

"Effie—"

"No, listen. I had this thought, and we can discuss it more later, but you're on your vacation for two more weeks. I only have three left with the clinic. Three one hour sessions. Why should I keep going when I know how healthy I am now? I can do this. I don't need Glimmer. What I need is you. And if we're both not at the clinic, we don't have to hide anymore."

He smiled and placed his hand on her cheek. "As long as you're sure."

She nodded. "And my other thought is that we should just get married."

He chuckled. "I don't know about that one. Maybe just move in with me. We'll take these next two weeks to adjust."

She nodded and stood on her toes to brush a kiss over his lips.

Several members stopped them as they made their way out to welcome them and chat for a few minutes. They finally made their way to the back of the church with the last few congregants. Effie held back and waited.

She was the last to hold out her hand. "Hi, I'm Effie."

The preacher smiled. "Plutarch Heavensbee. It's always nice seeing new faces in the congregation. Are you new to town or just seeking a new church?"

"Seeking a new church. I came here for an NA/AA meeting the other day and I was intrigued by your speech and offering prayer for anyone that might need it. And I think I need it."

He smiled kindly. "I can pray for you right now."

Effie looked over her shoulder to Haymitch. "Maybe just say a few things in your normal prayers. I'm still in recovery and this feels like the next step. So if you don't mind, just keep me in your prayers this week and I'll be back on Sunday."

"I definitely will." He held out his hand to Haymitch. "Glad you came."

"Thanks. Me too. I'm Haymitch, by the way. Effie's boyfriend."

"Haymitch. Nice to meet you."

"Likewise."

Haymitch led Effie outside. They sat in the car for a few minutes silently. He looked over after a moment and then started the car. "You really found your place, Effie. I mean it. And I also meant it when I said I wanted you to move in with me. So if you do want to, we can go pack up your things and get them to my place."

"I don't have much."

"You won't need it. All my stuff becomes yours and I'll help you get anything else you could ever need or want."

"Would you mind if I still worked with Cinna?"

"Of course not! You live your life how you want. I said it before, you do what you want and I'll support you. In anything."

"And what if I decide to become a homemaker?"

He stopped at a red light. He looked over. "I don't want kids and you said you couldn't have them."

"I can't. And I never said anything about being a stay-at-home mom. I said a homemaker, a housewife. Take care of you and the house. Make sure your clothes are washed and put away and you have supper ready for you every night when you get home from work. Take care of you since you always take care of everyone else."

He patted her leg. "You're used to more extravagance than I am."

"I don't care. I can learn to budget. And I have a friend who is a clothing designer. He can hook me up with some good clothes at a discount. Besides, Cinna's been talking about opening up a shop and I could help part-time to help make some extra money without actually being gone as many hours as you." She rubbed his arm. "Like I told you, I want to take care of you, Haymitch."

He smiled and continued driving. "Okay."

"Okay, what?"

"If you want to be a homemaker, we can make it work."

She squealed and threw her arms around his neck. "I love you so much, Haymitch."

"I love you, too, Effie."

Author's note: This is it! Thank you so much for reading. I am so glad you came along on this journey with me. There may be one shots, as usually happens. If you haven't yet, please go read Art and Other Distractions and the start of Is There Life Out There? as these are all part of the same series. I look forward to sharing more with you.

Please come visit me on Tumble. I'm booksrockmyface over there.