Page 3 of Grumpy Bear (Return To Fate Mountain #4)

Chapter

Three

Ivy Bright pulled her SUV into the newly graveled parking area of the nature center construction site.

She took a moment to enjoy the golden rays lighting up the half-finished structure, wooden beams rising like the skeleton of some great creature coming out of the forest floor.

The air smelled of fresh-cut lumber and rich earth, a mix that filled her with new excitement for the nature center project.

Ivy straightened her light green blouse before stepping out of the vehicle. Unlike the rugged construction workers in their heavy boots and worn jeans, she brought a splash of bright energy with her curly brown hair pulled back into two puffs and a smile as warm as the morning sun.

As she grabbed her tablet from the passenger seat, Ivy thought about what she needed to do today.

The center meant more than just another Bright Institute project.

For her, it showed her personal wish to connect people with nature through learning.

Her father Corey had started the institute with that very idea in mind, and Ivy had taken it to heart.

“Morning, Ms. Bright,” called Marco, one of the carpenters who spotted her arrival. He waved a work-gloved hand in greeting.

“Good morning,” Ivy replied, her voice warm and real. “How’s Mia doing with the college applications?”

Marco’s weathered face broke into a proud smile. “She got accepted to Oregon State University last week. Full scholarship.”

“That’s wonderful news,” Ivy exclaimed, truly happy for him. She made a note to mention internship chances at the institute when the nature center opened. “Please tell her congratulations from me.”

This was Ivy’s way, taking real interest in the people around her, remembering the details of their lives that mattered to them.

As she walked through the construction site, she greeted each worker by name.

Bobby with his new baby girl. Cilia, whose mother had recently moved in with her family.

These weren’t just construction workers to Ivy.

They were people with lives and stories, all helping to bring her dream to life.

Ronald Vance approached as she reached the center of the site, blueprints tucked under his arm. The contractor looked impressive in his crisp button-down shirt and khakis. His salt-and-pepper hair and confident walk showed his experience, making him the perfect leader for this big project.

“Right on time as always, Dr. Bright,” he said, offering his hand. “Ready for our walkthrough?”

“Absolutely,” Ivy replied, shaking his hand with enthusiasm. “And please, I’ve told you a dozen times to call me Ivy.”

Vance chuckled, unrolling the blueprints across a makeshift table. “Old habits from my university days. Professors demanded proper titles.”

“Well, out here in the dirt, I think we can drop the formalities,” Ivy said with a light laugh. “How are we doing on the timeline?”

“We’re on schedule, possibly even a day ahead.” Vance pointed to different sections of the blueprint. “Framing is done on the east wing, and we’ll start on the roof structures this afternoon. The concrete foundation for the west wing will be poured tomorrow.”

“Perfect,” Ivy nodded, following his finger across the plans. “This is really coming together. I’d love to walk through what we have so far,” Ivy suggested, already moving toward the framed structure. “I’ve been picturing where all the exhibits will go.”

Vance followed, tucking the blueprints under his arm again. “Lead the way, Doctor... Ivy.”

Inside the wooden frame, sunlight streamed through gaps where walls would eventually stand, creating spotted patterns on the subfloor. Ivy moved from space to space, arms moving excitedly as she described her plans.

“This main hall will have an interactive watershed model,” she explained, enthusiasm lighting her face. “Visitors can add ‘pollution’ with colored water and watch how it spreads downstream. It really shows how ecosystems are connected.”

Vance nodded with appreciation. “Smart. Kids especially will connect with that.”

“And over here,” Ivy continued, moving to a smaller space, “we’ll have microscope stations where people can look at soil samples, pond water, even their own cheek cells. Connecting the tiny world to the visible one helps people understand nature’s complexity.”

As she spoke, the empty frames seemed to fill with her vision.

“The centerpiece will be this rotunda,” Ivy said, stepping into what would become the building’s heart.

“We’ll have a massive tree model extending up through the skylight.

Different branches will show various local ecosystems, with animals and plants lit up seasonally to show how the mountain changes throughout the year. ”

Vance whistled low. “Ambitious. Will that fit in the budget?”

“My father promised extra funding for the educational elements,” Ivy assured him. “He believes, as I do, that understanding leads to protection. People protect what they love, and they love what they understand.”

“Your excitement is catching,” Vance said with real admiration. “The workers feel it too. Everyone wants to see this succeed.”

Ivy beamed at the compliment. “That means a lot. This center isn’t just about displays and information. It’s about creating a connection between people and this mountain. If visitors leave feeling like caretakers rather than just tourists, we’ll have succeeded.”

They continued through the structure, with Ivy describing hands-on activities, local wildlife exhibits, and conservation workshops. Their tour led them to the northern edge of the construction site. Ivy frowned suddenly, her excited talk stopping mid-sentence.

“Something’s wrong,” she said, walking to the boundary. “These survey markers have been moved.”

Vance followed her gaze to the line of stakes topped with bright orange flags. Several had clearly been pulled up and put back, creating an uneven boundary line.

“You’re right,” he confirmed, kneeling to look at one of the stakes. “These weren’t like this yesterday.”

Ivy straightened, looking at the entire boundary with growing worry. “But why?”

Her brightness dimmed for a moment as she thought about what this meant. Someone actively opposed their work enough to trespass and mess with their site. The thought that anyone would try to undermine her project troubled her deeply.

“Should we report this?” she asked.

Vance hesitated. “To who? Local sheriff will just file a report. By the time anyone investigates, we’ll have fixed it and moved on.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Ivy agreed reluctantly. “But we should document it at least.”

“Already on it,” Vance assured her, using his phone to photograph the disturbed markers. “I’ve seen this kind of thing before on projects near protected land. It’s usually just a scare tactic.”

“Still, it’s worrying,” Ivy said, making her own records with her tablet. “This center is meant to help the community, not harm it.”

Their talk was interrupted by the sound of a vehicle approaching.

A weathered pickup truck with faded green paint pulled into the clearing.

The door opened to reveal a young woman with dark hair pulled into a tight braid, her expression just as tight as she looked over the construction site.

She wore hiking boots, cargo pants, and a t-shirt with “Protect Fate Mountain” printed across the front.

“That’s Maya Wilson,” Vance muttered to Ivy. “Local environmental activist. She’s been watching the site from the trees for days.”

Ivy squared her shoulders and put on her most welcoming smile as Maya approached, a stack of papers clutched in one hand.

“Good morning,” Ivy called. “I’m Dr. Ivy Bright from the institute. Can I help you with something?”

Maya stopped a few feet away, her posture stiff with barely hidden anger. “I’m here to help you understand what you’re destroying.”

Ivy kept her pleasant expression despite the confrontational opening. “I’d be happy to talk about the project with you. We’ve taken many steps to minimize environmental impact.”

“Any development in this forest is destructive,” Maya countered, pushing a flyer toward Ivy. “This land should remain untouched.”

Ivy accepted the paper, quickly reading the dramatic language in bold text.

“I understand your concern,” Ivy said carefully. “But this nature center is actually dedicated to preservation. We’re building on previously disturbed land to minimize new impact.”

Maya scoffed. “You can’t teach people to value nature by cutting down trees to build classrooms.”

“Actually, we preserved all old-growth trees on the property,” Ivy explained, pointing to the large oaks and pines still standing within and around the construction zone.

“Our design worked around existing natural features. The lumber we’re using comes from sustainable sources, and we’re installing solar panels and rainwater collection systems.”

Maya seemed momentarily thrown but quickly recovered. “What about the wildlife corridor? Animals can’t just change their migration patterns because humans decided to build here.”

Ivy nodded, appreciating that Maya had raised a good concern rather than just general opposition. “The wildlife corridor was a main consideration in our site selection. We’re maintaining a fifty-yard buffer zone on the north side specifically to protect animal movement patterns.”

“Fifty yards isn’t enough,” Maya insisted, though with slightly less conviction.

“The county environmental assessment determined it was sufficient for local species,” Ivy countered gently. “We consulted with wildlife biologists from three universities and the local forest service before finalizing our plans.”

As Ivy spoke, she noticed several construction workers pausing their tasks to watch the exchange. Vance stood quietly beside her, his expression neutral but alert. The chance for things to get worse hung in the air like the smell of an approaching storm.

Maya began handing out flyers to nearby workers, who took them awkwardly but didn’t read them. “People need to know what’s happening to their mountain,” she declared loudly.

Sensing the tension rising, Ivy stepped forward with practiced diplomatic skill. “Maya, I really do value your passion for protecting this ecosystem. It’s exactly the kind of awareness we want to foster through the nature center.”

The young activist faltered slightly at Ivy’s genuine tone. “Would you be interested in looking at our complete environmental impact assessment?” Ivy continued, seizing the opening. “We’ve gathered lots of data on local species, water quality, and soil composition. I’d welcome your thoughts.”

Maya looked surprised by the offer. “You’d show me your internal documents?”

“Absolutely,” Ivy confirmed. “Conservation education requires openness. We believe this center will actually help protection efforts by creating more environmental advocates.”

Vance stepped forward. “We’ve also implemented measures that go beyond the county’s requirements. The construction materials were selected specifically for minimal impact.”

Maya’s stiff posture softened. “I’d... I’d need to see those documents before I could make any judgment.”

“Of course,” Ivy agreed, pulling up files on her tablet. “Can I email them to you now? I’d appreciate your feedback, especially if you notice areas we could improve.”

The confrontational energy faded as Ivy collected Maya’s email address and sent the documents. The construction workers returned to their tasks, and Vance excused himself to check on progress at another part of the site.

“I still don’t think development belongs in this forest,” Maya said as she pocketed her phone, but her tone had lost some of its hostility.

“I understand,” Ivy replied sincerely. “I hope after reviewing our plans, you’ll see that we share more goals than differences. We both want to protect this mountain.”