Page 30 of Grumpy Bear (Return To Fate Mountain #4)

Chapter

Twenty-Six

Ivy crouched beside fresh mountain lion tracks at the edge of the wildlife corridor, calculating the timing of the predator’s passage.

Three months had passed since the nature center’s opening.

The early morning sunlight filtered through pine branches as she photographed the prints for their monitoring database.

Henry appeared from the ridge trail, two coffee thermoses in hand. “Trail camera caught her with cubs near the eastern boundary.”

“Good,” Ivy said, accepting the coffee. “That’s the third predator family using the restored pathways. The ecosystem is recovering faster than we projected.”

They walked the boundary together, discussing the upcoming school tours and the expanded ranger monitoring program. Their conversation flowed easily now, a natural rhythm established through months of partnership.

Inside the nature center, staff prepared for the day’s visitors. Maya Wilson, now their lead environmental educator, arranged specimens for a hands-on workshop with local elementary students. The building buzzed with purpose - exactly what Ivy had envisioned despite the setbacks they’d overcome.

In her office, Ivy reviewed emails from other conservation projects seeking guidance. Henry joined her for the morning staff meeting where the team debated a proposed trail expansion.

Their evening routine at the cabin had the comfort of two people who had found their rhythm together.

Henry grilled fresh-caught trout while Ivy harvested vegetables from their garden.

They discussed the ongoing investigation, construction plans for the center’s second phase, and the upcoming conservation award ceremony in Portland.

“Senator Wallace confirmed she’s attending,” Ivy said, setting plates on the table they now shared. “She’s interested in legislation protecting wildlife corridors like ours.”

Henry nodded, serving dinner. “The FBI investigator called again. They’ve traced Porter’s funding to a larger investment group.”

“At least we stopped them here,” Ivy said. “For now, anyway.”

Later, they sat on the porch watching darkness settle over the forest. An owl called from somewhere nearby, its voice carrying clearly through the night air.

“Henry,” she said, turning to face him. “I wasn’t completely honest about where I went this morning.”

He raised an eyebrow, his expression curious as he felt the mixture of nervousness and joy radiating from her.

“I told you I was meeting with the grant committee,” she continued, taking his hand and placing it gently on her stomach. “But I actually had a doctor’s appointment in town. I wanted to be absolutely sure before I told you.”

Understanding dawned in Henry’s eyes, wonder spreading across his normally stoic features. “You’re pregnant?” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

Ivy nodded, tears gathering in her eyes as she smiled. “Ten weeks. Our baby is already strong enough to have a heartbeat.”

Henry’s arms wrapped around her, pulling her close as his larger frame trembled with emotion. Through their bond flowed overwhelming love and protectiveness, a depth of feeling that made words unnecessary.

“A cub,” he finally managed, his voice thick. “Our cub.”

“Due in the spring,” Ivy whispered against his chest. “Just when the forest comes back to life.”

Henry pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, his hand still resting protectively over her stomach. “I spent so many years alone in these woods,” he said, “thinking I was protecting something I could never truly be part of.”

“And now?” Ivy asked, covering his hand with her own.

“Now I understand what home really means,” he answered, emotion making his deep voice unsteady. “It’s not this cabin or even this mountain. It’s you. It’s our family. It’s the future we’re building together.”

Henry leaned down to kiss her, their bond vibrating with shared joy. The forest seemed to witness their moment, night creatures singing approval from the shadows.

As they held each other under the vast canopy of stars, the ancient heartbeat of the mountain echoed through them both.

After all the struggles and dangers, they had found not just purpose but family.

Not just protection but belonging. Not just a house in the wilderness, but a true home in each other’s hearts.