Page 38 of Trusting the Grumpy Mountain Man
EPILOGUE
RILEY
SIX MONTHS LATER
"And that concludes our quarterly review." I close my laptop, smiling at Director Yates across the conference table. "As you can see, Peak Survival continues to exceed all benchmarks for participant improvement."
The director, a no-nonsense woman in her fifties who's become something of a mentor over the past six months, nods approvingly. "Impressive work, Ms. Chaffeur. Your compliance adaptations have created a model we're implementing in three other counties."
"The credit belongs to the program," I say, gathering my notes. "I just helped translate its success into language the department understands."
"False modesty doesn't suit you." She stands, extending her hand. "We both know Peak Survival would be shuttered without your intervention. The department owes you a debt of gratitude."
I shake her hand, still amazed at how quickly things have changed. Six months ago, I was facing a career crisis and heartbreak. Now I'm a consultant for the department, helping programs like Peak Survival navigate regulatory requirements without sacrificing effectiveness.
"Speaking of debts," Director Yates continues, "your former supervisor has been reassigned to records management. Her approach to innovative programs wasn't aligned with our new direction."
I suppress a smile at the news of Margaret's demotion. "I'm sure she'll excel at record keeping."
"Indeed." The director's eyes twinkle with shared understanding. "Will Mr. Reeves be joining us? I'd like to discuss the expansion funding before I head back to Sacramento."
"He's finishing up with the current group." I check my watch. "Their graduation ceremony is today. He should be here shortly."
As if summoned by his name, Jax appears in the doorway of the newly constructed administrative building. Six months of building improvements haven't changed his essential nature. He still looks more comfortable in flannel and work boots than in the slightly more formal attire he wears for official meetings.
"Director Yates." He nods respectfully. "Sorry for the delay. Jesse was giving his final speech."
"No apology needed." She waves away his concern. "Ms. Chaffeur has been thoroughly briefing me on your remarkable progress."
Jax's eyes find mine, that familiar warmth in them making my heart skip. Six months together, and he still looks at me like I'm the most fascinating person he's ever met.
"Riley has a way of making even bureaucratic reports sound interesting." His subtle wink is for me alone.
We spend the next hour discussing expansion plans. The department has approved funding for additional staff, allowing Peak Survival to double its capacity by spring. Judge Martinez has begun referring teens from neighboring counties, creating a waiting list that validates everything we've fought for.
When the meeting concludes, Director Yates heads to her car for the drive back to Sacramento. Jax and I walk her out, standing together on the porch of the admin building that now houses proper offices, medical facilities, and meeting spaces. All built to code, all properly documented.
"Quite a change from six months ago," I observe as her car disappears down the gravel road.
"When you showed up to shut us down?" Jax wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me against his side. "Best failed evaluation ever."
I elbow him playfully. "I wasn't trying to shut you down."
"No, you were trying to change me." He presses a kiss to my temple. "And you succeeded more than you know."
We walk toward the graduation ceremony, scheduled to begin in the newly constructed outdoor amphitheater. Another improvement funded by the department grants I helped secure. Six months of hard work transforming the physical space to match the program's effectiveness.
"How's Darius doing?" I ask as we approach the gathering. "Ready for his big moment?"
"Nervous but prepared." Pride colors Jax's voice. "He's been accepted to the forestry program at UNR. Full scholarship."
"That's incredible!" I beam up at him. "From assault charges to college in six months."
"He just needed someone to believe in him." Jax squeezes my hand. "Something we have in common."
The ceremony is simple but meaningful. Each teen receives a certificate of completion and shares something they've learnedfrom the program. When Darius steps up, his transformation from the angry, defensive boy I first met is remarkable.
"Before Peak Survival, I thought strength meant never backing down," he says, his voice steady despite the audience. "Mr. Reeves taught me that real strength is knowing when to stand your ground and when to adapt. Ms. Chaffeur showed me that rules have reasons, but people matter more than procedures." He looks directly at us. "Thanks to both of you for not giving up on me."
