Page 39 of Trusting the Grumpy Mountain Man
Tears prick my eyes as I applaud with the others. Jax's hand finds mine, squeezing gently. This is why we fought so hard. For moments like this. For kids like Darius finding their way.
After the ceremony, we host a small reception for the graduates and their families. I circulate among the guests, still amazed at how quickly I've been accepted in Whisper Vale. From outsider to community member in just six months.
"You've worked miracles with this place," Mason says, joining me by the refreshment table. "Never thought I'd see the day when the department was throwing money at us instead of obstacles."
"Just needed the right translator." I smile, watching Jax across the room, deep in conversation with Judge Martinez. "Someone who speaks both languages."
"Speaking of translation." Mason nods toward Jax. "He's got something for you later. Don't let on I said anything."
Before I can question him further, he's gone, moving to congratulate one of the graduates. I push his cryptic comment aside, focusing on the celebration.
By evening, the guests have departed, and the new group of teens is settling into their first night in the upgraded bunkhouse. Jax and I walk hand in hand back to what is now our cabin, the admin building now serving its proper purpose rather than as Jax's living quarters.
The cabin has changed too, with my touches evident throughout. Books on the shelves that weren't there before. Curtains on the windows. Proper kitchen equipment rather than the minimal bachelor setup Jax maintained.
"Tired?" he asks as we enter, shrugging off his jacket.
"Pleasantly so." I kick off my shoes, padding to the kitchen for water. "That was quite a day."
"Not over yet." He follows me, a hint of nervous energy in his movements that catches my attention.
"Oh?" I turn to face him. "Something planned that I don't know about?"
"Maybe." His smile holds secrets. "Put on something warm. I want to show you something."
Curious, I change into jeans and one of his flannel shirts that I've claimed as my own. When I emerge from the bedroom, he's waiting by the door with a small backpack.
"Where are we going?" I ask, pulling on my boots.
"You'll see." He takes my hand, leading me outside.
The night is clear and crisp, stars brilliant in the Nevada sky. We follow a path I recognize, heading toward the outlook where we had our painful conversation six months ago. The spot where he told me to leave, to take the promotion, to forget about us.
"Feeling nostalgic for our first breakup?" I tease as we climb the gentle slope.
"Something like that." His voice holds an emotion I can't quite identify.
When we reach the overlook, I gasp softly. Someone has set up a small fire pit, surrounded by cushions and blankets. Twinkling lights strung in the nearby trees create a magical atmosphere against the backdrop of the valley below.
"Jax," I breathe, taking in the scene. "What is all this?"
"Sit with me." He guides me to the cushions, settling beside me. From his backpack, he produces a thermos of hot chocolate and two mugs.
"Mason said you had something for me." I accept the steaming mug, watching him over the rim. "Is this it?"
"Part of it." He stares into the fire, gathering his thoughts. "Six months ago, we stood here and I pushed you away. Told you to choose your career over us."
"Ancient history." I reach for his hand. "We're past that now."
"We are." He meets my eyes, the firelight reflecting in his blue gaze. "But I want to make sure we never go back there. To that place where either of us thinks we're not worth fighting for."
My heart begins to race as he sets his mug aside and turns to face me fully.
"Riley Chaffeur, you walked into my life with a tablet and regulations, determined to find everything wrong with my program." His voice deepens with emotion. "Instead, you found everything right with it. With me."
"Jax," I whisper, setting my own mug down with suddenly trembling hands.
"You taught me that adapting doesn't mean surrendering." He takes both my hands in his. "That sometimes rules need bending, and sometimes stubborn mountain men do too."
