“Long. Good, though,” his hand found mine, warm and solid and grounding. “Elena watched me work on the ATVs this morning, took notes while I fixed a hydraulic problem.”
“Showing off your competence?” A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth.
“Something like that.” His own smile was small but real. “But right now I’m more interested in hearing about this,” he gestured at the board and the visible proof of hours spent building solutions. “Walk me through it at dinner?”
“After dinner,” I corrected, already closing my laptop and stuffing it in my bag. “I’m not talking business in front of Elena unless she specifically asks.”
“Fair enough.” He waited while I tapped papers into neat stacks, then tugged me toward the door. “Come on, mastermind. Let’s go eat.”
Chapter 47
Permission to exhale
Alex
Wednesday morning, I called John before Finn left for his session with Elena.
“I need you to run numbers on a partnership structure I just sent you,” I said, pulling up the documents I’d created the night before after Finn had gone to bed. “Employee ownership model, multiple tiers, retirement transition for Oliver instead of full buyout.”
John was quiet for a moment while his mouse clicked. “Skimming now. But Alex, if this is what I think it is, this could actually work.”
“That’s what I need you to confirm. Real numbers, not just my optimistic math.”
“Give me until Friday. I’ll model it out properly, run scenarios, make sure the financing holds up under stress testing.” More clicking. “This is smart thinking. Where’d the idea come from?”
“Observing how a fourth-generation ranch handles succession planning,” I chuckled. “Turns out generational businesses have figured out solutions to problems we think are new.”
“If the numbers work like I think they will, we should set up calls with your lawyer and accountant next week.”
I hung up breathing easier than I had in months, the final problem that had been choking me loosening its grip at last.
Finn emerged from the bathroom, hair damp and pulled up, wearing the tired-but-determined expression he’d had since Elena arrived. “Business call already?”
“Getting the ball rolling,” I stood and wrapped my arms around him. “How are you feeling about today?”
“Ready to be done with it,” he pressed his forehead against mine. “Three sessions down, however many more Elena thinks I need. Probably about a hundred at this rate.”
“You’re doing good work, sweetheart,” I kissed him gently.
“Doesn’t feel like it most of the time,” he pulled back, managed a small smile. “But I’m showing up.”
“That’s what matters.”
I watched him leave for his session before getting ready and heading to Nolan’s office to work.
By Wednesday afternoon, I had draft proposals ready for Oliver, Casey, and Tabitha. By Thursday morning, Dom had confirmed he and Enzo were still in for the investment, enthusiastic about being part of the solution. When I’d mentioned Lennon’s partnership offer, Enzo had immediately asked to cover their stake, his voice going fierce the way it did when someone he loved was involved.
Everything was ready. I just needed people to say yes.
Friday morning, John called back right on schedule.
“The structure holds,” he said without preamble. “I’ve run it through every scenario I can think of. Economic downturn, client loss, market shift. There’s always risk, but this is significantly more stable than you trying to shoulder nineteen million in debt alone.”
I let go of the breath I’d been holding and sat down. “You’re sure?”
“I’m sure. Your personal financing drops to about five and a half million total—eight hundred seventy thousand for the two percent equity you’re buying, another four to four and a half million in partnership formation loans to Casey and Tabitha. Between the real estate leverage, SBA loans, and Dom’s investment, that’s manageable.” I heard him typing. “Oliver gets steady retirement income instead of a lump sum he’d have to invest anyway. Casey and Tabitha become invested partners and employee ownership makes hostile acquisition nearly impossible.”
“And the partnership loans work financially?”
