Chapter 47 #2
“The investment structure works the same way as Casey’s. But Tabitha, your research into alternative business structures is literally what made this possible. You flagged partnership models months ago.”
“You gave me the foundation for external partnerships,” I continued. “Finn’s dad showed me how the ranch works, and suddenly the internal solution clicked into place.”
“And you want me—”
“Oliver’s already agreed, Casey’s in. With you as operations partner, we’d have the leadership team to actually make this work. What do you think?”
When she finally spoke, her voice carried pure excitement. “I think this is exactly what Catalyst needs. And I’m honored you want me as part of it.”
“Is that a yes?”
“That’s an absolutely yes.”
“Thank you for doing the research that made this solution possible. And for being ready to step into the role officially.”
“Always.” I heard her smile through the phone. “Now let’s build something that lasts.”
Oliver, Casey, Tabitha. The core team was in place.
Lennon was the last call, and I’d saved it for a reason.
Lennon’s elevation was acknowledging that the intangible things mattered just as much as the measurable ones.
They picked up on the second ring. “Alex! I’d almost forgotten the sound of your voice! Has Finn compromised you yet?”
“Lennon, you are literally HR,” I laughed.
“Yeah, but you’re going to let me get away with that, aren’t you.”
“Yeah, yeah.” I grinned. “Listen. I’m restructuring the company.
Partnership model, employee ownership, the whole thing.
” I skipped straight to it. “I want you as a Senior Partner over HR. Three percent equity. Formal recognition that culture work is just as essential as creative work or operations.”
“What?”
“What do you mean what?” A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth.
“Alex, culture keeper isn’t usually an equity position. Did Oliver agree to this?”
“Who cares what Oliver thinks? He gets to retire. But you know he’d be in.
And culture should be an equity position.
You’ve built the foundation that makes everything else possible.
People stay at Catalyst because of what you’ve created, not just because of the projects or the pay.
” I swallowed at the sudden tightness in my throat.
“I want you to have real ownership in what we’re building. I owe you.”
“The investment. I don’t have the money to—”
“It’s covered,” I cut them off gently. “Enzo asked specifically if he and Dom could facilitate your stake. They wanted to make sure this happened.”
The silence stretched long enough that I checked my phone screen. When they spoke again, their voice cracked slightly. “They did that for me?”
“They did that for you. You’re that important. To all of us.”
“I don’t—” They stopped. Started again. “Yes. Absolutely yes. I’m in.”
“Thank you for everything you’ve done to make Catalyst feel like home for people. For making us more than just a company.”
“Senior Partner,” they tested the words out, then laughed. “My sister’s gonna lose her mind.”
I grinned. “In a good way?”
“In the best way. She always told me HR work is real work, that what I do matters.” Their voice went warm. “Now I get to prove her right.”
Everything was moving forward, the impossible problem I’d been drowning in since the beginning of the year suddenly transformed into something better than what I’d had before.
The weekend felt like exhaling after holding my breath for months.
Saturday morning, Finn and I hiked one of the easier trails that didn’t require technical skill and wouldn’t push his physical limits too hard.
We moved through pine forests and across meadows still wet with morning dew, the Tetons rising in the distance like they’d been painted there specifically for this moment.
“You’ve been quieter this week,” I said when we stopped at a scenic overlook, both of us catching our breath.
“Processing,” he took a drink from his water bottle. “A lot’s happened.”
“For both of us.”
“Yeah,” he looked at me, something soft in his expression. “You solved it. The whole Catalyst thing. Just figured it out and made it happen.”
“Your dad showed me the model, helped me work through the details.”
“But you’re the one who saw the solution. Who convinced everyone it would work.” He reached for my hand and pulled me closer. “I’m proud of you, Alexandra.”
“I’m proud of you too, you know,” I brushed the lock of hair that had fallen across his forehead. “Finn, you’ve done so much hard work this week. I love you for that and for just being you.”
“Love you too, darlin’. Always will.”
On Sunday we drove into Jackson Hole, wandered through art galleries and grabbed lunch at a café that served the overpriced sandwiches that were worth every penny.
Over dinner at a small restaurant with mountain views, Finn reached across the table and took my hand.
“Second week with Elena starts tomorrow,” he said quietly. “Just wanted to say thank you. For being here through all of it.”
“How are you feeling about this week?”
“Ready. Mostly,” he squeezed my fingers. “Last week was about pulling everything apart to see what was broken. This week feels more like putting it back together.” He rubbed his thumb across my knuckles. “The joint session Wednesday though… I’m not gonna lie, that one still makes me nervous.”
“What are you nervous about?”
“Having Elena observe us together, assess how we function as partners. What if she sees something I’m missing? What if I’m doing damage I don’t even realize?” He took a breath. “But I also know we need to do it. That’s part of the work.”
My chest tightened. “We’ll figure it out together. Whatever she sees, whatever needs adjusting, we’ll handle it.”
“Yeah,” his smile was small but genuine. “We will. Partners.”