Chapter 23
Tashi
After our decision to “go large” with the party, my mind had spun through logistics, timelines, messaging strategies, and a thousand details that could make or break this insane plan.
By the time dawn broke over the Vegas skyline, I had filled three pages of my notebook with lists, sketches, and frantic notes.
Now, sitting in Orion’s suite—the one that still functioned as his office since we’d taken over mine for sleeping—I spread my papers across the conference table like battle plans.
Because that’s exactly what they were.
“Okay,” I said, channeling every ounce of professional competence I had left. “If we’re doing this, we’re doing it right. This isn’t just a party. It’s a strategic offensive disguised as a celebration.”
Orion sat at the head of the table, already dressed in his suit despite the early hour.
Leo sprawled in a chair to my right, coffee in hand and that creative spark in his eyes that meant he was already ten steps ahead.
Ares leaned against the window, arms crossed, scanning my notes with tactical precision.
“Walk us through it,” Orion said.
I pulled out my master list. “I broke it down into twelve major categories. Event vision and messaging. Venue design. Décor. Entertainment. Technical production. Guest list. Catering. Fashion. Security. Press management. Legal considerations. And post-event follow-up.”
“Jesus,” Leo muttered. “When you said, ‘go large,’ you meant it.”
“We have less than twenty-four hours,” I reminded him. “Tomorrow night. The night before the Gaming Commission hearing. Maximum impact, remember?”
“Maximum chaos,” Ares corrected. “But strategically controlled chaos.”
“Exactly.” I pointed to the first section.
“Event vision and messaging come first. We need to define the core narrative before anything else. This is about love, unity, transparency, celebration of chosen family. We’re not apologizing.
We’re not being defensive. We’re celebrating something beautiful and unconventional. ”
“And we need a theme,” Leo added, already pulling up images on his tablet. “Something that screams Vegas glamour but also romance and intimacy. I’m thinking either Modern Stardust, Desert Constellations, Luxe Midnight Mirage, or Neon Elysium.”
I looked at the mood boards he’d somehow already created. “How are you so prepared?”
“I have materials from the pre-planning phase of the floor shows.” He grinned. “And I give opinions about aesthetics. We have these in the hopper for future shows, but there’s no reason we can’t use one now.”
“Neon Elysium,” Orion said decisively. “It’s bold without being garish. Modern without losing the Vegas spirit.”
“Agreed,” I said, making a note. “Next—we need brand story materials. Press packets, social media teasers, and signage copy. Everything has to be cohesive, elegant, and impossible to mock.”
“We’ll have to do everything by email. No time for sending out invitations. I’ll send out the art to a trusted freelancer for the e-vites,” Leo said. “And I’ll send the artwork to another freelancer who can provide a quick turnaround for the e-press packet.”
“We’ll also need electronic signage art,” Tashi said.
“As soon as we decide on a theme,” Leo said, “we can have the e-press kit out to journalists I know who won’t make us look like circus freaks within a couple of hours.”
“We also need inclusive, elegant phrasing for the relationship announcement,” I continued. “No apologizing. No overexplaining. Just honest, beautiful language about four people who chose each other.”
“I’ll draft talking points for each of us,” Orion offered. “Make sure we’re all saying the same thing without sounding scripted.”
I moved to the next section. “Venue design and atmosphere. We reserve the entire ballroom, plus the balcony and private lounge for spillover. What about lighting and video displays? Programmable LED ceiling wash. Soft warm golds for intimacy. Accent lighting on ice sculpture. And during the announcement—a star field projection. Make it feel like we’re standing under the universe itself. ”
“Poetic,” Leo approved. “I like it. Frank, our stage manager for the shows, can help with that.” He was already typing on his phone. “He says he’s got an hour in fifteen minutes.”
“Stage design for the formal announcement. Dance floor setup. Lounge areas with velvet sofas and conversation pits. VIP press area with soundproofing drapes so they can’t ambush guests for quotes.
” I paused for emphasis. “And a secure adjoining suite for us to retreat to after the announcement—private, our own space.”
“Already done,” Ares said. “I reserved the Constellation Suite. Same floor as the ballroom. Private elevator access. I’ll have security sweep it before the event.”
I smiled at him. “Thank you.”
I moved on. “Décor and aesthetic—we don’t have time for floral arrangements.”
“Talk to Frank,” Leo said. “But we might just go with ice sculptures. We have a man on staff who’s a genius with them.”
“I like it. How about the main one with the theme Four Hearts?”
“How casino,” laughed Orion.
“With special lighting. They will be memorable,” I said. “I also want a ‘Love Without Limits’ sign.”
Leo said, “A video display. I’ll add to the art order.”
I suggested, “An infinity mirror walkway.”
“I love that,” Orion said quietly.
“Entertainment and experiences,” I continued, warming to the vision now.
“Electric string quartet for arrival. DJ with a curated playlist for the main party. Aerialists or silk dancers will perform during the cocktail hour to provide visual drama. A celebrity MC to set up the announcement—someone Vegas loves, someone people trust.”
“Again, Frank. Make sure it’s on your list. You have a lot to discuss with him. For a host, I have in mind a former Cirque performer. He’s perfect.”
“Surprise cameo performance,” I added. “Pop diva, crooner, or illusionist. Something that makes this unmissable content.”
“I’ll work my contacts,” Leo promised. “We’ve got favors to call in.”
I flipped to the next page. “Technical and production. Full AV team. Multi-camera livestream for controlled media release. Projection mapping for the announcement backdrop. Wireless mics for all four of us. Backup generators.” I looked at Ares.
“And in-ear comms for the production team so I can command the night like a battlefield general.”
Ares actually smiled. “Now you’re speaking my language.”
“Mandatory NDA for all attendees,” I said. “Exclusive RSVP portal. Color-coded wristbands for access tiers—press, VIP, friends, and general admission.”
“I’ll have IT build the portal,” Orion said. “And have legal draft the NDAs.”
“Catering,” I said, moving faster now as the vision solidified. “The hotel handles food, of course. Interactive food stations. High-end hors d’oeuvres. Custom cake or dessert installation. Midnight champagne tower with synchronized lighting cue.”
“The champagne tower is iconic,” Leo agreed. “Very Vegas. Very us.”
“Fashion and beauty.” I looked down at my notes, feeling suddenly vulnerable.
“I need a couture gown. Something that unifies our color palette. Additionally, I need a backup gown for the after-party. You three need coordinated looks—not matching, but complementary. The hair and makeup suites are reserved for touch-ups.” I hesitated.
“Custom jewelry pieces would symbolize the structure of our relationship.”
“Four stones,” Orion said immediately. “One for each of us. Each of us will receive a different stone in the same setting. Rings or pendants. I’ll call my jeweler.”
“You have a jeweler?”
Orion’s face flushed. “I haven’t talked to him in a while—”
“Not since his last girlfriend,” laughed Leo.
“That was a long time ago,” Orion said hastily. “But he does excellent custom work.”
“I love that,” I whispered.
“Security and logistics.” Ares took over. “Full hotel security plus a private detail I’m hiring personally. Guest check-in with ID and NDA verification. Performers and vendors will have controlled entry. Red carpet barricades.”
“Press management and content capture,” I continued. “Photographer teams for the red carpet, event floor, and candid storytelling. Videography for highlight reel, full announcement video, and post-party montage. Social media control center on-site with editors, graphic designers, and moderators.”
“We’ll control the narrative from start to finish,” Leo said with satisfaction. “No one gets a story we don’t approve.”
“And post-event follow-up,” I finished. “Release official photos and videos. Thank-you gifts to VIPs?”
“I’ll get my assistant to check the promo closet for VIP gifts. We have stuff in there we haven’t given out yet,” said Leo.
I set down my pen and looked at the three of them. “That’s the plan. Twelve major categories. Hundreds of details and twenty-four hours to execute. And everything rides on us pulling this off flawlessly.”
Silence.
Then Leo started laughing. “You’re incredible. You know that?”
“It’s insane,” Ares said. But he was smiling. “Completely insane.”
“It’s perfect,” Orion corrected. “Strategic, comprehensive, and exactly the bold move they won’t see coming.” He stood up and crossed to me, taking my hands. “You realize what you’ve just proposed, right? This is a military operation disguised as a celebration. Sun Tzu would be proud.”
“Attack where they are unprepared,” I quoted. “Appear where you are not expected.”
“Henri expects us to hide,” Leo added. “Wilder expects us to show up at the hearing looking defeated. The media expects scandal and shame.”
“Perfect. We’re giving them the opposite,” Ares finished. “We make them fall in love with our story before they can weaponize it.”
“Exactly.” I squeezed Orion’s hands. “This will be exhausting.”
“And expensive,” Orion added.
“Orion,” Ares said with exasperation.
“I can’t help but think about the money,” he said defensively.