Chapter 335
**Sara**
Friday brought not one but two deliveries.
The first arrived early morning—an explosion of sunflowers and daisies that instantly brightened the room. The card was simple but effective: "You are my Sunshine. My only Sunshine. (Yes, I'm quoting a children's song, deal with it.) I love you more than words can say. T."
I was still smiling over that one when the second delivery arrived—a more subdued but equally beautiful arrangement of pink and peach roses mixed with delicate baby's breath.
"Sara," this card read. "Every moment without you feels like an eternity. You've changed my life in ways I never thought possible. Thank you for loving me despite my many flaws (yes, I have them, shocking I know). I promise to spend every day trying to be worthy of your love. All my heart, T."
I carefully arranged all five bouquets around Tom's apartment, creating a makeshift garden that filled the space with color and fragrance. Some of the roses from Tuesday were definitely starting to wilt, their once-firm petals now soft and curling at the edges. I changed their water anyway, hoping to extend their life just a little longer.
As I moved from vase to vase, I reread each card, feeling the butterflies in my stomach multiply with each word. How had I gotten so lucky? And more importantly, how the hell was I going to make it through the day knowing I'd be on a plane to Australia that evening?
I couldn't wait to thank Tom properly for his floral extravaganza. And by "thank," I meant to make him forget his own name for a few hours.
The thought alone made me bite my lip as I packed my bag for Australia. I'd never been on a private jet before and wasn't entirely sure what to bring. Did I pack differently for luxury air travel? Was there some secret rich-person packing etiquette I didn't know about?
After twenty minutes of overthinking, I tossed my favorite lingerie, a couple of outfits, and basic toiletries into my bag. Tom had mentioned something about Sydney Harbor, so I added a swimsuit just in case. Whatever I forgot, I could probably buy there. That was one perk of dating a billionaire; shopping emergencies weren't exactly emergencies.
The workday crawled by at an excruciating pace. I checked my watch approximately every thirty seconds, earning several knowing smirks from my coworkers.
"Hot date tonight?" Megan from accounting asked as I practically vibrated with impatience during our afternoon meeting.
"Something like that," I replied, trying and failing to look nonchalant.
"Must be someone special to have you checking your watch like it's going to sprout wings and fly away."
I just smiled, not wanting to explain that I was about to hop on a private jet to Australia to see my billionaire boyfriend. Some things sounded too ridiculous to say out loud.
When five o'clock finally rolled around, I practically sprinted out of the office, my heels clicking against the marble floor of the lobby as I hailed a cab. The driver gave me a curious look in the rearview mirror as I bounced in my seat, unable to contain my excitement.
"Good news today?" he asked, navigating through the evening traffic.
"The best," I replied, staring out the window. "I'm going to Australia tonight."
"Australia? That's quite the trip. Business or pleasure?"
I bit my lip, suppressing a grin. "Definitely pleasure."
He chuckled knowingly, and I spent the rest of the ride mentally checking off my packing list. Had I remembered my passport? Chargers? That little black dress Tom had mentioned he loved?
By the time I reached Tom's apartment, I was a bundle of excited energy. I took a quick shower, blow-dried my hair, and applied light makeup—nothing too elaborate since I'd be sleeping on the plane anyway. I stood in front of the closet, contemplating what to wear for the flight.
After much deliberation, I settled on comfortable black pants, an oversized cashmere sweater that felt like being wrapped in a cloud, and slip-on shoes that would be easy to remove during the flight.
I took one last look around the apartment, making sure all the flowers had enough water to survive until I returned. The place looked like a botanical garden, and I couldn't help but smile at Tom's extravagance.
My phone buzzed with a text from the driver Tom had arranged: "Ms. Parker, I'm downstairs whenever you're ready."
With one final glance in the mirror, I grabbed my bag and headed out, locking Tom's apartment behind me. The driver was waiting by a sleek black car, looking every bit the professional in a crisp suit and tie.
"Good evening, Ms. Parker," he said, taking my bag. "We'll have you at the airstrip in no time."
The drive to the private airfield was surreal.
After going through security, we pulled up next to a gleaming white jet. A set of stairs led up to the open door, where a flight attendant in a neat uniform stood waiting.
"Ms. Parker," she greeted me with a warm smile. "Welcome aboard. Mr. Blackwood has arranged everything for your comfort. I'm Elise, and I'll be taking care of you during the flight."
I stepped into the jet and nearly gasped. The interior was nothing like the commercial planes I was used to. Instead of cramped rows of seats, there was a spacious cabin with plush leather chairs, polished wood tables, and what looked like a fully stocked bar. The lighting was soft and ambient, creating an atmosphere of luxurious comfort.
"Would you like a tour?" Elise asked, noting my wide-eyed expression.
"Yes, please," I managed, still taking in the opulence surrounding me.
She showed me the main cabin area, a separate bedroom with an actual king-sized bed, a bathroom complete with a shower, and a small conference room that could double as a dining area.
"Mr. Blackwood mentioned you need peaceful sleep during the flight," Elise said. "I've prepared the bedroom with fresh linens, and there's a selection of sleepwear in the drawer if you'd prefer not to unpack your luggage."
Of course, Tom had thought of everything.
"Thank you," I said, feeling slightly overwhelmed. "This is my first time on a private jet."
Elise smiled. "Well, we're delighted to have you. Can I get you anything before we take off? Perhaps a glass of champagne?"
"That would be lovely," I replied, sinking into one of the buttery-soft leather seats.
The flight itself was a blur of luxury. I sipped champagne as we took off, marveling at how smooth the ascent felt compared to commercial flights. After a delicious dinner that rivaled five-star restaurants, I changed into the silk pajamas provided and settled into the bedroom.
The bed was ridiculously comfortable, and I drifted off, watching the stars through a small window and thinking about Tom waiting for me on the other side of the world.