Chapter 347
**Sara**
We entered the Concert Hall, and I felt my jaw drop. The massive space was dominated by the grand organ – a towering wall of 10,154 pipes rising behind the stage.
"It's the largest mechanical tracker-action organ in the world," Valerie said. "It took ten years to build."
"Can you play?" I asked Tom.
"The organ? God no. Piano was my limit."
"You play piano?" I raised an eyebrow. "How did I not know this?"
"There are still a few mysteries left to discover about me."
Valerie demonstrated the hall's perfect acoustics by clapping her hands, the sound reverberating clearly throughout the enormous space.
"Stand here," she instructed me, positioning me at a specific spot on the floor. "Now whisper something."
I cupped my hands and whispered, "This is incredible."
The sound carried across the empty hall, crisp and clear.
"That's amazing!" I exclaimed, my voice bouncing back to me.
Tom watched me with undisguised affection, his eyes soft. When I caught him staring, he didn't look away, just smiled wider.
"What?" I asked.
"Nothing. I just like seeing you excited."
Valerie led us through a side door into one of the smaller theaters where a ballet company was rehearsing. We stood quietly at the back, watching the dancers move with precision and grace across the stage.
"This isn't on the regular tour," Valerie whispered. "But Mr. Blackwood requested something special."
I squeezed Tom's hand in silent thanks.
The final stop was a private balcony with a spectacular view of the harbor. The Harbor Bridge arched majestically to our left while the Opera House shells curved below us.
"This is the perfect photo spot," Valerie said, stepping back. "You can capture both icons in one frame."
I handed my phone to her. "Would you mind taking one of us?"
Tom wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me close as Valerie snapped several photos.
"These are beautiful," she said, returning my phone.
I scrolled through the images, pausing on one where Tom wasn't looking at the view but at me, his tender expression making my heart stutter.
"You weren't even looking at the scenery," I accused softly.
"I had a better view."
"You're such a sap. I bet you say that to all the girls you fly across the world."
"Only the ones named Sara Parker." Tom's thumb traced circles on my hip, sending little sparks of electricity through my body.
"I'm the only Sara Parker you know."
"Exactly my point. One is more than enough."
Valerie cleared her throat discreetly. "I'll give you two a moment alone. Take your time enjoying the view." She retreated with professional discretion, leaving us on the private balcony.
The breeze ruffled my hair as I leaned against the railing, taking in the panorama of blue harbor water and the city skyline. Tom stood behind me, his arms encircling my waist as he rested his chin on my shoulder.
"So, what's next on our Sydney adventure?" I asked, leaning back into his chest.
"Hungry?"
"Starving. Someone made me burn a lot of calories this morning."
Tom's laugh vibrated against my back. "I don't recall hearing any complaints."
"Oh, there were none. Just stating facts."
Tom's hands slid to my hips, turning me to face him. "Then let me state another fact - you're going to love where we're having lunch."
"Is that so? And where might that be?"
His smile was mischievous. "You'll see."
We made our way back inside, where Valerie waited with a professional smile that didn't quite hide her amusement. I wondered how many couples she'd seen canoodling on that balcony.
"All finished with the tour?" she asked.
"Yes, thank you," Tom replied. "It was excellent."
"We're heading to lunch now," he added, checking his watch. "Our reservation's in twenty minutes."
Valerie's eyebrows rose slightly. "Quay? You'll love it there. Best view in Sydney."
I glanced at Tom. "Quay?"
"Only the best for you." He guided me toward the exit with a hand on my lower back.
"How does everyone know where we're going?" I asked once we were outside.
"Because I have excellent taste, and there's only one place worth taking you for your first Sydney lunch." He opened the car door for me with a flourish.
The drive to the restaurant was short, winding along the harbor's edge. When we pulled up to Quay, a valet immediately appeared to take the car keys.
"Mr. Blackwood, welcome back," the hostess greeted us at the entrance. "Your table is ready."
The restaurant's interior took my breath away - sleek, modern design with organic touches that softened the space. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the harbor, Opera House, and Bridge in panoramic glory.
"This is incredible," I whispered as we were led to our table.
"Wait until you see our spot."
The hostess guided us to what was clearly the best table in the house - a corner location with unobstructed views in two directions. The Opera House seemed close enough to touch.
"Your server will be with you shortly," she said, placing menus before us.
I leaned forward, unable to contain my excitement. "How did you get this table? It must be booked months in advance."
"I may have called in a favor or two." Tom's eyes crinkled at the corners. "The chef is an old friend of Leo's."
"Of course he is." I shook my head, amused. "Is there anyone your family doesn't know?"
"We're working on befriending the Pope, but he's playing hard to get."
I snorted with laughter just as our server approached.
"Good afternoon. My name is Michael, and I'll be taking care of you today." He was impeccably dressed, his posture perfect. "Chef has prepared a special tasting menu for you, Mr. Blackwood. Would you prefer the standard or premium wine pairings?"
Tom glanced at me. "Premium, I think. We're celebrating."
"Excellent choice. And what are we celebrating today?"
Tom's eyes locked with mine. "New beginnings."
My cheeks warmed under his gaze.
"Wonderful," Michael said. "I'll bring your first course shortly."
When he left, I raised an eyebrow at Tom. "New beginnings?"
"Would you have preferred I tell him we're celebrating how many times I made you scream my name this morning?"
I kicked him under the table. "You wouldn't dare."
"No?" His grin was wicked. "Test me."
"You're impossible."
"You like it."
I did. God help me, I really did.
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