I'd like to send special: THANKS, YOU ARE AWESOME to black wolfgirl2722. She is the one who helps with my language and makes the story more readable :-))

Also big, fat THANK YOU to Missus T, Sakada Eve, Veronique24, frostedglaze and cbmorefie for reviewing recent chapters. You have no idea how impatient I wait to hear those comments. They make my day. Thank you! This chapter is dedicated to you. I've poured my whole romantic soul into it. I hope you'll like it :-)

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. I am in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

THE STOLEN WORDS

by AliciousMind

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE - The Magic Garden

BPOV

I was so nervous I couldn't concentrate. My hands were trembling and my heartbeat seemed to increase to the unbelievably fast motion.

Alice had left half an hour earlier, after spending all the afternoon on preparing me for my date. I would never understand why I needed my hair curled when it, naturally, had never been straight, or why I had to try on an inhuman amount of clothes when I was to wear something casual and comfortable, or why applying make-up for almost an hour just to look natural and as though I had nothing on. It was all beyond me, but apparently according to Alice I hadn't known what I was talking about and having no experience in dating I had not been able to argue with her.

So, there I was, standing in front of my mirror and looking at my reflection while waiting for Edward to pick me up. My big brown eyes were huge in my little face and my lips seemed too big. My white tank top appeared discreetly from under my dark blue cashmere pullover, which Alice brought with her because my clothes were not good enough for Alice's standards.

I was wearing dark skinny jeans and black converse. I looked relaxed although inside I felt just the opposite.

The sudden knocking at my front door stopped my analysis and picked up the speed of my already impossibly rapid heartbeat. Was I going to have a heart attack? That would be embarrassing, but knowing myself it would be highly probable.

I hurried to open my door, and just like the previous night, time froze when I saw him standing in front of my house.

My heart stopped, my breath was taken away and my hands finally found their peace. My gaze was captured and nothing mattered in that moment, just us.

"Hi," the most beautiful velvety voice spoke.

"Hi," I whispered feeling the electric aura surrounding us as he took a step closer and touched my cheek with his palm.

Then he took another step and was kissing me gently, cupping my face with his other hand. My hands flew around his neck and made sure to anchor my body to his. Our tongues met and started delicate dance causing shivers along my whole body.

A quiet moan left my throat and Edward's eyes opened rapidly and looked at me. Our mouths parted as he smiled. "God, I missed you, beautiful."

"I missed you, too," I admitted smiling back at him and feeling my blush on my cheeks.

"Shall we go, then?" he asked outstretching his hand in my direction.

I quickly locked the door and entwined my fingers with his.

He opened the passenger door for me and helped me get in. Then quickly ran to the driver's seat and started the engine. He looked at me and said "You look stunning, love." I blushed again and smiled appreciatively, thanking for the compliment.

We took off both grinning like a pair of fools that we were.

"Where are we going?" I asked seeing he was driving south.

"We are going in the direction of Rainier Beach. I'd like to show you one of my favorite places in Seattle. I think you're going to like it."

We stopped after about twenty minutes and I found myself mesmerized with the beautiful view in front of me.

"It's the Kubota Garden"* Edward explained helping me out of the car and taking my hand again.

I couldn't believe such a magic place existed in the middle of the big city. The diversity of plants and colors, and the unique architectural elements toned in unforgettable picturesque scenery.

We were walking close to each other, talking and just absorbing our company. It was unique and almost spiritual. There was something about Edward that made my knees weak and mu heart flutter. He was an unpredictable romantic. Strolling through that beautiful garden I was not able to believe it was not a dream. The twilight on the horizon made the sky gloom with magical yellows, oranges, blues and reds. I was amazed.

When he stopped I looked at the man standing beside me and tried to say something to let him know how breathtakingly beautiful this place was. All I could say was a quiet "Thank you", said with the trembling voice full of emotion. Nobody had done anything even close to that for me, ever. I was so touched that I didn't notice the small table and two chairs in the middle of a small meadow. The little candles were lit around the place making it even more mysterious.

I looked around and noticed there were no one else in the garden. Edward put his hand on the small of my back and led me to the white clothed table. We sat down and still holding our hands just were admiring the beauty of the nature around us.

"Are you hungry?" Edward asked indicating a waiter who appeared from behind the trees with the cart full of dishes.

"I don't know. I could eat something, I guess" I told him unsure. Although my last meal was a simple lunch at noon with Alice, my stomach felt full of butterflies.

Edward nodded at looked at the waiter, who approached us and started serving the delicious food and wine.

We ate, talked, laughed and it was perfect. I couldn't believe that that man was real. His green eyes were gazing in mine making my chest get wormer and wormer.

When we finished, the waiter quickly cleaned the dishes and left. We were sitting observing the night sky, talking some more and just appreciating our company. Somehow Edward managed to sneak his arm around my shoulders holding me close to himself. I put my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. It was perfect.

I felt him kiss the top of my head. "What are you thinking?" he asked and lifted my chin so he could look into my eyes.

"I was thinking how incredible this night is and how happy you make me. I can't believe that I am here with you. Thank you. This place is amazing, but it doesn't matter. What matters is you, being here with me."

"I'm glad you like it. You deserve the best and I want to be the one to make sure you get it."

"You are the one" I whispered shyly and looked down afraid if my slip would make him ran from me. But of course he didn't.

"You're it for me, too, you know. I can't explain it, but from the first moment I saw you, I felt that connection between us. I can't deny my attraction to you but I also can't deny my feelings. I know it's soon but I already know that I love you, Bella."

There was no hesitation or doubt. It was soon but it was also right. I looked into his green orbs and smiled. "I love you, too. I have never felt anything even close to what I feel for you. I belong to you."

"Oh, Bella." He embraced me affectionately and kissed my lips once, twice. It was full of promise, full of warmth and delicious currant that moved from my lips, through my whole body making me fuzzy and light headed. I lifted up my arms and put my hands in his bronze hair. I tugged gently making him close his eyes and moan. I pulled his lips to mine again and this time showed him how much I loved him, I wanted him. The kiss was urgent and passionate; his hands were roaming up and down my back getting to know my body better, bringing me closer to his perfectly shaped figure.

When we parted our pants were rapid and our eyes hooded. We were looking at each other not seeing anything else around us. Nothing mattered, but us and we knew that everything would be okay; we would be okay because we belonged to each other.

"Let's get you home, love" Edward encircled me with his are and led to his car. It was just before midnight. I couldn't believe how fast the time seemed to pass when I was with him.

We slowly approached the lot and got into his car. He was holding my hand during our ride home tracing little circles with the tips of his fingers and making my body tremble.

The way back was too short and soon he was parking his Volvo in front of my house. He helped me get out and unlock my front door.

"Do you want to come in?" I had to ask even though I knew it was very late. I just couldn't find it in myself to say goodbye just yet.

"I wish I could. I want to but it's late and I have to be up early tomorrow. I have an emergency project to take care of, so I have to fly to New York in the morning."

He must have seen panic in my eyes because he quickly hold by body and kept kissing my whole face, eyes and cheeks. I felt my tears running and pain in my chest spreading when he whispered to my ear "I promise you I will be back. You are my everything and I just can't stay away from you. I hope I will be back in a week or so. I will call you tomorrow, and every other day after that. I love you so much. Please don't cry."

He looked into my eyes and I could see the honesty of his words in his. I managed to nod and smiled sadly. I would be strong because he was so worth it.

A/N: So, this is officially my longest chapter and the fastest update :-) Aren't you grateful? lol

If you are interested how the Kubota Garden looks, here is the link:

* google it :-) The most awesome photos are at YELP site (kubota-garden-seattle)

Do you find their first date romantic enough? I wish I had an Edward *sighs*. Well, we have the New York recording next and their separation. We are close to Bella's discovery about their loss but... to be continue :-)

Have a nice week. I will try to update on Friday.

A.