Chapter 3: A Whirlwind Romance

Mortimer’s final school year passed without much incident.  Gunther and Cornelia became amicable with each other and came together to throw Mortimer a pool party for his birthday.  They would have only the best as they celebrated his becoming a man.  Mortimer thought about what he could possibly wish for that he didn't already have.  His family had plenty of money and the manor had been in the family for generations.  He already had the girl of his dreams.

Mortimer decided just to wish for the strength and knowledge necessary to be the patriarch of Goth Manor when the time came.  He didn’t feel that his lead was imminent, but his parents were elders.  No one could know how much time they had.  Hopefully they would be around while he grew into his place.

Mortimer felt pretty good as a young adult.  The future was before him and his options were endless.  He did already know some of the directions he wanted to head in.  He could never see himself separate from Bella and that was going to have to be addressed as soon as possible.  He also knew that he didn’t have it in himself to be a businessman.  He wanted to keep that conversation for later rather than sooner; but he bet that Gunther would bring it up before the party was over.

Gunther and Mortimer spent a couple of months going back and forth over Mortimer’s professional life.  Gunther insisted Mortimer go into business or, at the very least, get into politics.  Mortimer argued against the suit as much as he could.  He was the first Goth to openly challenge his father when it came to family business but he would not relent.  Mortimer attempted to get his mother to convince his father but she had no influence in his decisions anymore.  Mortimer was the most stubborn Goth yet and Gunther wanted his drive and directive in the boardroom.  Mortimer had other plans.  He secretly arranged an after-hours meeting with a Carnivorous Plant Tender at Landgraab Industries Science Facility for an interview.  Afterward, he was offered a job as a test subject; he accepted.  Mortimer knew that his father wasn’t going to argue over this because he wouldn’t sully the Goth reputation by forcing Mortimer to quit his job at the science facility.

Once he was secure in his job and his father was calmed, Mortimer decided it time to have Bella by his side forever.  She had started working at Hogan’s diner so their hours were off, but he surprised her after work one evening.  He took her back to their special place from years ago and pulled her close.

Bella brushed a strand of hair out of his eyes.  “Don’t be so serious Mort.  You’ll get wrinkles.  What’s on your mind?”

Mortimer dropped to one knee.  He knew this was it.  Life would be complete after this night.  “Bella, I have loved you since before I can remember.  I’ve wanted to ask this since we were teens, and I can’t wait another minute.”

With the moon rising over Sunset Valley, Mortimer opened a small black box.  Set in black velvet, the small silver heirloom diamond ring glistened in the moonlight.  “Bella Bachelor, can I have the honor of being your husband?”

 

“I will be yours forever if you say yes.”

 

Bella could hardly speak. “Of course, yes!”  she finally squeaked.

Mortimer and Bella held tightly to each other high above Sunset Valley.  The town was quiet below.  The engagement was a romantic formality.  They had always known that they would marry and have a family.

“I don’t think we should wait.  Let’s move you into the manor and have the wedding next weekend,” Mortimer proposed.

“That quickly?” Bella asked with surprise.

“Why not?  We’ve been inseparable since childhood.  Why would we need a long engagement?”

“Mort, my family doesn’t have as much money as yours.  My parents can’t pull together a wedding by next weekend and I don’t want to be married at City Hall.”

“Bella you will be a Goth soon.  The money is yours as much as it is mine.  You can have the wedding of your dreams as soon as next weekend.  If you agree then my mother and your parents can get started.”

“Yes, then, let’s get married next weekend,” Bella agreed as the moon shined in her already glowing eyes.

It was a whirlwind week, but Cornelia and Bella’s mother Jocasta managed to pull the wedding together with time to spare.  On the morning of the big day Cornelia noticed how nervous her son was.  She suggested that they take a few minutes to tend to the garden before heading to the Art Museum where the ceremony would be.

“I’m so happy that you are marrying the woman you love, Mortimer,” Cornelia said as they weeded the plants.  “She’s a good woman and she will fit with you well in this place.”

“I know mom.  I’m just glad that you love her as much as I do.” Mortimer admitted.  “What time is it?”

“Only a couple of minutes from the last time you asked,” Cornelia said with a laugh.  “Though I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to go to the Art Museum and start getting ready.  I love you very much Mortimer.  Let’s go get you married.”

So many guests had arrived for the Bachelor-Goth wedding that it was standing-room only.  With very little effort the wedding began on time.  Simis Bachelor escorted Bella to Mortimer and kissed her on the cheek before she took Mortimer’s hand.

“All that I am and all that I have,” Bella began, “I offer to you in love and in joy.  From this day forward I will love and comfort you, hold you close, prize you above all others, and remain faithful to you all the days of our lives.”

“Bella, I came here today to join my life to yours before this company.” Mortimer said as he slipped the wedding band on Bella’s finger.

“In their presence I pledge to be true to you, to respect you, and to grow with you through the years. Time may pass, fortune may smile, trials may come; no matter what we may encounter together, I vow here that this love will be my only love. I will make my home in your heart from this day forward.”

As they looked at each other lovingly, Mortimer and Bella were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Goth.  Bella had dreamed of this day since her feelings started changing from friendship to love.  There were moments she didn’t know whether she would have this day, especially when her father forbade her from seeing Mortimer.  She could never stay away.  Now she had all the time she could want with the love of her life.

The reception lasted into the night.  They enjoyed the best catered dinner and the most beautiful cake Sunset Valley could offer.  Mortimer danced with Bella through the night.  He didn’t want to stray even the smallest space away.  After talking with some guests Mortimer took Bella’s hand and twirled her around the dance floor.

Cornelia was able to steal a few moments with Bella.  As wedding gift Cornelia wanted to paint a portrait of Bella to be hung in the manor next to Mortimer’s portrait.  She positioned Bella against a red wall to contrast her hair and dress.  Cornelia was able to get a basic sketch before Mortimer found them and interrupted.

Bella took her husband’s face in her hands and loosely played with his hair.  She thought she would burst with love and happiness.

The sound of clinking glasses filled the room.  Joining in with the fun, Bella grabbed Mortimer and pulled him in for a kiss.

The reception was fading to an end in the early hours of the morning.  Mortimer gathered Bella into his arms, “Are you ready to leave?” he asked.

“Yes,” she said.  “We just need to say a few more good-byes.”

Bella sought out her parents while Mortimer politely said good-bye to some of the guests.  He invited them to stay as late as they wanted and the wedding guests bid the bride and groom farewell with cheers as they left the Art Institute.

Mortimer and Bella settled into the manor.  Gunther and Cornelia had decided to stay elsewhere for the night to allow the newlyweds some privacy.  With their wedding night before them, Mortimer and Bella decided to try to start a family of their own.