*Author's Note* Hello everyone and welcome to the last chapter of this story! I want to say thanks to everyone that has read this fanfic with a special thanks to those of you that have been with it from chapter one and those that have left reviews. I hope you all enjoy!
It all seemed to be happening so fast, yet Morticia still wished that time would find a way to skip ahead. She longed for the sweet moment where Gomez's moustache would tickle her as their lips met to finalize their marriage. She watched as Gomez directed the minister to the spot of swamp in the cemetery that he insisted was perfect for the ceremony. Even from her spot in large window in the master bedroom, Morticia could see a sparkle in Gomez's deep-set eyes. Her mind envisioned the years that were ahead, how she would stand in this exact spot and admire Gomez strolling through the cemetery, or how she would glance down to catch their children at play. It was surreal to think how beautifully her circumstances were changing. In mere hours, her torturous dream would become reality. At last, the man that caused her heart endless agony would belong to her. No longer would she lose sleep from his absence, on the contrary, she knew she would find herself endlessly tired from her husband's demanding presence.
"Morticia?" Hester gently called from the other side of the door.
"Come in, mama."
The door squeaked opened, a gush a chilly air bombarding Hester's frame.
"It's freezing in here!"
Without tearing her eyes away from Gomez's figure, Morticia gave a soft reply. "I think it feels wonderful."
Her mother dismissed her comment, making her way to the large dust covered antique vanity where she picked up a boar's hair brush. Morticia still stood at the window, arms folded in front of her, her mind lost between reality and day dreams. Hester gently took the ebony locks that framed Morticia's face and gathered them on her back, then started to tenderly brush the silken hair.
"Dear, are you sure you want to marry Gomez tonight? It is rather quick, and you've been through so much."
"I love him, mama."
"I understand dear, but you don't really know him." Hester's guilt over forcing her daughters into arranged marriages was gnawing at her. She wanted to make sure Morticia's marital unhappiness was no fault of her own, so she was determined to give her daughter options for escape.
At last Morticia turned to her, a small smile on her ruby lips. "What better way to get to know someone?"
Hester was speechless, but felt a wash of comfort overtake her. Morticia seemed so mature and confident, it bewitched her mother into ignoring all her worries. They exchanged an understanding look, tears shining in Hester's eyes. The moment was broken by a knock on the open door and the sound of someone clearing their throat. They looked up to see Eudora Addams standing in the door frame, a bouquet of red roses clutched in her hands.
"We are ready when you are, Morticia."
"I will be down in a few moments."
Eudora nodded and handed the roses to Morticia. As both mothers left the room, Morticia glanced in the large cobweb covered oval mirror. Like her previous wedding day, she didn't recognize the woman in the cold glass. Staring at her was a stranger that emanated bliss, and it was all because of her darling Gomez. Sapphire eyes scanned her figure, following the delicate lines of her form hugging gown, hoping vainly that her beauty would be powerful enough to stop Gomez's heart. Her long lacquered nails gently grazed her dark locks, ensuring every strand was in its place. As her hand fell, the delicate petals of the crimson roses brushed against her palm reminding her of their unfortunate presence. Gracefully she moved to the noose hanging in the room, and gave it a firm tug. She was unmoved by the ground shaking sound that possessed the house.
"You rang?"
"Lurch, would you bring me some gardening shears? I can't stand the thought of Mr. Addams seeing me while these horrid blooms are still clinging to their stems."
"Yes, Madame." He turned to fulfill her request, leaving her alone once again. Temptation overcame her as her eyes roamed around the room, and she indulged in running her fingertips over various surfaces. Timidly her fingers traced over the delicate carvings on the bed post, while her vision was already attracted to the dark burgundy satin that covered the hard mattress. No longer able to restrain herself, she touched the fabric allowing it to seduce her, making her grasp it in her fists so that her flesh could be surrounded by its subtle comfort.
"Your shears, Madame."
The butler's voice startled her, the hand that was indulging in the touch of satin was now accepting the sharp tool.
"Thank you, Lurch."
He grunted a response before leaving once again. Heavy blossoms fell on to the faded oriental rug that lay beneath her feet, vulnerable petals severed from their buds and scattered around the hem of her dress. As the last flower plummeted to the ground, she smiled at her handiwork. With one final peek in the mirror to admire her freshly trimmed bouquet stabbing delicately through her sleeve, she sighed and made her way down the hall. As she reached out to hold the bannister, she could hear Gomez's laugh echoing off the walls and felt her heart flutter with anticipation. Carefully, she began her decent, her excitement growing with each step. His back was to the stairs as he and Eudora laughed at the fright Thing gave the minister. It was Eudora who alerted Gomez of Morticia's presence by clearing her throat. In the moment that he turned to look at her, Morticia felt her heart drop into the deep pit of her stomach. Hazel eyes shone as they took in her image, his throat tightening as his breath was caught.
"Tish" he finally exhaled.
Her ruby lips parted, ready to speak offerings of love, when Fester ran into the room shouting Gomez's name.
"What is it, old man?"
"Gomez, I've been looking everywhere for you!" He took in his surroundings, noticing Morticia and Hester. "Am I interrupting something?"
A grin spread across Gomez's face as he lit a cigar, and walked to offer Morticia his arm. "Yes, actually. We're getting married!"
"Oh Wonderful! Then I came at just the right time. Gomez, we're off the hook!"
"I didn't know we were being fished."
"No, no. The police are finished with their investigation, and they know we didn't do it!"
"That's great news!"
"When Balthazar was shooting at you, a bullet ricocheted off a frame that was hanging on the wall and hit him right in the heart."
"Really!?" Eudora asked. "I wonder which picture it was."
"Oh, they said it was the portrait of Morticia. The new one that he had done during the honeymoon. You know, the big one with the thick metal frame."
Gomez kissed Morticia's temple. "Ah querida, you always know just where to strike a man."
A small smile curved her lips as she caressed his face. He growled at her touch.
"Cara Mia, will you marry me?"
"I thought you'd never ask." She cooed, inches from his face.
At last, time was working at Morticia's desired speed. Gomez led her out to the gloomy swamp, their family members following close behind ready to watch the young couple say their "I dos". As the ceremony began, Gomez squeezed her against him giving her a nonverbal promise of what was to come.