Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Early the next morning.

Still nestled beneath the covers, Frank could hear the chirping of birds in the courtyard, almost like a subtle nudge to rise and begin the day. Blinking his bleary eyes, he glanced downwards at the girl nestled in his embrace.

She was deeply asleep, a smile lingering on her lips. Frank traced the delicate features of her face, from her beautiful brows to her eyes, nose, and finally her lips, ending with a gentle touch to her ear.

He wondered, would the baby resemble the girl more or himself? If it were like her, itd be adorable, but if it took after him, it'd be handsome.

Those who were self-absorbed would never see it in themselves, just like a drunkard would never admit that they were drunk.

He couldn't tell how much time had passed while gazing at her, but she sought comfort and warmth in his arms, snuggling closer.

Wrapping his arm around her within the blanket's embrace, he nestled his chin atop her head, gently inquiring, "Are you ready to get up? Should we head out in the morning or wait until the afternoon?" Ava mumbled from within the embrace, "Mmm, yeah. I'm getting up. Just five more minutes, I'll be up soon, | want to go in the morning." "We can go tomorrow if you can't get up now, you know?" Frank suggested, seeing her eyes still closed, a sign of being half- awake.

"No, today is the day. You promised to be my husband today. No backing out. Don't you want to go?" Ava instantly woke, lifting her head, her gaze challenging him, despite him towering over her.

Frank chuckled softly, an uncommon explanation, perhaps inspired by Grace's words. "No, last night | already told my parents and told Grace that we're getting the marriage license today, Ava. It's not that | didn’t want it before; | just didn't want to constrain you with those papers." Ava thought to herself, "Not that he didn't want it? "Does that mean he wanted it?" "Okay, let's get up." Ava's focus wasn't on her belly now but on the marriage license. She quickly threw off the covers and got out of bed.

Her swift movement prompted Frank to caution, lowering his voice, "Take it slow, no rush." Upon hearing his reminder, Ava eased her pace, delicately stepping down from the bed. Frank swiftly leaped off the bed to the other side, agilely guiding Ava inside the bathroom, where a mat had been laid on the floor to avoid her slipping and falling.

"What do you plan to wear?" "A white dress would be perfect for me. And | think it would complement well if you opt for a white shirt as well," Ava suggested to Frank.

"Sure, I'll go with that," he complied with the young girl's arrangements, acknowledging her choice.

dressed in matching white attire. Ava was adorned

and marriage license, both featuring a red background, Frank pondered that wearing white

together,

seeing off their daughter for her wedding. Daniel's eyes reflected a trace of reluctance as he

sweetly called out to him, "Dad, aren't you supposed to be at work now?" "Your brother and sister-in-law went to the company, so I'm staying at home today.

turning to the girl beside him. "But let's grab

school. Can we go there?" Frank glanced at his mother-in-law, who nodded in agreement, and responded, "Alright, let's go have it now." Emma nodded gently

he let out a sigh. "You know, ever since Frank came into her life, Ava's anxiety seems to have vanished. No matter how hard we tried to comfort her before, there was always a hint of unease in her eyes." Being unable to

we provide and what Frank brings to her is distinctively different. Let's ask about their wedding plans once they return.” Daniel nodded affirmatively, acknowledging, "Indeed, Ava's belly is still relatively small. If it grows larger, she might face difficulty fitting into a stunning wedding gown." He was aware of

University's

wait of fifteen to twenty minutes for an average breakfast unless the

Frank, enveloped in his protective embrace. Frowning at the three customers ahead of them, Frank thought that the restaurant owner could expedite the process a

almost our turn. Don't worry; the boss here works

a clear indication that the summer holiday had coerced everyone to cling to their beds longer. The early risers had already secured their breakfast and commenced their day, while the second wave of customers consisted of late risers catching up on

his large hand, and speaking in a deep voice, "Let's wait a bit longer, then." Ten minutes later, it was their turn. The owner of the restaurant asked, "What would you like to add to your food, young lady?" To hasten the process, Ava swiftly placed her order, "I'll have sausage, lettuce, crispy pancake, and... oh, chicken cutlet. And this one... seafood sauce, but not too much." In a quick flurry, she listed eight ingredients, then turned to Frank, asking, "What about you, Frank? What would you like to add to the sandwich?" "I'l have the same as yours," Frank responded, intrigued by the combination of

yet the flavors blended harmoniously, resulting in a delightful taste. It

as he replied. "Sure, just wait a minute." This dish was often recommended by Alex, so Ava was well aware of its price and quickly paid the bill, which totaled 12