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.

white attire. Ava was adorned in a white dress, while

featuring a red background, Frank pondered that wearing

hand, they descended the stairs together, creating an atmosphere

Daniel and Emma awaited them, almost resembling parents seeing off their daughter for her wedding. Daniel's eyes reflected a trace of reluctance as he

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

we're heading there now," Frank confirmed before turning to the girl beside

breakfast shop near 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 at Frank, softly advising, "Drive carefully and take it slow on the road.” "Dad, Mom, we're heading to the city hall now. Goodbye, see you later." "Alright, see

how hard we tried to comfort her

"Indeed, Ava's belly

City University's

to twenty minutes for an average breakfast unless the food was

stood in front of 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 bit; his

around, blinking her eyes as her lashes fluttered. "No, not really. It's almost our turn. Don't worry; the boss here works pretty efficiently." Luck seemed to favor them; there were merely four people ahead in line

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

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

cucumbers, yet the flavors blended harmoniously, resulting

he replied. "Sure, just wait a minute." This dish was