Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Early the next morning. Everyone was ready for the wedding.

The makeup artists and stylists arrived early at Deepwater Bay, each carrying a substantial suitcase filled with tools and supplies.

Ava, brimming with excitement and anticipation for her wedding day, had awoken before her alarm could chime. She was now seated comfortably, undergoing the finishing touches of her makeup while Natalie, accompanied by Jasper, had come over. Both Ava's daughters had been entrusted to the watchful eyes of their grandparents at home to ensure they wouldn't disrupt their aunt's wedding.

The Wilson family was also expected to join the celebration, they would bring the two kids along with them. Rachel's capability in handling things was unquestionable. Therefore, they had not much to worry about.

Natalie was confident in Rachel's organizational abilities, so she had no worries. However, Natalie was a bit anxious about the activities arranged for the two young ones. Initially against the idea of the girls performing at their aunt's wedding, Trevon believed in their capabilities. Even Frank was sure there would be no issues, backed by Rose's assurance.

With everyone agreeing and her standing alone in opposition, eventually, the minority submitted to the majority.

Stella had already donned her bridesmaid's outfit, a graceful lavender chiffon dress, strapless and exuding a dreamy, romantic aura, complemented by sleek white high-heeled shoes.

"Stella chose to leave her hair cascading freely over her shoulders, skillfully curling it with an iron, applying a touch of hair serum, and elegantly fastening three elongated hair clips on one side. She admired her reflection in the mirror and couldn't help but say, ‘Not bad. Why am | so stunning?" Everyone laughed at her comment, except Rose, who cast a reproachful glance at Stella. "It's genuinely a waste of your beauty.

You're so pretty. How come no one pursues you?" Stella tossed her hair nonchalantly. "How would | know? Maybe they think I'm too good-looking, not on par with the beauty of a goddess like myself," she quipped.

"Seriously," Rose teased, "I've seen a lot of narcissits, you know. But no one is more narcissistic than you." Meanwhile, Natalie stood by her sister, tidying her hair, constantly remaining on the side, just in case her sister felt uncomfortable. Jasper sat bored on the bed, engrossed in a video game on Frank's console.

was referring to Harper not letting her hold her. Children were like that. Long absences made them distant, but they were easy

Hey, where's Alex? Why isn't she here?" Ava turned

slight pout. "She's in the room. When | was changing, | asked her if she needed help. She said she didn't, so | left. | thought she might be shy." Ava seemed to have a sense of understanding. She turned to Natalie beside her, saying, "Sis, could you go and check on Alex for me? | am a little worried about her to be honest. She... might be struggling a little to wear a dress.” "Sure, I'll give Sherri a call. She probably overslept; it's unlike her to be late at this hour," Natalie said while heading out, dialing Sherri's number, not even allowing Sherri a chance to speak, "Did you come on a snail?" Sherri, slightly out of breath, replied, "I'm at the gate, I'm at the gate. Do you know how fast | drove?" Hearing her friend was at the gate, Natalie instructed, "Take care of Ava for me when you arrive, I'll go check on Alex and see if there is anything | can help.” "Sure thing, I'll be there in a sec. Don't worry about Ava.

Shortly after, Alex's voice came from inside, "yes, Natalie, please come on in." Upon entering and closing the door behind her, Natalie noticed that Alex hadn't changed her clothes. "Why haven't you put the dress on? Don't you like it? Does it make you feel uncomfortable to wear a dress?" Abit awkward, indeed. It was the strapless top that seemed to give Alex a slight case

and placed her beside Jasper, requesting her future son-in-law to take care of her daughter, saying, "Jasper, take good care of your cousin." She was subtle, for she didn't outright asking him to

inadvertently calling Jasper her son-in-law. She often fantasized about Natalie's son being her son-in-law at home, and Jasper's handsomeness perfectly matched Sherri's standards for a son-in-law. Sherri never hesitated to express her affection and admiration for Jasper, and each time she praised him, Hackett's

to Ruby with a gentle smile. He showed her the buttons, patiently

and started to play the game as

Frank's instructions, the stylist kept it elegantly simple—tucking strands from each side back while allowing loose curls to frame her face.

exuded a pure princess vibe. Sherri couldn't help but marvel, "You look stunning! Frank must be planning to wed a princess!" Ava's three-month pregnancy was visible through her slightly swollen belly, yet her dress was custom-tailored to

was a Disney-style white gown. The puffy skirt had been meticulously adjusted, raised a few inches around the waist to accommodate her growing belly,

detail spoke volumes about

boasted bubble sleeves

of having a husband who

wedding gown. Her ethereal veil cascaded elegantly, the sparkling tiara adorned with an array of dazzling diamonds that left everyone present in absolute awe. Rose couldn't help but blurt out, "Oh my, my brother has impeccable taste. This is absolutely stunning!" Ava beamed with delight at the wedding dress Frank had arranged. Her smile widened, the corners of her eyes crinkling with happiness. "l agree, | think it's absolutely beautiful.” Stella approached, running