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 cover. Both Ava's daughters had been entrusted to the watchful eyes of their grandparents at hto 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 I 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 cno 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 gon Frank's console.

"Ava, don't be nervous. Trust me, there's nothing to worry about. My brother's likely the most nervous one today.

His palms are probably sweating like crazy. Just relax and wait for him to cand marry you." "I'm not nervous. Why didn't you bring Harper? | wanted to get to know her and becfriends." Rose understood Ava was referring to Harper not letting her hold her. Children were like that. Long absences made them distant, but they were easy to soothe and quick to familiarize. She patted Ava's shoulder reassuringly. "No big deal. When you graduate and cto Athana, living at hevery day, Harper will start clinging to you. Don't worry." Among the three kids, Harper was the eldest. Rose thought she might need to consider when to have a second child.

"Okay. Hey, where's Alex? Why isn't she here?" Ava turned her head, scanning the room, noticing Alex's absence.

Stella was still admiring herself in the mirror, tapping an air cushion lightly on her face, absorbed in her own self- love. She applied slipstick, giving her lips a 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 con 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 forwhen 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. Go ahead," Sherri said after hanging up, speaking to her daughter, "Ruby, your godmother is more impatient than your mom. No wonder she had two daughters. She is anxious to have daughters." Ruby didn't quite understand her mother's words, but she smiled faintly, as if accustomed to the dynamic between her mom and her godmother.

Standing at the door, Natalie knocked gently, "Alex, is everything alright? Can | cin?" Shortly after, Alex's voice cfrom inside, "yes, Natalie, please con 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?" A bit awkward, indeed. It was the strapless top that seemed to give Alex a slight case of goosebumps. She nervously scratched her short hair, "Natalie, is there a way to, uh... cover this... this part?" Natalie picked up the lavender bridesmaid dress from the bed, considering for a moment. This strapless dress might truly pose a challenge for Alex, who wasn't comfortable in skirts. She handed the dress to Alex, "Alex, try this on first. Letsee what | can do to help." "Thank you, Natalie. | appreicite it a lot," said Alex.

Sherri lifted her daughter 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 take care of his fiancée.

Rose stood nearby, half anticipating Sherri 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 tshe praised him, Hackett's face turned as red as a tomato.

Jasper nodded in agreement, handing the controller to Ruby with a gentle smile. He showed her the buttons, patiently explaining each function and how to maneuver through the game.

Ruby smiled and started to play the gas the way Jasper had taught her.

Ava's hairstyling was completed. As per Frank's instructions, the stylist kept it elegantly simple—tucking strands from each side back while allowing loose curls to frher face. Atop her head sat a custom-made crown interwoven with the veil.

Her makeup was subtle, part of an all-white ensemble that 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 her proportions. Crafted by the smain designer behind Natalie's wedding dress, it 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, ensuring absolute comfort throughout the celebration.

Absolutely, every meticulous detail spoke volumes about Frank's attention and care.

The dress boasted bubble sleeves and a luxurious diamond-encrusted skirt.

Perhaps that's the advantage of having a husband who owns a jewelry company.

Ava appeared nothing short of a princess from a fairy tale, draped in a 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. "I agree, | think it's absolutely beautiful." Stella approached, running her hands over the wedding gown's train, inspecting it almost like an old woman with failing eyesight. Her focus wasn't on Ava's beauty but rather on the diamonds adorning the gown. "This isn't about liking or beauty. It's about the diamonds on this dress. Lose one, and it feels like you're losing a fortune. Is this even about a wedding? It's all about showing off wealth." Before Stella's commentary could continue, the door swung open, interrupting her astonishment.

Natalie appeared, leading Alex into the room. Alex, donning a dress for the very first time, exuded a sense of unease with every step. Upon her entry, Stella was quick to spot the distinctive white bow adorning Alex's attire.

"Wait a moment, why isn't your dress matching mine? What's with this bow? Are these different styles?" she queried, puzzled by the variance in their dresses.

Ava immediately understood the reason behind the bow on Alex's chest. It was undoubtedly her sister's solution.

Stella had initially selected the bridesmaid dresses. When she showed Alex, she had said it could match the preferences of the other bridesmaid.

"There's no need to doubt it. It's been processed again. This is the first tI've worn a dress in my life. I've been dressed as a boy ever since | wore diapers." All her clothes were old clothes of her brother. She had never worn a dress before.

"Ava, | won't wear these high heels. I'm afraid | might stumble and disrupt your wedding procession," Alex glanced at Stella's high heels, instinctively feeling discomfort in her feet, curled slightly within the shoes.

Ava hurriedly replied, "Oh, | completely forgot to tell you. | bought new white flats for you, they're in my room's closet. Would you mind getting them?" Alex, easygoing as always, said, "Okay, I'll go get them. You carry on getting ready." "Sure thing. Go ahead." The makeup artist paused, seeing that Alex had left, she leaned in slightly, her tone confidential as if she was sharing a coveted secret. "Miss Turner, your friend, in all honesty, has striking features. They're remarkably well- defined. I've been thinking perhaps she could try a wig, something simple yet elegant. Maybe a bob or even a stylish ponytail. Her natural allure gets lost in her neutral attire, diverting everyone's attention solely to her short hair." Makeup artists and stylists were quite skilled at identifying the nuances of a person's physique and appearance, knowing precisely how to enhance or tweak those features for the best effect.

Ava didn't immediately agree with the makeup artist's suggestion; she wanted to talk to Alex first before making any decisions.

Natalie helped Ava settle on the bed, reassuring her, "Weddings are naturally hectic, and it's normal to forget or overlook sthings. They won't mind at all. | just spoke with Alex in the room; she's thrilled to be part of your wedding." While Natalie assisted Alex with adjusting the butterfly knot, she casually mentioned, "If you genuinely don't like wearing dresses, you can talk to Ava about it. Though Ava really wants you as her bridesmaid, she won't force you or make you uncomfortable." "Hey, Ava must have mentioned my family to you, right?" Alex inquired, knowing Natalie understood her background without words.

Natalie nodded silently, prompting Alex to continue, "Ava's family is at the top of the social ladder, but she's never arrogant or disdainful toward anyone. While everyone might find my dressing peculiar, Ava never did. She foundcool, befriendedwillingly, she's genuinely kind, no pretenses. She callswhenever something good happens. Wearing a dress for her is no big deal for me. | won't hesitate if | have to risk my life for her." "Having a friend like you in Ava's life is amazing. Keep it up, you're only going to get better," Natalie complimented sincerely, which in turn earned a heartfelt response from Alex.