When the Tears Stop

By A. N. Hopps

The Welshes are one of the wealthiest families in Collin, Texas. However, James and his brother Benjamin are the only two survivors of the Welsh family. This is story of James Welsh III, who is the older of the two. James is seen as the monarch of his family, which includes his brother and a few close friends. They all love this gentle giant of a man and want him to find love after the ending of his marriage two years ago. He feels that the hole in his heart is irreparable. They all handle him very gently as he recoversall but Ava who has been Jamess escort for over a decade for business dinners and hostess for parties at his home. However, he is not in love with her and only sees her as a very close friend. Even though he has married someone else, she still has her eye on being the next Mrs. James Welsh III, and now, she sees a clear path to that end.
The idea of finding someone else to love was the farthest thing from Jamess mind. He does feel lonely and misses his wife intensely. However, he is content with overseeing his ranch and being the CEO of his many businesses. The ranch is huge with a large number of staff and ranch hands. They had become his second family. So when he is not overseeing the ranch or managing his multimillion-dollar businesses, there is no time left for a social life. Yes, he is a great catch, and Ava is going fishing. The family understands his pain and wants to save him from women who are out to catch him. When the Tears Stop is the last installment of the trilogy. The other two are Once Upon a Wedding and Will, Power, and Promises.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514469637

A. N. Hopps

A. N. Hopps was born in Baltimore, where she raised two children alone. Her main focus was working and supporting her children. Writing has been a great part of her life, and she has been writing for most of her life. As a young adult, her first book was a collection of twenty plays compiled into a book title Bean People Plays. Once Upon a Wedding was her first published book, which inspired the writing of its sequel Will, Power, and Promises. She received encouragement from her fan base to write the third book because of their interest in the lives of the characters in the series of the books. After the arrival of her grandson, she started writing children’s books for lack of children’s books that address or interest little boys. After he left for college, she was permitted to publish these books. The first two books, Granny’s Baseball Book and Dolphin, Shark, and Killer Whale were published. There are fourteen more children’s books just waiting their turn to be published. She has always enjoyed writing for her friends: poems for weddings and plays for her church groups. The books Once Upon a Wedding, Will, Power, and Promises, and When the Tears Stop were a request from her daughter to write books that she would want to read. For many years, her daughter and son pushed for the publishing of these books in the background while she supported her family. I hope you enjoy them as much as they have.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

S MILES ALL AROUND—THAT was how I felt today. I had reasons for the smiles. The restaurant was busy as it had been since we open New Year’s Eve. My marriage to Keith was going wonderfully. We were so very happy, and our lives had settle down to a nice routine. Plus my new best friend Melissa was coming to visit and stay for a few days. She was going to be our first house guest. The thought of my life now made me smile, compared to several month ago.

I was getting things in order at the restaurant so that I could get to the airport to pick up Melissa. I finished my paperwork and walked out into the foyer. I walked up to my host to give him instruction for the day. I didn’t plan to come back until late this evening. I planned to bring Melissa back for dinner.

Ivan, listen, you got the helm. I’m off to get my friend at the airport. If there were any problems, give me a call.

Things are fine here, boss. We got a full house in three of the four restaurants: Mom’s, Please, and Mom’s Night Out are full. The Library has been lighted, which includes our sitter, who has been in the Library since morning. Peggy said she was not hiding her tears today. We were just giving her space. She did not want anything to eat. She was just nibbling on her sandwich. She ordered tea, and she just sat there, sipping her tea and holding that book, she never turned a page, so we knew she was not reading. She just sat there, looking out into space. There were times doing the week, you can set you clock to her. In two more hours, she’ll leave.

I stood at the host desk, looking up at the second level at my third restaurant, the Library, to see a very nicely dressed woman, sitting near the window, staring off into space. I often wonder what her story was. We did not know her name. But my heart could tell she was sad and was in pain.

Ivan, just do what you can to make her comfortable, give her space, don’t try to get any information from her, just leave her alone if that’s what she wants.

Okay, boss, for the small sandwich and tea she orders, she leaves a nice tip.

All right, sweetie, I got to get going. I don’t want Melissa waiting on me.

Okay, boss, I got things here. You go have fun with your friend.

I smiled and waved at him and looked at the sad lady, wishing I could give her a smile.

The sun was shining so bright it seemed to be smiling too. But the Texas sun was like a big smile. I walked to the valet parking garage; this was my daily exercise. There were no cars on the Promenade, only feet traffic. I gave the attendant my keys and a big smile, and he ran off to get my car. I was driving the Benzes, which was the arrangement since Keith and I got married. The Porsche was still Keith’s baby. I only got to drive it every now and again. It was a good thing because I love speed. I just couldn’t help myself. When I was driving that car, it seemed that how fast it can go is all I think about. One or two things were bound to happen. I could crash it or get arrested for driving so fast. So I’m happy driving the Benzes. The attendant returned with the Benzes, I got in and headed for the airport.

I drove slowly down the arrival section behind a long line of limos, which was there to pick up some important person.

I should have done that, hire a limo to pick up Melissa. Norma did that for me when I arrived in Texas. I smiled to myself. But I’m not Norma. That was the first time I said her name in the pass months and the first time I did not feel sad or hurt because of her death. I was healing. No, I am not Norma. My friend would want me to pick her up and meet her at the airport so we could chat on the way back. I wish Norma had picked me up for that reason, to prepare me for what I walked in to. But Norma and I are so very difference.

I was very happy that Melissa was coming to stay with us for a few days. She and I had become best of friend since the first time we met. After Norma had died, I came back to Texas to help Norma’s husband James. I had promised to help him with Norma’s arrangement.

Teddy and Melissa were James’s friends whom he introduced me to at Teddy’s Hollywood premiere. We became friends, and they attended my opening of the restaurant with her whole family, children and all. When they returned to California, we kept in touch, and we called each other once a week. Melissa was a super mom; her children are her world. She lives for her family. I was the only friend she had, who did not mind hearing her go on and on about her children, and she does. The fact that my children were adults, I could still remember going on and on to Norma about the twins. Melissa and I compared notes sometime, and I gave advice such as it is.

That was why she was coming to stay for a few days with us. The children were going on vacation with both sets of grandparents. They went on a trip to Hawaii. It took a lot to get her to let them go and for such a long time, two weeks. Teddy had to fly to New York on a business trip. I tried to get her to go with him. But Teddy knew she would be in New York alone 90 percent of the time. She would not be with him and would have to spend all that time alone. Melissa needed family and friends around her. She wanted to stay home. I suggested that she stay with me for a couple of days. Together we could entertain each other. Teddy promised to be back by that Friday. He would stop here to get Melissa, and they would spend the next week together before he went back to work and the children returned.

I looked up, and there she was with the biggest smile you ever wanted to see. I smiled and pulled up in front of her. Yes, smiles, all around were the theme for today. My friend and I would have a great time together this week. We put her luggage in the car. We jumped in and were off to our visit. The trip back was full of chatter and was a quick one. Before I knew it, I was pulling into the garage of my apartment building. We got the luggage and walked to the elevator, pushed the button to my floor as the door open I step out and I stop.

It’s me, Mrs. Carson, with my friend Melissa Garner. She will be my house guest for this week, I said aloud.

What was that? Melissa asked.

Mrs. Carson never comes out of her apartment, but every time she hears the elevator, she peeps out to see who it is. It’s only three apartments on this floor. The other apartment belongs to a lovely elderly couple, the Kirks. They are the only ones who have seen Mrs. Carson. They tell her what’s what on this floor. I think it’s sad she doesn’t get out. So I decided to speak to her, maybe she’ll let me be her friend. So every time I come home or leave, I let her know it’s only me.

We got to my apartment, and I unlocked the door. I walked over to turn on the music. This apartment was always filled with music. We automatically turned on jazz as we returned home.

Let’s get you settled, let me show you the guest room. She followed me to the guest room. I smiled as I entered the room. I remembered the first night I slept in this room before Keith and I were married. Even though I had move in with Keith, we both wanted to wait until we got married before we moved into the same bedroom. I was proud of the room. I had redecorated it myself. It was a dark library without windows and a Murphy bed. Now it is bright and cheery. Melissa is going to enjoy sleeping here. We walked back to the living room. I went to the kitchen to fix Melissa some coffee. Melissa could drink coffee 24-7. She loves the stuff as do Keith; however, I’m a tea person. But I do like the smell of coffee.

I love this place and that wall of windows that look out on the city. I bet it’s an awesome sight at night.

Yes, it is, I said as I handed her the mug of coffee.

You know me well, thanks, she said as she sips the hot coffee.

Oh, I hope you don’t mind the music. It’s just that we are such jazz buffs. If the music is not on, I feel misplace. You know what I mean?

Sure, that’s how I feel when the house doesn’t have the children there, you know that child sound, I understand?

Certain sounds are a part of your life, your children sound and my jazz.

As matter of fact, I want to thank you for the jazz CDs you sent to me. It gave me a special moment with Karen. She walked over to the couch and pulled her legs up under her to relax and sip her coffee.

I was listening to Ramsey Lewis, ‘For the Love of a Princess.’ It was bedtime, the other children were in bed. Karen felt that she was older now and wanted to stay up. I let her have an hour more than the others. She curled up beside me. She asked if we could turn the jazz off. I asked her why. She said she didn’t like that kind of music. I asked her how she could not like something she never heard before. I told her to close her eyes and listen to the music and that the music will tell a story. I made up a cute story of a young princess looking for her love. The story had beautiful scenery that I described to her. I look down. As the song ended, she had her eye close. I thought she was asleep. Then she opened her eye and said, ‘Mom, can we do this again? I like jazz. But, Mom, can it be our thing? Don’t tell anyone about it. I just want this for us, you and me. I always share you with the rest of the family. I want this to be just us.’ Edy, my heart just overflows with joy. She reaches up to wipe a tear. I too drop a few tears; it was moments like those that make all the trying hours of motherhood worth it.

Melissa, that was beautiful, look, you got me all teary. I wiped the tears from my eyes.

The phone rang. I got up and walked across the room to answer it.

Hi, baby, yes, I got her with no trouble. We are here safe and sound. Yes, my love, I’ll see you later. We find something to do. I will tell her. I hung up the phone and walked back to the couch and sat down by Melissa.

Keith is working late he has a patient he can’t leave. How about you and I get dressed up and go on a date just us girls? We can eat at the restaurant and go to the Next in Line to hear some good jazz.

Next in Line?

Yes, you’re going to love it. It is a jazz joint very popular. The people stand in line for the club. When you get in, you can only stay for two sets. They clear the club and let the next group of people in, hence the name Next in Line.

Sounds like fun, all but that standing in line thing.

No, that’s half the fun. You meet all kinds of interesting people in the line. You don’t have to stand. There are tables and chairs outside, or you can leave. They give you tickets as long as you’re back when your turn is called. Keith and I have fun meeting people, you would love it.

I love a good dress up and always love good food.

We spent the rest of the morning just putting around the house. We didn’t want to have too deep a conversation. We want to save it for the date. Melissa spent some time selecting her outfit and shoes. She did bring a lot of shoes for this short vacation. But that was Melissa. I often wonder why I was not into shoes like other women I’ve met. Most ladies’ love for shoes was so different from mine. I called the restaurant and let the staff know I was coming in with a guest for dinner. That was all I wanted to say; however, it turned into a business call. Melissa came out of the guest’s room.

Hey, I was thinking—I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were on the phone.

Hold on, it’s okay, it’s just the restaurant. It’s nothing that cannot wait, for a moment. Ivan, listen, I’ll talk to you about this later. I’ve got guest, and I don’t want to be rude. Okay, I trust you to handle it. Okay. Bye.

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cut into you call.

It’s okay, you were saying, you were thinking.

Yes, I was thinking maybe we should call James. He knew that I was coming. I don’t want him to think I’m ignoring him.

That’s a great idea. He’ll be happy to see you.

And you? How are you two?

James will be forever in my life. I love him dearly. It was hard before my wedding. He pulled back some from me. But I believe he has gotten some perspective on the situation. We loved each other but was just not in love that way, it’ll take a little time. But we have children together—well, not really. His brother Ben is like his son and my Erica is like his daughter. Erica and Ben keep us in a situation where we had to get over ourselves. We were friends in the beginning, now we’re more like family.

I wish we could find him a woman.

That would be nice as long as it is not Ava. How is Ava? No, don’t tell me, save it for date conversation. We laughed because Ava could be a full conversation topic all by itself.

Okay, we can talk about my shoes. I’ve picked a sharp pair of shoes.

If they are stiletto, I would not advise you to wear then. At the Promenade, you valet-park your car, and we walk everywhere. My restaurant is not too far from the valet garage. However, Next in Line is about a block or two away. Stiletto may be too much.

Girl, I can walk a marathon in stiletto. I’ll be just fine.

Okay, what do you want for lunch?

Not much, I remember that the food at your restaurant was the best. I plan to stuff myself for dinner.

Stuffing yourself and stiletto shoe, this is going to be an interesting evening.

Edy, I got this. We laughed as we walked to the kitchen to fix a light lunch.

Lunch was light, a couple of finger sandwich and ice tea. The time was flying by, so we went to our rooms to get dressed. I pulled out a light gray pant suit and a pale magenta blouse and pair of magenta heels. Not stiletto, all my heels are designed for long walks, not high, but high enough to have that high-heel walk. My man loves to walk, and I love walking with him.

I took my time getting dressed, just to give Melissa all the time she needed. I stood in front of the mirror and smiled. You look pretty happy, girl, I said out loud to myself. My thinking flashed back to last year, back to all the hurt and pain of that year. I sat down in my chair in my room. I had not been sad for Norma in the past few months. I miss her, but I was not sad. I couldn’t be sad. She is the reason why I’m so happy now. I wish she was here. But I could feel the tear roll down my cheek. Stop it, stop it now, I said aloud as the tears rolled down my cheek. Now I have to redo my makeup. I walked over to the dressing table to apply my makeup.

I don’t know if I should hate or thank Norma for my new life, for it was all arranged by her. She was the author of it all. It was like a snowball rolling down a mountain or hill until there was an avalanche. It all started with the trip here to Texas to attend Norma’s wedding to James, which was filled with events, drama, misunderstanding, and grief. I was happy with my life back in Baltimore. I like being a restaurant owner and a proud parent of a set of twins who both are becoming doctors. It was just an uneventful life.

I picked up wedding pictures of Keith and me; you would not believe that it all ended as it did. So much had happen last year attending Norma’s wedding. First, young Ben mistakenly believed he had fallen in love with me. Then he fell in love with Erica, my daughter. This triangle of Ben, Erica, and me caused the breakup of my relation with my daughter over the misunderstanding of that situation. I was never interested in Ben; he was too young. I was thankful that we got past it and are now very close. Out of my grief at the death of Norma, I promised that I would return to Texas to help James. James is such a beautiful man who loved her even when she was unlovable. Only the twins and I did that. We loved her even when she was self-centered. How did she find a man like James, who loved her no matter what, who changed her into someone that you would want to know. I loved him as a newly found brother.

I looked at the clock; we had some time before we had to leave for dinner. I sat still to listen for Melissa. I could hear her voice on the phone. She must be talking to her children. I was sure she missed them. I leaned back on the chair and relaxed. I would give her some time with her children. I sat there, fingering the picture of one of the happiest days of my life. We went through a lot to get to this point. I hated it that Norma has left me. Somehow she knew just what to put in motion to get what she wanted. She wanted to set up Keith and me at her wedding; however I was not going to be setup, back then. She wanted the children to move from Baltimore to Texas. She gave Eric her multimillion-dollar business to get him to move to Texas. She was counting on Erica to move here after she married Ben. It did take a lot to get here.

This picture made me smile. My Texas wedding was nothing like Norma’s. It was not grand or overstated. It was a nice small wedding with my Texas family in attendance. My twins were there. Erica was my maid of honor, and Eric gave me away. Ben and Erica, who had eloped a few months before, offered us to get married at his ranch. But Erica and I decided she would renew her vows at the ranch this spring when we all could be in attendance. So we had it at my restaurant. Mrs. Quinn, who had become like a mother to me, was there with James. He was torn between being sad, uncomfortable, and being happy for me. He loved me, but I was not in love with him although I do love him so very much. And there was his jealousy, which cause him to attack Keith, which almost killed Keith. Thank God, Keith recovered with no damage. Teddy and Melissa and their children were there, my nephew who was my cook and his family and my restaurant family.

I wanted my family to be there, but the cost of getting them here from Baltimore was a bit much. Although James offered to fly them in and have them stay with him at his ranch, I turned the offer down. Keith had said he did not mind if James paid for them to come, but I could tell he did. I talked to my family and told them I was not having a big wedding, just a very few friend, the twins, the justice of the peace. They are all working folks; it was hard to get time off to come to Texas for a couple of days. All except one brother decided to stay home. They would all come out for Erica’s wedding vows renewal, which would be a grander occasion than mine.

Are you ready? asked Melissa. I’ll meet you in the living room.

I’ll be right there. You look beautiful. I stood up and adjusted myself. I smiled to myself, finial thought. Even with the drama coming here brought, I was so very glad I did. I’m thankful, Norma, for my Texas family: James, my brother-in- law, Mrs. Quinn, my surrogate mother, Ben, my new son-in-law, my restaurant family here in Texas, Teddy, the kids, and most of all, Melissa, my new best friend. I’m grateful, Norma, thanks, I whispered.

I left the room and walked down the hall to the living room. Melissa was standing at the windows, looking out. She had on a beautiful silk purple/black pant suit, with a pale purple lightly ruffed collar, that framed her face. She was gorgeous. I looked down at her shoes although I’m not one of those women who are impressed by shoes, these were amazing. They were purple/black stiletto with roman straps.

Wow, girl, I love those shoes. Are you sure you will be able to walk in them?

I can walk a mile in stiletto, it is a normal thing for me. Are you ready? I’m hungry.

It is a good thing you know the owner of the restaurant. You’ll have the pick from four menus. Come on, let’s get you fed. We walked down the hall to the elevator. The apartment door of Mrs. Carson was ajar.

Mrs. Carson, it’s Edith, Dr. Keith’s wife, my guest and I am going out to dinner. Both Dr. Keith and I will be returning late this evening, not later than 2:00 AM. You have a good evening.

That was nice that you talked to her. Does she ever communicate with you?

No, but the Kirks, the couple in apartment 2, said she like me telling her when I leave and come back. She is just a lonely, scared old lady, worried that she lives alone. I have gotten Keith speaking to her. Maybe one day, she’ll come out and speak.

It doesn’t cost you anything to speak to people. The elevate door opened, and we got in and pushed the button for the garage.

It was a short ride to the Promenade. I pulled up to the valet. We walked the couple of blocks to my restaurant. As I entered the restaurant, there was a family waiting in the foyer to be seated in the first restaurant name Mom.

Hi, Ivan, how is everything? It looks a little busy.

Well, Mom number 1 and Please number 2 are filled. Mom’s Night Out is building got a few tables left. There is only one person in the Library, the Library lady.

Still?

She never left. She had been sitting there, holding that book. I feel sorry for Sierra, she’s the only server up there. You know she is not getting any tips. I could use her in number 1 with the kids.

Ivan, this is my friend, Mrs. Melissa Garner.

"Nice to meet you, Ivan maybe I can help out while I’m here.

You’re hired. It’s not that hard. Boss what do we do about Sierra?

I’ll go up and ask the Library lady if she would come down to Mom’s Night Out. We’ll give her a table where she can sit alone. I’ll offer to comp her meal.

Edy, let me try to get her to come down.

Melissa, you can help tomorrow with the children, this should come from me.

Okay, but I could do it.

I know, but comping someone’s meal is one of my delights. Plus I need to talk to Sierra, my server. We’re on a date, remember, and we’re on a schedule. Ivan, please show Ms. Melissa to a table, I’ll be right there.

Melissa and Ivan walked across the hall into the fourth restaurant called Mom’s Night Out. He showed her to the table they had set for us. I went upstairs to the Library. I put on my owner’s smile and approached the lady who looked sadder than ever.

Excuse me, madam, I don’t mean to disturb you. I like to offer you a free meal. You are the only patron in this section of the restaurant. We are a little busy in my other restaurant’s rooms. I could use your servers downstairs with the children. We will place you at a table away from the other patrons. You will still be alone, and no one will bother you if you like. There are a lot of ladies there alone. Plus I will comp your meal. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. She put down her book as if she would leave and looked around to see there was no one else in the room but her.

You don’t have to leave you’re a loyal customer. We’ll do what makes you comfortable, if you must stay here, that will be okay. She looked at me with her sad eyes full of tears. I decided to let her stay there. I will just adjust Sierra’s pay. The Library lady needs the peace.

I’m sorry, you can stay here. I’ll work it out.

I’ll move. I don’t want to be a bother.

You’re not a bother at all. It’s was just Sierra is just standing around and I was being mindful of her tips.

You’re right, I’ll move, she said and stood up with her book in her hand.

Yes, please bring your book, you can read it down there. You can order whatever you want for dinner, it is on me. I showed her to a table more to the corner, where she could be alone. She wasn’t the only single woman in the restaurant. There were mothers whose children were in the other restaurant’s rooms. I pulled out a chair for her, but she sat with her back to the room. I got her settled at a table and crossed the room to my table and Melissa.

How did it go?

She appears to be a woman in great pain or grief. She remind me of James when he lost Norma.

You think that is it? She has lost someone.

I don’t know, she just wants to be left alone. I’ll respect that and so will my staff. Have you selected what you want from the menu?

Maybe she needs someone to talk too—

Melissa, leave her alone. We have to finish our meal and get in line for the jazz set.

I want to sit and talk to her. She seems so alone. She must not have any family or friends to spend all day sitting in here by herself. Anyone can see she is grieving about something or someone.

Leave her alone, Ms. Mother of Mothers, you want to mother everyone you meet. I’m sure she has someone.

Suppose she doesn’t and she is all alone. She is in pain. Someone has to help her.

How do you know she doesn’t have anyone? How would anyone know?

And just how are you going to find out if she does have someone here for her?

I’ll ask. She stood up and walk across the room to the woman.

Melissa, I called after her, but she was gone. She walks up to the lady’s table and introduces herself.

Excuse me, I’m Melissa Garner, the hostess for Mom’s Night Out. I’m here to make sure all our patrons are comfortable and well treated. Is there anything I could get you to make your evening more enjoyable?

No, I’ fine. I just want to be alone.

I can see that. I just wanted to check. You look so sad as if you are grieving. If I can help, maybe an ear or if you don’t want to talk to a stranger, I could call a friend or family member for you, someone for you to talk to.

No, no, there is no family or friend. I relocated here for a job.

If I can help in anyway—

No, thanks, please I just want to be alone. Thank you for your concern, I’m fine. She picks up her glass and sips some of her drink. Melissa walked back to the table and sat down.

Well? What’s her story?

"I