“No Christmas tree?” Ellen asked in dismay when Larry set her down in the living room late Christmas Eve morning. “Where am I going to put these?” She held up one of the satchels she was carrying, the other being her overnight bag.
Adam, replied, “We didn’t want to cut down a tree, so…” He took her to the window facing the side yard.
She sucked in a breath. “That’s beautiful.” One of the pine trees at the edge of the yard was trimmed with glittering ornaments, shimmering tinsel, and a silver star that shone brightly in the light of the sun. “But still, I’ve got all these presents and I don’t think putting them out in the snow is a good idea. Do you?”
Philip turned her to face the fireplace. The mantel and a table beside it were laden with gift-wrapped packages. “Will that work?” he aske
