As they worked, Felicia asked how things were at work, and Parrish brought her up-to-date. With the three of them pitching in, it didn’t take all that long to strip the tree of its ornaments, lights, and garlands. Parrish and Philip wrapped the tree in plastic trash bags to avoid getting more needles all over the floor and carried it out to the curb.
“I’ll call for recycling to pick it up in the morning,” Philip said as they returned to the house. Felicia was running the vacuum cleaner over the floor, picking up the worst of the debris. “I hope that doesn’t wake the twins,” he murmured as he went to take it from his wife. “Why don’t you and Parrish get the candles for the mantel?”
“Good idea. Parrish?”
Silver and white candles in clear glass holders were on the dining room table. Felici
