Jackson Noble Fir Christmas Tree Novels & Stories

I used to believe a lot of things and one was that I was untouchable with all of my parents' wealth and fame but time, and murders, and Maisie changed my perception of life… forever. That morning was nothing out of the usual, it was the beginning of winter and it was the tradition of Fairford folks to import trees – the bald cypress, Texas ash, Pecan and other trees that could survive the winter. The cold strong winds nearly knocked me off my feet as I stepped out of our villa onto our thick green garden that swept across our porch but was adroitly interpenetrated by gray fancy stones that thrust a path between our house's building and the rest of the world.

Christmas is just as, or even more, grand in the White Castle as it was before. Decorations ranging from Christmas lights hung and lit up, a wreath on all doors, stockings of different colors and names, mini trees per room, poinsettias in full bloom, candles, mistletoes, nutcrackers, you name it. The White Castle looked like Santa had thrown up all over it. Safe to say, Neo was absolutely ecstatic. Back in Arizona, we celebrated Christmas, too, but definitely not as extravagant as this. We just had a small Christmas tree and a few gifts.

Now, with both of us back home for Christmas after years away, the air crackled with unspoken tension. Mom laughed from across the table, oblivious. "You two are adults now. Act like it! Jake, tell Cassie about that big project you're on." She piled more mashed potatoes onto my plate, the scent of roasted turkey and cinnamon filling the room. The house was decked out, garlands draping the mantel, a massive tree glowing in the corner with ornaments from our childhoods. Jake took a swig of eggnog, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. "It's nothing special. Just building condos downtown. Pays the bills." His gaze flicked back to me, dark and probing.