Master Finn and RJ nearly fell back down the stairs for the third time. Only the firm planting of the Shark Master's feet kept them from doing so as they hauled the tree up the stairs.
After several more minutes of pushing, pulling, near accidents, and a few curses, which were scolded, they managed to get the tree into the loft.
"Finally," father and son chorused.
They set the tree up, Casey, Sarah, Lily, and Fran began decorating, Jarrod and Camille went to get the things needed for dinner, and Flit, Theo, and Domonic began setting up for the dinner and activities downstairs.
"I don't get it. Camille goes with Jarrod while the rest of us are here. You don't see me running around town with my boyfriend," Sarah said.
"That's because I'm here helping," Master Finn countered as he carefully held her on his shoulders as she hung the mistletoe aboard the doorway.
Lily and Fran giggled at the exchange between the couple.
"Anyone seen the ladder?" RJ asked.
"No."
Sarah carefully slipped down from Master Finn's shoulders, and they went over to the tree.
RJ gave Casey, who, besides Theo, was the lightest guy, a boost up onto the Shark Master's broad shoulders, and Master Finn carefully but firmly gripped Casey's ankles.
"I think we got too tall of a tree, Dad. If Casey has to stand on your shoulders to reach the top it's definitely too tall."
"Ya think?" his father retorted.
"I can't quite reach," came Casey's strained voice as he stretched, trying to reach the top of the tree.
Master Finn and RJ looked at each other.
"You've got to be kidding."
Casey carefully got down just as Jarrod and Camille returned.
"Hey, Jarrod, can you give us a hand?" RJ asked.
"Uh, sure."
Master Finn looked at RJ.
"What am I; a stepping stool?!"
"You're the strongest of us, Dad, and Jarrod's lighter than I am."
The Shark Master sighed.
"Fine."
Jarrod was shorter than RJ and Master Finn, who both stood at exactly 6', by two inches, while Casey was four inches shorter than them.
Casey and RJ carefully boosted the lion cub up onto Master Finn's shoulders with the star in his hand.
Stretching carefully, Jarrod managed to put the star on the top of the tree.
"Got it!"
They finally got everything set up and after dinner, opened their presents.
The last gift was from Master Finn to Sarah.
He held out a small box to her.
She opened it, gasped softly, and looked at him in shock.
He smiled, took her hand, the one with the box, in his, and went down on one knee.
The others grew tense, sensing what was coming.
Master Finn looked into her eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly let it out.
"Sarah Richard,... will you marry me?"
Tears of joy filled Sarah's eyes.
"Oh, David,..."
Her answer was cut off by a clear thunk.
RJ had fainted.
Fran managed to quickly wake him up.
"I'm okay," he said, jumping to his feet.
Master Finn and Sarah turned their attention back to each other, and everyone waited for her answer.
"Oh, David, I... yes! Yes, David James, I will!"
He stood up, slipping the ring onto her left ring finger, and kissed her tenderly.
The others clapped and cheered.
It was the perfect Christmas.