"I know this next year will be filled with many more blessings," he said and looked over at Mark, his youngest son, who started to squirm a bit in his seat.
"Ha little brother, I think dad's prophesying you're going to be the next to give him a grandkid," Lucas goaded his youngest brother.
"You know that's not going to happen. I'm a confirmed bachelor," he said on a laugh but there also seemed to be a longing in his eyes which both Jessica and Amy spotted. They looked at each other and smiled.
"Your brothers were too until they met the love of their lives. Now they're far happier than they ever were before. We're meant to have someone by our side," he said. He then took his beautiful wife Katherine's hand in his.
"I'm most grateful of all for every day I'm blessed enough to spend with you. You're my light, my whole reason for being," he said. Everyone was silent as they witnessed a love that couldn't be matched.
"I love you too Joseph," she replied, before discretely wiping a tear from her face.
"Now let's eat this wonderful food that's been prepared," he said in a slightly cracked voice.
"Here, here," everyone shouted. The rest of the night was filled with laughter and remembered times.