Young Trevor was turning into a man. He'd soon be breaking hearts. He was as handsome as his father. Not that looks mattered if the heart wasn't pure.
Trenton suddenly got up and grabbed Jennifer's hand. He thought with all the chaos around them no one would notice if he slipped away for a few minutes. Of course, Joseph noticed everything. He smiled as he watched his nephew take his wife away for a moment of privacy.
Joseph's eyes moved to Max next. Max had sure been stubborn in finding love. They all had, but Joseph had doubts about Max settling down. He shouldn't have worried, though. Cassandra was his perfect match. She brought out a joy in Max that was radiant.
No matter where the two of them were, Joseph always noticed that Max was touching her. His hand on her back as they were standing, or grazing her knee where they sat. He loved her, and his every action showed that.
Bree was laughing at something Chad said. He was sitting across the table from Mark, and the two men were having an animated conversation. Probably talking about Trenton sneaking off.
The two of them were most likely jealous they hadn't thought of it first. Chad turned and looked at Bree, his hand shooting out to tug her close as he kissed her, leaving her looking breathless before he turned back to Mark and started talking again.
Finally, there was Austin. He was sitting in the corner, Kinsey perched on his lap with his arms around her as she cradled their daughter, Isabelle, close. She was less than a week old, so tiny and delicate, just like her mother. Joseph knew the happy couple also had the kind of love that would last.
His family was complete. All of his children and nephews and niece were happily married, having children, and living their lives to the fullest. He couldn't ask for anything more.
He sat back and watched, watched the way his family interacted, the way the children played, and how they all responded to one another.
"We've done well, Katherine," he said, his voice low.
"Yes, Joseph, we have," she agreed. "You know, if I weren't so happy about this beautiful family, you'd be in trouble, right?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," he said, trying his best to sound innocent.
"You can't fool me, Joseph Anderson. However, I'll let you think you can," she said, her eyes filled with love.
Joseph gazed at her for a moment, then he leaned in and gave her a kiss, his lips lingering for a long while. Even after forty years of marriage, she took his breath away.
He stood up and waited for the table to grow silent. With the growing number of family members, it took a little bit longer each year. He was content to wait.
"We've come to another Thanksgiving. As with each year, we have much to be grateful for. We have good jobs for ourselves, and for many employees. We have our health, some days of course, it's better than others. Most importantly, we have each other." He stopped for a moment as he fought the emotion building in him.
His family was silent as they waited, eyes starting to mist all around. Katherine stood next to him, taking his hand in hers. She looked up at him, her eyes glowing, then turned and faced the table.
"We have each other today, tomorrow, and forever," she finished quietly.
Everyone raised their glasses as they called out their agreement and toasted their thanks.
"What do we do now?"
"I don't know, George," Joseph answered.
"I mean, I can't complain. I have a wonderful new bride, beautiful grandkids and my family all together again, but … "
"I know, brother, I know," Joseph moped.
The two men sat in the den, sipping their drinks as they warmed themselves by the fire. The family was gathered in the sitting room, everyone too full to move around much. Joseph and George had snuck away for a drink.
"Well, it shouldn't take that long for the grandkids to grow," George said as he perked up.
"Hmm, you have a good point there," Joseph replied as he sat a little straighter.
"Yeah, look how the last ten years have flown past. Heck, the last twenty-five for that matter. I forget at times how old I've gotten."
"Bite your tongue, George. We've aged well, like a good scotch, we're not old," Joseph admonished.
"True, Joseph, very true."
"When this all started, I wanted grandkids. I thought my boys were never going to settle down. Now that I have them, I miss the planning and sneaking around. I got quiet clever in ways to trick them all," Joseph said proudly.
"We'll just have to figure out other ways to keep entertained until those kids get a little older," George sighed.
"Joseph, time for dessert," Katherine said as she and Esther stepped into the room.
"We'll be right out, dear," Joseph called back.