chapter 24

Isaiah and Emily were each rocking on their brand new horses and giggling in a way that made the whole room light up.Katherine was playing Christmas songs on the piano and all the kids were singing along. Jessica had a really beautiful voice and when it was accompanied by Amy and Emily it sounded like angels from above.The three boys were sharing a drink by the fire and every few minutes they would glance over at their wives, as if to make sure the women didn’t disappear on them.Joseph was filled with pride at how well his matchmaking had turned out. He now had the large family he’d longed for and if things kept going as well as they’d been, he would be blessed with even more grandkids.He had to admit he was a bit disappointed he didn’t have anyone else to match up. He found he was really quite good at it.“Dad, come have some of this Cognac, it’s really good,” Lucas called to him.“Give me a minute,” he said. He reluctantly got up and placed Tassia in her portable bassinet, standing over her, making sure she didn’t wake up. He would be more than happy to pick her up again.She stayed asleep, giving him no excuse to cuddle her close again. He walked over to his boys and held his hand out for a glass.“I have to admit, Dad, Christmas keeps getting better and better each year,” Mark said as he once again glanced over at his wife and son.“I thought marriage would be the end of my life and yet I find it was truly the beginning,” Lucas admitted.“I never thought I would take the plunge but without Jessica I’m only half a person,” Alex said.“Of course all those wonderful babies sure makes the holidays bright again,” Joseph added as he glanced around the room filled with music and laughter.“I hate to admit you were right, Dad, but we’re going to have to give you one,” Lucas said.“Well that’s sure nice to hear every once in a while,” Joseph said, while puffing out his chest a bit.“Merry Christmas everyone,” Alex said to the room in general. The room was filled with choruses of Merry Christmas’s and Joseph knew life was as great as it could possibly ever be.