Jim bathed in the gloriously warm glow of love and pride as he watched his extended family joyfully celebrate this longed-for homecoming. The love he felt was quite overwhelming, for although each and every one of them had changed, and there were new faces, it was as if he’d never been away. He let his gaze wander to each of them in turn, and then decided it was time to let them know how very proud he was of them all, and how much he loved them.

He pushed back from the table and tapped his knife against his glass. ‘I look around me and my heart is full,’ he said into the ensuing silence. ‘I see my boys grown handsome and strong, with bright futures ahead of them, and to both of you, I wish you all the success in your chosen careers on the farm and in the RAF.’

He searched out his daughters. ‘As for my beautiful girls – Anne, you’re strong of heart and mind and the most loving wife and mother, and I’m very proud of the young woman you’ve become. Martin’s a lucky man, and so am I to have such a lovely daughter.’

He grinned at Cissy. ‘Cissy, you’ve got the Reilly spirit, and have shown a strength of purpose in following your own path – rather like your grandad. May all your dreams come true, wee girl, and make sure you come to visit more often now your mum and I are getting on a bit.’

There was much laughter at this, and Jim waited for it to die down before he turned to his father. ‘Da. What can I say to thank you for all you’ve done over these past few years? You’ve been my Peggy’s rock, and knowing you were always here for her eased my mind considerably and helped me concentrate on the job I had to do. I salute you for being stout of heart and truly the bravest man I know, for although you keep it to yourself, I know you’ve risked your life many a time in defence of this country.’

His gaze fell on Peggy. ‘And you, my darling girl,’ he said softly. ‘I’ve seen enough to know how hard it must have been for you over the years, but you’ve soldiered on; kept the home fires burning; raised our daughter and looked after all your chicks with such love and patience that they will always call this place home.’

He glanced towards Ruby, April, Sally, Danuta and Kitty before looking back at Peggy. ‘I love what you’ve done to the house, Peggy – and I love that through all the bombing, the rationing and shortages, you’ve found the strength to carry on without me and most of our family, and have found fulfilment in your work, and in the joy our children and grandchildren bring.’

Jim grinned at his older brother Frank and tipped him a wink before raising his glass. ‘I propose we drink to the precious gift of family – to those we love without question, and who we can now watch flourish in this new era of peace.’