Once again thanks to Mills for her help with the visual aspect of things :)
"Hello" they said
Lucy looked at them and then at Paul.
"Hello" she said quietly
Gail picked up the empty mugs from the coffee table and gestured for Paul to help her in the kitchen.
Jim looked at Lucy "I've missed you Lucy" he said
Lucy just looked at him not saying a word, her eyes drifted to the baby in Helen's arms.
"I was searching through the garage this afternoon and found some things of your Mother's, and I found something that might help make you feel closer to your Mum and understand things better" Jim said
"What is it?" Lucy asked
Jim handed her the book "It's the diary your Mum wrote when she was pregnant with you" he said
"Why don't you take it Lucy" Helen said "You might find it interesting"
Lucy slowly reached out taking the diary and said she was going to sit out the back for a while.
Jim and Helen watched her go, Jim turned to Helen "Do you think I should follow her?" he said
Helen smiled "Might be a good idea" she replied
Lucy wandered outside holding the diary tightly and sat on the step, looking up at the window she saw Gail watching her and smiled. Jim came out and Lucy pushed up so that he could sit down beside her.
"Why didn't you tell me the truth?"
"We told you what we thought you needed to know, I felt the rest would hurt you." Jim said "Lucy I love you.. you've always been my special little girl and nothing will change that"
"But Julie told me that you didn't want me" Lucy said
"I know Julie hurt you with what she said, but hopefully the diary will give you some answers that will explain how your Mum and I felt. Please read it" Jim said
"Okay"
They were interrupted by the sound of crying inside. Lucy looked up at the window.
"Robert" she laughed
"Sounds like someone needs feeding" Jim said "Shall we go and see what all the commotion is about"
"Gail says he's just like Paul…greedy" Lucy laughed
"She has a point" Jim said agreeing
As they entered the kitchen Gail looked at her and handed her the bottle of milk.
"Robert wants you to feed him" she said "Why don't you go and sit in Paul's chair"
Gail took the baby from Helen and gently placed him in Lucy's arms. "Just remember to take it slowly" she said.
"So have you two heard when the other two babies are definitely coming home" Helen asked
"Not yet…hopefully they'll tell us tomorrow but it shouldn't be too long. I think Cameron is ready to come home it just depends on Lucinda" Paul said
"If you need any help you know where we are" Jim said
"You might regret saying that Jim. Just hope the neighbours have sound proofing as it might get a bit noisy" Gail said
Paul looked at the baby in Lucy's arms and gently stroked his face "This one has been really good, he seems to have settled in nicely" he said
Later that evening after Jim and Helen had left and Lucy had gone to bed, Paul made some coffee while Gail sat on the sofa, the baby lay asleep in the basinet.
"Peace at last!" he said sitting down next to Gail
Gail didn't reply and Paul looked at her.
"Hey where are you?" he asked
She looked at him and laughed "Oh sorry I was miles away…just thinking"
"Do you want to share?" Paul said pulling her closer to him
Gail looked at him "I was just thinking how cruel life can be to people at times, like your Mum and Dad and Des and Daphne"
"I know" Paul said "It makes you even more glad for the things you have and makes you more determined to hold on to them"
Gail laughed "Just hold on to that thought matey" she said
Paul looked at her "I'm not sure that Des will ever get over losing Daphne" he said
Gail looked over at the baby in the basinet and smiled "We're just lucky…we've got three healthy babies, I can't believe how far we've come in two years" she said
Paul kissed her "But you've been through a lot during that time. I don't ever want to lose this…what we have now, I turn cold every time I think of how close I came to losing you" he said
Gail looked at him, smiling "But you didn't" she said "These past few weeks you've more than proved how committed you are to me and our children. The Robinson Corporation seems to have taken a back seat"
"Well with Rosemary here, I don't have to worry about it, and we have new staff in the office. Which reminds me at some point I suppose I should go in and see them" Paul said
"Well you are the boss" Gail laughed
"Maybe we can pop in before Lucinda and Cameron come home" Paul said "Take Robert with us"
"We'll see" Gail said "Darling I know at some point you're going to have to go into the office and I understand that…all I want is for it not to consume you like it has in the past"
"Oh hey I also wanted to say thank you for being there for me and Lucy these past few days, especially with everything else that's happening" Paul said
"That's what I'm here for" Gail said "We're a team remember"
"I know but it's not that long since your Dad died and then there are the babies…" Paul said
"And you've been with me every step of the way…which is all I ever wanted" Gail said "Besides you know how fond I am of Lucy"
"By the way how did you get her to come downstairs tonight?" Paul asked
"I told her how I felt about my Dad after I found out I was adopted, that I told him he wasn't my Father and I didn't want anything to do with him but you made me realize that I was over reacting" Gail said ""Lucy also reminded me that I still have my 'real Dad'"
Paul looked at her but remained silent, not wanting to interrupt her.
"Maybe it's the babies but I see things slightly different now, Ian was my biological Father but that doesn't necessarily make him my real Father. Rob was always there for me, he was the one that knew me all my life" Gail said
"Yeah. Hey come on it's time for bed for you, let's get this little one settled down for the night" Paul said getting up and taking Gail's hand to help her up.
The following morning Paul was up early feeding Robert, allowing Gail to have a lie in as he knew she was tired. He walked down the driveway with Robert to fetch the newspaper and glanced towards No.26; he saw Julie and her family driving away, nodding to her as they passed he was curious as to where they were going at this time of morning. Looking at the baby in his arms, he smiled and headed back to the house. Lucy was busy in the kitchen putting the breakfast things on the table and Gail was just coming downstairs as Paul walked in. As he closed the door Gail reached the bottom step,
"Why didn't you wake me?" Gail asked
Paul smiled and kissed her "Good morning to you too" He laughed "I thought I would give you a lay in"
Paul placed the baby in the basinet and together the couple walked to the kitchen. Lucy looked at them both.
"The toast is in the toaster and there's some cereal on the table" she said pointing as she did so
"Okay thanks" Paul said surprised at her efficiency and cheeriness "How are you today?"
"I'm fine…I read Mum's diary last night, it's on the coffee table just in case you wanted to read it" she said to Paul
"Maybe later" Paul replied, not really sure whether he did
"Did you find some answers in it?" Paul asked
"Sort of" Lucy said
"I've just seen Julie drive off…maybe you could go and see Dad and Gran this morning" Paul said
"Maybe" Lucy replied thoughtfully
Gail and Paul smiled at each other and raised their eyebrows in hope
"But I'm not going home while Julie's here" Lucy remarked
"That's fine" Gail said "We're probably going to hear when Lucinda and Cameron can come home today, so your help will be appreciated"
"Can I come with you to the hospital?" Lucy asked
"Munchkin I think you should go and see Dad and Gran today, don't worry we're give you a key and you can come back here if Julie returns" Paul said
After breakfast was cleared away Lucy dressed, Gail went back to bed, leaving Paul with Robert. Checking that the baby was still happy in the basinet he went and sat down on the sofa and picked up the diary, casually flicking through it.
Jim sat alone in the living room. Beverley and Helen had gone shopping and Philip and Julie had taken the children out early. Picking up the box on the coffee table, he flicked through the contents finally picking up the small ring box, opening it he smiled as he saw Anne's engagement ring, still in perfect condition. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door, getting up he went to answer it.
"Rosemary" he said surprised to see her. "I thought you'd be at work now"
Rosemary laughed "No not yet…just thought I'd come and see Mum" she said
"You've just missed her..she's out shopping with Beverley" Jim said
"Nevermind, I'll catch up with her tonight instead" Rosemary said
"While you're here would you like a coffee?" Jim asked
"Sure" Rosemary said as she sat down in the lounge
"I was just going through some of Anne's things" Jim said from the kitchen
"How are you feeling?" she asked as Jim returned with the coffee.
Jim sighed "Oh I'm fine….just hope we can sort this problem with Lucy out, I gave her Anne's diary to look at last night..I thought it might help her understand some of what was happening at the time" he said "I still can't believe what Julie said to her"
"How do you feel about Julie?" Rosemary said tentatively
Jim started to tidy away the papers back in to the box "She's always been difficult, loved to boss us all around but basically I think she's a good person" he said
"That's not what I meant Jim" Rosemary said studying the look on his face
Jim looked at her but said nothing
"Oh come on, Anne and I were so much more than sisters we were best friends, we didn't have secrets. She told me the truth about Julie and what happened with Roger Bannon" Rosemary said
"It's ironic really isn't it" Jim said "I persuaded Anne to keep that baby, told her I would bring it up as my own but pleaded with her later with Lucy"
"They were different circumstances" Rosemary said "The sad thing is I know Anne wanted another daughter, she wanted the same closeness she had with Mum with her own daughter. She always felt distant from Julie"
"I know" Jim said "And I can understand why, I always thought that was some of Anne in Julie but after what she did to Lucy I can't see it"
"What are you going to do?" Rosemary asked
"I can't do anything, nothing has changed she is still my 'daughter'" Jim said "I made a promise to Anne that Julie would never know about her real parentage and I won't betray that promise"
Jim picked up the tiny box and took out the engagement ring. Rosemary watched him, turning to her he asked
"How long do you think you'll be staying over here?" Jim said
"As long as I'm needed" Rosemary said "Paul doesn't seem in a hurry to get back into work"
"He's changed; maybe Gail walking out on him shook him up and made him realize how much he was risking by working so much. I know how happy they both seem at the moment" Jim said, laughing slightly "Anne adored him"
"I know" Rosemary laughed "When she was pregnant with Julie, things were really bad for her, you and her were not on speaking terms, she concentrated on Paul…as a baby he almost sensed how much she needed him"
"I never realized how much losing Anne affected him" Jim said "He's always kept his emotions hidden but seeing Gail pregnant brought back memories of Anne being pregnant with Lucy. I think one of the reasons he put so much energy into the business and didn't spend time with Gail was because he was scared of what might happen to her, he feared he would lose her like he lost his Mum"
"They seem to have put their differences aside though, they seem to be very happy together" Rosemary said "In fact they seem really close, they're not only coping with the babies but they've also made time to look after Lucy"
"I never thought I would say this but Paul is the one who reminds me most of Anne. He's done everything he can to save his marriage, stepping back from the business while he concentrates on his family." Jim said, looking down at the ring in his hand "And I think this engagement ring belongs to him"
"It's what Anne would have wanted. However isn't that going to cause more problems with Julie, after all I presume she expects to get that ring" Rosemary said reaching out to take the box and look at the ring
"I'll find something else for her" Jim said
Rosemary looked at her watch and seeing the time she finished her coffee.
"I better get to the office. Can you let Mum know I dropped by" she said
During the journey to the hospital Gail noticed that Paul was quiet.
"Hey are you okay?"
"Yes fine" Paul said as he got the car seat out.
"Did you read the diary? I noticed it was on the coffee table" Gail asked
"Yes it brought back memories of Mum and I was just thinking about her"
Gail smiled and reached for his hand "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Maybe later" Paul said gently kissing her forehead "Let's go and see our children"
After leaving the hospital the couple made a detour to Lassiters, where Paul went into the Office while Gail looked after Robert and chatted to Rosemary. Lucy was already home when they returned.
"When did you get back?" Paul asked
"About half an hour ago" Lucy said
"Has Julie come back then?" Paul asked
"No I just wanted to come back and see you" Lucy said "Dad said that Philip has taken Julie and the children out for the day"
"Well we've got some good news" Gail said as she sat down "Lucinda and Cameron can come home on Monday"
"That's great, I can help look after Robert for you" Lucy said "Why don't you let me cook dinner to celebrate and say thank you for letting me stay here"
Paul laughed "What's for dinner then" he said
"Spaghetti!" Lucy said
"I should have guessed" Gail laughed "Well I think I'll feed this little one before he screams the place down"
After warming the bottle, Gail went and sat by Paul on the sofa feeding Robert.
"So what's bothering you" Gail asked nudging him
Paul looked at Lucy in the kitchen and then back at Gail. "I'm fine…just the diary brought back memories of that year, in some of the entries she sounds really sad and tired, there's also entries where she talks about arguing with Dad" he said "The funny thing is I don't remember those arguments but Julie does"
"Maybe you shut it out" Gail said looking at Lucy
"No but the entries after that she talks about how they both agree that they want the baby but just scared at what could happen" Paul said "Dad wanted Lucy I know he did, she's always been special to him"
Gail laughed "Fathers and daughters" she said "I can't wait to see you with ours"
Paul gently kissed her "She'll be just like you Mrs Robinson…able to twist me around her little finger"
There conversation was interrupted by Lucy calling them for dinner. Robert had already fallen asleep on Gail's shoulder so she gently placed him in the basinet. After finishing their meal Paul and Lucy washed up while Gail sorted some laundry in the lounge.
"So what do you want to do this evening?" Paul asked Lucy
"Well Gran did mention something about some baby clothes she saw whilst shopping with Beverley this morning. She wanted me to ask if Gail and I could go shopping with her as she wants to buy something for them." Lucy said
"What and leave me all alone here" Paul said
"No you will have Robert" Lucy laughed
"I think you better ask Gail and see what she says" Paul replied
Lucy walked in to the living room with Paul following her whilst drying his hands.
"Gail, Gran wants to buy some clothes for the babies but wants to be sure you like them, would you come with us before the shops shut?" Lucy asked
Gail looked at Paul "Well what about Paul and Robert" she said
"Don't worry I can look after Robert, besides I have some paperwork that I promised I would do for Rosemary" Paul said
"Okay" Gail said "I could do with getting some Christmas presents as well"
After Lucy and Gail had left for the shops, Paul checked on Robert in the basinet and moved it next to the desk so he could keep an eye on him. Fifteen minutes later the doorbell rang, Paul sighed and put down his pen, and went to open the door, slightly relieved at the interruption
"Hi Dad" he said
"Do you want a coffee?" Paul said
"Sure" Jim replied "I hear you have been deserted"
"Yes, apart from Robert, you saw Gail and Lucy then" Paul replied "I've been trying to do some paperwork but can't seem to concentrate"
Jim walked over to the basinet and peeked inside, smiling "This one is so good" he said
"Sure is…only really cries when he wants feeding and changing" Paul said "Just hope the other two are as good"
"Any news about when they're coming home?" Jim asked
"Monday" Paul said enthusiastically, as he placed the coffee mugs on the table.
"Are you all set then?" Jim asked
"As much as any person can be for three newborn babies!" exclaimed Paul laughing
Jim hesitated before continuing "I was going through your Mother's things this morning and found something that I thought you might like to have" he said, handing Paul the small box
Paul opened it and was slightly shocked "Mum's engagement ring…I always thought you would give this to Julie or Lucy" he said
"No I figured your Mum would have wanted you to have it, I'll find something else for Julie and Lucy" Jim said
Paul laughed slightly "It's funny I never brought Gail an engagement ring, I just presented her with a blank cheque and told her to choose one" he said "Now I have a real engagement ring that will mean something more, something personal and will let her know how special she is to me"
"It's for you to do whatever you want with" Jim said
"Thanks Dad" Paul said
"How is Gail?" Jim asked
"She's fine…a bit tired" Paul said
"Just make sure you look after her, and do your fair share with the babies after all you're their Father" Jim said
"Hardly likely to forget that am I!" Paul laughed, glancing at the basinet "Speaking of which, I had a letter from New Zealand yesterday"
"What from Nina and Amy?" Jim asked
"Yeah. Nina was writing because her husband wants to adopt Amy" Paul replied
"How do you feel about that?" Jim asked
"Well, my name is not on the birth certificate so I can't do much about it" Paul replied shrugging his shoulders
"But you're still her Father" Jim said
"Sure I'm her biological Father but do I really have the right to be called her Father. I don't know but since the triplets were born and especially since Robert came home I've realized that there's more to Fatherhood than genes. Sure I could fight Nina but why deprive Amy of a real Father. Let's face it to be a real Father to Amy I would have to go and see her in New Zealand regularly but that would mean spending time away from Gail and the triplets and I don't want to do that. If Nina had her way I still wouldn't have known about Amy. Just look how upset Gail was in case my feelings for Amy affected my relationship with our children."
"You can't just give up on her like that Paul" Jim stated adamantly
"No it's strange how it's turned out, the triplets and Gail are the most important things in my life, I watched those three children being born, I've fed them and changed them. Even though we went through a lot to have them, Gail more so, I can't honestly say I feel the same for Amy as I do for the triplets. I think the best thing I can do is let Nina's husband adopt her and give her the Father she deserves, but I want to do this correctly, and she will still have the trust fund I set up for her still" Paul said
"Have you spoken to Gail about this?" Jim asked unsure of his son's decision
"Not yet but I will" Paul replied "She has enough to deal with at the moment"
"Just hope you've thought it all through" Jim said
Paul laughed "Don't worry Dad, I never do anything without thinking it through first"
The next few days passed quickly, Monday morning the couple went to the hospital to pick up Lucinda and Cameron; they dropped Lucy off at Emma's house on the way. After saying goodbye to all the nurses and collecting everything from the hospital nursery they arrived home with the triplets all together for the first time.
Gail walked first into Number 22 carrying Robert in the car seat, placing it on the floor next to the coffee table she sat on the sofa, Robert hadn't stirred since leaving the hospital, Paul struggled in the door and placed Lucinda and Cameron's car seats next to Robert's before going to shut the door. Gail lent forward and made sure the blankets were covering the babies as Paul sat down beside her, both of them silent for a while.
Paul put his arm around Gail "Hey what are you thinking?" he asked
Gail turned and looked at him and he saw the tears in her eyes as she laughed
Pulling her closer and laughing with her, he wiped the tears from her face "Hey what's wrong, this is supposed to be a happy occasion" he laughed
"I know" Gail laughed "I just never dreamt I could be this happy, I don't know why I'm crying…guess it must be hormones"
"I feel the same way" Paul said "You and the children mean the whole world to me, nothing else matters as long as I have you"
Gail laughed "I'll hold you to that when I'm waking you for help with the 3am feeds" she said
Paul smiled, reaching into his jacket pocket "I almost forgot I've got something for you" he said holding out the small ring box.
Gail looked at him hesitantly before taking the box from his palm.
She opened the box "Paul it's beautiful" she said
Paul took hold of her left hand, and removed the engagement ring from it. "I never did get you a real engagement ring, it's about time I changed that" he said
"You didn't have to, we can't afford this" Gail said
"Ah but to me this is priceless to me, it is more special" Paul said "You see it was my Mum's"
Gail looked at Paul "Oh Paul, are you sure?"
"do you really have to ask me that!"
"I love you so much" she said "More than you will ever realize"
"That's good then as I love you too" Paul replied "And there's no one else I'd sooner see wearing this ring" as he held her hands and kissed her gently.
They were interrupted as Lucinda started to stir from her sleep. They both laughed knowing that this was only the beginning of what was to come.