A month later, Gail sat alone in the office finishing some work before meeting Paul in the park, Robert and Cameron were in the crèche and Elle was no doubt keeping her father entertained. Sitting back in her chair, she glanced at the photographs on Paul's desk and picked up one taken of the triplets shortly after their christening, smiling she gently ran her finger over the faces of her children, each one now developing their own personalities. The boys were identical but with different characters, Robert was calmer always willing to sit cuddled up with Paul on the sofa, he loved being close to people and she knew that as he grew older he would become Paul's shadow, Cameron, on the other hand was more active, never happy to sit for too long always wanting to be on the move, he learnt the art of rolling himself along the floor but when it came to crawling Robert mastered that first. Looking at her daughter's face she smiled, Elle was the leader, always the most vocal of the three babies, from a very early age she knew what she wanted and let her feelings be known. The last ten months had been full of ups and downs for her and Paul, coping with three babies had been daunting but they had managed, with the sleepless nights and the endless feeding routines there had also been the joy of watching these children develop, their first smile, their attempts at learning to crawl and the experience of watching the three helpless babies turn into their own characters, each one an individual in their own right. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door and as Lucy stepped around the door Gail smiled.
"Lucy...what are you doing here...shouldn't you be in school"
Lucy shook her head "No...We've got a half day, I've just been to the coffee shop" she replied
"Well I'm going to pick up the boys shortly, and meet Paul in the park; do you want to join us?" Gail asked noting Lucy was slightly quieter than usual.
Lucy's eyes lit up "Okay" she said
"So any ideas what you want for your birthday?" Gail asked changing the subject
Lucy looked down, and said nothing
"Okay....talk to me Lucy" Gail said softly, standing up she walked to Lucy's side of the desk. Lucy looked at her but said nothing; Gail noticed the tears in her eyes as she knelt down in front of her. "Is this about Christmas?" she asked
Lucy sighed "My birthday isn't really a happy time, it shouldn't be celebrated...mum died because of me" she said
"Lucy...we've talked about this at Christmas...your mum wanted you to live which is why she risks she did" Gail said
"But it still doesn't mean we should celebrate my birthday" Lucy said
"Okay...listen...your family have always celebrated your birthday...nothing has changed except that you know the truth" Gail said "We want the old Lucy back, the one who used to drive us crazy for a month before her birthday reminding us what she wanted"
Lucy looked at her and Gail thought she saw the trace of a smile "It's less than a month to my birthday now" she said quizzically
Gail laughed "So this year we get you driving us crazy for two weeks" she said
"Has Paul told you where he's taking you for your birthday?" Lucy asked
"Changing the subject" Gail smiled "No he hasn't why do you know?"
Lucy laughed "No he won't tell me...knows I'm no good at keeping secrets and will probably tell you" she said "Dad had another call from Julie, I heard him talking to Gran and Beverley last night"
"Luce...you shouldn't eavesdrop on conversations you know that" Gail said as she stood up to do the final bits of filing.
"Apparently dad asked her to apologise to the three of us for the way she treated us, but she won't, so he told her she's not welcome back home until she changes her attitude" Lucy said "She still thinks you and Paul will split up"
Gail shook her head "It's not going to happen" she said "Julie can think what she likes"
Lucy looked at her curiously "How do you know?" she asked
"How do I know what?" Gail said
Lucy laughed "How do you know that Paul is the person you want to spend the rest of your life with" she said
Gail laughed "what kind of question is that! I can't explain it...He's my best friend and we share everything" she said "Not only that we have the triplets to consider"
"I don't understand why Julie doesn't want Paul to be happy or why she has to be horrible to me or you" Lucy said
Gail paused and thought for a moment "Well just at the moment, she's unhappy and perhaps it makes her feel worse when she knows other people are happy" she said "Anyway back to your birthday have you decided what you want?"
Lucy laughed "Well my old tape recorder is broken so I could do with a new one, actually one with a radio would be good" she said
Gail smiled "I'll talk to Paul...see what he says" she said, looking at her watch "we'd better make a move otherwise we'll keep Paul and Elle waiting"
"Okay" Lucy said
After picking up the boys, Gail and Lucy headed towards to the park, Lucy pushing the double buggy.
"You sure you don't want me to take that?" Gail asked "They're getting heavy"
"No" Lucy said
Gail caught sight of Paul, sitting on the swing holding Elle as they neared the play area and smiled, Lucy laughed "He's going to break that swing, he's too old to do things like that" she said
Gail shook her head "You want me to talk Paul into buying you a new tape recorder" she smirked
"It's true" Lucy said as they pushed the buggy closer, Paul saw them coming toward him and got off the swing, smiling he walked up to Gail and gave her a kiss.
"Hey" he said
"Hey yourself" Gail replied
"Paul you're too old to play on swings" Lucy laughed
Gail rolled her eyes
"What are you doing out of school young lady" Paul said
"Finished for the day, so I'd thought I go and see Gail" Lucy said
Elle stretched out her arms for Gail, so Paul let her go
"How has this one been?" Gail asked
Paul laughed "Mischievous...I was in the nursery, changing the cots and I thought she was playing on the floor, but she slipped out and I found her in the spare room, oh she's found the Paddington Bears that you put in there and she's decided which one she's having...in fact she wanted to bring it with her" he said
Gail laughed "You did remember to make sure the stair gate was in place" she said
Paul rolled his eyes "Of course I did" he said
Lucy looked inside the buggy "Hmm these two are asleep, can I take Elle on the slide" she said
"Sure" Gail said, kissing her daughter as she handed her to Lucy "But be careful, you know how heavy she is"
Paul looked into the buggy "So these two have had a busy morning by the looks of it" he said
"Yeah they were awake when we picked them up but I think the buggy has sent them off, Mrs Kirkwood said they've been really good" Gail said
"They're my children...what do you expect" Paul laughed
Finding a bench, Paul and Gail put the buggy in the shade of a tree and sat down. "Did Elle eat her lunch?" Gail asked
Paul nodded "Yeah, although the mashed banana nearly ended up on the floor, she definitely knows what she likes and what doesn't like. Oh yeah and she was determined that Paddington Bear was going to join her in the high chair" he said
Gail rested her head on Paul's shoulder
"What are you thinking?" Paul asked
Gail sighed "Dad brought those bears for the babies, he was so excited about being a grandfather" she said
Paul pulled her closer to him, gently kissing her "I know..and I still feel guilty about what happened" he said
"Paul...it...it wasn't your fault....dad knew he was in the wrong and that's why he stormed off" Gail said
"Yeah but it nearly wrecked our relationship.." Paul said
"Darling you were under so much pressure, Hilary forever making demands, the financial problems and then the stolen parts in the workshop" she said "But we're a year on from there"
"So where are you taking me for my birthday" she said, smiling as she glanced across at Lucy and Elle
Paul shook his head "Not telling you" he said "Lucy looks happy"
Gail laughed "Changing the subject Robbo" she said "I had a chat with her earlier; she feels that her birthday shouldn't be celebrated because of her Mother"
"But we've always celebrated her birthday, sure we remember mum but we made it into a happy day for Lucy's sake" Paul said
"I know I told her that...I think she's come around to that way of thinking now" Gail said "She wants a radio/tape recorder for her birthday"
Paul laughed "We'll see" he said
Paul checked the buggy as he thought he heard noises coming from inside "Hey looks like the boys are awake" he said, getting up and walking over to them, Gail followed.
"Hey sleepy head" Paul said as he lifted Cameron out "Let's go and join your sister"
Gail lifted Robert out and followed Paul, Walking into the play area they found a pair of swings and sat on them, gently rocking Robert and Cameron to and fro. "It doesn't get any better than this does it?" Paul said
Gail shook her head "No" she said
Later that day, Paul and Gail were putting the children to bed, Gail laughed at her daughter's insistence that her Paddington Bear was going in her cot with her, although her koala bear still took pride of place next to her. Paul walked into the nursery after finishing bathing Cameron, looking into the cot he laughed.
"Well Koala Bear's still in" he says, walking over to Cameron's cot he placed the baby inside, softly rubbing his back as he gently spoke to him, as he pulled the covers up around him.
Gail smiled, checking the cots one last time before switching off the main light and switching on the night light.
Heading downstairs Gail walked into the kitchen to start the evening meal.
"Can I help?" Paul enquired
"Sure you can peel some veggies" Gail smiled as she removed some chicken from the fridge glancing at Paul she smiled at how relaxed he seemed "You looking forward to going back to work next week?"
"Sort of...although I have enjoyed spending time with the babies" Paul said "Maybe we should job share, you could do the mornings and I could do the afternoons...or something like that"
"Well we could do, that way we don't need to put the children in the crèche" Gail said
"These next few weeks I'm only working three days in the office and then I'll bring work home for two days anyway" Paul said
"Do you think that will work...you know how demanding the babies can be" Gail said
"I don't see why not...we have extra staff to help out" Paul said "If I don't actually need to be in the office why not work from home"
Gail laughed "I was meaning working from home with the babies around" she said
A month later Paul and Gail were getting into the routine of work and looking after the triplets with Paul at work, the triplets asleep Gail was doing some housework. Seeing the state of the desk in the living room, she decided that she'd attempt to put some sort of order to the chaos Paul seemed to have made on the desk. Sifting through the papers she came across brochures for Tasmania. Curiously she wondered why Paul would be looking at holiday brochures for Tasmania, then it hit her, Paul's surprise birthday weekend, surely he wasn't thinking of going that far away, she thought, she was prepared for a trip to the coast but the idea of a plane journey didn't appeal to her, she didn't want to be too far away just in case the babies needed her. She felt slightly annoyed at the way Paul seemed not to care about the welfare of their children, and how he didn't seem to mind the thought of being so far away from them. Later that night Paul returned home, seeing Gail he walked over to her and kissed her cheek.
"Hi" he said "Am I glad to be home"
Gail didn't say anything, but turned away and walked towards the triplets.
"Gail?" Paul said curiously
"What" she replied "It's time to get these three to bed"
"Okay" Paul said as he walked over to Cameron to pick him up.
They bathed the babies in silence, Paul getting more and more curious as to what was upsetting Gail. Going back downstairs, Gail finished getting the dinner ready while Paul picked up the paper deciding it was probably best to leave Gail to herself for a while. During the meal Paul noticed that things were still frosty every time he tried to engage Gail in conversation he got monotone replies. Finally he decided he had enough.
"Darling is there something wrong?" he said "Have I said something to upset you"
"More like what you haven't said" she said sarcastically.
"I don't understand" Paul remarked
Gail rolled her eyes, standing up she walked over to the desk and picked up the Tasmanian brochures walking back to the table she threw them down in front of Paul. "I was tidying the desk and found these" she said
Paul looked confused "You knew I was planning to take you away for your birthday" he said "It will be good to have some time to ourselves; it will be like a second honeymoon"
"Paul it's too far" Gail said "A trip to the coast would be fine, but this involves a plane journey and if we need to get back in a hurry we're reliant on planes" she said "I'm not going that far"
"Gail if you're worried about the babies, they will be fine." Paul said "Scott and Charlene will have help; they won't be on their own. I've made sure that the babies will be well taken care of, what's the problem?"
Gail rolled her eyes "Paul it's too far, I'm not going and that's final" she said, picking up her plate and walking over to the sink.
Paul watched her go, feeling sad and deflated. He had so wanted to make up for what happened last year with her birthday and now his plans had been ruined. Hearing Gail begin to slam the pots in the sink he walked over to her
"Hey keep on doing that and you'll wake the babies" he said softly
Gail turned "What do you care, they obviously don't mean that much to you...if you're prepared to leave them to go as far as Tasmania" she said
Paul looked gob smacked, her words cut like a knife, he was about to say something when she turned her back on him, resigned to the fact that she wasn't in the mood to talk he turned and went back to the living room.
"I'm going to take some work upstairs" he said
"Fine" Gail replied
Paul sighed, walking into the nursery he checked that the babies were still asleep, he smiled when he saw that Elle had managed to throw the Koala bear out of the cot and her arm was firmly wrapped around Paddington bear, picking up the Koala bear he held it close, feeling some comfort from the soft warm fur, he hated arguing with Gail, he loved the triplets as much as she did. Sighing he placed the Koala bear back inside the cot. Walking over to the boys' cots he looked inside, both boys were peaceful, the total opposite of how he felt at this moment. Turning away he walked out of the room into the spare room, deciding that he didn't want another argument with Gail.
The following morning, Paul heard Gail moving about in the kitchen, checking his watch he saw that it was 7.30am, he spent the night tossing and turning in the spare room, not being able to sleep. Getting up he decided he'd go over to Number 26 and see if he could persuade his father to have a game of squash with him, to try and get rid of the frustration he was feeling.
Gail looked at him as he walked downstairs.
"I was just making breakfast...do you want some?" she asked
Paul saw that she seemed a little calmer, glancing at the playpen he saw that triplets were dressed and had obviously been fed.
"No thanks" He said "I'm popping over to dad's see if I can get him to play a game of squash with me"
"Okay" Gail said sadly
Paul took one last look at the playpen before walking out the door, he was still upset about the argument between him and Gail but he wasn't ready to face her, he didn't want another row. Walking into number 26 he tried to put a smile on his face, not wanting anyone to know about what had happened.
"Hey" he said walking into the kitchen
Jim, Helen and Beverley were just finishing breakfast "Paul, what brings you here on a Saturday morning" Jim asked
"Dad I was just wondering whether you wanted a game of squash" he said
"Sure" Jim said "But I thought you'd be spending the day with your family"
Paul sighed "No"
"What's wrong?" Helen said
Paul thought for a moment, not really sure what to say "Oh the trip is off...work has piled up and I really need to be here" he said
"Bet Gail isn't happy with that" Beverley said
Paul looked down at the ground "Something like that" he said
"Can't you spare four days?" Helen said "That's what you had more staff in the office for, so that you could spend more time with your family"
"Gran I know but this is something I have to deal with" Paul said
Jim sensed the tension in his eldest son and got up "Just going to get changed and get my racket and I'll be with you" he said
"Okay" Paul replied
Later that morning, Gail was busy baking when she heard the doorbell, walking over to the living room she picked up Cameron as he tried to make it to the door quicker than her. Opening it she smiled as she saw Helen.
"Hi" she said "Would you like a coffee" as she placed Cameron into the playpen
"Sure" Helen said as she followed Gail into the kitchen "You look about as happy as Paul"
Gail picked the kettle up and filled it with water "Oh we just had an argument last night" she said "Which is why he's playing squash with Jim instead of here with me"
"Paul told us that the trip had to be put off due to work commitments" Helen said "It's a shame I was looking forward to seeing Scott and Charlene again"
Gail sighed "Is that what he told you?" she said shaking her head, picking up the kettle she poured the water into the coffee mugs, before returning to the lounge.
Helen looked puzzled, wondering why Paul would lie.
Gail rolled her eyes "The reason the trip is off is because it's too far, I'm not prepared to take a plane trip" she said "If we need to get back then we're reliant on planes"
"Gail, it's four days...the babies will be fine I promise you, Scott and Charlene will have all the help they need" she said "Trust me do you really think I would let anything happen to those three"
Gail looked down and quietly murmured "No...but what about the night time...if all three wake up screaming at the same time"
Helen smiled "Come on...you said yourself that they sleep through the night now...there's no reason for that to change" she said "And if it makes you happier I can move in here with them"
Gail looked at her "I don't know" she said
Helen sighed "Those three will be spoilt rotten" she said "They won't even know you're not here..."
"I just feel we're putting too much on Scott and Charlene" Gail said
Meanwhile at the coffee shop, Jim was slightly breathless after the game of squash, it had been a hard game and Paul had beaten him, Jim hoped it had relieved some of that tension he had seen back at the house.
"So you going to tell me what's wrong or are you going to brood all day?" Jim said
"I'm sorry dad" Paul said
"Gail upset about not going away?"
Paul laughed half heartedly "No she's fine" he said
"Then what's wrong?" Jim said
Paul sighed, frustrated with the whole situation "The reason we're not going away is because Gail thinks Tasmania is too far" he said "She found the brochures I had"
"Oh I see" Jim said
"Dad she accused me of not caring about the triplets as much as her, but I have thought about it, I've made sure that the babies will be well cared for...we're not leaving them home alone" Paul said
"Paul she's being protective...her maternal instinct has kicked in...believe me if I had suggested the same thing of leaving you at that age and going to Tasmania your mum would have done the same thing" Jim said
"But I wanted to do something nice for her especially after what happened last year" Paul said "She's so wrong, I love those children more than anything...how did I get it so wrong"
Jim sighed "You didn't....maybe in a couple of years time she'll be okay about leaving them" he said "Perhaps this year she'll be happy with a movie and a dinner"
"I guess you're right" Paul said "I didn't think she'd react like that"
After Helen had left, Gail walked over to the desk and sat down, picking up the brochures she began flicking through them, she had to admit the chance of four days alone with Paul was appealing, she knew she had hurt him last night and hated arguing with him. Glancing at the babies she smiled, Helen was right as long as someone was giving them attention the babies would be fine without her or Paul, but first she needed to make a telephone call. Picking up the phone she dialled Charlene's number. After a ten minute conversation with her sister in law she felt calmer, Charlene and Scott were looking forward to coming back and looking after the babies, Charlene felt sure that she and Scott would be fine and that if there was a problem there was someone there to help even at three o'clock in the morning. Above all the children would be safe; in her heart she knew that Paul would always make sure they were safe. Her thoughts were interrupted by the front door opening. She looked up to see Paul walk through the door.
"Hi" she said "I was just about to make lunch" as she walked into the kitchen
Paul walked over to the desk, seeing the brochures there he picked them up and threw them in the wastepaper bin.
Gail frowned as she looked up "That's a bit of a waste, we'll need them if you still want to go" she said walking closer to him, searching his face for some clue as to what he was thinking.
"It was just an idea" Paul said
"So you don't want to go now?" Gail said
Paul looked at her "You're probably right, the babies are too small to be left" he said "I should have thought more about it, it wouldn't be fair on Scott and Charlene giving them all that responsibility with us so far away"
"I don't know the idea of four days alone with you is definitely appealing" Gail said smiling
Paul half smiled "So you've changed your mind?" he said
"If it's not too late I'd love to go away with you" she said, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I came to a decision without thinking about it"
Paul looks at her "Gail I love those children as much as you do and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for them, it isn't easy for me to be away from them but I wanted to do something special for you. The babies will be well cared for and we can be in contact at all times if you want" he said
"I know...I'm sorry about what I said last night" Gail said
"Darling if we can't trust my family who can we trust" Paul said
"I do trust your family" Gail said "How about you get those brochures out of the bin and we look at them this afternoon, there's not that much time left"
"Okay...oh dad wants us to go around for dinner tonight if we want, about 7pm that way we can feed the triplets beforehand, and not have to worry about them during dinner" Paul said
Gail smiled "Sounds fine with me...oh I spoke to Charlene earlier and they're going to come down on the Wednesday, just so that the triplets can get used to them and they can get used to the routine" she said
"When did she phone?" Paul asked
"She didn't, I phoned her...just wanted to check that she was okay with everything" Gail said
"And?" Paul asked
Gail laughed "She's fine...hey come on let's eat lunch" she said.
Later that afternoon, Paul and Gail sat curled up on the sofa while the triplets played on the floor. It was starting to rain so the plans to visit the park were abandoned. Gail got up and picked up the Tasmania holiday brochures, settling back down into Paul's arms, the couple looked through them.
"So what do you think? Gail asked
"Well there's a few good hotels that we could try" Paul said
Gail laughed "Kind of a busman's holiday though isn't it" she said, picking up another brochure from the coffee table.
"True...okay what about your thoughts?" Paul asked
"Well how about a cabin by the beach?" she said
"Yeah but they're self catering" Paul said
"Yeah but that's not a problem, we can eat out" Gail said "Besides I thought the whole point of this trip was to spend time alone, and what better way to do that than locking ourselves away in a cabin on the beach"
Paul laughed "Guess you want your own private beach too" he said
Gail looked at him "Well if you can arrange it" she said
Paul laughed
Gail turned serious for a moment "I just had a thought" she said
"Oh" Paul said
"Ian..well he's in Tasmania...I haven't spoken to him in ages" Gail said "Not since before dad died"
Paul sighed "Do you want to see him...we could always contact him while we're down there" he asked
Gail looked down at the babies "I'm not sure...he's probably forgotten all about me by now anyway" she said
Paul hugged her tightly, kissing her on her neck "I doubt anyone could forget you Mrs Robinson" he said "Besides I know he hasn't forgotten you"
Gail looked at him
Paul rolled his eyes and smiled "Look he spent three years looking for you...do you really think he'd give up on you like that?" he said
"But he hasn't been in contact" Gail said, "Or has he?"
Paul sighed hoping that she wasn't going to be mad at him again for what he was about to say "Well after I contacted him at Christmas and explained about Rob, he understood that you were grieving and needed time, but he was concerned about you and wanted me to keep in touch just so to let him know how things were" he said "I didn't see the harm in it so every few weeks he'd call me at the office"
"Why didn't you tell me" Gail said
Paul looked down at the carpet, seeing Robert try to pull himself up onto the sofa, he moved slightly and lifted him up and then settled him between him and Gail, checking on the other two, but seeing they were busy playing he turned his attention back to Gail "I wasn't sure how you'd react...to be honest I was worried that you'd be angry, all I was trying to do was keep the lines of communication open so that if in the future you wanted to contact him you could" he said "You're not mad are you?"
Gail smiled, picking up Robert she moved closer to Paul "No" she said "But that does explain something"
"What?" Paul said
"Chris took a call in the reception area, from a man who wanted to talk to you, but when Chris told him you were ill but I was there the man just got agitated and said it didn't matter and put the phone down" Gail said "I just presumed that it was just someone who didn't like women in business."
Paul laughed "I remember he phoned here afterwards, and told me what happened, he hoped it wouldn't cause problems" he said
"I didn't think anymore about it until now" she said
"Gail all he wants to do to be able to share in your life, he lost you once before and he doesn't want that to happen again" Paul said
"Gloria thinks I should get in touch with him, we were talking about it a while back" Gail said "She thinks Rob would understand"
"It has been almost a year" Paul said "But it's entirely up to you"
Gail smiled "I'll think about it"
Two weeks later, Paul and Gail were in Tasmania, the day of Gail's birthday arrived and Paul woke first with the sun streaming through the curtains, he smiled as he watched Gail sleeping beside him, gently he planted kisses on her cheek, Gail laughed as she opened her eyes.
"Happy birthday" he said
Paul turned and reached inside his bedside cabinet drawer, pulling out a box, he handed it to Gail, her eyes lit up "Hey I thought my birthday present was the trip away" she said
Paul laughed "It is but I thought you deserved something extra" he said
Gail opened the box and smiled at the matching gold necklace and earrings inside "Paul there's lovely but you shouldn't have" she said kissing him
Gail opened the box and smiled at the gold bracelet inside "Paul they're lovely but you shouldn't have" she said kissing him
"Yes I should" he said "So how do you want to spend the day?"
Gail smiled "In here with you" she laughed
Paul kissed her "Hmm a very tempting idea" he said pulling her closer "but I thought about a nice romantic walk and then a picnic on a beach followed by dinner tonight"
"Sounds good" Gail replied
Two hours later Paul and Gail stepped outside into the warm sunny day, holding hands they decided to explore the area more. Gail had just phoned home and was relieved to hear that the triplets were fine and behaving. Paul laughed as she relayed her phone call to him.
"See I told you they'd be alright...I'd never do anything that would harm them" Paul said "They're so special...I love them so much"
Gail rested her head on his shoulder "I know...guess I was being a little overprotective" she said
Paul laughed "Hmm" he said "So how do you feel after last night...I mean meeting up with Ian again"
Gail smiled "It was nice to catch up with him again" she said "But I'm not sure about his offer"
Paul frowned "Neither am I to be honest, I mean $25,000 in a trust fund for the triplets would certainly help us out but it just doesn't feel right" he said "I know he wants to make up for the time he lost out with you and in providing for the triplets he feels he would be a way of doing that, but they're my children and I want to provide for my family"
Gail smiled "I know what you mean" she said "We can't accept it, but what about his idea about investing in the Robinson Corporation?"
Paul sighed "Well that would certainly help us out and he would get something back with that investment...I don't know, it doesn't feel right" he said "In a few years time and he's been to Ramsay Street and met the children then maybe it will be different but right now I don't want to take his money...it's not the reason we got back in contact with him"
"mmm" Gail said "Last evening was nice though...he's totally different from dad"
Paul laughed "You can say that again" he said as they neared the beach, walking down onto the warm sand they headed towards the shoreline "He did give me some good advice though"
"I thought you too were deep in conversation when I came back from the ladies" she said "What were you talking about"
"We just talked about what happened last year, and he told me about how his marriage had broken down due to him being obsessed with building his business. He hardly sees his boys anymore" Paul said "He just told me to be careful and not forget you and the children"
Gail smiled "You're not likely to do that...besides we're a team" she said
Finding a secluded space between some rocks they sat down, Gail laid down resting her head in Paul's lap, tenderly he stroked her cheek "This year has been okay; the triplets have been hard work and I know it wasn't easy for you when I was sick, trying to look after the babies and the office but we coped" he said
"This is all I want...the evening after the triplets were born and you had gone home, I remember lying alone and thinking that I had everything I could ever want, a loving husband, three beautiful children" she said "But I never in my wildest dreams ever thought that the man I would spend the rest of my life with would be you"
Paul laughed "Yeah well....it wasn't the most conventional way of falling in love" he said
"But it worked for us" Gail said "I remember speaking to Lucy a while back, she mentioned about the fact that Julie still thinks our marriage will fall apart and I told her it won't happen and I firmly believe that because no matter how many times we argue we always a find a way back, a common ground where we can agree to disagree"
"We're best friends, and that is something I don't want to lose" Paul said "I love you so much, more than I've ever loved anyone"
Gail smiled "I feel the same way...this weekend has been amazing, being able to spend time together without interruptions, knowing that the triplets were being well cared for..It's reminds me of the Christmas we spent in New Zealand" she said
Paul laughed "I wanted to go back there this time, but realised it was too far, the time we spent there was so special, after months of having to deny what I was feeling, to be able to tell you that I loved you and know that you felt the same way was amazing, to have someone to love me who I knew I could trust" he said
Gail smiled "I loved that time and I realised how deep my feelings were...and still are" she said "I know now that I could never walk out of this marriage."
Paul kissed her "I'm going to make sure you never ever think about doing anything like that again" he said "Our relationship is the most important thing in my life, without you there's no point in anything...even though there are times when you drive me crazy"
Gail laughed "Thanks" she said, gently hitting his arm "I could say the same about you"
Paul pulled her closer to him and kissed her "So what do you want to do this evening, I thought about a nice romantic meal before taking in a movie" he said
Gail laughed "A movie? Which one did you have in mind" she asked
Paul smirked "Who cares...my mind won't be on the movie" he said
"Hmm it's been a while since we sat in the back row of the cinema" Gail laughed
"Too long" Paul said "So how about it"
"We'll see...but I could definitely go with the romantic meal" Gail said
"Okay" Paul said "I guess when we get back we have a birthday party to think about"
"Don't remind me...where did this year go to" Gail replied "I'm glad Scott and Charlene can stay after we get back" Gail said
Paul laughed "I don't know sounds as though they might need a holiday...can't believe my brother fed our daughter with mash banana and custard" he said
"Well Scott told me you told him that she'd be fine with any fruit" Gail said
"Yeah well ..I forgot to mention she hated bananas and what would happen if she got given them" Paul laughed "It's funny she was the smallest of the three babies but she's definitely a character. She has a lot of you in her, she makes up her mind she wants something she just goes for it" he said "And if she doesn't like something she always manages to make her feelings known"
Gail sat up and laughed "She has two brothers to keep in line, she needs to be able to assert her authority" she said
"Well she has no problem with that!" Paul remarked, thoughtfully he looked deep into Gail's eyes and gently stroked her cheek "We were so lucky with these three, there's so much that could have gone wrong with the pregnancy, with the whole IVF programme"
Gail reached for his hand and squeezed it tightly "Three babies was a risk, we could have lost them all in the early months of the pregnancy or they could have been born with something wrong with them, but we had three healthy babies" she said "We were warned that the IVF wasn't guaranteed, that we could be on the programme for years without having a child, I always believed that I would never become that obsessed with it but I found I was, I don't know if it was because of Nina and Amy, but there became nothing more important than a child of our own"
"Question is do we try the IVF in a few years time" Paul said
Gail looked at him, "I don't know...I'd love another daughter but...."
"But what....I told you the next time you'd have a perfect pregnancy" Paul said
Gail moved closer to him and kissed him tenderly "is seeing me pregnant going to relive what happened to your mum again" she said
Paul sighed "I think I'm okay with that.....what happened with Elle scared me but you came through, it also made me realise how much I love you" he said
Gail smiled "I would love another child...maybe in a year or so, just not yet" she said
"Do you fancy some lunch?" Paul said, standing up and smiling
"Sure" Gail said, as she put up her hands to let him pull her up.
Paul placed his arm around her and they walked towards the water, laughing as they felt the cool feel of it against their skin. Paul pulled her closer to him as she rested her head on his shoulder. Leaving the water's edge they walked up the beach.
Later that evening Paul took Gail for a meal to celebrate her birthday, throughout the meal he found he couldn't take his eyes off her, she was glowing with happiness, Gail caught him watching her.
"What's up with you?" she said
Paul smiled "Paul smiled "Nothing...you just look amazing...I don't think I've seen you looking so radiant and relaxed in ages" he said
Gail blushed "Thanks..." reaching across the table she took his hand "Thanks for this weekend, it was perfect...just what I needed" she said
Paul smiled "It's what you deserved...after last year" he said "Hey do you fancy a walk on the beach to watch the sunset"
Gail smiled "Sounds perfect"
Paul paid the bill, and led Gail out of the restaurant, after returning to the Cabin they ambled down towards the beach. Sitting down on the warm sand, Gail rested her head on Paul's shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her as she sat in front of him.
"So this is why you wanted to have an early meal" she laughed
"We used to do this all the time when we were in New Zealand" he said "It's been too long" kissing her and pulling her even closer to him.
"It's so peaceful here" Gail remarked
"Hey you're not cold are you?" he asked checking
"I'm fine" she said "it's strange...we have everything we could want, three perfect children...an extended family who are nearby and provides as much as support as we want from them...I love your family, they made me feel part of them from the moment I married you and have never mentioned the Marriage of Convenience"
"Gran always felt you were the right girl for me" Paul said "I think she was shocked by the contract but after talking to her before we left for New Zealand that Christmas I think she understood more the reason we did it."
Gail smiled "I know she worries about you more than the other three, she knew how close you were to your mum and that you shut off your feelings regarding her death, she sees a lot of you in Robert and I do to a degree" she said
"How?"
Gail laughed "He's shy....except around people he knows, he's started to get used to being in the crèche but he prefers to be with the family. Helen said you were similar at that age, even as you got older you never made friends easily although the ones you made became friends for life" she said "Cameron and Elle are more sure of themselves although Cameron has some of you in the way that he doesn't rush into doing things, like when he was learning to crawl, he thought about it before trying it out"
Both were silent for a while as they watched the sun fade and the sky take on a dramatic orange effect. Paul took off his jacket and placed it over Gail's shoulders while holding her close to him. In that moment, time stood still and Gail knew that there was nowhere she'd sooner be then in Paul's arms.
Monday afternoon arrived and the couple made their way home, after saying goodbye to Ian at the airport, driving back to Ramsay Street in the taxi, they both reflected on the weekend and looked forward to seeing their children again. On opening the door to Number 22, they were aware of the silence as they walked in.
"So where is everyone?" Gail said slightly nervous of the peace
Paul put down the suitcases and bent down to pick up the post from the coffee table.
"They must be next door" Paul replied "Dad's expecting us for dinner remember?"
Gail smiled "Of course I do...what time is it?
"Just after 5.30pm" Paul replied "We've got another hour until we have to be there, how about we unpack the suitcases and freshen up before going over"
"Okay" Gail said
Later that evening, Gail sat in the garden of Number 26, holding her daughter, softly singing to her as Elle laid her head on Gail's shoulder, while her little fist was placed firmly in her mouth. Gail smiled at the soft gurgling sounds her daughter made. She felt tired and a little overwhelmed; Paul walked up beside her and sat down.
"Sunsets don't have the same effect in the city as they do on a beach do they" he said as he stroked Elle's face.
Gail laughed "I guess not..." she said
Paul sensed a tinge of sadness in her voice "Hey...what are you thinking about?" he asked
Gail turned to him and smiled "Nothing" she replied reaching for his hand "Just a little tired, I remember the party you planned for me this time last year"
Paul placed his arm around her and pulled her and Elle closer to him "I know...I wasn't sure about the party tonight but dad wanted to do something"
Gail smiled "It was lovely. I don't have dad here but I've got the best family I could ever have" she said
"I think they wanted to make a special effort...so that you know how much they love you" Paul said "How much I love you" he added
"I guess you're going back to work tomorrow" Gail said
Paul shook his head "Nope...I'm taking the rest of the week off" he said
Gail looked at him surprised.
"Well...you're not the only one who remembers what happened last year, the argument with Rob, you falling...taking you to the hospital then after getting you checked out we found Rob being brought in. The following day I went to the office when I should have stayed home with you" he said "You needed me but I wasn't there for you"
Gail sighed "Don't keep torturing yourself Paul. You've been there for me every step this year; throughout the birth, the problems with Julie at Christmas, looking after the triplets....I couldn't have done it without you" she said
Paul smiled "That's what I'm here for...it works both ways though.... you help me as well, all the time" he said "My life is dedicated to you and not the Robinson Corporation, that's why I put more staff in the office, they know where they can find me this week and if I'm really needed I will go in, but I know there's nothing they can't handle"
"Thanks" Gail said
"I never want you to feel alone ever again" Paul said, looking at his daughter who had fallen asleep "Hey come on it's time to go home, this one's fallen asleep and don't think the boys are far off"
Gail stood up, gently kissing Paul's cheek she reached out her hand for his, as they went back inside the house. After saying goodbye to the family and thanking them all for the party, they went back home and put the babies to bed. In the dimlight of the nursery they stood and watched their sleeping family, Gail rested her head on Paul's shoulder.
"I love watching them like this" Gail said
Paul laughed "Yep, the only time they're really good" he said
Gail gently slapped him "They're not that bad" she said "But when they're sleeping they're perfect"
"Scott and Charlene said the same thing" Paul replied "Oh I told them not to make too much noise when they come in...so how about you and I have an early night"
Gail kissed him "hmmm" she said "I love you so much"
"Love you too Mrs Robinson" Paul replied as he led her out of the nursery.