Scott wandered into the nursery as Gail changed Elle, causing her to look up and smile.
"Hey...we didn't wake you did we?" she said
"No, just wondered if you wanted any help" Scott replied "Don't tell me Paul's still in bed"
Gail shook her head "Nope, he's downstairs fixing up their feeds" she replied.
Scott laughed "So he gets the good jobs while you have the dirty nappies" he said "My brother was always good at delegating"
"No, to be fair he does his own fair share of nappy changing" Gail said laughing at the thought.
Gail placed Elle back in the cot, turning Scott suddenly thought how happy she looked "Is everything okay?" Scott asked tentatively attempting to be casual in his approach.
"Of course it is...why do you ask?" Gail replied, frowning slightly bemused by his question
"Julie phoned me after we got returned from the christenings, she wanted to know all about it." Scott said "She then started going on about how things had changed in Ramsay Street, that dad was only concerned about Paul and Lucy"
"Scott you know that's not true" Gail said shaking her head
"she mentioned something about your marriage, that she couldn't see you staying with Paul and at some point you'd leave him" Scott said
Gail rolled her eyes "And you listened to her?" feeling exasperated by Julie's continued claims
"I know my brother" Scott replied "I know what he can be like, arrogant and overbearing"
Gail smiled "Ahem that's my husband you're talking about" she laughed "But I thought you knew me better than that....Scott I chose Paul over New York twice, I almost left him after dad's funeral but I'm here"
Scott laughed "I know, I know, mind your own business Scott" he said
Gail laughed, walking over to Robert's cot she picked him up "No...I'm not saying that...I know you care...I mean without you, I'd probably be in New York now and these three wouldn't be here" she said "Don't listen to anything Julie said, she's just upset, you know your dad loves you...as for me and Paul, she knows nothing about our lives"
"It's a good job she doesn't" Scott said "I can just imagine what she'd say if you she knew the truth about why you got married...you don't ever regret not going to New York?"
Gail looked at the baby in her arms and kissed his head "How could I...New York was my escape route, I was in a hopeless situation...I was in love with a man who didn't love me, but now I have everything I want right here...I love Paul and nothing is ever going to change that...Julie can think what she likes" she said
In an attempt to lighten the discussion Scott explained that he and Charlene thought they would cook dinner that evening "we thought we could play the game we brought with us once the children are down" Scott said
"What game?" Gail asked quizzically
"Oh the marriage game we played a few years back" Scott smirked "Only this time you two can play it properly"
Their conversation was interrupted by Paul walking into the nursery with the bottles of milk.
"What kept you?" Scott said "These three could be dying of thirst"
Paul looked across at Elle who was contently playing in her cot "Nah...don't think so, Elle would have screamed the place down by now if that was the case" he said
"She's so adorable" Scott said
Gail rolled her eyes "Yes and quite an expert at getting the men in this family wrapped around her little finger" she said
"So what are your plans for today?" Paul asked Scott
"Well unless you want us to babysit, we were going to head down to the beach for the day, then come back and make dinner for you" Scott said.
Paul laughed "No I think you've done enough babysitting for a while, you go and enjoy yourselves while we take care of these three" he said "However what's on the menu tonight"
"Italian" Scott said
"Sounds good to me" Paul replied "As long as Charlene is cooking"
Later that morning, Gail was taking the opportunity to tidy the kitchen and lounge whilst the children were napping. Paul walked inside quietly wiping his hands on an old towel after washing the car as the spring weather had given him the opportunity of fine weather. Walking up slowly behind Gail he gently placed his arms around her waist and kissed her neck startling her from her thoughts. Gail sighed as she relaxed against Paul's shoulder secretly relieved of the excuse to stop cleaning.
"Would you like a coffee" she asked instinctively
Paul smiled "I'll make it" he said, walking over to the sink and picking up the kettle. As he looked out the kitchen window he casually said "What do you want to do today?"
"Well if you don't mind babysitting, I thought I would go and visit dad's grave this afternoon and I have a bit of shopping to get" Gail said
Paul turned and looked at her knowing what date was nearing "We could do that together" he said
Without looking up Gail replied "No you're okay, I don't mind going on my own and it'll probably be easier without the children".
Paul sighed, a little frustrated with Gail's answer. He walked over to her and stopped her from cleaning ensuring that she looked at him. Leaning to kiss her on the cheek he paused and thought carefully before continuing "darling you're not listening to me, it's not a hassle to take the triplets, I want to go with you"
Gail's face slowly turned in to a smile and she returned his kiss as a gesture of thanks and reassurance. Paul could see Gail's eyes were a little sad and she seemed thoughtful when he had returned indoors. He knew it was an emotional time for her and was determined he would be there for her in whatever way she needed him. For a few seconds Paul pulled Gail close to him and she rested her head on his chest until she teased him to get back to polishing his car. Eased by Gail's more upbeat mood Paul felt more comfortable and returned outside, each in their own thoughts again.
Later that afternoon, Paul sat on a bench, near to Gail as she tended to Rob's gravestone. His thoughts returned to a year earlier, when he had carelessly put business before his wife's needs, it had almost cost him everything and he knew he never wanted to be in that position again. Gail turned around as she stood up and looked at Paul making faces and talking to the children. She smiled to herself as she could never have been able to envisage how everything would have turned out a year ago, particularly how much she admired the change in Paul. She knew he was close to his family but couldn't have asked for anything more from him. Gail suddenly realised that Paul had looked up from the children and caught her watching him.
"Hey" Paul said "Are you okay?" unsure of the look on Gail's face.
Gail nodded "Yeah..." not wishing to share her personal thoughts with Paul she replied "I think Gloria must have been here earlier" she said. Just in the nick of time Elle let out a squeal to get out of the pushchair prompting them to head towards the car park. Paul reached for Gail's hand and kissed it.
A few hours later Paul and Gail arrived home, Paul carried Robert and Cameron in while Gail brought in a crying Elle.
"What's up with her?" Scott asked
"Doesn't like shopping" Paul replied "Don't blame her to be honest"
Gail rolled her eyes "Well I did tell you that it would be easier for me to go alone" she said
"What happened?" Charlene asked
"Oh Elle places things into the shopping trolley, I take them out turn away for one minute and she's gone and placed something else in there...she wasn't choosy what she put in their either." Paul said
"Could be due to the fact she can't read" Gail said "Stop grumbling Paul, it's like having four children...Charlene take this as a warning not to go shopping with husbands and children"
"And here we were thinking you two had the perfect relationship" Scott said
"You try living with two women" Paul said, as he went back outside to collect the shopping.
A little while later after putting the shopping away and getting the triplets ready for bed, Gail sat folding laundry whilst Paul read the newspaper.
"Any chance that dinner will be served this century?" Paul asked jokingly from behind his paper
Gail gently slapped him "Stop it" she said
"It won't be that long" Scott said "Perfection takes time"
Paul turned his attention back to Gail "Are you okay?" he asked quietly
"Yeah I'm fine...I'm sorry about this afternoon but I did tell you that it would be easier for me to go alone" she said
"Hey I was teasing before" Paul replied "Today was fine...I enjoyed spending time with you and the children...also I didn't want you to be alone"
Paul smiled, pulling her closer he kissed her "I love you Mrs Robinson" he said
Gail laughed as she heard Scott's voice come from the kitchen.
"Cut it out you two, we're trying to prepare food here" he remarked
"Yeah well if you spent a little more time watching what you were doing instead of what we're doing then we might be able to eat sometime tonight" Paul replied
After dinner Paul and Scott washed the dishes while Gail and Charlene checked on the babies. Charlene commented on how angelic they looked when they were asleep to which Gail commented that she should have gone shopping with them this afternoon and that Elle was far from angelic. Charlene looked inside Elle's cot and gently stroked her face.
"She's beautiful" Charlene said
Walking over to the cot Gail smiled "She sure is..but she has a temper on her and knows exactly what she wants" she said
Thoughtfully Charlene commented "I think I'll wait a few years before I even consider having children" Charlene said "Mind you Scott can be childish at times"
Gail laughed "You two are still young, there's plenty of time for you to think about children" she said
"I guess so" Charlene said "But looking at these three...just make me think that it might be nice to have a baby"
"And hard work" Gail reminded her "These three are sleeping through the night now, but when they were first out of hospital they were being fed twice a night...then you have the teething"
"But you wouldn't be without them" Charlene said
"Of course not...these three are so special because of the IVF...they have brought Paul and I closer" Gail replied
After making coffee, Scott and Charlene prepared the 'Marriage Game' which they had played last time they had dinner at number 22.
An hour into the game Scott and Charlene were surprised to see that Paul and Gail were winning.
"Okay" Charlene said turning to Gail "If your partner is in a conversation with someone how do you know that they're bored" she said
Gail laughed as she looked at Paul "Easy...Paul usually starts playing with his rubics cube or puzzle games" she said
Paul looked at her shocked "I do not!" he said
"Oh yes you do...and don't even try and deny it" she said
"Moving on" Gail said as she picked up the cards "Charlene what is Scott's most annoying habit"
"Hmmm so many to choose from" she said thoughtfully "But...possibly taking up the whole of the bed"
"I do not" Scott said "The fact is that you want the entire bed, including my side of it"
"It's a family trait..." Gail said "Paul does the same"
They were interrupted by the sound of one of the babies crying over the intercom. Gail groaned and stood up to go, Paul reached for her hand.
"Leave it for a few minutes...Cam might settle down by himself he's good like that"
Scott and Charlene looked at each other slightly amazed "How do you know it's Cameron?" They asked in unison.
Paul laughed "I'm their father" he said "You get used to their individual sounds, Cameron is slightly louder and a higher pitch than Robert but Elle is definitely the loudest of the three of them"
As they talk the crying ceases, Paul laughs "See I told you" he said, picking up the card.
"Okay you two...which one of you is most likely to bring the other breakfast in bed" Paul said
Scott and Charlene looked at each other and laughed "Neither" they said in unison
Paul raised his eyebrows "What...you mean my brother is incapable of doing a simple thing like bringing his wife breakfast in bed" he said
"Scott burns toast" Charlene replies
"True, true" Paul remarked "Still you could at least make her a cup of tea"
"Have you ever tried Scott's tea" Charlene said
"What is this...pick on Scott day" Scott replied as he picked up a card "Okay Paul where do you see yourself in twenty years time"
"Right here" Paul said looking at Gail and smiling
"What" Scott said "You mean to tell me when you're the head of a multimillion business you tend to live in the street where you grew up in the house next door!"
"What's wrong with that!" Paul said "This Street was good enough for us, so why not bring my children up here...besides look at how many babysitters we have"
Scott laughed "Yeah I knew that there had to be an ulterior motive" he said
"No there isn't" Paul said "Gail loves Ramsay Street and if staying here makes her happy then we won't move"
Gail smiled resting her head on Paul's shoulder.
"Yeah but these houses aren't that big" Scott said
"Dad and Gran managed to bring us up here...mind you sharing a bedroom with you was a bit of a nightmare at times especially with your snoring" Paul said
"I do not snore" Scott said "Hey do you remember the midnight feasts with Julie and Lucy, when they couldn't sleep"
"Do I ever...and then dad would catch us and I always got the blame because I was the eldest and should have known better" Paul replied
"You have all that to look forward to with those three upstairs" Scott said
"So...with all that said" Charlene said "Is marriage forever"
Gail smirked "Sure...until something better turns up" she said, looking at Paul and daring him to comment.
"What..." Paul said, his eyebrows raised
Gail laughed "Your face Paul" she said "Seriously though guys, of course marriage is forever, when you find the right person you hold on to them, I was lucky I married my best friend...even though there are times when I could strangle him"
"You two are too much!" Scott laughed "Okay Paul, truthfully when was the first time you realised you loved Gail"
"That's not fair!" Paul said
"Come on darling...it's a fair question" Gail said teasingly
Paul thought for a moment "Okay, truthfully...the moment I first kissed her" Paul said looking at Gail and knowing exactly what she was thinking.
Gail looked down and shook her head remembering the first time Paul had kissed her meaningfully but said nothing, after a few seconds she looked at him "I thought you said 'truthfully', we both know that's not true" sadly she turned away.
Paul sighed "Gail, trust me it's true...it just took me a long time to realise it" he said
Scott looked at the couple, sensing that it was time to finish the game "Come on let's call it a night with this game... I think you two have won it anyway" he said
Charlene agreed, and suggested that she and Scott make a drink. Gail remarked that she was going to check on the babies.
"I'm sorry Paul...I didn't mean to stir things up" Scott said as Paul joined them in the kitchen.
"Its okay" Paul said "I might just go and see if she's alright"
Paul found Gail in the nursery, watching Cameron sleep, quietly he walked up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.
"Hey" he said, turning her around
Gail looked at him "Why did you lie" she said
Paul looked her in the eyes, gently stroking her face he smiled "I didn't lie, honestly...that first time I kissed you I felt something shoot through me, the more I think about it the more I realise that it was at that point I knew that I was falling in love, but I couldn't admit it...that's why I pulled away" he said "Darling none of that matters, the only thing that really matters now is this, I love you so much"
Gail smiled "I love you too" she said "This evening was fun though"
Paul laughed "Yes forgot how much I miss my little brother and all his and Charlene's dramas" he said
Walking back downstairs, they joined Scott and Charlene, who were sitting at the table with coffee and biscuits. As he sat down, Paul looked at the plate in front of him and gave a look of surprise.
"Hey those are my favourite coconut biscuits, thought I'd hidden them" he said
"Not hard enough!" Gail laughed
Still uneasy with his recent contact with Julie Scott decided to ask Paul what was wrong with her.
Paul sighed "Do we have to spoil a pleasant evening"
"No....it's just she's been phoning me lately, telling me how much things have changed here...that dad doesn't seem to be interested in her family and that she's no longer welcome here" Scott said
"Scott that's not true...dad told her that she wasn't welcome until she apologized for her behaviour at Christmas, and apparently she told him she wasn't prepared to as she felt she did nothing wrong" Paul said
"I don't understand what she's got against Gail, I accidently told her that we were coming down here to look after the triplets for a few days while you took Gail away for a birthday surprise, she said you two were using us, that we should have said no and that............."
Paul cut him off sitting forward "Look Scott, I don't care what Jules thinks" he said angrily, Gail placed her hand on his back rubbing it gently, as he felt her touch and took it as a sign to calm down he sighed "Scott you know me better than that...you know what Gail and I went through to have these children, you also know the truth about the reason we got married, those days have gone...I have no intention of ever losing Gail or my children"
"Don't listen to her Scott" Gail said "Changing the subject are you two coming down for the triplets' birthday party?"
Charlene frowned "Unfortunately I can't get time of work, but we brought their presents down with us and we're coming for Christmas" she said
A few weeks later, Gail was busy making dinner when Paul came in from work, glancing at the playpen he walked over, seeing the babies settled he smiled and walked into the kitchen, kissing Gail on the cheek.
"How was your day?" she asked
"Long" Paul said "Sorry I had to leave you all day, just a few meetings that needed attending too but tomorrow I'm free"
Gail laughed "You better be matey...I'm not doing our children's birthday party alone" she said
"Hardly alone, darling...you have the whole of the family helping you" he said
Gail smiled and shook her head "We need to make sure we get everything right for tomorrow" she said
Paul walked up behind her and kissed the back of her neck "Darling they're only a year old, I'm sure they're not going to remember this birthday" he said
She turned in his arms and smiled "I know but I just want it to be perfect for them" she said "It's not easy catering for 10 children less than 3 years old and 20 adults"
Paul tweaked her nose and smiled "Just don't want you overdoing it" he said "You look tired"
The following morning, Paul woke to the sun shining through the curtains, he reached out for Gail but found an empty space, where she should have been, sighing he looked at the clock, it was just after 6am, yawning he stretched and got out of bed, grabbing his dressing gown and headed downstairs, passing the nursery as the children remained asleep. Gail sat on the sofa placing goodies into the party bags, sitting down beside her he yawned rubbing his eyes.
"Darling, what are you doing, it's just after 6am?" he said sleepily, placing his head on her shoulder.
"There's so much to do" Gail replied, moving away from him "I have to pick up the cake from Madge's, blow up party balloons, put up the streamers, get the rest of the food ready and take it over to number 26, not to mention getting the triplets ready"
Paul rolled his eyes and stood up heading towards the kitchen.
"Where do you think you're going?" she asked sternly
As he turned around she threw a bag a balloons at him "Here you can blow these up, you're so full of hot air it shouldn't take that long" she said, looking down at the bag of balloons he picked them up, pulling a face at Gail before moving into the kitchen. Sleepily placing the bag on the table he went and put the kettle on, automatically removing the prepared bottles from the fridge ready for the children to wake shortly, sighing he turned as he heard Gail curse and saw her throw one of the party bags down. He walked over to her and took her hands in his as he pulled her up to face him.
"You do know this party will be fantastic" he said
Gail looked at him and he saw tears in her eyes "Guess I'm being overbearing aren't I" she said
Paul laughed "Just a tad" he said, smiling.
Later that day Paul and Gail and the rest of the family sat staring at the devastation caused by their children's party, there were party hats crumpled and cake all over the floor, sighing Gail made an attempt to tidy up.
"Leave it Gail" Jim said "We'll take care of it later, you both look shattered"
"I'll put the kettle on" Beverley said, standing up, narrowly avoiding squashing cake into the floor.
"I don't believe how a simple birthday party can cause such chaos" Gail said sitting back down
Helen laughed "You haven't seen anything yet, wait for another few years when you have them running about the place" she said
Helen looked at her concerned "Are you okay...you look really pale" she said
"Yeah she's overdone it I think" Paul said, rolling his eyes "I mean she was up getting things ready at 6am"
"I have not overdone it" Gail said, gently smacking Paul "I've been feeling a bit off colour for a few days"
"Beverley mentioned before that there's been a bug going around, she's had quite a few people in her surgery" Helen said "Maybe you need to rest"
Gail laughed "With three babies!" she said
Jim looked at Paul "Think yourself lucky mate, I remember your mum getting up at the same time as Gail did when she was preparing your first birthday party, not only that she made me get up too" he said
"Yeah well, Gail knows better than to wake me up" Paul said
Gail looked at him and shook her head "Really" she replied
Later that day, Gail sat on the sofa, letting Paul deal with the triplets' bedtime routine. After helping to tidy up number 26 they had returned home, Gail had felt tired so agreed to let Paul look after the children whilst she rested. As she stood to go and investigate the commotion she could hear over the intercom a sudden faintness came over her, throwing her back down on the sofa, hoping the feeling would soon pass she closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. After five minutes she felt slightly better so decided to go upstairs and join Paul. She smiled as she reached the door of the nursery and saw Paul standing over Robert's cot gently stroking his back.
"Hey" she said, creeping up behind him and placing her head on his shoulder, "How's it going up here?"
Paul turned slightly, his hand still gently on the baby's back "Fine" he said quietly "But this one isn't ready to give into sleep just yet"
Gail moved slightly and peered at the baby "Probably too much excitement and too much cake" she said
Paul looked at her slightly concerned at how pale she was "Are you okay?" he asked
She sighed as she replied "Think I just overdid it today, I'll be fine after a good nights sleep" she said
Paul turned and took her in his arms, kissing her gently "How about we let this one to go to sleep, maybe if we leave him he might settle, then we can go downstairs and I'll make us a drink" he said
The couple looked at Robert one last time, before checking on the other two babies; hand in hand they walked out of the nursery, switching off the main light and switching on the night light. Gail went back and sat on the sofa whilst Paul made the coffee. Smiling she picked up the photo albums that she had been flicking through earlier.
"They're changing so much" Gail commented "When you see the first pictures that we took of them"
Paul pulled her closer to him as he sat down with the drinks "Yeah, we'll need a new photo album to put the photos in I took today" he said "Hey are you sure you're okay about me going away to the conference?"
Gail smiled "It's fine" she said "Looking forward to the peace and quiet and being able to do what I want in the evening, watch whatever I want on television"
Paul laughed "I see" he said, "Just as long as you're sure"
Gail turned in his arms and looked at him "Of course I am, besides I know you enjoy those conferences but just remember to bring us something back" Gail said
"Sure a dirty laundry bag will that do you?" he laughed
Gently she smacked him "You dare"
Paul leant over the side of the sofa and picked up his mug of coffee.
"Hey it was nice of Ian to send the triplets some money" he said "Shame he couldn't make it here"
"$100 dollars each" Gail said "That will certainly bump up their bank accounts"
"At least he'll be able to meet the children when he comes down after Christmas" she said "I was thinking earlier..."
Paul laughed "That's always dangerous territory with you darling" he said
Gail frowned but decided not to rise to Paul's last comment "I was just thinking about Louise Hamptead" she said looking at Paul, biting her lip she continued "My birth mother or the woman who gave birth to me"
Paul sighed "Do you want to tell me your thoughts?" he said
"Just wondered if she ever regrets giving me up...did she ever think of me on my first birthday...I know today I was thinking about this time last year when the triplets were born" she said
"Darling...from what Ian said she had very little choice but to give you up...don't forget she was only seventeen" Paul said
"Your parents got married young, so did Scott and Charlene" Gail said reflectively
"Yes but my family have always been different, Gran got married young and as did mum and dad but don't forget dad's reaction to the news that Scott and Charlene were getting married, he thought they were too young" he said "I guess Louise's parents wanted what was best for her"
"Hmm I guess it's in the past now" Gail said
"And we can't change it" Paul said "Besides I don't know if I would want to...well you would have had a different life, probably wouldn't have ended up here and we probably would never have met"
Gail looked at him and laughed "Well when you put it like that..." she said, kissing him
The following morning, Gail was busy getting the triplets' breakfast when Paul came down with his suitcase, she felt a little apprehensive about him leaving her as she still felt a little queasy but she put her feelings aside.
Reluctantly he walked towards Gail "Well I guess I better be going" as he kissed Elle and Robert, narrowly avoiding Cameron's sticky fingers.
Gail walked with Paul to the door, putting his suitcase down on the floor; he hugged both her and Cameron to him "I'm going to miss you" he said
Gail fought back the tears, the last thing she wanted to do was cry in front of him "You'll be back before you know it" she said
"I'll phone you when I get back to the hotel tonight which will be after the first conference" he said "It may be late"
Paul opened the door but hesitated and turned around, Gail smiled at him
"You'll be late" she said kissing him "Love you"
"Love you too" he said kissing her before walking out. Gail closed the door behind him and placing Cameron down, she went to the window, watching Paul as he left. When she could see him no longer she turned and saw the triplet looking intently at her, laughing she walked back into the kitchen as another wave of nausea hit her; holding on to the counter she took a breath trying to shake the feeling. After a few minutes she felt slightly better so went over to Elle who was squirming to get out of the high chair.
A little while later she had finished clearing away the breakfast dishes when there was a knock at the door.
"Hi" she said as she saw Beverley standing outside.
"I saw Paul leave" Beverley replied "Thought I'd come and see how things were, that and Helen mentioned that you were feeling under the weather"
Gail smiled "Yeah I thought I was just overdoing it, but I slept really well last night and still feel queasy, must be a virus"
"Well if you want come and pop in to the surgery and I can run some tests" Beverley said
Later that morning Gail dropped the children at Number 26 with Jim and Helen, enabling her to go and see Beverley.
"Right I think we need to do some blood tests and I might do a pregnancy test as well" Beverley said
Gail laughed "We both know what the result of that would be" she said "I know the IVF said it was possible but I doubt it"
"All the same...there's no harm taking the test" Beverley said
"I should get the result of the pregnancy test by the end of the day and maybe the blood tests by tomorrow lunchtime " Beverley said, as she finished.
"Right I better get back and see what my children are up to" Gail said feeling slightly more upbeat having agreed to the check up.
Gail walked through the back door of Number 26 as she called out. She was struck by how quiet it was; she walked through to the living room and found Helen sitting alone sketching.
"Hi" she said surprised "Where is everyone?"
"Ah, well Jim and Nick decided to take the boys down the park, I think they were calling in to Des' to see if Kerry wanted to join them with Jamie and Sky. I put Elle down for a nap in the main bedroom as she was a bit restless" Helen said.
"Hmm hope she hasn't picked up what I've got" Gail commented "I might go and check on her"
Gail walked into the bedroom, the curtains were slightly closed and there was a quiet tranquillity in the room. As she gently walked over to the bed Elle turned to face her, bleary eyed.
"Hey you, what have you been up to?" Gail cooed gently, Elle's arm reached out for her mother, Gail smiled and lifted her into her arms, kissing Elle's tiny fingers as she lifted them to Gail's mouth.
"Come on you...let's go and see what Grandma Helen is doing" Gail whispered, as she got off the bed.
Helen was walking back into the living room, when Gail closed the bedroom door.
"I see she's awake" Helen said
"Yeah I don't think she was asleep, to be honest...just resting" Gail said "Maybe she wanted some time away from her brothers" as she sat on the sofa
Helen smiled as she sat opposite Gail, watching the tender exchange between mother and daughter, as Gail lovingly stroked Elle's back as the child rested her head on Gail's shoulder "I think she wanted some one to one attention" Helen replied "So did Paul get off okay this morning?"
Gail laughed "Yes...eventually" she said "he is sometimes such a fusspot"
Laughing Helen continued "Are you going to be okay without him for the next four days?"
Gail sighed "I miss him already but I'll cope" she said laughing slightly "He would have stayed if I'd asked him too, but I know he needs to go on these conferences...maybe when they're older we can both go and take the children with us"
"If you need any help you know where we are" Helen said
"Thanks...but I should be okay" Gail said "I don't want to impose"
Helen laughed "They're my great grandchildren...I want to help" she said "There isn't anything I wouldn't do to help you or Paul"
Looking at Helen Gail smiled and tentatively asked "Paul was your favourite wasn't he?"
Helen got up and moved to the other side of the room, sitting next to Gail, gently she touched Elle's fingers "I don't know...there's always been a special bond between Paul and I....oh there are times when I could strangle him...but there's a vulnerability about him that at times is heartbreaking" she said
Gail nodded in agreement "I know, I've seen it" she said reflectively thinking back to the time last year when she saw him sobbing over the three bears and the numerous times she has seen him worry when one of the triplets was sick "He comes across as the big businessman, at times overbearing but I know there's another side to him...he loves his family so much"
"I used to worry about him more than the other three, he hides his feelings, and let things bottle up inside him...I know he did that when his mum died..." Helen said
"Well you don't have to worry about him now" Gail said
Later that evening, Gail was finishing the dishes after putting the triplets to bed, Robert and Cameron settled immediately but Elle was still fretful so Gail had brought her back downstairs, she glanced at the playpen where her daughter sat playing with her koala bear, everything was peaceful. The only sound came from the doorbell; Gail put down the tea towel and went to answer it.
"Beverley" she said surprised "I didn't expect to see you tonight"
"Hey just thought I'd come and see how you were feeling" Beverley said, glancing towards the play pen surprised to see Elle still up "What's wrong with Elle?"
Gail glanced at her daughter "Oh just couldn't get her to settle" she replied "So I'd thought I'd bring her down here instead of letting her disturb the boys...anyway would you like a coffee"
Beverley smiled "Yes sure" she said as she followed Gail into the kitchen. Beverley laughed as she heard the gurgling sounds coming from the playpen "Well there's nothing much wrong with that one" she said
Gail laughed "No except that her daddy's not here" she said "Thinking about it I had the same thing when Paul was in hospital...she started to become clingy then"
As they sat on the sofa with their coffee Beverley asked "How are you coping with Paul away? Are you feeling any better?"
"I still feel a little bit nauseous but it seems to be easing thankfully" Gail replied
Beverley looked thoughtful "Gail...you might have to get used to the nausea, well for a little while anyway. You see I've had the test results back" she said
"That was quick, you said they probably wouldn't be back until tomorrow" Gail said sounding a little confused and surprised.
Beverley smiled "Well where family is concerned I can rush them through...Gail they all came back negative except for one"
Gail looked at her curiously as she put her mug on the coffee table.
"The pregnancy test...Gail it was positive" Beverley said half smiling
Gail looked at her slightly shocked and thought she must have misheard.
"No, there must be some mix up, did you check it again?" she asked casually not thinking anything of the news.
"Gail, I ran the test three times. You are pregnant" Beverley said, watching Gail's face closely for her reaction; the only sound in the room was that of Elle's gurgling which appeared to echo around the walls.
Gail shook her head in disbelief "No....that's impossible...I mean the specialist said I couldn't conceive naturally....I mean the IVF and you know my medical history"
Beverley put her hand on Gail's shoulder "It was positive. Do you remember the clinic telling you about the possibility of a natural pregnancy after your treatment?" Beverley asked
"Well yes...but Paul and I didn't think it would ever happen" Gail said frowning in disbelief
Beverley laughed "Sometimes...the treatment corrects the problem that existed in the first place" she said "No one really understands why that happens but it does"
"There's no mistake" Gail said, getting up and walking over to the playpen, gently picking Elle up and cuddling her close to her.
Beverley shook her head "No" she said "What are you thinking?"
"I can't believe it, after everything we went through with the IVF, the early mornings, the injections, the disappointments and now I'm pregnant naturally, it doesn't feel real" Gail looked down at her daughter, gently stroking her head, suddenly she longed for Paul to be there with her, sighing she looked at Beverley "Paul and I wanted to give the programme one more go...in a few years time, we wanted another baby" she said, laughing slightly "....but that was in the future...I'm just worried that I won't be able to cope with another baby as well as the triplets...this time next year we'll have four children under the age of two...will we be able to cope"
Beverley gently touched her arm "Gail, if anyone can cope you two can" she said "You coped with these three amazingly well...the family are always there for support but you two haven't needed us that much..."
Gail smiled "I just need to get my head around it...I can't believe I'm pregnant...the triplets were special because of the IVF but this one is equally special...I was told that I would never be able to have children naturally" she said
"Gail you and Paul will have all the support you need" Beverley said
"I know" Gail replied allowing herself to smile for the first time since hearing the news.
After Beverley had left, Gail switched the TV on low and cuddled up on the sofa with Elle, within an hour Elle had fallen asleep but Gail didn't want to take her upstairs, she enjoyed the comfort of the moment was bringing. Her thoughts returned to the pregnancy, she couldn't believe that she had managed to conceive naturally, she knew she wanted this baby as much as she wanted the triplets but she was scared. She couldn't help remembering the pain of the last pregnancy, she and Paul feeling miles apart with little communication, without even thinking about how she had felt neglected. She knew things were different now, but part of her was scared, she also didn't want to bring back bad memories for Paul of his mum's death. Her thoughts were interrupted by the ring of the telephone, quickly glancing at Elle she was relieved that the sound hadn't woken her, gently standing she placed Elle on the sofa and went to answer the call.
"Paul" she said with relief as she recognised the voice on the other end.
"Hi darling" he said leaning back on his hotel bed "What are you doing?"
Gail smiled "We're watching TV....how is the conference going?
"Not bad, bit tiring" Paul replied "anyhow who have you got with you?"
"Our daughter" Gail laughed "She's sleeping at the moment"
"She should be in bed!" Paul remarked looking at his watch
"Oh she's been restless all day...practically wouldn't let me leave her sight" Gail replied
"Doesn't sound like her" Paul said "Is she okay?" with concern noticing slightly in his tone
Gail laughed at the concern in Paul's voice "Darling she's fine...I might get Beverley to check her over if she's still unsettled tomorrow but I think it's just the fact that you're not here and she wants to make sure I don't leave her to" she said
"So apart from Elle...how was your day?" Paul asked
Gail smiled looking at her sleeping daughter "Fine..spent some time with Helen, while Jim and Nick took the boys to the park" Gail knew there was so much more she wanted to tell Paul about her day but over the phone wasn't the right time so continued to discuss the routine day that she had had otherwise.
"I was thinking I might come back on Friday night" Paul said thoughtfully "It's only the end of conference dinner which I can miss."
Gail frowned slightly "You don't have to...we're fine" she said
"I might want to" Paul said "It probably be different if you were here with me, but it's no fun in a hotel on my own"
Gail laughed "I miss you too" she said
"I better let you get back to our daughter and get some rest" Paul said "Love you"
"Love you more" Gail said and she smiled and held the receiver to her shoulder after Paul had hung up.
The following day, Gail went into the office for the morning with the children in the crèche. As she sifted through the correspondence in the office, her mind was on Paul and the pregnancy, she wasn't sure how he'd react, she had no doubt that he wanted more children but she also knew that they were still in debt. Lunchtime crept up on her without realising so Gail decided to do some shopping before going to collect the children, as she walked towards the bridge her eyes caught the sight of a mother with a baby in a pushchair and a young girl walking alongside, the mother appeared frustrated with the older child as she whined. Gail looked sadly at the scene; the last thing she wanted was to be like that with her own children.
Later that evening Gail was clearing up the living room which was scattered with toys, smiling to herself she wondered how three little ones could make so much mess. Suddenly she was aware of how quiet the house was, she longed for Paul to hold her in his arms and tell her that everything would be okay, deep inside she knew that Paul would be happy about the baby but she was still uncertain, they were so close and she hated the thought of that changing. Sleep evaded her that night, all she could think about was Paul, she missed him so much and would be glad for tomorrow night to be over as Paul would be home the following evening.
The following day, Gail groaned as one of the triplets woke her as she finally managed to get off to sleep, sighing she got out of bed and wandered into the nursery, Robert sat looking at her, his face tear stained, smiling she picked him up and cuddled him close to her. Later in the morning she went into work for a couple of hours, the triplets were content to be in the crèche, so she thought that work would help settle her mind, she laughed to herself as she realised that when something was on Paul's mind he usually buried his head in a pile of work. They were so alike.
Friday evening finally arrived, Gail put the triplets to bed a little earlier than usual but Elle seemed determined to stay up, Gail rolled her eyes, secretly pleased that her daughter wouldn't sleep as she wanted one of her babies close to her and the boys had worn themselves out. Taking her downstairs, Gail cuddled up to her daughter on the sofa and soon they were both asleep. It was gone 10.30pm by the time Paul arrived home as he had been delayed after all. As he opened the door he noticed the quietness of the house, his heart melted as he looked towards the sofa and found his wife and daughter asleep. Gently walking towards them, he saw Elle stir, kneeling beside them he placed his finger on her lips to quieten her, without disturbing Gail he lifted Elle into his arms.
"Hey come on , you should be in bed little one" he said kissing her forehead, looking at Gail he smiled "Seems like you've worn out your mummy this week" as he carried Elle upstairs who was hazily smiling at Paul.
A little while later, Gail awoke, realising that Elle was not on the sofa with her she sat up, looking around the room. Spotting Paul's suitcase she realised he must have taken her upstairs, her thoughts confirmed when she heard his voice over the intercom, quietly speaking to their daughter. Sleepily she got up and walked into the kitchen, putting the kettle on. Five minutes later Paul joined her.
"So can I now have a hug from my second favourite girl?" he asked smiling as he walked towards her in the kitchen.
Gail looked at him, she never felt so glad to see anyone, walking up to him she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
Paul laughed slightly "Hey what's all this" he said "What's wrong?"
Gail pulled back, there was so much she wanted to say but she didn't know where to start "Nothing" she smiled "I just missed you so much"
Paul gently stroked her cheek "I missed you too" he said "And if I'd known what sort of welcome home I would get I would have been home a lot sooner"
"I've made a drink" Gail said "Let's go and sit down"
"So tell me about the conference" Gail said
"Well some of it was interesting, there were a few good speakers who had new ideas at the way we should be running hotels for business men and the best way to make use of the conference facilities we have, I also made a few good contacts as there were a couple of tourist seminars going on in the same hotel" he said, suddenly aware that Gail wasn't really listening to him. "Gail what's wrong, you haven't heard a word I said"
Gail looked at him "Of course I have" she said, getting off the sofa and going to tidy up the toys scattered on the floor. Paul looked after her with concern and kneeled down beside her.
"What's wrong" he asked putting his hand over hers preventing her from continuing to tidy up. Gail looked at him and couldn't hold her emotions any longer and burst into tears, quickly he pulled her into his arms hugging her tightly, rubbing her back as she cried
"What's wrong, don't tell me nothing as I know something is" he said
Gail sighed, wiping the tears from her eyes "I love you so much" she said
Paul frowned, looking slightly confused...unsure of where the conversation was going "I know...did something happen while I was away" he asked
Gail looked at him but said nothing, unsure of how to tell him about the pregnancy; Paul looked at her anxiously wondering whether his going away had caused her to doubt his commitment to her.
"Paul do you remember the conversation we had in Tassie...about our future" she said
Paul looked at her alarmed, wondering whether she had suddenly decided that she wasn't happy in their relationship and wanted to leave, Gail looked at him sensing his fear.
"I remember" Paul replied slowly "What about it?"
"Paul what do want most in this world?" she asked "I mean what's the most important thing in the world to you"
He looked at her "Do you really have to ask that question?" he said, Gail remained silent, Paul sighed "You are....you and our family that's all I want"
"How big a family?" Gail muttered almost in a whisper
Paul looked at her confused "What do you mean..."
Gail looked away "Paul I saw Beverley while you were away, she ran some tests...."
"Gail are you sick, tell me!" he said, suddenly fearing that this was the lead up to telling him she was really ill.
Gail shook her head "No.." she said, suddenly realising that there was only one way to say what she had to say "I'm pregnant"
Paul's jaw dropped open "You're what?"
Gail sighed "I'm pregnant . . . that was my reaction as well!"
"How?" Paul asked
Gail smiled weakly "I actually asked Beverley the same thing" she said
Paul took her in his arms and hugged her tightly "That's the best news I've heard all day" he said
Gail pulled away slightly "Aren't you even slightly annoyed or alarmed by the news" she said
Paul laughed "Surprised yes...but I'm not unhappy about it" he said "We both wanted another child"
Gail sighed "Yes...but think about it Paul, the triplets are a year old, we've just got them into sleeping through the night and now in seven and a half months time we'll have another baby on our hands, another mouth to feed...how are we going to cope with four children under two years old"
Paul looked at her "The same way we coped with the Cameron, Robert and Elle...by being there for one another" he said
Gail shook her head "I'm scared Paul...I don't want to lose you or what we have now...what happens in six months time when seeing me pregnant reminds you of what happened to your mum, I don't want you to relive those memories, what happens if the pressures of work get to you and we start to drift apart like last time...what if you fall out of love with me" she said
Paul took her hands in his "Okay last time was stressful but we're in a different place now, everything will be fine" he said, looking at her, suddenly a thought dawned on him at where this conversation was going, he realised that Gail may not want to go through with the pregnancy. Pulling away from her he stood up; walking towards the fire place he placed his hands on his neck, rubbing it unable to look at Gail.
"What" Gail asked
Paul turned but was still unable to look at her "I just had a thought, I really hope you're not thinking what I think you may be thinking?" he said sadly
Gail looked at him curiously "Why what do you think I'm thinking?" she said
Paul finally looked at her and Gail saw the hurt and pain in his eyes, suddenly realising what he was thinking, she gasped and exclaimed "No way!" she said
Paul gave a sigh of relief "Well at least that's something" he said
"How could you ever think that I would ever consider anything like that?" she said slightly annoyed at him even thinking that
"Well you don't seem that excited or happy about the baby" he remarked looking her in the eyes and trying to sense her thoughts
Gail shook her head "I'm scared about what could happen...but that doesn't mean that I don't want this baby...Paul it's part of us...this baby was conceived against the odds" she said exasperated
Paul stretched out his arms "Come here Mrs Robinson" he said smiling
Once again Gail closed the gap between them, as she went into Paul's outstretched arms and hugged him tightly, kissing her head he held her; both of them perhaps needing the reassurance and comfort.
"Wow this is going to take a bit of getting used to" he said laughing
"I know...I can't believe you'd think I would ever consider not having our baby... I missed you so much this week" Gail said looking deeply into Paul's eyes. "I want this baby as much as I wanted the last three!"
Paul kissed her "I missed you too...more than you will ever realise....Gail you have nothing to worry about, and as for me falling out of love with you that's impossible...I've never loved anyone the way I love you"
Gail smiled "I feel the same way about you...but what happens when I look fat and frumpy when I'm eight months pregnant" she said grimacing at the thought
Paul laughed "You could never look fat and frumpy...besides you're carrying my baby and nothing is more beautiful than that...ah I love you, I don't want you ever to forget that and you are the most important thing in my life...I want you to be happy"
"I am happy...Paul can we afford another baby though" She asked resting her hand on his chest
Paul nodded "I don't see why not...the business is doing better, conference bookings are up, the Daniels' Corporation in New York is promoting Australia and Lassiters as a tourist destination"
"But what about our overheads . ...not to mention all the work that needs doing on the hotel" Gail said
"Ah well I had another survey done on the hotel" Paul said "after Kevin I didn't really trust his verdict on the structural damage...so I got a good surveyor who says that although there is work to be done it wont be as bad as we think and hopefully it won't interrupt the running of the hotel too much"
"Why didn't you tell me?" Gail asked surprised
Paul laughed "I felt an idiot trusting Kevin and I knew I'd never hear the end of it from you if I told you I got another survey" he said
"mmm, maybe you're right!" Gail replied
Paul kissed her "What are you thinking Mrs Robinson?"
Gail shook her head "Nothing I'm just being silly...it's just when I was shopping today I saw a mother with her two young children, she was angry with the eldest and almost nearly pulled her over rushing...Paul I never want to be in that position, where I view my children as being nuisances" she said
Paul smiled "I can't imagine that happening....look perhaps some parents find it difficult to cope with a new baby after only having one child to look after but we've always had the three babies, at some point they've all demanded attention at the same time, but we've coped, besides I don't think either of us would look at any of our children as a burden...we went through too much to have them" he said "Who knows maybe this one will be a placid girl" Paul said
Gail looked at him "You mean to tell me you don't want another son for your empire" she laughed
Paul shook his head "No I wouldn't mind another daughter, a playmate for Elle" he said defending his thought
"Does that mean that I'll be delegated to being your third favourite girl?" Gail asked
"No...you always have been my number one girl...I just like teasing you" Paul replied "So darling, can we stop worrying about not being able to cope with another baby because I know we can ...we're a family and we will always agree on one thing...our children are the most important thing in this world and there is nothing either of us will do to change this"
Gail smiled "definitely" she said "How about we have an early night...you must be tired after travelling"
Paul laughed, kissing her tenderly "Now you're talking" he said with a teasing nudge from Gail.