Three weeks later, Paul stood in the doorway of the gift shop, smiling as he watched his family inside, Elle seemed engrossed with pulling the toys of the bottom shelf whilst the boys were busy trying to chase each other round the shop. Gail turned as she heard footsteps behind her.
"Hey" Paul said "I went to pick up the triplets from the crèche but Mrs Kirkwood said you had picked them up half an hour ago"
"Yeah, Gloria popped in so we closed the shop for a bit and collected them, guess I missed them" Gail replied
"I'm sorry I had to ask you to work in here today; we're just understaffed" Paul said
"It's okay...I was close to these three if they needed me" Gail replied
Paul looked at his daughter who was busying herself with the toys "What is madam doing over there?" he asked, laughing
Gail looked and shook her head "Choosing her next bed partner I think" she said laughing
"What happened to Paddington...I noticed him on the floor of the nursery this morning?" Paul said
"Don't know...maybe she got bored...wanted a change" Gail said, walking over to her daughter and picking up the toys that Elle has tossed aside, Paul caught hold of Cameron as he made a dash for the open door, quickly Paul ran over and shut the door.
"Oh no you don't!" Paul laughed, picking Cameron up and swinging him over his shoulder. The child squealed with delight.
"You have to have eyes in the back of your head with these three at the moment; they're moving so fast" Gail said, Paul smiled setting Cameron down he walked back over to Gail.
"Hey come here" he said opening in his arms.
Gail glanced back at her daughter who was still busy pulling toys off the shelf, rolling her eyes she turned to Paul walking into his outstretched arms.
"How are you?" he asked kissing her head
"Fine" she said
Paul pulled back slightly; looking at her he saw how she was glowing something he hadn't noticed when she was pregnant with the triplets,
"No morning sickness or lapse of memory?" Paul asked
Gail shook her head "No...I felt a little queasy but nothing too bad, as for the memory lapse don't go there please...I can't afford that this time not with these three to look after"
Paul smiled "Hey don't worry...this time things will be different I promise" he said
Gail kissed him "I know" she said as Paul pulled her closer and kissed her. Their embrace was interrupted by a toy kangaroo being thrown in their direction; Paul looked and saw the three children with the toys
"Okay you three, game's over" Paul said walking over to them, picking up the toys as he went. Kneeling down he began placing the toys back on the shelf trying to encourage the triplets to help him. Gail laughed as she watched him, in business he expected things done when he wanted them done and had no patience at all but with the triplets he seemed to have the patience in the world, she watched as he tried desperately to get the toys put away whilst the children insisted they hadn't finished playing, anyone else would have been exasperation by this point, walking over she knelt down to help him.
"These three would try the patience of a saint at times" Gail laughed as they managed to get the toys back on the shelf, "Come on let's get them home"
Smiling Paul agreed "Are you ready to go?" he said
Later that evening Gail was busy making dinner whilst Paul put the triplets to bed, she turned when she heard him come downstairs, smiling she saw Robert in his arms.
"What's he doing up?" she asked
"Wouldn't settle" Paul said "I think his teeth are hurting him" as he walked into the kitchen
Gail gently stroked the baby's cheek which felt hot "He's got red cheeks and he's a little hot, there's a teething ring in the fridge why don't you give it him" Gail said.
Paul went to the fridge and got out the teething ring, "Do you need any help?" he asked Gail as he placed the teething ring in Robert's hand.
Gail shook her head "No..go and sit with him on the sofa...dinner will be in ten minutes" she said
Paul kissed the back of her neck as he passed her, then went and sat on the sofa playing with Robert and the teething ring, Gail watched him and smiled
"You do know it's a conspiracy" she said
Paul looked at her "What"
"Well every night one of them wants more attention than the others and won't go to sleep, so we bring them down here for a while until they settle...I swear these three have got a rota going as to which ones stays up late" she said as she walked towards them.
"Hmm you could have a point there" he laughed as Robert gurgled happily.
Gail sat down beside him, gently stroking Robert's back "You do know it's nearly Christmas and we haven't thought about Christmas presents or anything" she said
"I know...do you think we should put a tree up this year?" Paul replied
Gail smiled as she watched Paul and Robert interact, the child squealing with delight as Paul tickled him "Hmm what so these three can pull it down, I'm not sure...we could get a small one I guess" she said
"We could always ask dad and Beverley if they could babysit tomorrow and go shopping" Paul said "It would be easier than traipsing these three around the shops, you know what Elle's like"
"We'll see, come on dinner's nearly ready...why don't you put him in the playpen" Gail replied
An hour later, Gail and Paul were finishing washing up when the doorbell rang, Paul went to answer it checking Robert in the playpen on the way by.
"Hey Gran" he smiled as she opened the door to find Helen on the doorstep "What brings you here?"
"I'm not interrupting your dinner am I?" she asked
"No" Paul said "We're just clearing up"
"Helen would you like a coffee?" Gail called from the kitchen
"That would be good" Helen replied, glancing at the playpen she laughed "What's he doing up, its way past his bedtime"
Paul went and picked Robert out of the playpen "Wouldn't go to sleep" He replied "I think his teeth are troubling him again"
"I see" Helen said "You do know you're going to have one grumpy little boy on your hands in the morning if he's anything like you"
"Well I was just about to take him up to bed" Paul said
Gail joined them in the living room, carrying the tray of coffee, placing it on the coffee table she walked up to Robert in Paul's arms and kissed his head. Helen and Gail sat down as Paul took the baby upstairs.
"You know that child is becoming more like Paul everyday" Helen said
"Do you really think so, the boys are identical" Gail replied
"Yes in looks but not in characters...I can see a lot of Paul in Robert" Helen replied
"Whereas Cameron is more like Scott I think...more layback, Robert has always been more cautious when trying out new things like walking" Gail said
"hmm Paul was just the same" Helen said, they laughed as they heard Paul's voice over the intercom softly speaking to Robert.
"Paul never ceases to amaze me, in business he expects things to be done when he wants them to and hardly has any patience...but these three well he has all the patience in the world" Gail said
Helen laughed "I'm just glad you two are happy" she said "Wish everything else was smooth sailing"
"Why, problems?" Gail asked curiously
"Ah certain people causing trouble...Jim was having a row with his favourite daughter so I left him to it" Helen replied
"What's Lucy done?" Paul interrupted coming downstairs
Helen laughed "No Lucy's fine" she replied "Scott phoned earlier saying that Julie had phoned him saying there was a change of plan for Christmas, that we were going up there anyway he phoned to say that they were still coming down here as Charlene had promised Madge that they were spending Christmas with her"
"I thought Todd and Nick were still going to be here at Christmas, I spoke to Todd the other day and he mentioned that he wasn't going up to Adelaide" Paul said
"Yeah well apparently you two were going to keep an eye on them as you would be too busy with work and the triplets to join the rest of the family" Helen said
Paul rolled his eyes "So of course dad phone Jules" he said
"Yep and they were having a blazing row when I left" Helen said "He told her he has no intentions of going up there this Christmas."
"I gather she's not happy about that" Paul said
"Yeah well she went on about how Jim cares more about the triplets than Hannah and from what I gather started having a go about you two, saying that she thought it would be nice for us to have time away from the triplets and looking after them, I left before the conversation got more heated" Helen said
"So are you planning on going to see her...even if dad doesn't?" Paul asked
Helen shook her head "No...I don't really want to travel up there alone besides I want to see the triplets open their Christmas presents" she said
Paul laughed "Who says they're getting any" he said
Their conversation was cut short by the sound of Jim's voice coming from the back door.
"In here dad" Paul said
Jim walked into the living room, looking at Helen he smiled "I thought you'd be in here" he said
"Things were getting a little heated over there" Helen said "Thought I'd leave you to it"
"Tell me about it" Jim replied "I'm almost tempted to say we'll go up there to shut her up, but I want the whole family together...unfortunately Scott and Charlene have promised Madge that they'll spend Christmas with her but what about you two, will you at least think about coming with us"
Gail looked hesitantly at Paul, reading her thoughts he replied "I'm not sure dad...things were really intense last year"
"Jim I'm really sorry but I don't think I could cope with her constant sniping like last year she's made it perfectly clear that she doesn't like me and that I'm not part of this family" Gail said
"Gail it won't be like it was last year I promise" Jim said
Paul shook his head "Dad...look you go we'll be fine here with the triplets and we'll have Scott and Charlene plus we can keep our eye on the boys" he said
"Paul I want us together at Christmas, I want to see the triplets enjoy their first real Christmas" Jim said suddenly having a thought "Look if you're worried about travelling up with them...don't we'll all help out with them"
Paul looked at Gail,
"What's wrong" Jim said seeing the look that the couple exchanged
"Dad it's not just the travelling...I don't want Gail stressed...they're other factors to consider" Paul said
"What" Jim asked "Is everything okay"
Gail smiled at Paul, she knew they needed to tell the family about the pregnancy at some point and although they were planning to do so at Christmas that was only a few weeks away, she nodded to Paul that it was okay to say something
Paul sighed "Well it's like this..." he said, Gail walked over and sat next to him, placing her hand on his back, relaxing from the sense of her touch he continued "We're going to have another baby and I just don't think travelling is the best thing at the moment"
Jim looked confused "I thought you couldn't have children...the IVF" Jim said
Gail laughed "So did we...but sometimes the IVF corrects the original problem...no one really knows why but sometimes pregnancy is possible after IVF treatment" she said
"That's amazing...how do you two feel about it?" he asked "How long have you known"
"Only a couple of weeks, we were planning on telling you at Christmas" Paul said "It took a bit of getting used to but we're happy about it...we both want more children"
"So when is it due?" Helen asked
Gail looked at Paul and smiled "June 13" she said
"Your wedding anniversary?" Helen said
Gail and Paul laughed "Yes if you can call it that" Paul said "Still we'll have something good to remember about that date now...if the baby arrives when it's due"
"So I guess congratulations are in order" Jim said
Paul and Gail laughed "Yep just think this time next year we'll have four children" Paul remarked "But seriously dad...you go to Jules' this Christmas"
Jim shook his head "I don't know...I'd sooner stay here but she's forever going on about how much attention the triplets get" he said
"I hate to say this but there is another point to consider" Gail said
Jim sighed "Lucy...yes I had thought about that...she won't be happy if I tell her we're going up there" he said "And there's no way she's staying home with the boys"
Gail looked at Paul "She could stay here"
"No I don't think so...it was only an idea to go up there anyway" Jim said "Well I better make a move, see if the kids are home yet" he said standing up.
Later that evening Jim and Beverley sat in the kitchen of number 22, Beverley had just arrived home after doing a late shift and the house was quiet as everyone else was in bed.
"So what are you doing about Christmas?" Beverley asked
Jim looked at her "You knew about Gail's pregnancy" he said
Beverley smiled "Hey come on...patient – doctor confidentiality remember...besides I think they needed to get used to things" she said
"I thought Gail couldn't have children naturally" Jim said
"Well maybe the IVF has changed that, I don't know this could just be a fluke" she said "But either way they're happy and content...so what are you going to do about Christmas?"
Jim frowned "Scott's coming here...Paul and Gail aren't going to travel up to see Julie...If I go..." he said, lowering his voice slightly he continued "Then I don't have Christmas with my family...I miss my grandchildren's first Christmas...well the first one that they'll be aware of"
"Then stay here...look blame on me say I have to work over the Christmas period" Beverley said
Jim smiled and kissed her "You don't mind?" he said
Beverley laughed "After last year...I'd sooner stay here anyway" she said "Besides I'm sure we'll have more fun with the triplets than with Julie"
"I don't know...I always promised Ann that no matter what I would always consider her my daughter...but last year...I saw so much of her real father in her that to be honest, part of me doesn't care if I ever see her again" he said "I never wanted to feel that way, we've put up with her bossiness over the year but last year she was just vicious"
"Tell me about it" Beverley laughed "I've never been so pleased to see a member of your family leave" she said
A few days later, Gail was busily preparing the meal when she heard the doorbell ring, drying her hands on a towel she went to open it.
"Hi Jim" she smiled as she opened the door
"I'm not interrupting dinner am I" Jim replied
"No...come in, Paul's still at work, he had a late meeting" Gail said
"Working...I didn't think he worked past 5pm these days" Jim said
Gail laughed "It was just a meeting with a potential Investor, he thought it would be best for us to bring the triplets home and get them ready for bed and then go the meeting, he shouldn't be too long" she said "Do you want a coffee?"
"Sure" Jim said "So the triplets are sound asleep are they?"
Gail picked up the kettle and filed it with water before putting it back on the counter "Yes...in fact they fell asleep in the car on the way home...poor little things wore themselves out today" she said
"I peeked into the crèche this afternoon, just to see them and they were busy playing, they're quite sociable" Jim said
Gail smiled, as she heard the kettle boiled she picked it up pouring water into the mugs "Elle and Cameron are but Robert is still a little reserved at times" she said
"Just like his dad" Jim laughed
"And look how he turned out" Gail laughed, handing Jim his coffee "Have you decided what you're doing for Christmas?"
Walking into the living room, Jim sat on the sofa whilst Gail sat opposite him, placing her mug on the coffee table.
"Well we're staying here" Jim said "To be honest Lucy doesn't want to go, and Helen got a phone call from Rosemary saying that she was coming down for Christmas again"
"Maybe next year" Gail commented
Jim laughed "I doubt it, Lucy isn't known for her forgiving nature" he said "So how are things here with you two"
"Busy" Gail said "With the children and the hotel and now there's the new baby to look forward to" she said "But we're coping"
Jim looked at Gail slightly concerned that another baby would add more pressure on their marriage "Just make sure Paul pulls his weight" he said
Gail smiled "Oh I don't need to worry about that." She said "He's a really good father; we've started sharing the business and the children, if there's a meeting he feels that I'll handle better than him he'll let me go into work whilst he takes care of the triplets"
Jim shook his head "I just worry about you two...from the very start you've wanted to look after the children yourself without any real help from us...it's bound to put a strain on things" he said
"Trust me it doesn't...this past year we've come out stronger than ever before...nothing's going to change that" Gail said, understanding Jim's concerns after the last pregnancy "Not even this pregnancy...I know last time things were really difficult between us, but this past year we've put that in the past"
"I'm sorry...I would just hate to see the situation that I saw last time...he was devastated when he thought you had gone" Jim said
Gail sighed as she remembered the scene she walked back into the house "Don't worry...it isn't going to happen again...I love him too much" she said
"You're the best thing that ever happened to him...you've grounded him, given him the family he wanted" Jim said "I've seen how devastated he's been when relationships fail...I'd used to worry that he'd end up bitter and twisted"
Gail smiled, placing a hand on her stomach she thought about the new life growing inside her "I think we were both in danger of being bitter and twisted" she said reflectively "That's why we went into the Marriage of Convenience, to protect ourselves and of course the business deal"
"You had us all fooled" Jim laughed but remembering the anger he felt when he realised that the two of them had made a mockery of the marriage vows.
Gail shook her head "No...we fooled ourselves...we were both so caught up in protecting ourselves that we didn't see what was happening" she said
"As long as everything's okay" Jim said
"Don't worry if he starts being a workaholic again I'll set Elle on him, she's good at wrapping him around her little finger" Gail laughed
An hour and a half later, Gail frowned when she saw the time, Jim had left half an hour ago and Paul still wasn't home, dinner would be ruined if he wasn't home soon, sighing she picked up the phone, she was about to dial when the front door opened. Paul saw the look on Gail's face.
"I'm sorry I'm late" Paul said "The meeting went on longer than I hoped it would, then there was a problem at the Waterhole, and then just as I was about to leave I had a phone call from Mr Udigawa"
"What did he want?" Gail asked
Paul moved closer to her "He's interested in working with us again, actually he was interesting in working with the Daniel's Corporation but as the project is to be here Rosemary put him in touch with us" he said "It could be a real money spinner"
Gail laughed "Ah my wheeler dealer husband is back" she said
Paul looked at her, reading her thoughts he took her hand in his, smiling he shook his head "No...It's just the deal he's offering is a good deal but I want you with me on this...you're a brilliant negotiator where he's concerned" he said
Gail laughed "Flattery will get you everywhere" she replied
Paul smiled "Anyway no more talk about business, how's everything here...the children still in bed?"
"Well your dinner's almost burnt, the kids are fine and your dad dropped in" Gail said "Think he's worried about how we're going to manage with another baby"
"We will manage" Paul said pulling her into his arms, placing his hand on her stomach he smiled "So how is this little one then?"
Gail laughed "Fine...I had a letter from the hospital today, my first scan is scheduled for the week after Christmas...do you want to join me" she said.
"Try stopping me!" Paul replied "Just think then we can find out if this is one baby or whether we have triple trouble"
Gail shook her head and hit his arm "Don't go there" she said "Right do you want your dinner whilst it's still edible?"
"Okay" Paul said "Just let me go upstairs and get out of this suit"
The next few weeks flew by quickly, the hotel was busy with Christmas parties and various other events and Paul was working longer hours than he cared to, checking his watch he saw that it was 3.30pm and Christmas Eve, he decided it was time to go home. Closing up the office, he then checked to make sure that everything was running smoothly at the Waterhole and the hotel before heading home. On opening the front door he was struck by how quiet things seemed inside, smiling to himself he saw Gail curled up asleep on the sofa, the triplets were nowhere in sight. Walking over to the sofa he knelt down and gently planted a kiss on Gail's cheek. Gail stirred and opened her eyes.
"Hey" he said gently "I don't know, I've spent my day working hard whilst you enjoy yourself, lazing around on the sofa"
Gail sat up and gently smacked his arm "Hey I've only just finished working" she said
Paul got up and sat down beside her, pulling her towards him "Where's the triplets?" he asked "Don't tell me you've got them to take a nap"
"I did earlier...but Scott, Charlene and Lucy called to take them to the park about half an hour ago" Gail replied
"They better watch them carefully" Paul said "Especially now that they're walking"
Gail shook her head and laughed "That's why you had a fence put around the park area, don't worry they'll be careful" she said
Paul looked at her "How are you?" he asked "Not overdoing things I hope"
"No...just wanted to make sure the house was tidy for tomorrow which isn't easy with the children" she said "Gloria came around this morning and brought some presents"
"That's nice" Paul said "Do you want a coffee?"
"I'll make it" Gail said "You've been working all day"
Paul kissed her "No you sit and rest" he said standing up and walking towards the kitchen.
"So how was your day?" Gail asked
"Fine but long" Paul said "Kept thinking of all the things I could be doing here"
Gail frowned, standing up she walked over to him placing her arms around his waist.
"Thought you were resting" Paul laughed
Gail smiled and kissed the back of his neck "No" she said "What's bothering you?"
Paul turned in her arms and sighed, gently he stroked her face "I don't know...just keep thinking about your last pregnancy and how I didn't pick up how neglected you felt...just don't want to make the same mistake again...I love you so much" he said
"I love you too...darling we're not in the same position we were last time...the company is doing okay, we're not in so much debt...we have a number of interested Investors including Rosemary...and I'm still able to work" Gail said
Paul smiled "Just promise me that if things start getting too much or you feel...like you did last time that you'll tell me" he said
"Of course" she said "Sometimes you worry too much"
Paul sighed "Where you and the children are concerned I can't worry enough" he said "You do know that if you asked I'd give up the Robinson Corporation"
Gail smiled "It won't come to that" she said kissing him "Come on let's go and sit down"
Paul turned and poured water in the cups, picking them up he walked over to the sofa, Gail followed him. Sitting down on the sofa, Paul pulled Gail closer to him.
"Are you working next week?" Gail asked
Paul shook his head "No...there's a few meetings that I need to go in for but other than that I don't intend to go in before the New Year" he said
"So I get you all to myself do I" Gail said smiling, resting her head on his shoulder
"Not exactly...we still have the children remember" he laughed, placing his hand on her stomach "Speaking of which how this little one doing is, behaving herself I hope"
Gail rolled her eyes "Paul!"
"What" he said innocently
"This one could be a boy" she said "Don't set your heart on another girl...you may be disappointed"
Paul smiled "No way...I don't mind what we have...let's be honest neither of us were sure whether we would have children...now look at us" he said
"mmm" Gail replied, smiling picking up her coffee mug "By the way Ian phoned today"
"Is he still coming to see us?" Paul asked
"Mmm two days after Christmas...he wanted to know how things were going and mentioned that his offer of Investing in the Robinson Corporation and also helping financially with the children is still on the table" she said
"hmm I know it makes sense to take him up on his offer especially with the new baby but...I don't know it just doesn't feel the right thing to do...this family is my responsibility" Paul said
Gail laughed
"What?" Paul said
"Nothing...just thinking if he had offered that to Jeremy..."
"He would have cashed the cheque before the ink had dried" Paul said "And you wouldn't have seen any of it...but I'm not him"
Gail gently stroked his cheek and kissed him "No" she said quietly "You're not him"
Paul closed his eyes, remembering how Jeremy Lord had hurt Gail not once but twice, sighing he said quietly "That man was an idiot...but then if he hadn't have been look what I would have missed out on"
Gail stayed silent, closing her eyes for a moment, opening them she looked at Paul and smiled "so am I...you've given me so much more than he ever did...and most of all I know you're faithful" she said
"Why would I ever want anyone else when I have you" he said
Gail laughed "Paul...please" she said
"Okay...but I'm serious...I've never loved anyone as much as I love you" he said
"Christmas is getting to you" Gail laughed "But I feel the same way about you...I thought I was over Jeremy but then he walked into my life and I fell for his lies once again...but it's only these past few years with you that I've really felt...I don't know...real love" she said
Paul put down his coffee mug and pulled her closer to him "How long do we have before the children come home" he said
Gail laughed and gently smacked him "Behave yourself" she said "Actually the kids should be back any minute"
"Spoilsport" Paul grinned "So where is Ian staying?"
"He said he'll be fine at the hotel...I did say he could stay here" Gail replied "But he said he'd be fine at the hotel...think he's nervous about coming down"
"Okay...I'll make sure he's booked into a decent at the hotel...I mean we need to take care of our potential investors" Paul said
Gail laughed "Hey what do you mean...our rooms are the best hotel rooms in Australia" she said
"One day they will be" Paul said "In fact one day our hotel will be the best tourist destination in Australia." He said
Gail laughed "Yeah if you've got anything to do with it!"
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of laughter coming from outside. Paul smiled
"The kids are back" he said, standing up he reached for Gail's hand pulling her up. Together they walked to the door and opened it, standing in the doorway as Scott, Charlene and Lucy made their way up the drive with the pushchairs. Paul took one look at his children's clothes and laughed.
"You've been feeding my children ice cream" he remarked as he helped Scott bring the pushchairs inside.
"Yeah and your daughter is greedy" Lucy remarked
Paul looked at his daughter sitting peacefully for once in the pushchair, a look of innocence on her face.
"What happened" Gail asked
"Oh she decided one ice cream wasn't enough, so after quickly finishing hers, she made a grab for Cameron's" Scott said "I thought world war three was going to break out"
"She takes after her mother" Paul said as he lifted Robert out of the pushchair and set him down in the living room.
"Watch it" Gail said
"Dada" Elle screamed trying to get out from the pushchair.
"Okay bossy," Paul said as he went to her, lifting her out, placing her on the floor.
Having finally got Cameron out of his pushchair, Gail walked to the kitchen turning around and saying "Do you three want a drink?"
"Yes" they answered in unison.
"Don't tell me these three wore you out, I have to say I'm impressed that you managed to keep their hats on them" Paul said
"Yeah well it was a bit of a struggle" Lucy said
Charlene went to help Gail with the coffee, whilst Lucy and Scott sat on the floor playing with the children.
"Are you coming to dad's barbeque tomorrow?" Scott asked
"Should be" Paul said "Depend on how these three behave"
"We were going to go in the pool after lunch, can we take them with us" Lucy asked
Paul shook his head "Not this year munchkin they're too small, maybe next year."
"Maybe we can put the paddling pool in the garden for them" Gail said, carrying in the tray of drinks "We'll have to see how hot it is"
"At least they haven't tired you out too much" Paul laughed
"Apart from the ice cream, which was entirely Elle being naughty, they've been fine" Charlene said "Let us know if you need a babysitter over Christmas"
Gail laughed "You may regret saying that!" she said
A week later Paul sat in the living room opposite Ian Chadwick, listening to the sound of Gail trying to soothe Elle over the intercom.
"She's not going to go to sleep is she!" Ian laughed
Paul rolled his eyes "No...I bet you five dollars they'll both be down here in five minutes" he said "The three of them have got overexcited this week but the boys have tired themselves out but not Elle"
Ian smiled "How are things anyway, Gail looks happy" he said
"Hmm...After last year things have been really good this year...we've had a few ups and downs but we've worked through them as a team" Paul replied "Just have to make sure that I'm focussed on her and the children and not yet work take over"
"Well like I said when you were in Tasmania it's very easy to let work take a hold on you" Ian said
"At the moment she's still able to work, so we're sharing the responsibility of looking after the children and the business but I know that there's going to come a time when she can't work and that's when I need to be careful" Paul said "I can't believe how insensitive I was at times during her last pregnancy"
"Don't be too hard on yourself...you were trying to build a future for your family...I did the same only problem was I didn't realise how much I neglected my family until it was too late. One day I suddenly realised that my boys were grown up and I didn't really know them and my marriage was more or less over" Ian said
"Yeah well it took Gail walking out on me to make me see what was happening" Paul said "I can't believe I left her at Rob's wake to go to a meeting, but at the time I thought she wouldn't care if I was there or not"
"Would you have stayed if she had asked you?" Ian asked
"Yes" Paul said "But she shouldn't have needed to ask me"
"Don't beat yourself up about it...it's in the past." Ian said "You two have something special; I saw it when I was first down here and it's still there but it's stronger now...I wish my marriage had been like that"
Paul sighed "What can I say...she's my best friend...always has been" he said laughing as he saw Gail coming down the stairs carrying Elle "What did I tell you!"
Gail looked at Paul and frowned "What?" she said walking towards the sofa and sitting down next to him cuddling Elle.
"Dada" Elle squealed
Paul laughed as he took her outstretched hand "You should be in bed, little girl" he said
Gail laughed "Yes but she's not having any of it...brought her downstairs as the boys are fast asleep" she said
"Do you want me to take her?" Paul asked
"No...She's fine; I'll just cuddle her until she falls asleep..." Gail said
"That could take a while" Paul laughed as Elle rested her head on Gail's shoulder, her thumb going into her mouth but eyes wide.
Ian laughed "So when is the new baby due" he asked
"June 13th" Paul said
"Are you two going to be able to cope?" Ian said
Gail laughed gently rubbing Elle's back "We coped with these three...what's one more!" she said
"I know you can cope with the children...I was thinking more financially. My offer of help is still there...I can create a trust fund for the children plus I'm willing to invest in the Corporation" Ian said
Paul sighed looking at Gail, "It's a really generous offer...but we can't accept it" He said
"I agree" Gail said
"But why not...all I want to do is secure your future...Gail let me give your children the security that I couldn't give you when you were growing up" Ian said, looking across at Paul he saw him frown.
"Ian...I'm sorry but this is my family and if anyone is going to give them security it's me...I'll make sure they never want for anything" Paul said
"I know you will..all I want to do is help...I know how hard it can be building a business, and that sometimes we put all our energy into that and forget what's important...all I want is to make sure you don't have to worry about money...that if you need it it's there" Ian said
Gail looked at Paul, "I guess there's no harm in a trust fund that the children could use when they're older" she said
Paul relaxed a little, what Ian was offering was generous and it didn't make sense to turn it down "Okay...but why would you want to invest in the Robinson Corporation" he said
"I happen to believe it's a sound investment plus when I come and visit I can get cheaper rates at the hotel" Ian replied laughing
Gail turned to Paul "Darling we know you will always provide for our family and that our children will never want for anything but don't forget the phrase 'never look a gifthorse in the mouth" she said
"Okay...you win; but whatever money you give us is for the children" Paul said "And if you want to invest in the Robinson Corporation then I guess that's fine too"
"Good" Ian said
Ian looked at the baby, softly gurgling "So what are you hoping the new baby will be?" He asked
"Happy" Paul said "We don't mind, we have three perfect, healthy children, I just want this one to be the same, although it would be nice to have another girl to keep Elle company"
"I don't think Elle is suffering with being the only girl" Ian said
Paul looked at his daughter, fighting to keep her eyes opened as she watched him; he gently smiled and stroked her cheek "You're supposed to be going to sleep" he cooed
"She's nearly there, I think" Gail said
"Dadda" Elle said sleepily, Paul smiled, placing his hand on top of Gail's as she gently rubbed the child's back, Ian watched the tender exchange.
"Hey I'm going to take her to bed, think she's ready to settle now" Gail said
"Do you want me to do it?" Paul asked as he kissed Elle's head
Gail shook her head "No...I'll do it" she said, standing up, her hand still unconsciously rubbing Elle's back, listening to the soft cooing sound that Elle was making.
Ian and Paul watched them walk upstairs, a comfortable silence between them.
"You're so lucky" Ian said breaking the silence
Paul smiled "I can't imagine being with anyone else and being this happy" He said
"Watching you with Elle..I don't know...I almost feel envious..I always wanted a daughter but I got two sons, neither of which I feel close to" Ian said
"Elle's a princess, both Gail and I have strong bonds with all three children; in their own way they're all special...but Elle...was the smallest of the three babies...for me her birth was traumatic as Gail lost consciousness and I almost saw what happened to my mum happen to her and that scared me" Paul said "But both Elle and Gail came through and she's always been the most vocal of the triplets, her christening she screamed the place down, she knows exactly what she wants and what she doesn't want...she has a very strong character and even now she knows how to keep her brothers in line" Paul said "In fact she takes after her mother"
Ian laughed "Are you saying my daughter is bossy" he said
Paul shook his head "Feisty, stubborn and at times argumentative" he said
"That's funny, I heard your father say the same thing about you" Ian said
"He could be right" Paul said, as Gail walked back into the room.
"Who's right about what?" Gail asked
"Dad says I'm stubborn" Paul replied "So is she asleep"
Gail laughed "Sound asleep, was almost asleep by the time her head hit the pillow, although she did manage to throw Paddington out the cot beforehand" she said
Paul frowned "What is it about Paddington?" he said "She used to love that bear"
"She still does...but he takes up too much room for her liking" Gail said "She's gone back to Koala bear"
"She's just over a year old...what is she going to be like in ten years time" Ian said
"Don't go there" Paul replied
Ian looked at his watch "I should be getting back to the hotel" he said "Thanks for a nice evening"
"You can join us tomorrow for dinner if you want or even come and spend the day with us" Gail said
"Thanks that would be nice" Ian said as he stood up, Gail and Paul walked to the door with him, Paul putting his arm around Gail's shoulder as they watched Ian leave. After closing the door, Paul headed into the kitchen to make a drink, Gail followed him.
"I think he still feels a little strange being here" Gail said "To be honest so do I"
Paul smiled, turning back towards her, he put his hands on her shoulders "Give it some time...it must be hard for him, he wanted to bring you up but wasn't able to...I think he finds it hard seeing me with Elle, he told me he always wanted a daughter" he said "You just need to get to know each other again"
Gail smiled "You're right." She said "What would I do without you"
Paul laughed "You're never going to know the answer to that question" he said pulling her closer to him and kissing her. Gently he pulled away and turned back to the sideboard as he heard the kettle boil. Gail looked at him as he poured water into the mugs.
"Oh I forgot I've got something for you" she said as she reached in to her trouser's pocket.
Paul looked at her curiously, picking up the coffee mugs.
"Let's go and sit down" She smiled as she walked back into the living room.
Paul sat down and pulled her close to him, kissing her head "So what's on your mind Mrs Robinson" he said smiling
Gail opened her hand, showing him the small package "Open it"
Paul took it from her, gently he laughed as he opened the box and saw the wedding ring "Gail" he said
"I know you said you didn't need one...but I don't know, I just want you to have one" she said
"I don't need one" he said "But if it makes you happy...I'll wear it"
Gail smiled, taking the ring from the box; she picked up his hand and placed it on his ring finger. Paul looked at her, laughing he shook his head "Happy now" he said looking at their entwined fingers.
"Yes" she said "I want to make sure that every woman knows you're taken"
Paul laughed "I never realised how possessive you were Mrs Robinson" he said
Gail gently slapped him "Only where my family are concerned" she said picking up her coffee mug from the table.
"You're amazing...and if I have to say it a hundred times I will...I love you and only you" Paul said
Gail cuddled up closer to him "I know that" she replied "This Christmas has been really good, it's been nice having Scott and Charlene back"
"It's been fun with the children as well; I can't believe how much they've changed since last year" Paul said "They're becoming their own people...with their own characters"
Gail laughed "Yes and your daughter is going to be the boss of the three of them" she said "Did you see the way she wanted not only her presents but her brothers' too"
"She takes after you" Paul said "It's strange how she was the smallest of the three of them but she's always been a character, always manage to make her feelings known"
"I can't wait to find out what our next child is going be like" Gail said
"Me neither" Paul said "I have to say you are glowing at the moment, moreso than when you were pregnant with the triplets"
"Think I was just stressed out then, what with the shoplifting, having to give up work and then spending hours on end on my own" Gail replied "I guess it got to me"
"Hardly surprising...but this time you don't have to give up work; the triplets don't mind being left in the crèche for a couple of hours in the afternoon, which means you can come into the office...besides with Mr Udigawa interested in working with us again, there's no one I trust more than you to deal with him" Paul said
Gail laughed "You've got it made haven't you, I mean Mr Udigawa interested in doing business with us, Ian interested in investing in the Robinson Corporation and of course Rosemary offering to make a small investment" she said "So when you're a multi millionaire will you still want to live in Ramsay Street?"
"If it's where you want to be then yes" Paul said "I've been trying to persuade Hilary to take back her investment"
"Maybe one day she will...but she's been staying in the background lately so don't rock the boat" Gail said "At least if she ever does threaten or decide to remove her investment we've got the money to buy her out"
"That's true" Paul said "I also need to look at the office, we need a bigger one...I mean in the old days there was just you, me and Jane working there but now there's six of us and although we manage to go between the office and the hotel it would be nice to have the administrative side of the business in one place"
"You're right there" Gail said "Maybe you can expand out from the back...I mean it's in the ideal spot so you don't really want to move it"
Paul laughed "There's nowhere to move it to" he said "It's a shame we could never develop the lake area...there's so much unused space"
"It was the right thing to do Paul" Gail said
"I also want to develop the park area...well we're using it more and more for the triplets and the equipment is getting old and shabby...however it would mean closing it for a while and I'm not sure how that would go down" Paul said
"As long as you're not thinking of using it for alternative things like office space or anything it should be fine...you're right it could do with an update...have we got the money for that though" Gail asked
"I think so...with the rezoning and selling of the land we couldn't use last year and the new investments we're almost out of the red, plus hotel bookings for both tourists and conferences are up and hopefully next year we can start on getting the structural side of the hotel sorted, so I think we're doing fine...plus although the park may seem a unnecessary cost at the moment, it's needs to meet safety standards for the children" Paul said
Gail kissed him "So the hard business man Paul Robinson has a heart" she said
Taking the coffee mug from her hand and placing it on the table, Paul tickled her, laughing as she tried to push him away "Hey I'm looking out for my family" he said
The next day, Paul was busy washing the car when Ian walked up the drive.
"Hey that's what carwashes are for" Ian said laughing
Paul turned at the sound of his voice and laughed "I know that but lately I've started enjoying things like cleaning the car and working in the garden" he said
"Is Gail inside?" Ian asked
"Yes she is...the triplets are also causing chaos" Paul replied "It was easier keeping them under control when they couldn't crawl or walk...now you have to watch their every move..."
"Well I'll go and see what they're up to" Ian said "See you shortly"
"Sure", Paul said as he return to washing the car.
Ian went round the back and saw Gail hanging out the washing.
"Do you two ever rest?" Ian asked laughing, "You're hanging out the washing whilst he's washing the car"
"Hi" Gail laughed "These days we never seem to be free of washing, do you want a coffee?"
"Sure" Ian said as Gail walked inside carrying the washing basket. Looking into the living room he saw the triplets playing on the floor.
"Those three seem happy today" he said
"They were up early" Gail said, looking at the mess on the floor she laughed "It's so hard to keep the place tidy though...we can't keep them in the playpen anymore they've out grown it" she said, putting water in the kettle.
"Don't worry about what the house looks like, as long as everything else is okay that's all that matters" Ian said "Is Paul okay with me wanting to help out financially"
Gail smiled "I think so, although I think it was a discussion he knew he wouldn't win...I think he just needs to feel that he's supporting this family himself" she said
"But he is...all I want to do is help...I couldn't help you financially when you were growing up but I can help with your family if you need it" he said "And with the growing family you have..."
"I know" Gail replied
"Besides Investing in the hotel is a sound investment" Ian said "As for the trust funds, they are my grandchildren"
Gail was silent for a moment..her thoughts turning to Rob and how much he had been looking forward to seeing his grandchildren.
"I'm sorry" Ian said
Gail shook her head and looked at him "It's okay...it's just difficult at times with dad not being here...he was looking forward to seeing his grandchildren"
"I know and I can't take his place...but it doesn't mean that I want to stay away...I want to get to know you and watch this family grow" Ian said
Gail smiled "It's fine really...can you go and tell Paul there's a mug of coffee for him" she said
"Sure" Ian replied, a short while later Paul and Ian walked back into the house, seeing his father Robert toddled over to him, holding out his arms to be picked up. Paul crouched down and lifted the child into his arms, sitting down on the sofa. Picking up a picture book from the side of the sofa, he opened it and let Robert look through it. Gail went and sat next to him and Ian took the sofa opposite.
"He's definitely the quietest of the three" Ian commented as he watched the interaction between Paul and Robert, Paul named the baby animals in the book as Robert pointed to them.
Gail stroked Robert's face smiling "He always has been...he will sit for ages looking at books or even watching Helen paint whereas Cameron and Lucinda haven't got the time, they're more active"
Ian laughed.
"Gran thinks he's the one most like me" Paul commented, looking up from the book.
"I'm not so sure about that" Gail laughed
"Robert's shy...he takes awhile to get used to people, Cameron is like my brother...laid back whereas Lucinda is a mixture between Lucy and Gail" Paul said "She knows what she wants and how to get it"
Ian laughed "There's so much of your life that I've missed out on" he said "I hardly know anything about how you grew up"
Gail smiled "There's not much to tell...growing up was mainly going where the racing circuit was until dad packed it in...a normal childhood...or I thought it was at the time, then there was the airline days...until I came here I guess I spent my life moving around"
"I'm surprised your school work didn't suffer...I mean moving around so much" Ian said
Gail shook her head "No...mum and dad always made sure that during the school terms I was always in school and that I finished my homework." She said "It was a different way of life but not one that I want for these three...whilst it was fun...I want my children to have more stability"
"You worked for the airlines?" Ian said slightly surprised
Gail laughed seeing the surprise on his face "Yes for a while" she said
"We both did" Paul said "In fact she was my supervisor...a real tyrant to be honest"
Ian laughed as Gail slapped Paul
"I was not...you didn't like having a woman in charge of you" she said
"I didn't like having anybody in charge of me...that's why I liked being my own boss" he remarked.
"So I take it you didn't get on...in the beginning I mean" Ian said
"Not at all...we lost touch once I left the airlines" Paul said "But then one day Gail walked into my office wanting a job...I remember her first words to me was that if she had known that I had put the ad in the paper she wouldn't have bothered"
"At the time it was true" Gail said
"What changed?" Ian asked
"I guess we realised we worked well together and that old adversaries are never that bad" Paul said laughing
"So you went from not liking each other to marrying" Ian said
Gail smiled "In a way yes..."
"But it was a little bit more complex than that" Paul said looking at Gail.
Ian looked at him curiously "How so"
Gail rolled her eyes, not knowing whether she really wanted to get into this conversation. Paul frowned seeing her face, remembering that not even Rob knew the truth about their marriage; they had only really explained it to his family. Ian sensed their reluctance to talk about it.
"Okay you don't have to say anything" Ian said smiling.
Gail looked up to see Elle toddling towards her carrying her doll, smiling she lifted her onto her knee. Sighing she looked at Ian and then at Paul, smiling.
"We had a business marriage in the beginning...both of us had gone through really bad relationships in the past and neither of us wanted that again" she began
"An opportunity came up with a Japanese business man and I knew how much the Japanese prefer to work with family orientated men, so I told him that Gail and I were going to get married, without discussing it with her first" Paul said, smiling as he remembered Gail's reaction to his proposal.
"At the time I nearly killed him for suggesting it" Gail remarked "But then..." closing her eyes she tried to block out images of Jeremy Lord that had crept into her brain "something happened that made me see that being married to Paul gave me an insurance that would prevent me from getting into anymore bad relationships" she said
"I always thought you two had the perfect relationship" Ian said
"We did..." Paul said "We were best friends...and being together all the time we fell in love but we were both too scared to admit..."
"So that's why your wedding anniversary isn't that important to you" Ian said
"The day we renewed our vows is more important and it's the one we celebrate...the new baby is due around our wedding anniversary so maybe in time it will have more of a meaning" Gail said
"At the time it was what was right for us...I'm not saying it was the right thing to do...but the reason we stayed together was for the right reason" Paul said "It's not something either of us talk about anymore"
"I can understand why...but as long as you're happy now that's all that matters" Ian said
"We are" Gail said, Elle squeaked as Gail held her tighter. Paul laughed picking up his mug of coffee carefully, ensuring he held it away from Robert who was still looking at his book.
"So is there anything else I should know" Ian laughed
Paul shook his head "No...whatever reason I had to marry Gail is irrelevant the reason I'm still married to her is that I love her and I want to spend the rest of my life looking after her and my family" he said
Ian smiled "I can see that and that's all I need to know" he said "You're right the reason you got married are irrelevant the reasons you're still married is what matters"