Two months later Paul sat in his office, looking up from his work, he smiled as he watched Robert playing on the floor beside him, looking at his watch he saw that if was 4.00pm...almost time to call it a day, the remainder of the office staff were at various conferences that were taking part around the hotel and Gail was due back from taking Mr Udigawa to the airport. Placing the file he was working on back in his drawer, he stood up and walked to where Robert was. Kneeling down he got on the floor, Robert looked up when Paul stroked his head, with a serious look on his face, he pushed the toy car that he had in his hand into his father's face.
"Hey you, that hurts!" Paul laughed, taking the car from him and running it along the floor. "Robert, where's the fire engine" he said looking at his son, laughing when Robert proudly picked up the toy ambulance.
"No matey...that's an ambulance" he said, as he reached out to lift the child up, with Robert in his arms he reached for the fire engine "See this is the fire engine...do you know what sort of noise it makes?"
Robert looked at Paul "Dadda" he said
"No...Not dada." He laughed running the fire engine along the carpet in front of them "It goes ne-nor-ne-nor"
Behind him, Gail laughed when she heard her husband imitating fire engine noises "So this is what you get up to when I'm not around!" she said entering the office.
Paul turned on hearing her voice "How long have you been there?" he asked
"Long enough...but you two look so cute together that I didn't want to interrupt" Gail replied "However why isn't he in the crèche?"
"Oh I went and checked on them shortly after you left, all three came over to me but then Cameron and Elle went back to playing" he said hugging Robert close to him "But this one decided he wanted to come with me...so I didn't see any harm in bringing him back, he's quite happy to play on his own whilst I finish what I'm doing"
Gail laughed "Hmm it didn't look like he was playing on his own when I walked in" she said going to sit on the chair in front of the desk "This one is turning into your shadow"
"He's just shy and loves being with us or the family more than being in the crèche" Paul said, placing Robert back on the rug and standing up "I'm not playing favourites...he was just happier to come back with me than stay in the crèche"
"Darling I didn't say anything...besides I love watching you with him..with the other two you tend to be more rough and tumble but this one you have a gentleness with him" she said
"He's more attentive than the others...you can explain things to him" Paul said
Gail laughed "Definitely and I see he already knows what a fire engine looks like" she said
"Haha" Paul said "But he is different from the other two and that worries me slightly"
"It shouldn't do...he's fine...just a little quieter" Gail said "He'll probably be better behaved at school than the other two"
"Good grief let's not make them grow up too quick!" Paul said "Anyway did Mr Udigawa get to the airport on time"
"Sure" Gail said "And his plane left on time for once...he said that he'll have the papers signed in and sent back to us within a week...after that it will be all systems go"
"Hmm...just hope it doesn't increase my workload too much" Paul said, placing Robert back on the floor and walking over to Gail, pulling her out of the chair, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.
"Hey...I'm sure we'll both cope with the workload" Gail said "Besides we have the extra staff, and Rosemary said at Christmas that if we need her at any time she's only a phone call away"
Paul smiled "Yeah...I know...it's just I don't want to get to the point that I'm overworked and the family suffers, especially with the new baby on the way" he said, hearing the gurgling sounds behind him he turned slightly and laughed as Robert pushed the fire engine across the floor trying to imitate the fire engine noises that Paul made earlier, suddenly remembering when Gail was pregnant with the triplets he turned back to her "I want to share every step of this pregnancy with you; I don't want what happened last time...me working all the hours in the day and you being left alone coping with the triplets"
"I can't imagine you doing that" Gail said "We're a team we'll cope with the business, the triplets and the new baby together the way we have been for the last year"
Paul kissed her "Okay...just as long as you don't forget that there is nothing more important in the world to me than you" he said. Looking towards Robert he added "And of course our children...how about we get the other two and go home"
"That sounds like a good idea...feeling a little tired and I picked up the photos we took at Christmas, thought I might go and show Helen" Gail said
"Well how about you do that after we've bathed the triplets and while I make dinner...in fact I know dad and Beverley are out and the kids are probably doing other stuff why don't you invite her to dinner" Paul said
"You're cooking?" Gail smirked "Don't tell me spaghetti"
Paul laughed "Nothing wrong with that...I just thought I'd give my wife the night off" he said
"Okay...well why don't I go and pick up the other two and you pack up here and take Robert to the car?" Gail said
"Sure...I'll drop the keys off with Chris; he's in the Conference Suite." Paul said "He said he can deal with things tomorrow...if I'm needed he knows where I am"
He's a great asset to this place" Gail remarked
"Yep he's come up with some good ideas for this place and unlike Kevin Harvey I know I can trust him" Paul said "Come on let's get home"
A few hours later, after feeding and putting the triplets to bed, Paul was busy making dinner when Gail came downstairs, walking up to him she placed her arms around his waist.
"Hey everything is quiet upstairs; I'm going over to number 26 to see if Helen wants to come for dinner...please don't burn the house down while I'm gone" she whispered in his ear.
Paul laughed and turned in her arms "Cheeky..." he said kissing her "Dinner will be another half hour"
Gail smiled "Good" she said "I'm starving!"
Helen was sat alone in the living room of number 26 when Gail walked in.
"Hi" Gail said "I brought some photos of the triplets for you to see...are you all alone?"
Helen stopped the needlework she was doing and looked at her and smiled "Yes, Jim and Beverley have gone out with some friends and the kids have deserted me" she replied as Gail sat next to her.
"Do you want to join Paul and me for dinner" Gail said "There's only one small problem"
"What's that?" Helen asked
"Your grandson is cooking" she said
Helen laughed "You mean to tell me you let him loose in your kitchen" she said
"Yeah well he offered...it's only spaghetti so he can't do much damage" Gail laughed, as she handed Helen the envelope with the photos in.
Helen picked the photos out of the envelope and flicked through them "These three are growing up, they're constantly changing" she said
"They certainly are when you consider what they were like this time last year" Gail said
"How are you feeling?" Helen asked
Gail smiled "I'm fine..." she said
"That's good...Paul isn't overdoing things at work is he?" Helen said
Gail shook her head "No...he's fine...somehow Lassiters doesn't have the appeal it used to for him I don't think...he has more important things to think about, this afternoon I took Mr Udigawa back to the airport and when I got back he was playing on the floor of the office with Robert" she said
Helen laughed "Robert" she said "I've got something to show you" standing up she reached behind the back of the sofa and pulled out a small canvass.
Gail laughed when she saw it "When did you do this?" she said "And why am I not surprised that it's only Robert"
"I didn't do it...Nick did it one day just before Christmas when we had the triplets whilst you went shopping...Robert was sat on the sofa playing with a book when Nick picked up his sketch pad and started making a rough sketch...afterwards he decided to put it on canvass" Helen replied "He wanted to capture the three of them together but I told him the best way to do that at the moment would be using a photograph"
Gail laughed "That's true the other two won't sit still for too long" she said "But he's good"
"I've been trying to get him to go to Art college but the problem is he'll have to leave Ramsay Street and he doesn't want to" Helen said
"Why because of Sharon?" Gail asked
"Not sure that's the real reason, I think he feels if he leaves here he loses this family and at the end of the day we're the only family he has" Helen replied
"But going to college doesn't mean he has to cut ties with us" Gail said "He's definitely got a talent so it would be a shame to waste it"
"That's what I told him...but he feels that unlike Todd who has a connection to this family he has none" Helen said
"Hopefully he'll change his mind" Gail said "We've always treated him as part of the family; the children love him"
"Whenever we're babysitting and Jim takes them to the park he's always the first one to offer to help" Helen said
Gail smiled "hmm maybe I can think of a way to make him feel more part of this family but I need to speak to Paul first" she said
"What are you thinking?" Helen asked
"Well maybe we could ask Nick to be godparent to the new baby...well like you said he's good with the triplets" Gail replied "But I'll have to see what Paul says"
"I can't believe how far you two have come in the last couple of years" Helen said
Gail laughed "Another pregnancy so soon after the triplets wasn't what we planned; but we're both looking forward to this baby and this time Paul's been with me every step of the way, including taking time off work to go to the hospital with me" she said "We never had that last time...he was always too busy" she added sadly
"Do you ever wonder what life would have been like had you left?" Helen said
Gail rolled her eyes "I don't know what I was thinking that day; I mean a single mother to triplets, that's not the best life for them...guess I was feeling angry and hurt and couldn't see a way forward...I dread to think what life would have been like...difficult I should imagine" Gail said "If I had left would you really not have told Paul that you had seen me"
Helen sighed "Yes...but I was hoping that you turning back was a good sign..I'm not sure what your leaving would have done to Paul" she said
Gail closed her eyes for a moment "I don't know if I could ever truly leave him" she said "We've been through so much together...he's the best friend I ever had." She said "Speaking of Paul we better back to my place...and see if dinner is ready"
"Okay" Helen said, "I'll leave a note for Jim and Beverley and let them know where I am"
Walking into Number 22, Gail and Helen found Paul in the kitchen, turning around he smiled.
"I was just about to phone you and find out where you were...dinner is ready" Paul said "Hi Gran"
Helen laughed at the state of the kitchen "Hi Paul...did you really have to use every dish in the kitchen" she said
"Oh he's clearing up his mess" Gail remarked "Believe me"
"Don't I always...well do you want to eat or not!" Paul said
Gail and Helen sat down whilst Paul dished out the spaghetti, Helen commented on how good Paul's cooking was. Paul laughed remarking that he was capable of cooking.
"So how are things going with Mr Udigawa, Rosemary mentioned that it was a really good deal" Helen said.
"It is, it promises to provide some new jobs and raise the profile of the Robinson Corporation, which is good. Thinking maybe we should try and arrange a dinner here for him next time he's over, like we did a couple of years ago but without the drama" Paul replied
"Yeah and you could do the cooking" Gail remarked
Helen laughed "I thought you wanted him as an Investor" she said
"What is this 'pick on Paul' day, I'm quite capable of cooking" Paul remarked
Gail smiled "Only teasing" she said "But that idea might have to wait awhile"
"You two have enough to cope with" Helen said "Just make sure the business doesn't take control"
Paul rolled his eyes "Of course not...besides I think we all know who is really in control and they're fast asleep upstairs" he said
"And you wouldn't have it any other way" Gail laughed "Mind you, I think you need to practice your imitation of a fire engine...not sure Robert was that impressed"
"Ha ha...very funny" Paul replied
Helen smiled at the banter between the couple, relieved that things were fine between them; the children had brought them closer together. A relaxed atmosphere surrounded the room, as they talked about things the triplets had done, how much they were growing and changing. Later that evening, Paul was washing up when Gail closed the front door after saying goodbye to Helen, turning she smiled when she heard Paul whistling to himself, walking up behind him she wrapped her arms around his waist kissing his neck, Paul laughed
"What do you want?" he said
"Just you!" she replied quietly
"Hey what's up" Paul said
Gail stayed silent, her thoughts turning to her earlier conversation with Helen about the day she thought she was leaving Paul forever. Sensing her silence he turned in her arms. Stroking her cheek he smiled
"Are you okay?" he frowned
"Sure she said "Just a little tired"
"Hey I'm going to make a coffee, go and sit down" Paul said kissing her. Ten minutes later Paul joined Gail on the sofa, placing the mugs on the coffee table he pulled her closer to him.
"So Mrs Robinson, what's on your mind?" he said
Gail smiled "Just you" she said
Paul looked at her, smiling he waited for her to continue.
Gail sighed "I was talking to Helen earlier, she was saying how far we've come in the last few years, and whether I ever thought about what life would have been like if I hadn't come back or what my leaving would have done to you" she said quietly.
Paul was quiet for a moment, Gail wrapped her arms around him holding him tightly, "You came back though" Paul said "To be honest I can't imagine how things would have turned out if you hadn't... I would have looked for you...but the fear of not knowing whether you or the triplets were okay or not...that would have been unbearable" stroking her back, gently
Gail looked at him, "Looking back I wasn't thinking that day, I was so angry and hurt that all I cared about was getting away, but I remember sitting in a coffee shop and I don't know I suddenly realised that leaving was the wrong thing to do... but I was just so confused because I knew how important the business was to you" she said
Paul shook his head "Not as important as you are" he said "Life would be empty without you and the children"
"And I would have deprived the triplets of knowing what an amazing father they have" Gail said, looking into Paul's eyes
Paul laughed "hmm but they also have an amazing mum too" he said kissing her "Gail I love you more than anything in this world and that's what I need you to remember, that's why it's so important that I find a way to make sure that you don't feel the way you did when you were pregnant with the triplets"
"I love you too...so much...and there's no one in this world that I'd rather share my life with, there no one else I want as father to my children" Gail said
Paul smiled "I came so close to losing everything that matter to me and I'm not talking about the Robinson Corporation." He said
Gail sighed "It was a bad time" she said "But hey we came through it and now look at us"
"Yeah things keep getting better" Paul replied "I was thinking whilst I was making the dinner maybe I should move Chris up to Office Manager as oppose to just Assistant Manager, it might just help cut my workload even more"
"Ahem who exactly are you and what have you done with my workaholic husband?" Gail laughed
Paul rolled his eyes "That is well and truly in the past, thanks to my growing family" he said "But seriously he's almost doing that job now so why not give him the title"
"If you're sure that's what you want" Gail said "By the way you haven't forgotten that I've got a scan next week"
"Of course not...it's written in my diary" Paul said
"That's good" Gail said
Paul sighed, pulling Gail closer to him "This is nice...you and me here with the children fast asleep upstairs" he said
"Those three are really good now; once asleep they hardly wake up" Gail said "I wonder what the next one will be like"
"Perfect" Paul said "How could it be anything else"
"Hmm...we shall see...by the way if we have a girl I already know what we're calling her" Gail said
Paul frowned "Oh and who says" he laughed
"I do...you can choose the name if it's the boy but the girl's name is already decided upon" Gail replied "You're not going to argue with a pregnant woman are you?"
Paul laughed, putting his hands up in surrender "Wouldn't dare" he said "So what are we calling our daughter?"
"Helen" Gail said "Haven't got a middle name yet but we could use 'Ann' like we did with Elle"
"Gran will like that" Paul said "But why don't we give her the middle name of 'Louise' after your mum"
Gail turned to look at him "I don't think so"
Paul looked at her, wondering what she was thinking but said nothing, Gail sensed his question.
"Paul...she wasn't my mum, she's the woman who gave birth to me but she gave me up, my mum died a long time ago" she said
"Darling we've been through this...you know she didn't have much of a choice" Paul said
"I know...but I also know that I would fight anyone who ever tried to take Elle or the boys away from me" Gail said
"So would I" Paul said "But think about being 16 or 17 and having to make that decision; there's wasn't much she could do"
"hmmm"
Paul sighed "Okay...did you know that Ian is trying to see if he can find her, he knows that the family moved to England shortly after you were born and he's considering going over there and seeing if he can track her down and find out what happened to her" he said
"He didn't tell me that!" Gail said
"I think he feels that you tend to not want to talk about her...so he keeps quiet on the subject" Paul replied
"And what else did you two talk about?" Gail said
Paul laughed "Nothing much, however I think we shocked him by saying our marriage started out as a business deal" he said laughing, placing his hand on Gail's stomach.
"Possibly" Gail said "But let's face it...ours was not the first marriage of convenience in history and I'm sure it won't be the last."
"Hmm but not every marriage of convenience ends the way ours did...one of the best things I ever did I think" Paul replied, looking at Gail he grinned "Well the way it turned out in the end"
Gail laughed "I agree...I've had another thought about the new baby" she said
"Oh and what's that?" he said
"I think we should have Nick as godparent" she replied looking at him to see his reaction.
"Where did that come from" Paul said
"He's good with the triplets...and I think it will make him feel more like part of the family" Gail said
"But he's always been made to feel part of the family." Paul said
"I know but he has a chance of going to Art college but he's thinking of turning it down because he feels once he leaves Ramsay street, he loses this family" Gail said "Helen can't seem to make him change his mind"
"And you think that making him godparent would help" Paul asked "Do you really think he's mature enough for the responsibility or even want it?"
Gail looked at him, frowning slightly "To be honest I do...he's changed a lot in the past few years" she said laughing she continued "Plus he enjoys being around the triplets...even says he'll teach them to paint when they're older"
"On paper I hope...don't want to come home one day to find the house covered in graffiti" Paul laughed
Gail rolled her eyes and gently smacked him "Of course on paper...he's done a really good painting of Robert" she said
"Really" Paul said "Surprised he kept still long enough"
"Yeah well that's why it's only Robert, you know what the other two are like" Gail laughed
Paul was quiet for a moment, "Okay" he said "If it's what you want then let's see what he says"
Gail kissed him "Knew you would see it my way" she laughed
"Hmm I know who my daughter takes after" Paul said, Gail sighed contently as he pulled her closer to him, kissing her tenderly "You're amazing you know that"
The following day, Paul was busy outside washing the car when Jim and Nick walked up the drive.
"Hey cleaning the car on your day off" Jim said "I'd thought you'd have better things to do"
Paul laughed "Yeah well I would have but unfortunately Cameron was sick in the car last night so it needs a clean" he replied "Nick do you fancy taking over?"
Nick laughed "How much?" he said
"Ah a boy after my own heart...nothing for free in this world" Paul laughed "Anyway what can I do for you two"
"We just wondered if you wanted the triplets taken off your hands for an hour...is Cameron okay?" Jim asked
"Yeah he's fine today...I think it was just car sickness...sometimes that happens with him, he doesn't seem to like travelling much" Paul said "You sure you want to take them out...mind you I think it will probably be just the boys...Elle's being a little clingy today"
Paul put the sponge he was using in the bucket of water "Come on let's go inside" Together they walked inside, Gail was working in the kitchen while the boys were playing on the floor, Nick looked around for Elle and saw her sitting on the sofa playing quietly with her koala bear. Walking over to her he sat down beside her.
"Hey Loopy Loo...what's wrong with you?" he said quietly
Elle looked at him, with a serious look on her face, Gail watched them.
"Hey you two do you want a coffee I was just about to make one for Paul and I" she said
"That would be great" Jim said "In fact we just came over to offer to take the triplets out, but Paul says Elle's not feeling too good"
"Just her teeth troubling her" Gail said "But I'm sure the boys would love to take a trip to the park"
Elle watched Nick curiously with one thumb in her mouth and the other hand wrapped around the koala bear, suddenly she gave a cheeky grin and pushed the bear into Nick's face.
"Hey you...that hurts" he said gently tickling her and lifting her into his lap.
Gail laughed and shook her head "Once again my darling daughter has managed to wrap another male member of this family around her little finger" she said
Paul walked up to her, putting his arms around her waist he whispered in her ear "Yep she takes after you" he said "Come on I'll give you a hand taking the coffees over"
Paul took the tray of coffee and placed it on the coffee table, Jim sat next to Nick while Paul and Gail sat on the sofa opposite.
"So Nick, are you up to doing some more tee shirts for us?" Gail asked
"How many do you want?" Nick asked
"200 should do at the moment, I'll supply you with the tee shirts next week" Gail replied
"I can't believe you've already sold the last lot" Nick said "Maybe I should change the design"
"Hmm there's nothing wrong with the design but if you want to try a different idea than go for it" Gail said "They're good quality souvenirs why wouldn't people buy them"
Paul watched the interaction between Nick and Elle, smiling as Nick tried tickling her to make her laugh whilst Elle kept smacking him with the koala bear, looking at the pair he saw how gentle Nick was with the little girl and knew that Gail was right, he would make a good godfather to the new baby. Smiling he lifted his mug of coffee.
"Nick...Gail and I have been thinking," Paul started looking at Gail winking, Gail smiled "How would you like to be godfather to the new baby"
Nick looked at both Paul and Gail slightly shocked "What" he said "You want me to be godfather...but I don't know what to do"
Paul laughed "You don't have to do anything except what you're doing now, it's just a tradition" he said
Nick smiled "That would be nice" he said "If I decide to go to Art college I can still come back and see the baby"
"But there's always place for you here Nick, whatever you do, you're part of this family besides the children love you" Paul said "I hope you are going to take the college course if it's offered to you"
"I don't know...maybe I could stay here and make a living out of designing teeshirts" Nick said,
"Don't let your talent go to waste" Gail said "Who knows one day you could always come back to Erinsborough High and teach Art"
Nick laughed "Yeah right...can just see that happening" he said, placing Elle back on the sofa beside him as he picked up his mug. Paul laughed as Elle grumbled about the loss of attention. Nick turned to her and tickled her.
"So Loopy Lou are you coming to the park or staying with mummy and daddy?" Nick asked
Elle frowned, her thumb going back in her mouth "Mama" she said
Paul laughed and shook his head "Sorry mate...stood up by 15 month old...not a good sign" he said, walking over to the sofa and picking Elle up, throwing her up in the air, she giggled slightly. "So why don't you want to go to the park?"
"Mama" Elle repeated
Paul looked at Gail and smiled, throwing Elle up in the air again he then gently handed her to Gail.
Nick laughed, placing his mug back on the table he walked over to where the boys were playing "So..We'll take these two out instead" he said
Half an hour later, Gail was finishing cleaning the kitchen, every so often glancing towards the living room where Elle played on the floor; Paul was finishing washing the car. Elle stood up, picking up her koala bear she walked over to the kitchen. Gail looked at her and smiled.
"Hey..what do you want?" she cooed
Elle dropped the koala on the floor and stretched out her arms "Mama" she said
Gail picked her up, cuddling her close she kissed her, placing her hand on Elle's forehead she saw that the child wasn't hot, and took that as a good sign.
"Hey what say we go outside and find your daddy?" she said, gently rubbing Elle's back
"Daddy!" Elle said
Gail walked out the back and walked around the side of the house to the front, Paul saw the two of them walking towards him, picking up his bucket he threw the water onto the grass before walking over to them.
"Have you finished?" Gail asked
"Just about" he said "How's this little one?" Elle stretched out her arms for Paul and Gail let her go.
"She's fine...just think she wanted some time away from the boys" Gail said "And us all to herself"
Paul laughed "Hey how are you feeling?" he asked "You look tired"
Gail laughed, gently kissing him on the cheek "I'm fine" she said
"Guess I'm fussing too much" Paul said
Gail shook her head "No...of course not" she said "I love this side of you..it reminds me of how things were when we came back from New Zealand...you made me feel like I was the most important person in your life"
Paul looked at her and frowned, gently he stroked her face "Nothing has changed Mrs Robinson...you know how I feel about you" he said.
"Yes" Gail said "It's just nice to get a reminder every now and again" she laughed. Paul went and placed the bucket in the garage then the couple walked back inside the house.
"So what shall we do now?" he said, as he placed Elle on the floor, laughing as she crawled over to where she had dumped the koala bear, picking it up she hugged it close to her.
"Well I could start lunch...but Elle hasn't been out all day so maybe we should go to the park and meet Jim and Nick" Gail said, looking at her watch and seeing it was still only 11 am.
"She seems happy enough now...she's so funny at times" Paul remarked, watching his daughter.
"She just likes having time away from her brothers" Gail said, walking into the kitchen, Paul went and sat down by his daughter, looking at him Elle passed him the Koala bear, Paul took it from her and pretended to hug it close to him and kissing it, Elle crawled into his lap, taking the koala bear from him she threw it across the room.
Paul laughed and cuddled her close to him "Lucinda Ann that is not nice" he said kissing her head. Elle giggled, Paul shook his head "Well there's not that much wrong with this one" He said, standing up and lifting Elle up with him.
Gail smiled, she loved watching Paul interact with the triplets and knew they couldn't have a better father. "Hey why don't you get changed and we can go to the park" she said.
Paul kissed her and handed Elle to her "Okay" he said "Won't be long"
Gail looked at her daughter and shook her head "Right you, think I'll put you in the playpen and get changed myself" she said smiling as she saw her daughter shake her head.
"Mama!" Elle protested as Gail placed her in the playpen.
Handing her back the Koala bear, Gail soothed her protest "Ok...don't be impatient"
An hour later Paul parked the car at the park. Elle protested loudly to get out of her car seat when she realised where she was, Gail looked at Paul and rolled her eyes , laughing Paul turned off the engine, taking the keys he got out the car and walked over to open Elle's door. Gail followed him, laughing as Paul tried to get a wriggling Elle out of the car. Finally he set her down on the ground, taking hold of her hand so that she couldn't try to run off, turning to Gail he smiled.
"When will she ever learn that if she stops wriggling around, we'll get her out of the car seat quicker" he said
Gail laughed "She's impatient...just like you!" she said "Come on let's go and find the others."
Paul reached down and picked Elle up, placing his other arm around Gail they walked towards the play area. Elle squealed when she saw her brothers playing on the swings so Paul placed her on the ground, Elle moved towards the swings, Paul following close behind her, Nick looked up as he heard Elle's squeals of delight, laughing he walked towards her.
"So loopy Lou's decided she's wants to play" Nick said as he picked her up and twirled her around, he took her towards the slide, with her securely in his arms, he climbed the steps, Paul smiled and walked towards the bottom, sitting down so he could catch Elle as she came down. Having climbed the steps, Nick placed Elle on the slide, gently pushing her to go down, seeing Paul at the bottom he stayed on the steps. Elle squealed as she went down the slide straight into Paul's arms.
"More" she said as Paul placed her back onto the ground, Nick came down the steps and met her at the bottom of the slide; lifting her in his arms he carried her up the slide. Gail watched and laughed as she saw the boys heading towards the slides, afraid they were missing out on the fun, Paul stepped off the slide and let Jim take his place whilst he walked over to Gail. Placing his arm around her they went and sat on the nearby bench, content to watch the children playing happily.
"I think we need to expand this area" Paul said after a while.
"Maybe" Gail said "A few more swings, a roundabout and another see saw would be nice"
"We also need to make sure that it fits health and safety standards" Paul said
Gail laughed "You really are going soft in your old age" she said resting her head on his shoulder
Paul laughed and kissed her head "No...but those three are growing up so quickly and now that they're moving I just want to make sure they're safe, especially when playing here" he said
Gail smiled, glancing at her children playing happily she laughed turning back to Paul she said "They're fine, they're happy...what more could we want"
Two weeks later, Paul sat playing with toy cars with the boys on the floor, Gail came down the stairs with Elle in her arms.
"Well that's the beds made" Gail said as she reached the bottom of the stairs and placed Elle down, making sure that the stairgate was secured. Elle toddled over to the boys and Paul, deciding to sit in the middle of the game; she squealed when Cameron decided to drive a car over her and tried to snatch it from him.
"Hey you" Paul laughed, picking up his daughter "we were in the middle of a very important car race" he said, tickling her gently, turning to Cameron he stroked his head "And you shouldn't drive cars over your sister...it's not nice" he laughed
Gail walked over to them "Here give her to me, I'll take her over to see Helen for a while" she said
Paul frowned "You shouldn't really be carrying her" He said "She's getting really heavy"
Gail bent over and kissed him "Worryguts" she laughed "We won't be long"
"I'll cook dinner tonight and this time I promise it won't be spaghetti" Paul said
"Yeah I'll believe that when I see it" she laughed, bending down and kissing him "Don't get in any trouble while we're away". Picking up Elle, she walked towards the door; turning back she smiled as she watched Paul and the boys playing on the floor.
Nick was finishing up painting in the garage when he saw Gail and Elle walking towards him, putting a cover over the canvas he was working on he walked over to them.
"Hi" he said, Elle stretched out her arms for Nick, laughing Gail let her go.
"Hey yourself" she said "How are things going?"
"Not bad...just trying to finish a painting I did a while back...but not feeling inspired to finish it" he said "Think I've got a creative block"
Gail laughed "You...never...by the way, we've nearly sold all the teeshirts you did last month, do you want to do some more?"
Nick laughed "What do you do? Give them away?" he said "Sure I can do some more for you"
"They sell really well...I guess they're good souvenirs without being tacky so the tourists love them" Gail said "Is Helen inside?"
"Sure" Nick said, handing Elle back to Gail "I'll just finish tidying up in here and I'll come and join you...do you want to do some painting Loopy Lou"
"Nick I think we're stick to colouring" Gail laughed
"Sure...see you in a bit" Nick said
Gail took Elle around the back of the house and went in through the kitchen, Helen was busy finishing tidying up
"Hello...you two" she said "What brings you here"
"Well Paul's having some father/son time with the two boys so I thought I'd bring madam over here for a little while" Gail replied
"You got time for a coffee?" Helen asked
Gail set Elle down and watch her toddle off towards the living room "Sure" she replied, following Elle to make sure she didn't get up to any mischief, seeing her pick up one of the toys from behind the sofa she smiled and walked back to Helen.
"Where is everyone?" she asked
Helen frowned "Jim and Beverley have gone for a game of golf...things were a bit tense around here" she replied
"Why?" Gail asked "I saw Nick in the garage he didn't say anything"
Helen poured hot water into the coffee mugs "Oh Julie phoned" she replied
Gail rolled her eyes knowing that a phone call from Julie usually brought trouble. Helen smiled at her.
"Oh as we didn't go down there for Christmas, she's planning on bringing her family up here for Easter, apparently Hilary has offered to put her up...Matt and Sharon are both going home for Easter." Helen said, handing Gail a coffee.
Gail looked slightly confused "So what's the problem?" she asked, as they walked into the living room.
Helen sighed "I'm not sure but it seems that everytime Jim and Julie talk on the phone these days it ends in argument, apparently she's not happy that we put Nick and Todd before her and her family. She thinks that we should make them go somewhere for Easter while her family stays with us, she keeps reminding Jim that they're not really part of the family and that just annoys him" she said
"Not sure Paul will be too delighted to see her either to be honest" Gail said
"Told you he holds grudges" Helen laughed
Elle toddled over to where Gail was sitting carrying a teddy bear; Gail helped her up onto the sofa. "Yeah well I think he's just fed up with her attitude and the fact that she thinks we're going to split up...I mean at Christmas she sent a Christmas card to him alone, no mention of me or the children"
"She didn't" Helen exclaimed "I must admit I did overhear something of the conversation earlier and Jim getting annoyed about something...think she was asking whether you were still here"
"She's going to have to get used to me being here because I'm not going anywhere!" Gail said "I just can't understand why she wants to see Paul alone"
Helen sighed "I honestly don't know...she's changed so much over the past few years that I hardly know her anymore" she said
Their conversation was interrupted by Elle squealing when she saw Nick walk into the living room,
"So, are you ready to do some colouring Loopy Lou?" Nick asked walking over to her and lifting her of the sofa.
Elle gave a toothless grin, making Nick laughed "Okay let's go and find some crayons and paper" he said
Gail laughed and shook her head as she watched them go into the kitchen "That child is impossible...she manages to wrap everyone around her little finger" she said
"Including you" Helen remarked "All three of them have such great little personalities...but Elle is a comic and she knows she can make people laugh"
Nick walked back into the living room; kneeling by the coffee table he placed some papers and crayons on the table.
"Doubt she's up to colouring in the lines yet...probably just be one massive scribble" Gail said
"Would love to try and draw my own portrait of her but doubt she's stay still long enough" Nick said
"She's too nosey she'd want to know what you're up to...maybe in a couple of years or even when she's asleep in her cot" Gail said
"Hey that might not be a bad idea...I could do a portrait of the three of them asleep in their cots" Nick said
"Do you want to stay for dinner?" Helen asked "I think Jim's planning a barbeque if the weather stays fine"
"Hmm let me phone Paul...he was planning on cooking but I'm sure he wouldn't mind coming over for dinner" Gail said
Later that evening, Paul and Gail were finishing putting the triplets to bed, having arrived home from the barbeque at No 26.
"These three are worn out" Paul said "Should be a quiet evening!"
"Yep thanks to Nick, Todd and Lucy" Gail replied
Paul laughed as he placed Robert into the cot "We should have them round here more often" he said
"You've should have seen Nick earlier trying to teach Elle to colour...he wanted to do some painting but she's not ready for that yet" Gail said
Paul laughed shaking his head "I think we'll give that one a miss for a while" he said "I'm sure madam would end up with paint all over herself and the furniture"
The couple took one last glance at their children before heading downstairs, Paul walked into the kitchen and put the kettle on whilst Gail sat on the sofa.
"You weren't too disappointed with not cooking dinner were you?" Gail asked smirking
Paul laughed "Of course not" he said, going to sit by her and pulling her close to him, Gail sighed in contentment.
Breaking the mood, Gail looked at Paul "So what do you think of Julie coming for Easter?" she asked
Paul grimaced "Darling you really do know how to spoil a mood" he said "Oh I don't know, if she stays out of my way I'll stay out of hers"
"But she is your sister" Gail said sadly
Paul laughed "No...the way I feel right now I don't care if I never see her again, I think that Christmas card she sent was the last straw...whether she likes it or not you and the children are part of this family" he said "I vote we stay away from her or see as little as possible of her"
Gail snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder "I love you so much...you've proved to me this last year how much this family means to you" she said
"How much you mean to me" Paul said "Without you I wouldn't have this family...I can't imagine life without you"
Are you going into work tomorrow?" Gail asked
Paul frowned "Only for a short time, might take Robert with me..." he said "The weekends go too quickly...funny isn't it two years ago I was obsessed with work now I've got more important things on my mind"
Gail laughed "So you should have" she said
"Are you going to be okay here" Paul asked "I promised I won't be too long and besides I have a meeting in the afternoon so won't be going in before 12pm"
Gail smiled "I'm fine...you don't have to take Robert in though...I can cope with the three of them" she said
"No...I quite like having one of them around, and with Robert he's quite happy playing on the floor of the office" Paul said "Elle and Cameron tend to demand more attention but Robert is content as long as he's knows someone's there"
Gail smiled "He's starting to settle in the crèche more...even playing with some of the other little ones which is really good to see...but I know he loves being around you" she said "Maybe he takes after me"
"I'm just so glad you've been able to carry on working during this pregnancy...at least you haven't been alone here too much" Paul said
"Darling I can't really be alone with the triplets can I" she said "Besides Helen's always around if I need a chat...you promised me a perfect pregnancy the next time and you've kept your word"
"It's what you deserve and it what should have happened last time; you went through so much to have the triplets and there were times that I treated you badly without thinking" Paul said feeling slightly guilty "You were right all along I shouldn't have brought the Daniels' Corporation...the price was too high"
"Darling that is in the past...look at us now...we came out stronger than ever; there's no point dwelling on the past...we have to look towards the future and as far as I can see it's perfect as long as we have each other and the children" Gail said
The following afternoon, Paul sat in his office having just finished a business meeting with a potential client, smiling he glanced at Robert playing happily on the floor beside him.
"Hey you" he said quietly, Robert looked up at him, gurgling happily. Standing up he walked over Paul's chair, Paul lifted him into his lap, kissing his head. Robert reached for the rubiks cube sitting on the desk.
"If you think you can solve that matey...you're smarter than I was at your age" he laughed
A knock on the door caused Paul to look up. "Come in" he said, a look of surprise on his face when he saw Glen Matheson walk in.
"Hi what are you doing here?" he asked
Glen laughed "Just in for a flying visit...thought I'd catch up with how things were in Erinsborough" he said looking at Robert "I see you've started your recruiting at a very early age"
Paul laughed "How long are you here for?" he asked
"Only until next Sunday" Glen said "Things have certainly changed around here...where's Gail?"
"She's at home with the other two" Paul said
"Last time I was here you two were in New York...Jane mentioned something about you splitting up" Glen said "Glad to see you sorted things out"
"Me too" Paul said "Things got a little crazy; have you got time for a coffee...I was just about to head home"
"Sure" Glen replied
"Well why don't I meet you in the coffee shop in ten minutes" Paul said "I'll just finish up here"
Fifteen minutes later Paul walked into the coffee shop, carrying Robert. Spotting Glen at one of the corner tables he walked over to him.
"Was longer than I expected, sorry about that" he said sitting down. "I phoned Gail and told her you were here...she said to invite you to dinner tonight"
Glen laughed "That would be nice" he said "I order some coffee but yours might be a little cold by now
"That's fine..so why don't you come round tonight around 7 – 7.30pm that will give us time to get the triplets settled" Paul said
"So how is Gail?" Glen asked
Paul laughed hugging Robert closely to him "She's amazing...the past few years have been full of ups and downs but we're still together and closer than we've ever been" he said
"You two were made for each other...I remember the evening Gail and I went to dinner she did nothing but talk about you and how successful you were" Glen said
Paul smiled remembering that time of his life "We were too busy trying to focus on a business marriage with no emotional involvement to see what was really happening...I was jealous of her going out with you...knowing that she preferred your company to mine" he said
"All I wanted was for her to be happy...you two getting a divorce was crazy..." Glen said
Paul looked at the child in his arms and sighed "Yes it was...I didn't want it but I guess I was too scared to say anything and when she got the executive position in New York I knew I had lost her, never in a million years did I dream that she'd give up a promotion for me" he said "In fact she chose me over New York twice"
"You're one lucky man" Glen said "I just remember how tense things were that year, neither one of you were happy and nothing anyone said made any difference"
Paul laughed "I evicted you from the office!" he said "I wasn't happy with the situation and everyone seemed to have an opinion but no one really knew the facts...as far as you were concerned I was just jealous especially after I arrived at the house to pick up some more of my stuff and saw you there"
Glen smiled "You know shortly after you left she asked me to leave too...she wasn't interested in anyone but you" he said
"Guess I was really horrible to you" Paul said
"We sorted it out" Glen laughed "Eventually"
That evening Paul, Gail and Glen sat in the living room, listening to Elle's constant chattering over the intercom.
"What is wrong with her..think I might go upstairs and try and settle her" Paul said
"Darling leave her...she'll soon decide that she's had enough and the boys aren't playing attention" Gail said, taking his hand.
"Nah I don't want her waking the boys" Paul said "Won't be long."
Paul walked up the stairs and into the nursery to find the Elle standing up in her cot.
"Daddy!" Elle squealed, jumping up and down when she saw him
Paul shook his head "No, it's bedtime" he said "You are supposed to be asleep"
Elle shook her head and giggled "No" she said, bending down to pick up her koala bear flinging it at Paul.
Paul laughed as he saw the koala bear flying across the room, catching it in his hand he walked over to Cameron's cot and checked on him, seeing that he was awake but settled he stroked his back, cooing gently to him, then he walked over to Robert, but had managed to kick his covers off him, Paul gently placed the cover back over him before returning to his daughter.
Glen and Gail listened to Paul trying to soothe Elle over the intercom. Gail shook her head knowing that within the next five minutes Paul would be back downstairs with Elle.
"You look happy" Glen commented
Gail looked at him "I am...I have more than I ever dreamed I would have" she said
"Paul looks happy too...he certainly seemed more relaxed than last time I was here" Glen said
"I can't fault him as a husband or a father, he's been amazing" Gail said "He was supportive through the IVF and even after the triplets were born when I found it difficult coping with them...I never thought I could love anyone as much as I love him"
"I'm glad it worked out for you." Glen said "Suppose horse riding is out of the question this week!"
Gail laughed "What in my condition...I don't think so" she said "Maybe next time you decide to visit" she said looking up she saw Paul walk down the stairs carrying Elle.
"Don't say a word" he said as he walked into the living room, handing Elle to Gail "Here you take her while I make some coffee"
Gail saw the look of triumph on her daughter's face and rolled her eyes "You are impossible" she said cuddling Elle closed to her.
Glen laughed "You've got your hands full with that one"
"Tell me about it" Paul said "From the moment she was born she's been trouble"
"That's no way to talk about your daughter" Gail said "This one just knows what she wants and how to get it whereas the boys are more easy going"
Paul walked back to the living room, and sat down waiting for the kettle to boil, gently he stroked Elle's back "This one was the smallest but always the more vocal of the three of them" he said "Robert was the biggest but definitely the calmest of the three, Cameron is in between both of them"
"Were the boys asleep?" Gail asked, stroking Elle's back trying to get her to settle.
"Robert was, Cameron was just lying in his cot but I think he'll go to sleep now" Paul said, standing up to make the coffee.
"How are you two going to manage with four children?" Glen asked "Not to mention Lassiters"
"The same way we coped with the triplets...as a team" Gail said "I doubt one more will make that much difference"
Paul went back into the kitchen to make the coffee; he then carried the tray of drinks into the living room, placing them on the coffee table. "We can share the responsibility of the children and the business...I've also started working from home every Friday which means I have a long weekend also if there's business meetings that Gail is more suited to handling than me then she'll go into the office whilst I look after the children...not to mention we have the crèche which the triplets don't mind spending an afternoon in" he said
"You've got it all sorted" Glen laughed
"Hopefully" Paul said, kissing Elle's fingers as she pushed her tiny hand into his face. "It's time you were asleep" he cooed softly.
Gail smiled "Too much happening down here...if she goes to sleep she might miss something" she laughed "However I think I might take her back upstairs and try and get her settled"
"Do you want me to do it?" Paul asked
Gail laughs "No I'll do it..." she said, letting Paul kiss his daughter goodnight.
"Daddy!" Elle squealed, stretching out her hand for him.
"No...It's bedtime" Gail cooed kissing Elle gently
Paul and Glen watched Gail carry out upstairs "She's so cute" Glen said
"Who Elle or Gail?" Paul replied smiling
"Ah...Elle of course" Glen said "She has such a cute smile"
Paul laughed "Gail thinks she knows how to wrap every male in the Robinson family around her finger...I think she has a point" he said "Elle was my wake up call I think"
Glen looked at him curiously,
"Well Gail had a difficult time giving birth to Elle...she lost consciousness and had to have a caesarean...for a moment I feared that what happened to my mum was going to happen to her..that scared me...I know I couldn't face losing her" he said
"I can't see that happening...she looks so happy" Glen said "I've never seen her look more radiant"
Paul smiled and shook his head as he heard the sound of Gail's voice trying to convince Elle to sleep. "We both are...all I want is for her and the children to be happy" he said "I know now that I would sell Lassiters if Gail wanted me to"
"I'm sure it wont come to that" Glen said "How about you two letting me take you both out to dinner before I leave?"
"Hmm we'll have to see if we can get a babysitter but that would be good" Paul said
"Well then I'll call you later in the week" Glen said "Thanks for tonight it's been good"
Later that evening Gail and Paul finished washing up after Glen had left, Gail noticed that Paul was quiet and wondered what was thinking. "Hey what's wrong" she asked
Paul looked at her and smiled, placing the tea towel on the sideboard he walked over to her and placed his arms around her waist "Nothing...just thinking about Glen" Paul said "You know I think he cares more about you than you think"
Gail turned in his arms, and looked into his eyes "Glen's a friend...that's all " she said "There's only room for one man in my life and that's you"
"But it doesn't stop him being in love with you does it" Paul said
Gail laughed "He knows how I feel about you...he's a good friend and that's all there is to it" she said kissing him "But tonight was nice...I like the fact that you two actually get on now!"
Paul smiled "You're right." He said "Nice of him to offer to take us out one day this week...providing we can get a babysitter"
Gail smiled "I'm sure that can be arranged" she said "Hey how about we call it a night"
"Okay" Paul said "We can leave the drying up until morning"
Gail smiled "I love you and there isn't anything or anyone in this world that could change that" she said
Paul sighed "I love you too...more than you will ever realise" he said "Come on let's get some sleep before the children wake us up again."