A month later Paul was idly looking out of the window of number 22, when Gail crept up behind him, wrapping her arms around him she kissed him.
"Hey what are you doing?" she said
Paul turned in her arms, smiling he sighed "Looks like trouble's in town" he said
Gail peered over his shoulder "Don't let her bother you, she'll only be here for a week" she said
"Yeah and think how much trouble she can cause in a week" Paul said "Mind you I wouldn't like to be Phil with both her and Hilary in the same house"
Your dad doesn't seem too happy to have her here either" Gail said "I think Lucy wants to spend easter with Emma"
"She's still not ready to forgive Julie for what she said" Paul said sadly, turning in her arms "And to be honest neither am I"
Gail turned and looked at the children playing contentedly on the floor, turning back to Paul she hugged him tighter "Whatever she thinks doesn't matter...the only thing that counts is us"
"I know but I just hate how nasty she is about this family, she doesn't see this relationship as long term and seems to want to see the day that you leave with the triplets" Paul said
Gail laughed "Not much chance of that happening" she said "Hey come on we're a team and if she starts on us we can easily put her back in her place"
"What would I do without you" Paul laughed
"Hmm not sure but it's not something you have to worry about" Gail replied
Jim rolled his eyes when he heard the knock on the door of Number 26, he had seen Julie and Phil's car drive up to Hilary's a while back and knew he was due for a visit from her.
"Julie" he said as he opened the door trying to sound enthusiastic "How are you"
"Fine...really long journey, terrible traffic...it would have been so much nicer to have been able to stay here instead of with Hilary" Julie replied, pushing Hannah through the door.
"We've been through this, there's not enough room" Jim said
"That would have been if you had got rid of your lodger for the week" Julie said
Jim sighed "Nick isn't just a lodger he's part of the family" he said
"And according to Hilary a troublemaker" Julie replied "Well just make sure he doesn't go anywhere near your granddaughter"
"So where is everyone?" Jim asked
"Phil's taken Michael and Debbie out, those two are just getting worse" Julie said annoyed "Sometimes I wish their mother was still alive and she could have them"
Jim remained silent
"Where's Gran?" Julie said "I thought she'd be here to see her great granddaughter"
"Think she may be at Paul and Gail's or maybe Madge's" Jim replied
"Don't tell me she's babysitting" Julie said "Didn't I tell you that you'd be stuck looking after those kids"
"No she's not and we have never been stuck with the triplets" Jim said "Don't start Julie!"
"I've been thinking, about mum's engagement ring" Julie said, looking at Hannah "It's just you gave it to Paul and he gave it to Gail but I think you should make a clause saying that when anything happens to them that the ring goes to Hannah"
Jim frowned; disbelieving that Julie had only been in the house five minutes and was already trying to cause trouble. "And why would I do that" he said
"Because Hannah is your granddaughter...and I've been reading up on the IVF programme, do you know that sometimes there are mix ups that occur...you don't know that those children are Paul's and I'd hate to see mum's engagement ring go out of the family" Julie said
Jim was speechless for a moment, he glanced at Hannah and then back at Julie "I know those children are Paul's, and that ring goes to Elle...the way that your mum would have wanted it" he said "And if you've only come here to cause trouble you can leave, in fact I think you better go back to Hilary's right now before I say something I might regret"
"Dad that's not fair, you haven't even said hello to your granddaughter" Julie complained "You think more of those triplets than you do of her"; taking Hannah's hand she walked out of the door.
Half an hour later, Jim knocked on the door of number 22, smiling when Gail opened the door with Cameron in her arms,
"Hi Jim" she said, letting Cameron go as he stretched out his arms for Jim.
"Ah there you are!" Jim said spotting Helen on the couch "Don't tell me you're hiding"
Helen laughed "No...I was coming back from Madge's and spotted Julie going into the house so came over here...thought I'd give you some father/daughter time" she said
Jim groaned "Wish you hadn't bothered, she's only been here five minutes and already she's trying to stir things up" he said, setting Cameron down on the floor.
"How?" Paul said
Jim looked at the triplets playing on the carpet, smiling he looked up at Paul "You know what your sister is like" he replied "Nothing for you to worry about"
"Hmm maybe we should stay here for Easter Sunday and let her have you all to herself" Paul said
"Don't you dare...besides the boys want to organise a easter egg hunt for the triplets" Jim said "I told them they were a bit small for that but they thought it would be fun"
"Dad if she causes any trouble, we'll leave" Paul said "I'm not prepared to put up with her snide remarks"
"I'm sure it will be fine" Jim sighed "Just have to put up with her for a week, that's all and this time next week she'll be going home"
"How's Lucy?" Gail asked
Jim sighed "She wants to spend Easter with Emma...which I told her she can't so she's not happy...think Todd and Nick are going to try to get her involved in helping with the Easter egg hunt" he said
"She can always stay here" Paul said
"Don't think that's far enough away to be honest" Jim said "Beside you've got enough with these three"
"Surely she's learned something after her last visit" Helen said "She can't treat people horribly and expect to get away with it"
"You know what she's becoming more and more like Hilary" Paul said "Maybe she's spent too much time with her...I seem to recall how Katie was when she came home after spending a few weeks in Hilary's company"
Gail smiled "I'm sure she'll be on her best behaviour this time" she said "Hopefully"
Later that evening Jim sat in the kitchen of number 26, unable to sleep he decided to make himself a mug of hot chocolate. His thoughts were interrupted by Beverley walking in.
"Hey" she said "Thought I heard you get up"
"Couldn't sleep" Jim said "There's some hot milk in the pan if you want a drink"
Beverley walked over to the cupboard, taking a mug out she went to the stove "So do you want to talk about it" she said, pouring the milk into the mug.
Jim motioned to the open door, Beverley sensing Jim's mood went and shut it before sitting down.
"I don't know , that woman...the minute she walks through the door she starts" Jim said "I didn't even have time to close the door"
Beverley stifled a laugh "What happened?" she said
"She complained about not being able to stay here, that we should have asked Nick to leave" Jim said "Then she had a go about the triplets"
Jim sighed "She started on about Ann's engagement ring and how I gave it to Paul, she thinks that I should make a clause saying that whenever anything happens to Paul that the ring goes back to Hannah" he said
Beverley frowned but let Jim continue
"Not content with that apparently she's been reading up on the IVF programme, and that sometimes mistakes happen" Jim said "She had the cheek to suggest that Paul might not be the triplet's father"
"That's ridiculous" Beverley replied "I'd stake my life on the fact that he's their father, you only have to look at the boys, and as for Elle..."
Jim smiled and turned the photo album he was looking at towards her "She has Lucy's smile" he said
Beverly smiled as she looked down at the photo of Lucy at the same age that Elle was now "Yes...but she has Gail's eyes" she said
"She's absolutely gorgeous" Jim said proudly
Beverley laughed "And already an expert at wrapping you around her little finger" she said "You know not to listen to Julie's ranting"
"I know but I already wish she hadn't come down" Jim said "It's also the older two kids that I feel sorry for, from what Julie said they've been playing up a little...she told me that she wished that their real mum was alive and she could look after them"
"Ouch" Beverley said
"I just remember how I looked after her when Ann died and didn't think twice about it" Jim said "But she can't do the same thing for those two children"
"Well there's nothing much we can do, except I guess give those two children some family time whilst they're here" Beverly said.
"You know...I'm tired of lying" Jim said sadly "I can't say I feel the same way about Hannah that I do about Elle..."
"Don't forget that you've seen Elle almost every day since she was born, they live next door" Beverley said "Whereas Hannah lives miles away"
"Oh I don't know" Jim said "Guess I'm just tired of her mother coming down here and thinking it's okay to order us around"
The following day Gail was working in the gift shop at Lassiters, when Paul crept up behind her putting his arms around her waist.
"Thought you were supposed to be working" Gail laughed
"Hmm not my fault I can't keep my hands of the female staff and my thoughts on my work" Paul remarked
Gail turned in his arms "And just what would your wife have to say about that, Mr Robinson" she said
Paul smirked "Well I won't tell if you wont" he laughed, planting a kiss on her lips
Gail laughed "So what brings you here" she said
"Just been to check on the triplets, they were fine so I thought I'd check on you" Paul replied "Are you okay?"
Gail smiled and kissed him "Yep why wouldn't I be?" she said
"Just making sure you are" Paul said, holding her tighter as he kissed her, they were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Come on you guys, cut it out it's not even 10 o clock yet"
Paul broke away from the kiss but kept his hold on Gail "Scott...what are you doing here, thought you were spending Easter in Brisbane" he said
"Nope Charlene and I thought we'd come and surprise you" Scott replied
"So where is she?" Paul said
"In the waterhole with Madge" Scott said "Oh Madge told us Julie's here"
Paul groaned "Don't remind us" he said "How long are you staying for?"
"Just until Tuesday" Scott said "Charlene couldn't get more time of work...we're staying with Madge and Harold...hey how about we take the triplets to the park for you"
Paul sighed "Ordinarily I'd agree but Jules' is here and if she catches you two looking after our three, she start accusing us of dumping the children again" he said
Scott frowned "What is her problem?" he said "You've never asked anyone to babysit; we've always had to offer"
"Don't ask me...she seems to think that Gail and my marriage won't last, that she'll leave me and take the triplets with her" Paul said "To be honest I'm fed up with it...do you know she sent me a Christmas card but left off Gail and the triplets"
"Hmm must admit she phoned me after we got home after Christmas and wanted to know how things were...I didn't tell her anything" Scott said "I'll put her straight on a few things if you want"
Gail smiled "No thanks Scott, this is one thing you can't help us with" she said
"The idea of you leaving Paul is ridiculous, I mean why would you...you've already gave up a high powered promotion for him" Scott said "You two belong together everyone can see that"
"Everyone that is except Julie" Gail said "To be honest Scott I don't care, she can think what she likes...the people who really matter know the truth"
"Well she better not say anything to me" Scott said "You sure we can't take the triplets to the park, it's better than them being stuck in the crèche"
Paul laughed "Sorry mate, but we're only working until 1pm so if you want to call around to the house after that we can all take them out somewhere after lunch" he said
"Okay, I better let you get back to what you were doing...or maybe not...wouldn't want to put the customers off" Scott laughed cheekily.
"Get out of here!" Paul laughed "See you at ours at around 2pm"
Scott waved goodbye leaving Paul and Gail alone again. "I guess I should get back to work" Paul said
Gail smiled "Well you're kind of distraction around here" she laughed
"Thanks" Paul laughed putting his arms around her waist and pulling her closer to him "Maybe we should put the 'close' sign up" he said
Gail gently slapped him "And where would the profit be in that!" she laughed
"I wasn't exactly thinking of profits" Paul said
"hmm aren't you supposed to be working" Gail said
Paul laughed "Yeah...but I missed you" he said "But I also came over here to tell you that I've found someone to take over from you at 11 am"
Gail looked curiously at him "Why...I don't mind working in here until you finish" she said
Paul shook his head "I don't want you overdoing things in your condition" he said
"But I'm fine" Gail protested
"I just want to make sure..besides Chris and I have a conference call with Mr Udigawa at 11.30am and I want you in on it" Paul said
Gail laughed "There had to be a ulterior motive...don't tell me you want to take me to take minutes" she said
"Of course not...but since you offered!" Paul said
"Hey I did not!" she laughed, gently slapping him.
Paul kissed her "See you in an hour" he said letting go of her "I love you"
Gail smiled "I love you too now get out of here and let me do some work" she laughed
Later that morning Scott spotted Julie coming out of Hilary's house as he was walking back towards Madge's, he frowned when he realised she had seen him and was walking towards him.
"What are you doing here?" she asked
Scott rolled his eyes "The same thing you're doing here...visiting!" he said rolling his eyes
"Dad didn't tell me you'd be here" Julie said
"That's because Charlene and I decided to come down and surprise everyone" Scott said
"Well if you're not doing anything this afternoon, could I ask you and Charlene to look after Hannah as I want to do some shopping and Phil's taking Michael on a fishing trip...she'll be really good...I just don't want to have to drag her around town" Julie said
Scott rolled his eyes "Okay so it's fine for us to babysit Hannah but not for us to look after the triplets" he said
"I'm only concerned that those two will dump those children on the family" Julie said "Come on Scott you don't really think that marriage is going to last, Paul isn't capable of long term relationships"
Scott frowned "Why are you so sure that their marriage will fail...you don't know anything about them" he said "If you did you would know that those children mean the world to them"
"Yeah right" Julie said "And the Easter bunny is real"
Scott rolled his eyes "Find someone else to look after Hannah...until you can find something pleasant to say about Paul and Gail, I don't want to know" he said, walking away from her.
"Fine" Julie said "But I'll be the one laughing when those two split up and he's left with nothing, at least I'll be able to say I told you so"
Scott looked at her, not believing what he had just heard, walking back towards her he said "Why are you being so spiteful...I don't believe you sometimes"
"Just speaking my mind" she said, turning her back on him and walking away. Scott watched her walk away before heading back to Madge's.
Later that afternoon, Gail sat on a park bench watching Paul, Scott and Charlene playing with the triplets, Lucy and Debbie had gone to get ice creams. She felt happy and relaxed, placing her hand on her stomach she felt the strong kick of life inside her, looking across at Paul she smiled, she had everything she wanted. Scott saw her watching them and walked towards her, Gail smiled as he sat down beside her.
"Those three wear you out!" he said
Gail laughed "You wanted to look after them...but at least they're healthy" she said "They're growing up too fast though"
"I bumped into Jules this morning" Scott said
"That was nice for you" Gail said sarcastically
Scott laughed "She wanted me to babysit for Hannah whilst she went shopping but I told her that I thought it was just a little hypocritical of her asking me to look after her daughter whilst she goes enjoying herself shopping when if you two asked us to babysit she's on the warpath, so I told her no "he said
"I take it she wasn't impressed" Gail said
Scott rolled his eyes, looking towards the play area, turning his attention back to Gail he continued "She keeps going on about yours and Paul's marriage not lasting, she says Paul's not capable of longterm relationships" he said "She's actually being really spiteful about it as though she wants your marriage to fail"
Gail laughed "To be honest I don't care what she thinks...I'm not going anywhere, actually our marriage is probably a lot more secure than hers" she said "Why would I give up on my best friend and the best father my children could have, he's amazing...this past year he's been with me every step with looking after the babies and with this pregnancy..I love him so much"
Scott laughed "Can't imagine why" he said "Hey have you two told Jules about the new baby?"
Gail looked at him and shook her head "No didn't think she'd be interested" she said
"She's going to get a surprise when she sees you on Sunday" Scott said "Paul told me that you don't want to know what it is"
Gail laughed "Has he told you he does?" she asked "I have my reasons for not wanting to know, although it sounds silly even to me"
Scott looked at her curiously.
Gail smiled "It's just...well last time when I was pregnant with the triplets, it brought back memories of your mum and when she was pregnant with Lucy... I don't want to stir up those memories again for him...and it occurred to me that if we are having a girl, I'm in the same position that your mum was...she already had two boys and a girl" she said, quietly "but never saw her second daughter...I just don't want Paul to make any connections or even think about that"
"Do you think he would?" Scott asked
"I'm hoping not...this time though I'm hoping he'd talk to me about any fears he had" Gail said "I think we've finally conquered the 'lack of communication' problem...but to be honest whatever we have will be a bonus...we already have three beautiful children"
Scott laughed "Who are just about to be covered in ice cream" he said watching Lucy and Debbie return to the playground with tubs of ice cream.
"Good job we brought a change of clothes for them, and I just hope your sister hasn't brought chocolate ice cream, its terrible trying to get chocolate stains out of clothing" Gail said "This is going to be fun"
Scott and Gail walked up towards the play area, laughing as the triplets squealed on seeing the ice creams.
"Okay let's go and sit on the grass over there" Paul said "Not sure if this was a good idea of not"
Settling the triplets on the grass , Paul handed the tubs of ice creams to Scott, Charlene and Lucy "Just try and get it in their mouths and not on their clothes" he said watching his children trying to grab for the tubs. Laughing he placed his arm around Gail.
"Hey you're not getting tired are you?" he asked
"No" Gail replied laughing as Elle tried to grab Robert's tub "Elle you have your own...leave Robert's ice cream alone"
Elle looked at her innocently
"See I told you...that's exactly what she did last time we took them out for ice cream but that time she did finish her own first" Charlene said
Gail laughed "Wonder who she takes after" she said, looking at Paul.
"Hey it's chocolate ice cream so it's definitely not me" Paul said "Lucy...I told you not to get chocolate ice cream, they make so much mess with it"
"Spoilsport" Lucy said, as Elle made a grab for the tub that Lucy was holding, laughing Lucy place some more ice cream in Elle's mouth before she protested "Hey did Nick tell you that he and Todd are planning an Easter egg hunt for these three on Sunday" Lucy said
"Hmm I think you'll have to include Hannah in that" Paul said
Lucy groaned "Wish they weren't coming" she said "They're just spoil the fun."
"She's still your sister Luce" Gail said
"At least you don't have to live with her" Debbie said
"Hey come on let's not spoil a nice afternoon talking about Julie" Paul said
Two days later, Paul sat playing with the boys on the floor, when Gail came in from the back garden. "Hey you need to get ready, we're supposed to be at Jim's in an hour" she said
"Do we have to" Paul groaned
"Yes we do, where's our daughter?" Gail asked.
"Behind the sofa, playing with koala bear and Paddington." Paul said
Gail smiled as she walked towards the back of the sofa "Hey you, What are you doing there?" she said
Elle looked at her and giggled
"Come here you" Gail said as the front doorbell rang, turning towards it she went to answer it as Elle got up and toddled towards her.
"Hi Nick" she said on opening the door
"Just wondered if you needed any help with the triplets" he said as Elle walked towards him, catching her before she tried to escape outside he lifted her into his arms, causing the little girl to giggle.
"Come in, we're nearly ready, that if my husband can tear himself away from playing with toys" Gail said
Paul looked at Nick and smiled "So I gather my sister is at home already" he said
"Afraid so" Nick groaned "Oh Jim said that he feels the Easter Egg hunt should be cancelled, Todd and I were going to buy some eggs yesterday but Jim told us not to bother...he doesn't think it's a good idea"
"Why?" Paul asked
"Well...Julie told him to keep me away from her daughter and unfortunately we would have had to include her in the game...Jim didn't think it was right for me to spend money on her when Julie had said what she had" Nick replied
"To be honest Nick, the triplets are bit small for Easter Eggs hunts, maybe in a year or two" Paul said "And as for Julie, just ignore her...I do"
"Well I did make them some tee shirts" Nick said handing a bag to Gail "I thought they had enough toys"
Gail took the bag as Elle made a grab for it "Hey Loopy Lou, stop being so impatient" Nick laughed tickling her.
Gail looked inside the bag and smiled "These are great" she said
"I designed them myself, and they've each got their names on them" Nick said
"Nick you shouldn't spend money on the children like that" Paul said
"I want to...beside you're the only family I really have" Nick replied
"Have you thought anymore about University?" Paul asked
"Yes... a little bit, I'm still undecided" Nick said "Not sure whether I'm ready to leave Ramsay Street just yet"
"You can always come back in the holidays" Paul replied
"True...guess I'll have to see how my exams go" Nick said
Gail looked at her watch "Hey you two...we need to get over the road" she said
Paul groaned "Sooner stay here to be honest" he said
Nick laughed "Yeah well your sister has already objected to me being there today" he said "Thinks this is time for family only"
Paul frowned "Well that's her opinion; to be honest it takes a lot more than blood to make a family." He said
Nick laughed "All the same I think I'll stay away from her today as much as possible...besides I've got some painting that I want to do in the garage!"
Paul laughed "On canvas I hope!" He said
Later that afternoon, Gail and Helen were in the kitchen washing up whilst the rest of the family were in the living room.
"She just doesn't give up with the snide remarks does she" Gail said
"Don't let her get to you!" Helen said "Just think in a couple of days they'll be gone"
Gail laughed "Seems as though you're not that pleased to see her either"
"I just find her draining" Helen said "Nick feels like he's an outsider, Lucy's only staying around because we promised her she could go and stay with Emma tonight if she stayed here this afternoon and goodness knows where Todd is...he left soon after dinner"
Their conversation was interrupted by Paul walking into the kitchen carrying Robert, Gail looked at him "What are you two up to?" she said
"Just had enough of Julie's ramblings, we thought we'd go and see what Nick is up to in the garage" he said
"Where's the other two?" Gail asked
Paul laughed "Playing with Lucy and Debbie..they seem happy enough" he replied
Gail looked at Robert, stroking his face she smiled "Just make sure you watch him in the garage, I don't want him slipping out" she said
Paul rolled his eyes, kissing her on the cheek "Don't worry I won't let go of him" he replied
Gail and Helen watched them go "You know Robert is becoming Paul's shadow" Helen said
"Hmm I know...he's turning into a daddy's boy...Paul tends to worry about him as he's not as confident as the other two; but he's fine" Gail replied "Just prefers to be with people he knows at the moment...might go and check on the other two"
Gail walked into the living room and saw Cameron and Elle sat at the coffee table with Lucy and Debbie, she walked over to them trying to ignore Julie on the sofa.
"Hey what are you two up to?" she cooed
Elle held up the piece of paper she was colouring on, handing it to Gail "Hmm very nice" she said stroking the little girl's head, looking at Debbie she smiled "Well at least it's colourful"
"Underneath all that colourful scribble is actually an Easter picture" Lucy laughed
"Yeah well you weren't any better" Julie said, looking up from the magazine she was reading, taking a quick glance at the picture "Hannah could do much better than that at that age"
Rolling her eyes, Gail looked at Lucy, "I bet she could" she said quietly, gently stroking Elle's head. "Hey at least she got the right idea though...I mean the top half of the picture is blue and bottom half is green with lots of other colours in between"
Lucy laughed "Hmm these three are brilliant" she said, giving Julie a slight sneer.
"Well I would say Hannah was more developed at the triplets' age than they are, I mean she was talking much better than these three, mind you I probably spent more time with her either of you two do with these three" Julie said looking at Gail
"Julie stop it" Helen said as she walked back into the living room, sitting next to Gail "You're not here..so you can't possibly know how much time the triplets spend with their parents, but I can tell you something these three aren't in the least bit spoilt, which I'm afraid to say your daughter is"
"Paul and I are quite capable of looking after the triplets, and according to the doctors they're progressing very well" Gail said, slightly annoyed that once again Julie was causing trouble.
"I'm surprised my useless brother can think of anything but work" Julie replied
Gail rolled her eyes "I can assure you...your brother is anything but useless...in fact he's an amazing husband and father and I wouldn't change him for anything" she said
Meanwhile in the garage, Paul was looking at Nick's latest piece of art.
"I must admit it's better than your last portrait" he said, placing Robert on the ground, but keeping hold of his hand.
Nick laughed "I still can't believe you actually thought that Helen painted it" he said "It was just a different aspect of you; by the way do you still have that one?"
Paul laughed "Yes, well and truly hidden in the garage, Gail wont let me get rid of it" he said "Just hope the children never find it"
Nick laughed "You could always give it me back...I might be able to reuse the canvas" he said
Paul shook his head "Yeah and the next time I look it could be hanging up in the coffee shop" he said
Ni ck laughed "I wouldn't do that to you!" he said "Besides you might sack me from producing tee shirts for the gift shop"
Paul laughed "Ah but that's Gail's territory...I wouldn't dare do anything with the gift shop without her consent" he said, "So what made you decide to paint this picture"
"Helen gave me the photo a few weeks ago...I wanted to paint a picture of the triplets for a while but they won't stay still and she suggested that I try doing it from a picture" Nick replied
"Gran showed me the one you did of Robert...it's really good" Paul said "You have a talent don't waste it"
Nick laughed and crouched down smiling at Robert who giggled when Nick tickled him "Yeah well this one is so good and quiet...he'll sit still if I give him a book or something to play with whereas the other two are too active...aren't they Robbie" he said
"Hmm he has his moments; believe me" Paul said "There are times when even he has to let off steam"
Nick looked at Paul "You're so lucky...having Gail and the triplets" he said "Hope I find someone that I want to spend the rest of my life with and have a family"
"You're still young...don't rush into anything...finding the right person takes time and you have to make a few mistakes on the way" Paul said
"How do you know when you've found the right person though?" Nick said "I mean you could think you've found the right person and then ten years down the line find out you were wrong"
"I don't know..." Paul said "I just know that I don't think I could feel this happy with anyone else but Gail...but like I said don't rush into things...finish your education, get a scholarship to college and then decide what career path you want to take then you can start thinking about things like relationships"
Nick laughed "I swear this family is trying to get rid of me...everyone keeps trying to persuade me to go to college" he said
"That's not true and you know it...we just want the best for you, no matter where you are you'll still be part of this family" Paul said
"Thanks" Nick said looking at Robert, putting down his paintbrush he went to pick the child up, Paul let go of Robert's hand, Nick made Robert squeal with delight as he threw him up in the air and caught him.
"I'd be careful mate" Paul laughed, smiling at the affection between Robert and Nick "He's only finished eating an hour ago"
Nick looked at Robert "So what do you say little matey, do you want to go back inside and see what Cam and Loopy Lou are doing?" Robert put his thumb in his mouth and nodded. "Okay" Nick said handing the child back to Paul "Let me just finish clearing up here"
"Yeah supposed we should go back inside and rescue Gail" Paul said
"Your sister is so unlike the rest of the family" Nick said, placing a cover over the portrait he was painting "She's made it so obvious she doesn't approve of me being here"
"Yeah well no one's paying any attention so I wouldn't worry about what she says" Paul replied "Seems she learnt nothing from her last visit"
"I thought Scott and Charlene were coming for lunch today" Nick said
"They decided to have lunch with Madge and Harold...think they're planning on calling around later" Paul said, as he and Nick made their way out of the garage. On entering the kitchen Paul placed Robert on the ground, who immediately went off towards the living room. Seeing Robert and hearing their father's voice, Cameron and Elle stood up and went in the opposite direction carrying their pictures, bumping into Nick and Paul at the door of the living room.
"Daddy!" they squealed.
Nick and Paul crouched down as Cameron and Elle pushed their pictures in front of them.
"Hey you two what have you been up to" Paul cooed taking the pictures in his hand.
Nick smiled "Maybe we have two more budding artists on our hands" he said "Why don't we go back and do some more colouring"
Paul went to sit by Gail as Nick went back to the coffee table where Debbie and Lucy were busy drawing pictures for the triplets to colour.
"We've hidden the black crayons" Lucy said "The first picture Cameron did was just black crayon and Elle wasn't much better"
Nick laughed "Good idea" he said, tickling Cameron "We want nice colourful pictures, don't we"
Julie rolled her eyes, looking at Hannah colouring on the floor "You could let Hannah join you, Debbie" she said
"Why don't you all go in the kitchen and use the table" Gail suggested
"Good idea" Nick agreed, as he started to gather up the crayons, Cameron looked at him and began to help.
"Good boy" Nick said "Now let's go and show the girls how to really colour"
Lucy laughed "What do you think we've been doing?" she said
"Letting them scribble on a piece of paper and over you nice pictures" Nick smirked, standing up and picking up the crayons and paper before going into the kitchen, the triplets followed him.
"And you really think you can get them to colour properly" Debbie said "They're only little"
"Just you wait and see" Nick laughed.
After they were gone, Julie looked at Paul "I don't know how you can let that boy anywhere near your children" she said
"Hannah seems perfectly happy to go with him" Gail remarked
"She's not going with him...Debbie's there too" Julie said "But then I care about my daughter"
"Don't start Julie" Paul said "You don't know anything about how we're bringing our children up"
Jim walked into the kitchen, seeing the children he smiled and walked up to them stopping at the chair where Nick and Cameron sat, he looked down at the pictures and laughed "Well you have a little way to go before you become as good as your great gran" he said
"Where did you sneak off to after lunch?" Nick asked
"Just taken Beverley to the hospital as she had an emergency...going to pick her up at 5" he said, hearing raised voices in the living room he groaned "Maybe I should have stayed out longer"
"Julie doesn't approve of me spending time with the triplets, says she wouldn't let her daughter anywhere near me" Nick said, looking across the table at Hannah and Debbie.
"Ignore her!" Jim said as he walked towards the living room. Julie looked up at him as he walked in.
"So what's going on in there?" Julie asked
"The kids are having fun" Jim said, rolling his eyes. "Julie have you got a problem with that"
"I have a problem with the fact that you allow that layabout into our house" Julie replied
"Our house...Julie you haven't lived in this house for the past five years" Jim said "And there's nothing wrong with Nick...the kids love him"
"Well I wouldn't want my daughter spending time with him" Julie said, looking across at Paul and Gail "So you two when is the new baby due"
Looking at Gail, Paul rolled his eyes and sighed "In a couple of months" he said
"And I supposed that Gran and dad will be looking after it once Gail returns to work" Julie said
"Not that we have any intentions of letting anyone else but us bring up our children I don't know what business it is of yours what we do" Paul said
"I'm surprised you careers give you time for the children" Julie said "They must get in the way at times"
Gail frowned, sensing Paul getting uptight she squeezed his hand "Our children's welfare is the most important thing in our lives" she said
"Julie you can stop causing trouble right now..what is wrong with you, you're either picking on Lucy or Paul and Gail...I've just about had enough" Jim said
"Come on dad...you and I both know that Paul's incapable of caring about anything but business" Julie said "Actually I'm surprised Gail and the triplets are still here...thought she would have had the sense to dump him by now"
"You're out of line Julie...I have no intentions of leaving Paul" Gail said "Why don't you keep your vicious thoughts to yourself!"
"Well I guess at least you know who the father of the new baby is" Julie smirked
Paul and Gail looked at each others, "What's that supposed to mean!" Paul said
"Drop it Julie!" Jim said
"No dad...I want to know what she meant by that remark" Paul said
Julie rolled her eyes, a smirk appeared on her face "I've been reading up on the IVF programme...did you know how many accidents and mix ups happen...there's no guarantee that those three children are yours Paul" she said
"How low can you sink?" Gail said "I know who the father of my children is"
Julie laughed "They might not even be your children for all you know" she replied
"Julie that's a terrible thing to say...those children are definitely Paul's" Helen said "You can see that just by looking at them"
Paul closed his eyes, tired by the conversation and the fact that his sister had once again spoiled what could have been a nice family day, "I think it's time we left" he said standing up.
"You don't have to" Jim said
"I think we do" Gail said looking at Paul, she knew he was upset as he walked into the kitchen.
"What's going on in there" Nick asked when he saw Paul.
"We're leaving" Paul replied
"Paul the triplets are enjoying themselves" Lucy said "Do you have to go"
"Yes" Paul said angrily causing Robert to look at him, trying to calm himself he sighed "Look why don't you three come over to ours and you can continue colouring over there"
"Fine" Nick said "Come on guys let's pack up the crayons"
"Can I come too?" Debbie asked
Gail looked at her and then at Hannah "Sure" she replied
"What about Hannah?" Debbie asked
"Julie will just have to look after her own daughter...she's made it clear that she doesn't want Nick anywhere near her" Paul replied
Five minutes later they walked back into the living room, saying goodbye to Helen and Jim before going out the door, Julie looked up as Debbie passed her.
Where do you think you're going?" Julie asked
Debbi e turned, seeing Hannah standing by the kitchen door she sighed "Paul said I could go with them" she replied, not wanting to be stuck looking after Hannah.
"You can stay here and play with Hannah" Julie said
"That's not fair!" Debbie said
Paul rolled his eyes and turned "Julie...look after your own daughter...I said Debbie could join us" he said
"Well you could at least take Hannah with you!" Julie said
"Now who's trying to dump their child on someone else" Paul said angrily, as he walked out the door carrying Cameron "Look after her yourself"
As the front door was closed, Jim turned around and glared at Julie.
"Can't say you didn't ask for that" he said
"You wait until that girl gets home tonight" Julie said "She had no right to go out and leave her sister alone"
"Well maybe if you hadn't been so horrible they wouldn't have left" Jim replied "Why do you have to be so horrible"
"I was only speaking the truth..." Julie began
"I don't want to hear anymore." Jim said, getting up he walked into the kitchen.
Helen shook her head "I don't believe you sometimes...didn't you learn anything last time you were here...you can't go around upsetting people" she said "We could have had a nice family day but you have to spoil things"
Meanwhile back at number 22, Gail watched as Paul placed Cameron down and walked upstairs, sighing she decided that it was best to leave him alone for a while. Turning to look at Cameron who was stood staring at the stairs where his father had disappeared.
"Hey come on guys I thought you wanted to do some colouring?" she smiled
Nick went to pick Cameron up "Yeah...we can use the kitchen table" he said walking towards the kitchen.
"Hey will you be okay down here, while I go upstairs and see Paul?" Gail asked
"Sure" Nick said
Gail turned to go upstairs when suddenly she heard a squeal come from the kitchen, turning back she saw Cameron struggling in Nick's arms, walking towards them she smiled, stretching out her arms for the child "Hey you...what's wrong" she cooed
"Daddy?" Cameron said
Gail laughed "Okay you can come upstairs with me" she said
Carefully she carried Cameron upstairs locking the stairgate at the both the bottom and the top of the stairs, as she set Cameron down at the top of the stairs he toddled off towards the nursery. Checking that the stairgate was secured Gail went into see Paul, who was sitting on their bed holding the picture that sat on his bedside cabinet. Sitting beside him she rested her head on his shoulder. Paul turned slightly.
"They're my children" Paul said quietly as he gently stroked his fingers across the glass of the photograph.
"No one has ever said they weren't" Gail said
"Why does she has to be so horrible and spoil everything" Paul said "She never used to be this bad...yeah she was bossy...but I've never known her to be so spiteful"
"I don't know" Gail said "But could it be she's jealous"
Paul looked at her.
"Well look at it this way, I have a loving, faithful husband and she has a husband who doesn't seem to want to spend that much time with her...I mean look where is he today...out fishing with his son instead of joining the family for dinner" Gail said
"That's not our fault" Paul said
"I know...but she's obviously not happy" Gail replied
Their conversation was interrupted by Cameron running into the bedroom, carrying Paddington, going up to his father he dropped the bear unto Paul's lap.
"Thanks mate" Paul laughed as he gently placed the bear on the bed and picked up Cameron, stroking his head "I guess we should have let Hannah come with us...poor kid is going to be stuck with the adults for the rest of the day"
"I think that Debbie's worried that she's going to be in trouble when she gets home" Gail said "But she's not Hannah's babysitter"
"Guess we should go back downstairs and check on the other two" Paul said
"They're fine...they've got Nick and the girls giving them all the attention they want" Gail said "This one just wanted to be with you"
Paul laughed "There's always one isn't there" he said
"Ah but admit it...you love it when one of them demands one to one attention" Gail said
"Not at three o clock in the morning I don't" Paul replied "But it's usually Robert that follows me around"
"Guess whose attention he's got" Gail said
Paul rolled his eyes "Lucy!" he laughed, pulling Cameron closer to him.
Standing up with Cameron, he reached for Gail's hand "Come on let's go and see what's happening downstairs" he said
Gail stood up, picking up the Paddington bear from the bed, as she got to the nursery she walked inside and placed the bear on the rocking chair.
Walking downstairs and into the kitchen, Paul smiled at the concentration around the table "Hey you started without us" he said
"You were the one who went upstairs" Nick laughed "We didn't know how long you were going to be and as you know Elle waits for no one"
Paul looked at his daughter, who was busy colouring a piece of paper green "Aint that the truth" he said
"Who wants a drink?" Gail asked as she walked over to the sink. Handing Cameron to Nick, Paul went and helped Gail.
Ten minutes later, Gail placed a tray of drinks and biscuits in the middle of the table, far enough away so the triplets couldn't make a grab for the biscuits although this didn't stop Elle from trying.
"Hey you!" Debbie laughed, tickling her
Elle laughed pointing impatiently at the biscuits.
"No wait" Gail told her and laughed as the little girl managed to pout.
Paul laughed "I swear she's more like you every day" he said, kissing Gail as he went to get a spare chair from the laundry room.
Gail shook her head "Okay you three...one biscuit only" she said as she placed a biscuit in front of the triplets then handed the plate to Nick, who then offered it to Debbie and Lucy, laughing when Elle tried to grab Debbie's biscuit too.
"No" Debbie said laughing, lifting her arm high above her head so that Elle couldn't reach the biscuit "You have your own"
"She does it on purpose" Paul said "She knows it will get her attention" sitting down next to Gail.
"I think I'm going to be in trouble when I get home for not staying with Hannah" Debbie said quietly
Paul looked at Gail "Hey if you want to go and get her you can do" he said
"No...It's okay...she doesn't like Hannah being around Nick" Debbie said "And I like spending time away from both of them"
"Things that bad?" Paul asked
"In the beginning they weren't but since Hannah was born things have changed. She gets away with anything including breaking my things and I'm expected to look after her when Julie goes shopping. Most of the time I don't mind but there are times when I want to be out with friends and I can't as I have to look after Hannah" Debbie said
"So now you're here looking after our three" Paul laughed
"No I'm not...I enjoy being around them; they're fun to be with...I guess it's different as I don't have to spend time with them but I'm expected to look after Hannah" Debbie said
"Well I could always phone Emma and ask if her mum would mind if you came with me tonight" Lucy said
"I'm not sure I'd be allowed" Debbie said
"I'll phone her after we've had our drinks...then we can go back to Julie and tell her you're coming with me" Lucy said
"I'll let you tell her that" Debbie laughed.
Later that evening, Paul was washing up whilst Gail was resting on the sofa when the doorbell rang.
"Shall I get that or will you?" Gail said
Paul looked at her and laughed, putting down his tea towel he walked into the living room "You just stay there and relax...don't worry I wasn't doing anything important" he said
"Hey you ordered me out of the kitchen after dinner and told me to rest on here...I didn't want to move without your permission" Gail replied
"Ha ha" Paul said as he went to open the door. Seeing Jim and Beverly outside he invited them in. Gail got up out of the sofa to make a drink, Paul turned to her.
"Where do you think you're going?" he said
"Hi Jim, Beverley" Gail said "I was going to make a drink"
"No you're not" Paul said "Sit down and I'll do it"
"But you just complained because I didn't open the door" Gail argued.
"Hmm if we've come at a bad time..." Beverly said
Gail looked at her and laughed "No" she said sitting back down, "If he wants to make the coffee who am I to argue with him"
"Exactly" Paul said "Why don't you two sit down, I won't be long with the coffee"
Jim and Beverly sat opposite Gail "How was the rest of your afternoon?" Gail asked Jim.
"Tense" Jim replied "I went out and did some gardening to get away from it, I felt it I had stayed around Julie I might have something I might regret...what about you two"
"Paul was upset when we got home but he calmed down and we had a nice afternoon with the children" Gail replied
"We spent the afternoon colouring and then took them to the park for an hour" Paul said returning to the living room with a tray of drinks, placing them on the coffee table he sat next to Gail "It was nice of Emma's mum to let Debbie go with Lucy"
Jim smiled "I think Debbie was glad to be away from Julie and Hannah" he said
"We did tell her that she could go and get Hannah but she was happy not to. Don't think things are too good for her to be honest" Gail said
Jim sighed "Poor kid" he said "Julie was complaining about Debbie and Michael when you guys left, she wants to put them in boarding school but Phil won't let her"
"Why is she being so horrible dad?" Paul asked
"I don't know...but what she said about the triplets was out of order" Jim replied "You know we don't doubt those children are yours"
Gail smiled "Of course not" she said
"Urgh I wish she hadn't bothered coming down!" Jim said "I knew she was going to cause the minute she walked through the door"
"She's jealous of us" Paul said "She thinks the triplets get too much attention from you and Hannah is missing out"
"It's hardly my fault that you guys live next door and she doesn't" Jim said "If she hadn't behaved like she did when she came down at Christmas maybe everyone would be more pleased to see her"
"Jim don't let her get to you" Beverley said
"Well who does she think she is" Jim said "The minute she walked into the house she started telling me how I should make sure that Ann's engagement ring went to Hannah as Elle might not be my granddaughter and she would hate to see the ring go out of the family, then she makes Todd and Nick feel uncomfortable..."
"Dad..Nick was fine, he doesn't care what Julie thinks" Paul said "He enjoyed himself over here with the children"
"That's not the point he was made to feel uncomfortable in his own home" Jim said angrily "She just makes me so angry!"
"She'll be going home next weekend" Beverly said
"The way I feel at the moment...I hope she stays there" Jim said
"Dad...she's still your daughter" Paul said
Jim looked at Beverley then at Paul and Gail, closing his eyes he sighed "I'm sick of this" he whispered "She's not my daughter"
Paul looked at Gail slightly confused "Dad?"
Jim opened his eyes "I'm fed up with the lies and her coming here and causing trouble"
"What are you saying?" Paul asked
Jim looked at Beverley, wondering whether to tell Paul the truth or not.
"I brought Julie up as my daughter but she wasn't" Jim said
Paul looked confused "Are you saying mum had an affair" he said
Jim sighed "No" he shook his head "It was a long time ago"
"You don't have to tell us" Gail said
Jim looked at Paul, "After you were born...your mum and I agreed that we wouldn't have any more children for a while...I was studying and had to go on courses leaving your mum alone with you. At the time my boss used to come around to check to make sure that you and your mum were okay...well that's what he said anyway. One evening, whilst I was away he turned up at the house...your mum made him a drink as usual and they chatted for a while then one thing led to another and he forced himself on her...she tried to push him away but he was too strong" he said
Gail closed her eyes and reached for Paul's hand and squeezed it gently.
"Are you saying she was raped?" Paul asked
"Yes" Jim said "At first I didn't believe her...I thought she had been making a fool of me...carrying on behind my back. We split up for a while and she took you and stayed with Rosemary. Then one day at work I heard my boss gloating about it and how easy it had been to take what he wanted...I should have known she would never had cheated on me, but I was so stubborn in those days."
"Did you confront him?" Paul asked
"Yes I did...but he just joked about it...saying that you mum was missing the attention. She was devastated by what happened and wanted to get rid of the baby..she said it would spoil everything between us if she kept it but I persuaded her that it would be fine...that I would bring the baby up as mine" Jim said...that I would bring the baby up as mine" Jim said "She agreed but I don't think she ever felt the same for Julie as she did for Scott or you"
"It must have been difficult for her" Gail said "I can't imagine what she went through"
"It was" Jim said reflectively "When I changed jobs things got a little better; I even told her we could move house but she loved it in Ramsay Street"
"I can understand that" Gail said
"Does Gran know?" Paul asked
Jim shook his head "No...Ann's father was ill and we didn't want to worry her with our problems. She knew we separated for a while but we just told her we both needed some space" he said "It was only after what happened with Lucy that I realised that Rosemary knew the truth"
Paul sighed "I can't imagine what it must have been like...living with that secret" he said
Jim smiled "We coped and came out stronger because of it...the same way you two did with the IVF and the triplets when they were born" he said "We tried to treat Julie as though she was our own child...I adopted her so technically she is my daughter"
The room went silent for a moment, everyone deep in their own thoughts, Jim sighed breaking the silence "You two, this has to remain between us" he said
"Of course" Gail said
"I don't want Helen finding out about this...not after all this time" Jim said "But it's becoming increasingly hard to like anything about Julie at the moment"
"Dad...we won't say anything...besides I'd sooner stay well away from Julie at the present moment" Paul said.
"Paul...what she said about the triplets...I mean we know that your children...none of us have ever doubted that" Jim said "She was out of line and she knows it"
"We're not bothered what she thinks" Gail said
"So tell me how are my favourite grandchildren?" Jim asked
Paul laughed "They're fine...Elle's becoming more mischievous...not satisfied with having just one biscuit this afternoon she decided to try and pinch Debbie's as well" he said "The boys are going to find it tough keeping her inline when she's older"
"Who says they're going to keep her in line I think it will the other way around" Gail said "The three of them are healthy and happy, that's all we could ask for and want"
"Well I certainly saw that when I popped into the crèche the other day" Beverley said
"They always seem to enjoy the crèche, even Robert these days" Paul said
"You're going to have your hands full with the new baby" Jim said
"We'll cope somehow" Gail laughed "We had a baptism of fire with the triplets so one more shouldn't be that bad"
"And the hotel is doing fine and with the new office staff...I actually time on my hands to be able to help look after the children" Paul said
"Just make sure that continues" Jim said
"Jim, those three are in charge...the days of Lassiters and the Robinson Corporation being Paul's main concern are long gone" Gail said
"Hey I don't think that the Robinson Corporation was ever my main concern" Paul said "Supporting my family was my main concern and I could never do that if the business went under"
Gail smiled and rested her head on Paul's shoulder "Don't get defensive" she laughed
"You two know that we're always here if you need help" Jim said
"We know" the couple said
"Don't worry if we need babysitters we know where to come but we enjoy looking after them together" Paul said "They're changing so much that we don't want to miss anything"
Later that evening after leaving Paul and Gail's, Jim sat at the kitchen table whilst Beverley made some hot milk, after pouring the milk into the mugs she walked to the table and sat down.
"Do you really think it was wise telling Paul and Gail about Julie?" she said quietly
Jim sighed "I don't know...I doubt very much they will say anything" he said "To be honest I'm fed up with the snide remarks Julie makes about those two...I will stake my life on the fact that their marriage will last"
"So would I" Beverley said "I just worry that Paul might let something slip especially with the way Julie antagonises him"
"He won't...besides they want to keep out of her way as much as possible" Jim said "And they also know that Helen doesn't know the truth"
"I hope you're right" Beverley said
Jim picked up the mug and took a sip of the milk "I can trust them" he said
Meanwhile Paul stood in the nursery gazing down at Elle asleep in her cot, her thumb placed firmly in her mouth whilst her other hand held onto the koala bear, Gail smiled when she saw him, creeping up to him she wrapped her arms around him.
"Hey you what are you thinking?" she asked gently kissing his neck.
Paul turned to face her "Just thinking how peaceful she looks" he said "Also thinking about mum"
Gail sighed "It must have been really difficult for her...explains why she didn't really get on with Julie" she said "It must have been a constant reminder of what had happened...you know this can never come out...you can't use it against Julie not even in anger"
"I hate the way she maintains that you're not part of this family, that our marriage isn't going to last and then she insults us further by saying that these three may not be ours" he said "I also hate the way she is about Nick, time after time he proves how much he thinks of those children."
"Darling I know how you feel...but remember how much she hurt Lucy that Christmas, I know you're better than her and wouldn't intentionally hurt anyone" Gail said "And if this secret comes out it won't only hurt Julie but Helen also"
Paul looked at the ground, Gail looked at her sleeping daughter "Darling, whether Elle is 18 months old or 18 years old you would always want to protect her" she said
Paul looked at her "You know I would and the boys" he said quietly
"Then just imagine how Helen would feel if she found out what her daughter went through and she hadn't been there to help" Gail said
Paul kissed her "Darling...don't worry I promise you I'm not going to say anything" he said
"I love you Paul...let Julie say what she wants...our marriage is forever, these are our children and in just over three months time, we'll have another addition to this family" Gail said smiling.
"I love you too" He said, taking one last look at his sleeping children. "Come on let's go to bed...it's been a long day" placing his arm around Gail and leading her out of the nursery.
Gail turned; looking at the three cots in the nursery she smiled, "Good idea" she said feeling contented in Paul's arms she reflected on how strong their marriage was and how much she loved both her husband and her children.