The following morning, Gail woke to the sun streaming through the window, smiling she looked at Paul who still fast asleep and snoring; deciding that she couldn't stay in bed any longer she got up and grabbed her dressing gown off the bed. Taking another quick look at Paul she smiled, he looked so peaceful. Walking out of the bedroom she went to the Nursery to check on the triplets, smiling she saw that all three were awake but appeared to be happily playing in their cots.
"What are you up to?" she cooed as she walked up to Cameron's cot, looking up at her he handed her the teddy which he was playing with.
"Thank you" Gail smiled, gently she picked him up "Come on let's get you changed"
Placing Cameron on the changing table, she turned to glance at the other two seeing that they seemed content she turned her attention back to changing Cameron. After changing him she kissed him then placed him back on the floor.
Crouching in front of him she smiled "Why don't you go and wake up daddy" she said
Cameron looked at her "Daddy!"
"He's still in bed" Gail said
Cameron picked up his fire engine and went towards the door, realising what he was going to do Gail called after him "Hey where are you going with that!" she laughed
"Daddy" Cameron said turning around to face her.
Gail shook her head "Oh no you don't" she laughed taking the fire engine from him "I don't think daddy would appreciate being woken up by that"
Cameron looked at her and frowned, turning back towards the door he giggled as he went out. Gail shook her head and went towards Robert's cot.
Cameron walked into Paul and Gail's bedroom, seeing his father still in bed he walked towards him.
"Daddy, Daddy!" he called, banging his fist on Paul's leg. "Up...Up"
Paul groaned and tried to move away, but Cameron kept calling. Finally he opened his eyes, looking at the bedside clock he began to sit up, reaching for his son. "Guess I'm not going to get any peace until I get up" he said as he tickled his son.
"Daddy...UP" Cameron demanded
Paul laughed at the serious expression on his son's face "I suppose your mummy put you up to this" he laughed. Paul set him down on Gail's side of the bed and got up, picking up his dressing gown. Smiling he lifted his son into his arms and went to find the rest of his family. Walking into the nursery, he saw Gail at the changing table with Robert, setting Cameron down he walked over to kiss her.
"Good morning...thanks for the wake up call" he said "Mind you I would have like it better if you had done it"
Gail turned and looked at him "Yeah well...Cam was about to take his fire engine with him to wake you...so think yourself lucky I stopped him doing that"
Paul laughed "How about I go downstairs and make breakfast" he said
Gail kissed him "Good idea...I'm just about finished with this one?" she said, looking at Robert "So can you take the boys downstairs while I deal with Elle?"
"Sure" Paul said "Or do you want me to change Elle first for you"
"No...It's fine...you can go and get breakfast started" Gail said
Paul kissed her "If you're sure" he said, going to pick up the two boys.
An hour later Paul and Gail were sat finishing their breakfast when they heard Jim's voice coming from the back door, smiling he walked in.
"Hi" he said, walking into the kitchen "Just wondered if you two were still coming over this afternoon and whether I could persuade you to come for lunch too" Picking Robert out of the highchair when the child stretched his arms out.
"I'm sorry dad, we were going to visit Gloria this morning and then take the children up to the park for an hour" Paul said "Beside I don't think I want to put up with Julie's sniping for the entire day"
Jim sighed "She can be so difficult at times" he said
Gail smiled "Don't worry, she'll be gone in a couple of days, then things can get back to normal" she said
"Thank god for that!" Jim said placing Robert back in the highchair "Well I better go back and start getting the barbeque ready"
"You sure you don't want to stay for a coffee?" Gail asked
Jim smiled "No thanks...I'll see you this afternoon" he said, walking towards the kitchen door.
"Bye" the couple said in unison
After he had gone, Paul lifted the coffee pot of the table to pour him and Gail some more coffee, "Hey are you sure you want to go to dad's this afternoon...we can always cancel it" he said looking at her
Gail smiled "No...I'm fine...besides if we don't turn up that will give Julie that satisfaction that she's won" she said, picking up the plates from the table and taking them to the kitchen.
Paul turned towards her, smiling he stood up and walked over to the sink, placing his arms around her he kissed her "Well if she starts on her nonsense again we're leaving" he said "Besides I'd sooner spend the day alone with you"
Gail laughed "mmm" she said "Not much chance of that with these three" as she heard the fidgeting and grumbling of her children trying to escape their confines.
Paul rolled his eyes "Okay..who's first?" he laughed
Elle stretched out her arms "Daddy...down" she squealed, Paul walked over and lifted her out, kissing her he placed her on the floor, quickly turning her towards the toybox in the living room as she made an attempt to go towards the kitchen. "Oh no you don't. Go and find Paddington...you left him down here last night"
Elle toddled over to the toybox, Gail laughed as her daughter made quick work of relieving the toybox of its possessions. Paul then lifted the boys out of their chairs and they toddled off to help their sister mess up the living room. Paul walked over to Gail.
"I hope you know that you're cleaning up the mess they make" Gail laughed as Paul placed his arms around her.
"Should keep them busy for a while" Paul said as Gail turned to face him, smiling and kissing him she laughed.
"You can help me wash up then" she said handing him the tea towel.
"Thanks" he said
"So what shall we do this morning?" Gail asked "Go to Gloria's first and then the park"
"I guess Gloria's first as she mentioned yesterday that Dean was picking her up for lunch...then we can take these three to the park and hopefully get rid of some of their energy" Paul said
Gail smiled as she glanced over at the children "Not sure if that's possible" she said "Just think in a couple of month's time we'll have another baby on our hands"
Paul smiled "Yeah and I can't wait" he said
Gail rolled her eyes "We must be crazy" she said "Four children under the age of 2"
Paul put the tea towel down and walked up behind her, placing his hand around her waist , kissing her on the neck he laughed "Maybe...but this is what we always wanted" he said, glancing towards the mess his children had made on the living room floor.
An hour and a half later Paul and Gail sat drinking coffee at Gloria's while the triplets played on the floor.
"Thanks for the Easter presents Gloria...they're really nice" Gail said
"Well I thought clothes would be best...they're a bit young for Easter eggs" Gloria said
"Hmm I think these three might disagree with you on that point" Paul laughed "But you're right"
"I thought you'd be at the Robinsons today, seeing as its Scott and Charlene's last day" Gloria remarked
"We're going this afternoon, the less we see of my eldest sister the better" Paul said
"What is her problem?" Gloria asked
"Well where do I start" Paul laughed "For one thing she doesn't think our marriage will last, then she doesn't think we look after our children but on top of all that she doesn't believe that the triplets are ours"
Gloria laughed, glancing at the two boys playing on the floor "Well if they're not yours, then Paul, you have a twin brother"
Gail laughed "Please...one Paul Robinson is enough!" she said "We just prefer to stay out of her way...makes things less tense"
"She's probably jealous...I mean your children see their grandparents every day and I know that Jim loves helping out babysitting when you ask him to...so do I in fact...these three are a pleasure to be with...but Julie lives away so her daughter rarely sees her grandparents" Gloria said
"Yeah but that doesn't give her the right to make nasty comments" Paul said "And it's hardly our fault that we choose to live where we do"
"No...but you know what people are like" Gloria said "Besides you know the truth...everyone else believes these children are yours, and as for your marriage...with all the ups and downs you've had...I think it's strong enough, I can't imagine you two not together...and besides you went through a lot to have this family...I can't see either of you walking away from it now"
Gail smiled "Definitely not" she said "What time is Dean picking you up for lunch?"
"About 12.30pm?" Gloria asked, picking Robert up as he walked over to her. "Why"
"Just wondered if you wanted to come to the park with us" Gail replied
Gloria sighed "I'd love to but there are things I need to do before Dean comes" she said "But you would you two like another coffee before you go"
"Sure" Paul said "The triplets seem happy enough at the moment...we'll take them to the park a little later"
Gloria stood up with Robert in her arms; handing him to Paul she then picked up the mugs from the coffee table and walked into the room. Robert squealed to be let down, so that he could go back to his brother and sister, Paul laughed and placed him on the floor.
Meanwhile back at number 26, Jim and Nick were busy in the garden sorting the barbeque out whilst Julie and Helen were chatting in the living room.
"It's nice to have the family together again; just like old times...except for Nick...couldn't he have gone out for the day?" Julie said
"Don't start Julie...Nick is as much part of this family as anyone else" Helen said "You're father is already unhappy with you after what you said about the triplets yesterday"
"Only stating what other people might be thinking" Julie said
"I doubt that" Helen said "Other people haven't got the spiteful minds that you've got"
That's not fair Gran...just believe in speaking my mind" Julie remarked, looking towards her daughter who was busy colouring a piece of paper black, Julie frowned wondering why the child never seemed to like bright colours. "So where are Paul and Gail today?"
"They're coming later" Helen said
"Don't tell me...they've dumped the children in the crèche and are working this morning" Julie said smirking.
Helen rolled her eyes "No..for your information, they've gone to see Gloria and then they're taking the children to the park before coming here" she said
"Yeah I'm sure if you phoned the office, Paul would answer" Julie said "It's not fair Gran, dad hardly plays any attention to Hannah...it's all about the triplets and to think that they might not even be his grandchildren.."
"I don't want to hear it" Helen said, picking up her coffee mug.
"Hear what Gran?" Scott said as he walked through the kitchen.
"Hi darling" Helen said "Where's Charlene?"
"Outside talking to Lucy...what were you two talking about?" Scott asked
Julie rolled her eyes "Our useless brother and his supposed family" she said
"What are you talking about Julie?" Scott said looking slightly confused and sitting down next to Helen.
"Scott no one will listen to me...but I've been reading up on the IVF..." she began
"And just why would you do that?" Scott asked
"Well dad spends more time with them then he does with his own granddaughter...and well...mistakes happen on the programme...you can't be sure that those children are his" Julie said "He's given Paul mum's engagement ring and it's likely to be passed to Elle...who may not be his granddaughter"
Scott saw red "Jealousy isn't a very nice trait" Scott said "And I wouldn't let Paul hear you say anything like that"
"Too late.." Helen said quietly "She pointed it out to him yesterday"
"Please tell me he's not listening to her" Scott said
"Of course not" Helen said "All the same he isn't happy and neither is your father"
Scott sighed "You're unbelievable Julie!" he said angrily "Is that why they're not coming today.."
"Well they didn't want to spend all day with your sister, but they agreed to come this afternoon...I think they've taken the children to the park" Helen said
"I saw them leave earlier" Scott said
"Well at least this morning Hannah can get some attention from her grandparents" Julie said "It will be so much better without them"
"Pack it in Julie" Jim said coming back into the living room "You never give up do you?"
"Well dad I just think you spend a little bit too much time with those children...you never pay any attention to Hannah" Julie said
"Jealousy isn't a very nice strait" Jim said "And I don't want to hear another word. Just thought I'd come and tell you that lunch is ready"
"Aren't we waiting for Beverley?" Helen asked
Jim shook his head "No she wasn't sure what time she'd be back..so said not to wait and besides I want to go down to the garage this afternoon to do some paperwork" he said
"Dad I brought your granddaughter over to spend some time with you, but you've hardly spoken to her!" Julie complained
Jim looked at the little girl who had her back to him, suddenly he realised that he didn't feel the same pride for her that he did for Elle, rolling his eyes he turned back to Julie "Well if she's anything like you I don't want to know" he said
"Jim !" Helen said
"I'm sorry but I'm tired of her having a go at Paul and Gail and the triplets, she knows nothing about them" he said, turning and going back outside.
Gail was finishing washing up when Paul walked downstairs. She glanced up at him.
"All quiet up there?" she asked
"I think they're be asleep for an hour or so" Paul said "Elle was restless"
"Poor little thing I saw her fall but I wasn't quick enough to prevent it" Gail said
"It wasn't your fault...the problem is that she wants to keep up with Robert and Cameron but she's smaller than they are and isn't so fast" Paul said
"I hate it when they get so upset" Gail said
Paul went to her and wrapped his arms around her "I know...I do as well but she's fine, by this evening she'll have forgotten all about it" he said kissing her on her cheek. Gail leant back against him, feeling the warmth of his embrace.
"So I have a whole hour of you to myself do I?" she said
"You sure do, Mrs Robinson" Paul laughed
"What time did you say we'd be at your dad's" Gail asked
"I didn't" Paul said "But it's 1pm now so maybe 3pm, whatever time the triplets decide to wake up"
Paul took her hand and led her into the living room, sitting down on the sofa they cuddled up together.
"When's your next scan" Paul said, remembering that it was soon
"About a weeks time...do you want to come?" Gail replied
"Of course" Paul said "How are you feeling?"
Gail looked at him "I'm fine...I guess last time was more difficult with carrying three babies but this time hasn't been so bad" she said "Plus I've had your constant attention"
Paul laughed "Surprised you haven't got bored with me yet" he said "But unfortunately I might have to go into work a bit more this week as Chris is on holiday, but I promise I wont stay passed 6 o'clock at the latest"
Gail smiled "I know and it's okay...besides I can come in for a few hours in the afternoon and give you a hand" she said
"I forgot to tell you, I had a phone call from Rosemary last week" Paul said
"Oh...don't tell me she wants to buy Lassiters back" Gail said
Paul laughed "Hardy..ha ha" he said "No she just said that if we wanted her to come over for a few months when the baby is due she would do"
"Really that's nice of her, but I thought she was coming over for Christmas" Gail said
"She is...but it seems she doesn't mind leaving her staff in charge" Paul said "I guess it also gives her the chance to see more of Gran as well.
Gail smiled "its funny how she's sold the company to us two years ago and in those two years she seems to have spent more time here than she did when she owned it"
"I'm not complaining" Paul said "It's given me time to concentrate on what's important plus she's brought some good ideas into the running of the place as well as some good office staff...at least now I can take time off and know that the place is being run efficiently in my absence"
Gail rested her head on his shoulder "Well I'm not going to complain about having you around" she said
Paul sighed "This is what I love best...our children safe and sound upstairs and us down here cuddled up on the sofa. Don't get me wrong I love our children but I also love the time spent with just you" he said
An hour and a half later, Paul and Gail walked into the kitchen of number 26, Helen and Julie were sat talking, Paul couldn't help but notice how Julie rolled her eyes when she saw the couple.
"Hi you two" Helen smiled, noticing Elle in Gail's arms "Where's the boys?"
Paul looked at Gail and smirked "Ah we left them at home, knew that Julie wouldn't approve of all three children being here so we decided to bring Elle and leave them" he said
Gail rolled her eyes and shook her head "Paul!...they're outside playing with Lucy, Debbie, Scott and Charlene" she said
"Typical" Julie said "I suppose Hannah has been pushed out"
"Actually Hannah was playing on the slide on her own when we came in" Gail said "She wasn't interacting with the others, they were just sat chatting"
"What's wrong with this little one?" Helen asked, gently stroking Elle's arm.
Elle hid her face in Gail's shoulder, "She slipped and fell at the park" Gail said "It seems to have shook her up a bit...she's been subdued ever since"
"Poor little thing" Helen said "Can I make you two a drink"
"Yes please" Gail said "Do you mind if I go and sit with her in the living room?"
"Go ahead...you don't have to ask" Helen replied
Where's dad?" Paul asked
"He's gone to the workshop...hasn't been in a good mood all morning" Helen said
Paul frowned "I might just go and see him" he said as he headed into the living room with Gail,
After sitting down on the sofa, Paul turned to Gail "Are you going to be okay here while I go and see dad?" he asked, suddenly conscious of the last time he left her alone, only that time it was for a business meeting.
Gail smiled "Of course I will, don't worry...I've got some books in my bag, so Elle and I will have some mother/daughter time" she said, suddenly knowing what Paul was thinking "I love you"
Paul kissed her "I love you two...so much" he said, smiling and kissing Elle too "I won't be long" standing up and walking towards the door
Gail reached into her bag and pulled out some picture books that she placed on the coffee table, Elle cuddled into her and placed her thumb in her mouth, Gail kissed her head. Helen walked in with a mug of coffee and placed it on the coffee table, smiling.
"It's not often that we see Elle like this...she's usually tearing about the place" Helen remarked "Shall I bring her a something to drink?"
Gail looked at her daughter "Maybe a small fruit juice" Gail said "She had a drink earlier"
"Okay" Helen said "I checked on the other two and they're perfectly happy outside"
"That's good..." Gail said "I guess they're getting all the attention they require though"
Helen laughed "You bet...right I'll go and get this little one a drink" she said "Then I supposed I better go back to Julie...I asked her to come in here but she prefers being in the kitchen"
"It's okay...where's Beverley?" Gail asked
"She got called out" Helen said "Think she was relieved to have to go"
Gail smiled "Only a couple of more days and then it will be back to normal" she said quietly.
Gently stroking Elle's head, Helen smiled "Thank goodness" she said, sighing.
Gail watched Helen walk back into the kitchen, smiling she looked at Elle, cuddled up against "So little one what shall we do now?" she cooed, kissing the little girl.
"Book" Elle said, pointing to the coffee table.
Gail laughed as she leaned over to the coffee table to pick up one of the books, sitting back down, Elle cuddled into her once more and rested her head on Gail's shoulder. Gail opened the book and together they looked at the pictures.
Meanwhile back in the kitchen, Helen picked up her empty coffee mug and walked to the sink, getting hold of the spare toddler cup that she kept for the triplets, and filling it with apple juice from the fridge before going back into the living room. Smiling she placed the cup next to Gail's mug.
"She looks so peaceful" Helen said
Gail smiled "mmm...these are the times that Paul and I crave...when they just want to be quiet and cuddle up to us" she said laughing "It doesn't happen that often though these days"
Helen smiled "You've got your hands full with these three" she said "Not to mention the new baby"
"I know...hey you better go back into the kitchen unless Julie will start grumbling" Gail said sadly
Helen sighed "See you shortly...Paul shouldn't be too long" she said
Gail went back to the book she was reading with Elle, hugging the little girl closer to her she kissed her head.
Helen walked back into the kitchen and sat down opposite Julie "Do you really have to be so horrible?" she asked
Julie looked at her "I don't know what you're talking about?" she said "I just prefer the family around like the old days...now it seems this house is full of waifs and strays"
"That's not true...Nick is part of this family now and everyone else has accepted him and whether you like it or not Paul and Gail's marriage is solid" Helen said
Julie laughed "Gran...come off it...Paul doesn't know the meaning of the word 'love'" she said
"What makes you such an expert on him?" Helen said angrily
"Look at his history...I mean his first marriage was a great success wasn't it!" Julie said sarcastically
Helen shook her head "I don't believe you at times...what happened with Terri wasn't his fault" she said
Julie rolled her eyes "Yeah right" she said
Their conversation was interrupted when Hannah walked in.
"Mummy" she squealed as she ran up to Julie trying to climb into her lap.
"Hannah stop it" Julie said "Mummy's talking...you know not to interrupt me"
"I want to play!" Hannah cried
"Go and play with the others outside" Julie said
"They wont play with me" Hannah said
"Well go and play in the living room...there's some of your books in the bag in the bedroom...maybe you can do some colouring" Julie said
"Don't want to" Hannah cried "I want to stay with you"
"Do as I say" Julie said "I'm busy"
Helen shook her head as she listened to the conversation, sadly she watched a dejected Hannah walk away, meanwhile Gail had heard too and cuddled her daughter closer to her, Hannah entered the living room, seeing Gail and Elle sitting on the sofa she walked up towards them, climbing up on the sofa beside them.
Gail looked at her "Do you want to read the book with us?" she said quietly
Hannah nodded.
Gail smiled and Hannah moved closer to them resting her head on Gail's shoulder.
"Well Elle shall we let Hannah Join us?" Gail cooed
Elle gave a small nod, and then placed her thumb in her mouth, Gail laughed and they continued looking at the book.
Half an hour later, Elle looked up to see Paul standing in the kitchen doorway.
"Daddy!" she giggled
Gail looked up and smiled "How long have you been there for?" she asked
"Long enough" Paul laughed walking towards them. "You three looked so cute together and I didn't want to interrupt the story"
Gail smiled as Paul sat down "How's Jim?" she asked
Paul rolled his eyes "Not happy...I just worry about what will come out if Julie keeps behaving the way she is" he said quietly
Gail looked at the two girls, who were listening intently to the conversation "Do you two want another story!" she said
"Yes" they both replied
"Mine this time" Hannah said "Please!"
Gail laughed "Okay"
"It's in my bag...I'll go and get it" she said jumping off the sofa, looking at Elle she continued "Elle come too"
Gail looked at her daughter "Do you want to go with Hannah, sweetie"
Elle nodded and climbed off Gail, Hannah took her hand and they wandered off into the Lucy's bedroom to find Hannah's bag.
"Those two seem to be getting on okay..how come you got lumbered?" Paul asked
Gail laughed "I didn't get lumbered...I think she wanted some attention, I overheard Julie tell her to go away as she was busy so she came in here and cuddled up to us" she said "She's been fine"
"It's ironic isn't it...Jules has a go at us for 'neglecting' our children, which we don't, but it's her daughter who gets sent away when she wants some attention from her mother" Paul said "And not only that you're the one that gives her the attention she wants"
"mmm...to be honest I think Hannah is suffering because of who her mother is...I mean Lucy and Debbie ignore her, Scott and Charlene also pretend she's not there...to be honest it isn't fair" Gail said
Paul looked at her but said nothing
"Come on Paul...you wouldn't like it if they were treating Elle like that" Gail said
Paul sighed "No I wouldn't...but there's not much we can do about it" he said "And I also think the problem with Debbie is that Julie always sides with Hannah in an argument even when she knows she's wrong"
"I supposed that's only natural...I don't know" Gail said
"Yeah well she seems happy enough at the moment" Paul said as the two girls wandered back into the living room, spotting something in their little hands Paul smirked "What have you two got there?"
"Eggs" Hannah said "For me and Elle"
"No...Sweetie...not now, you won't eat your tea" Gail said
"Hey...I know why don't we break one of them in half and you can share it...you can have the other one later" Paul said, gently taking the egg from Elle's hand, Hannah handed Gail her egg which she broke in two and handed both pieces back to Hannah, who then handed half to Elle.
"Good girl Hannah" Paul smiled
"That was easy enough" Gail said quietly
Elle went and climbed back on Gail's knee, whilst Hannah remained standing by the sofa. Paul lifted her onto his knee.
"Who's going to read the story this time?" Gail said
"Daddy" Elle giggled
Paul took the book from Hannah and groaned "Lucy used to make me read this to her all the time" he said "Okay...if this is what you want"
The two little girls settled down to eating their half of the chocolate egg and listening to the story, Gail felt tired and rested her head on Paul's shoulder.
"You okay?" Paul whispered
Gail smiled "Yes just tired that's all" she replied kissing him.
"Let me know if you want to go home" Paul said
Gail laughed "I'm fine" she said
"Daddy!" Elle squealed
Paul laughed "Now I'm bossed around by two women" he said
Gail smiled "And don't you forget it" she said
Half an hour later, the front door opened and Gail looked up to see Jim walk in.
"Hi Jim" she said
"Hi" Jim replied then frowned when he saw Hannah sat on Paul's knee, shaking his head he walked into the kitchen.
Paul rolled his eyes but said nothing and carried on reading the book to the girls, Gail looked towards the kitchen door aware that any minute an argument would start.
Jim walked through the kitchen, slamming the door behind him. Helen looked up slightly startled.
"Jim what's wrong?" she asked
"Why are you sat in here?" Jim asked
"I just preferred it in here...where Gran and I could talk in private" Julie said "I mean there's so many waif and strays here at the moment"
Jim looked at her angrily, Helen stayed quiet "And what are Paul and Gail doing looking after your daughter" he said
"That's not my fault...I told her to go and play in the living room as I was busy" Julie said
"Too busy chatting to bother about your own daughter and you accuse Paul and Gail of being bad parents" Jim said "And what do you mean there are too many waif and strays in this house...I'm just about sick of your attitude"
"Dad that's not fair...I spend most of my day looking after my daughter" Julie said "And if you want my honest opinion it was one thing letting Todd stay here as he's Beverley's nephew but Nick...you don't know anything about him."
"You're unbelievable...the only person who has a problem with Nick is you!" Jim said
"Will you two please calm down" Helen said "I don't hear Gail or Paul complaining about looking after Hannah" she said as she stood up and headed towards the door, wanting to leave both Julie and Jim to it.
"That's not the point Helen...Julie constantly snipes at Paul and Gail about how they dump their children which we both know is not true...whereas when her daughter wants attention she tells her to leave her alone and go and play" Jim replied
Meanwhile back in the living room Paul stopped reading and sighed.
"I wish those two would stop it" He whispered looking at Gail
Gail sighed and shook her head, pulling Elle closer to her.
"Nobody likes me" Hannah said sadly "Grandpa don't like me"
Paul shook his head and closed his eyes "That's not true Hannah...it's just your mummy is causing problems" he said "It's not you"
"Why" Hannah asked
"Hey" Paul smiled, standing up with Hannah in his arms "Mummy will finish the story while I go and sort out the adults" he said stroking Elle's cheek
"Darling...don't make things worse" Gail said
"I'm not going to...but these two have been happily listening to stories all afternoon..." Paul said "Dad and Julie are spoiling things by arguing"
Paul placed Hannah beside Gail on the sofa, looking at Gail he smiled and kissed her "I'll be back a minute" he said
Hannah moved closer to Gail and she placed her arm around the child, moving her closer to her and Elle. "Where were we?" she said
Paul glanced back before opening the kitchen door, seeing the three huddled together on the sofa he smiled, sighing he opened the door and walked into the kitchen closing the door behind him.
"What is going on in here?" he asked "We can hear you next door"
"What's it to you" Julie asked "It's not my fault that Hannah chose to disobey me and pestered your wife"
Paul shook his head "Neither Gail or I are complaining about looking after Hannah...she's been happily listening to stories with Elle" he said "But you two arguing is upsetting both of them"
"It's not my fault that dad doesn't like hearing the truth..." Julie said "Those children are not necessarily yours and they've let Nick live here without knowing anything about him...how do they know how trustworthy he is...it just feels this is no longer a family home but full of strangers"
Helen rolled her eyes, deciding to leave them to it, she wandered out into the living room, making sure the door was closed behind her, Gail looked up and smiled.
Paul forced himself to stay calm "I don't want to hear it Julie...I trust Nick enough to be godfather to the new baby when it's born and as for the triplets, you know nothing about the IVF programme or what Gail and I went through to have those children...there is no doubt in my mind that they are our children" he said "By the way is Phil sure that Hannah is his daughter"
"Of course he's sure...dad are you going to let him say things like that to me?" Julie protested.
"It's no worse than what you're saying about the triplets...he just asked a valid question" Jim replied
"That's right side with him...I don't know why I bother with this family...I'm obviously not wanted around here" Julie said
"Not when you're saying the things you are" Jim said
The conversation was interrupted by the sound of the laundry door opening and voices. Paul smiled when he saw the boys run in.
"Daddy!" they squealed, running up to him. Paul knelt down and lifted them both into his arms.
"What's wrong with you two?" he said "Thought you were playing"
"I think they're hungry!" Lucy said "Either that or they thought you had deserted them.
"That would be the day" Paul said "Come on let's go into the living room"
Helen looked up as Paul, Lucy and Debbie walked into the living room, Paul placed the two boys on the floor and they immediately wandered over to Gail.
"Here comes trouble" Gail said smiling, looking at the girls.
"Think they're hungry" Paul said sitting back down by Gail "The girls have worn them out"
Helen laughed "Definitely takes after you then" she smiled
"Do you want any help?" Gail asked
"No...you stay here, I'm sure Lucy and Debbie don't mind helping" Helen said looking at the girls
"Sure" Debbie said "Think the boys have finished playing with us"
Later that evening Paul and Gail were getting ready for bed, Paul felt tired, Gail turned to see him watching her.
"What's up with you" she smiled walking towards him, Paul stretched out his arms and she walked in to them, wrapping his arms around her he hugged her tightly and kissed her.
"Just tired" he said
Gail lifted her head and looked into his eyes "Your problem is you let your sister get to you" she said
"How can I not...she's forever sniping at us...implying that the triplets aren't ours; refuses to believe that our marriage is forever" Paul said exasperated
Gail rolled her eyes and smiled "I love you so much" she said "The only thing that matters is that we know this marriage is going to last and that we know these children are ours...don't listen to her."
"She's like a broken record...going over and over the same thing every time we see her" Paul said "Urgh I don't want to think about her anymore"
"Don't then" Gail laughed "I'm sure there are better ways to spend your time"
Paul laughed as he kissed her "Hmm, I'm sure there are" he whispered as he pushed her gently towards the bed.
A month later, Paul was busy working in the spare bedroom, fitting it up for the new baby whilst Gail had finished putting the triplets to bed and wandered into the room to take a look at how her husband was doing, Paul turned sensing her presence.
"Not bad!" she smiled walking over to him
"Thanks" Paul laughed "Thought it was best to have a neutral colour that way it doesn't matter if it's a boy or a girl"
"If you want to know what it is we can find out at the next scan but to be honest I don't see that it's that important" Gail said frowning slightly
Paul put down his paintbrush and smiled "No...It's not important and if you don't want to know then neither do I" he said
"We only have another six weeks to wait" Gail said "Are you nearly finished in here as dinner will be ready shortly"
"How do you do it?" Paul laughed
Gail looked at him curiously
"Well you managed to get the triplets changed and in bed and dinner ready and it's not even 7.30pm"
"Well you helped me" Gail said "I mean playing with the triplets when you came home from work for an hour helped to tire them out and also gave me a chance to start dinner, then you come up here and start the decorating"
"Yeah well I couldn't concentrate at work so by 4.30pm I decided it was time to come home...thought I would help you with feeding but you had everything under control" Paul said smiling
Gail put her arms around his waist "Well I happen to like having you home early" she said "And not just to help with the triplets...strangely enough I miss you when you're not here"
"Why strangely" Paul laughed "Don't worry Rosemary will be here in a month's time and I can step away from work...not sure if we really need her this time as Chris said he could manage but she offered so I wasn't going to refuse"
"I'm not going to complain!" Gail smiled kissing him "Hey, why don't you have a shower and get changed...you've done enough in here tonight"
"Okay" Paul replied "I'll just tidy up"
Later that evening Paul and Gail sat cuddled up on the sofa; Gail yawned and closed her eyes.
"Hey" Paul said "You falling asleep on me!"
Gail turned and looked at him "No...Just a bit tired...what with looking after the triplets and this baby kicking" she said
Paul pulled her closer to him, placing his hand on her stomach, Gail smiled as she watched him "Well everything seems to be quiet in there at the moment" he said
Gail laughed "Thank goodness" she said
"I'm not going into work tomorrow...well there's a couple of conferences on but nothing that Chris can't handle and he was more than happy to deal with them" Paul said
"Darling I'm fine...if you need to go in then do" Gail said looking at him
Paul shook his head "I don't want to...thought I could do some more on the baby's room and look after the triplets..." he said
Gail turned in his arms "You know what...when I first found out I was pregnant again I was scared...scared that it would change things between us...that once again you would find reasons to be at work rather than here with me...but you promised me that this time things would be different...and you kept that promised...right now I feel safe and loved...you've been with me every step of the way whether it's looking after the triplets, hospital visits or even ante natal classes which I know you hate" she said
Paul smiled, looking at her he saw how much happier she looked than when she was pregnant with the triplets, he knew that his obsession with work has caused a rift between them and that after taking over the business he felt he needed to put his whole energy into building it up "I love you so much and I just need to know that you know that...and that you will never feel the urge to walk out that door again or out of my life"
"No chance of that" Gail said sleepily
"Hey you, I thought we were going to have a popcorn and movie night" Paul said "Or does my company make you feel tired"
Gail hugged him tightly "Of course not...your offspring upstairs make me feel tired not to mention the little one in here" she said looking at her expanded stomach.
"Don't worry darling..I'll look after the three monsters tomorrow and you can have a rest" Paul said, "So do you want to the watch the film or go to bed"
Gail looked at him "I'm not bothered about the film but I wouldn't mind cuddling up here to you for a while" she replied
Paul smiled pulling her closer to him "Can't think of anything nicer" he said kissing her tenderly.
The following afternoon, Paul was playing with the triplets in the garden when Helen walked in.
"Thought I heard you out here" she smiled
"We've just come back from the park, Gail's upstairs having a rest so I thought I'd bring these three out here" Paul said
Helen looked concerned "Everything okay?" she asked
"Yeah...Gail's just tired, these three have so much energy at the moment, and unfortunately I had to go into work for a couple of hours this morning" he said
"You're not overdoing it are you?" Helen asked, picking up Cameron as he came towards her
Paul shook his head "Of course not...there was just a problem this morning with a client who wanted to see me and refused to deal with Chris...but I told him that in future his point of call is through Chris" he said "I was home by 11am"
"You know you can ask us for help anytime you want to" Helen said
"I know Gran...and we will if we need any but we're fine"
"I just worry about you two...what with coping with the business and the triplets and now a second pregnancy it can't be easy" Helen said
Paul laughed "Honestly Gran we're fine, this last year has been amazing...we're closer than ever and I've learned the lessons of last time" he said "I was obsessed with building the company up, plus the pressure of having Hilary breathing down my neck didn't help"
"Glad to see things have changed" Helen said looking towards the children playing on the grass.
"Yeah these days the triplets are in charged and they don't let us forget it" Paul said
"Just remember that you two also need to make time for each other" Helen said
Paul laughed "We do..honestly Gran there is nothing to worry about...I love her so much and she knows it...in fact my priority is making sure she knows it...I'm not prepared to lose what we have and if I have to tell her every day how much she means to me then so be it" he said "Hey do you want to stay for dinner tonight...I'm cooking"
Helen laughed "What's on the menu?"
"Spaghetti Bolognaise!" Paul laughed "I'll start on it once we've got these three fed and ready for bed"
"Darling...you really do need to learn to cook other things" Helen said
"Yeah...I do know how to cook but Spaghetti is easy and quick!" Paul said "Do you want a coffee?"
"Sure...need any help" Helen replied
Paul rolled his eyes "No...but can you please keep an eye on these three" he said
"Sure" Helen said
"Daddy" Robert called as Paul walked away
Paul turned around to see his son run up to him "You want to come with me?" he said picking the child up
Robert nodded his head, as Helen laughed, "See he's still your shadow" she said
Paul looked from her to Robert "He has good taste" he said "Come on then, let's go and make some coffee"
Paul walked into the kitchen, placing Robert on the floor he looked up to see Gail walking down the stairs,
"I thought you were resting" Paul said smiling as she walked into the kitchen.
"Couldn't sleep..." Gail laughed walking up behind him and placing her hands around his waist "I missed you by my side"
"Thought my snoring kept you awake" Paul said turning in her arms
Gail laughed "It does...but I'm used to it now and it's kind of soothing" she said, glancing at Robert who had headed into the living room and was in the process of emptying the toybox "Where's the other two?"
"Gran's outside watching them...I came in to make some coffee and of course Robert had to follow me in" Paul said
"Hmm..." Gail said "Guess someone has to keep an eye on you"
"Thanks...do you want a coffee?" Paul said, glancing at Robert he sighed "Robert...put those toys back!" he called trying to sound authoritarian.
Robert stopped what he was doing, looked at his father, for a moment than went back to the job in hand, taking more toys out of the box. Gail suppressed a laugh, shaking her head she walked over to the box.
"Hey you...what are you looking for?" she said, gently stroking the boy's head, Robert held up the fire engine and showed Gail, smiling she laughed "Okay...now can we put the toys back in the box please"
Robert frowned and shook his head, "Come on" Gail said, beginning to put the toys in the box, Paul smiled wondering how many toys Robert was going to put in the box, kneeling down Robert began to help, almost putting his fire engine back.
"Hey you want that!" Gail laughed retrieving it from the box and handing it to him. Finally Robert got up and walked back towards the kitchen.
"Hey...you know you not allowed to play in the kitchen matey" Paul said kneeling down in front of his son, Robert frowned at him, then crawled back into the living room, pushing his fire engine in front of him.
Gail walked back into the kitchen "Hey have you made that coffee yet?" she said
"I was just watching you two" Paul laughed "How come the toys they want are always at the bottom of the box and they always have to throw out every toy in order to get to it"
Gail laughed "Who knows" she said "But they reasonably good at putting the toys away if you help them, are you okay making the coffee and keeping an eye on him?"
"Sure go and see Gran...I'll be out in a minute" Paul said, kissing her on the cheek.
Gail walked out into the garden; Helen smiled as she went and sat beside her.
"I thought you were resting" Helen said
"I was but I couldn't really sleep properly...guess I miss Paul's snoring" Gail said "It's kind of comforting"
"I'll take your word for it" Helen laughed "So how are you?"
Gail looked at the two children playing nearby "I'm fine...a little tired; I mean the triplets are constantly on the go at the moment, it was easier when they couldn't move very far" she said
"Hmm...Unfortunately they seem to take after their father...from the moment he could crawl there was no stopping him; he was into everything if you didn't watch him" Helen said
Gail laughed "I can imagine" she said
"I hope he's looking after you" Helen said
Gail smiled "He's not doing too bad, and I've been able to keep working so haven't been stuck here with him working all hours...he takes his share of looking after the triplets" she said "He promised me this time things would be perfect and he kept his promise so far"
"I'm glad...Rosemary will be here in a couple of weeks so that will take the pressure of where work is concerned" Helen said
"Sure..but I know he needs to be actively involved with the business even if Rosemary is here...but I know that he's no longer obsessed with it" Gail said
"I see Robert is still following him around like a shadow" Helen smiled
"Sometimes but so does Cameron and even Elle...it depends on what sort of mood they're in..sometimes they're happy playing then other times they just want to be around us...which is nice" Gail said
"It'll be interesting to see what the new baby is like" Helen said "Have you chosen any names yet?"
Gail smiled "We've been toying around with a couple of names but as we don't know if it's a boy or a girl we're undecided" she said "I mean the triplets names were only decided upon just before they were born and we only had two sets of names"
The weeks went by quickly for Paul and Gail, Paul found he took over looking after the triplets more and more as Gail became tired; he found his old fear of what happened to his mum crop up especially on the days that Gail seemed really tired and drained but she seemed to sense his moods and managed to calm his fears, as the weeks went by he found he left the office to Rosemary more often, determined to be with Gail as much as possible, helping her cope with the triplets and also giving her back massages when her back ached. It was one morning in early June and the baby was more than a week late, when Paul woke up early, reaching out for Gail he found she wasn't there, curiously he sat up and was about to get up when she came back from the bathroom.
"Hey you don't look too good" Paul said
"Thanks...I think the baby's on it way" she said "I've been having contractions on and off all night but they're getting stronger now"
Paul got out of bed and walked to her, wrapping his arms around her "Why didn't you wake me?" he said
"They weren't that regular and I wanted to be sure before disturbing you" she said
"Have you been awake all night?" he asked "I could have sat up with you"
Gail smiled, "Darling...its fine...there was no point in both of us being awake" she said
"I'll phone Gran and see if she can come round and look after the triplets and then I'll get dressed" Paul said, as he let go of Gail and walked towards the door.
Gail slowly managed to get dressed, as she walked out of her bedroom, she went into the nursery, the triplets were awake but playing quietly...it amazed her how these days they seemed quite content to play in their cots and wait until either her or Paul got up. She turned on hearing footsteps behind her, Paul smiled as he came towards her.
"How are they?" he asked
Gail laughed "Peaceful" she said walking up to Elle's cot, the little girl looked at her and gave her a wide grin
"What are you up to?" Gail cooed.
"Mama" Elle said
"Okay we'll get you up soon" Gail said
"Are you ready...because I'm going to get dressed" Paul said "Gran and dad will be here in a minute.
"Ready as I'll ever be" she replied
The hours seemed to pass slowly after Paul and Gail arrived at the hospital after leaving the triplets in the safe hands of their grandparents. Paul hated seeing Gail in so much pain, the only comfort he could give her was gentle back rubs. Nearly seven hours later, Paul felt a sense of relief when the baby finally appeared; smiling to himself when the nurse announced that it was a baby girl...now he felt his family was complete. After the baby had been cleaned and wrapped in a blanket the nurse handed the baby to Gail, Paul smiled and kissed Gail's forehead, and gently stroked his new daughter's hand.
"This is perfect...our family is now complete" Paul said "I love you so much"
Gail smiled and looked down at the baby in her arms, looking back at Paul, she saw tears in his eyes "Love you too...so much" she said
Paul looked back down at the baby "So what are we going to call this one?" he said
Gail laughed "I told you I wanted to call her Helen" she said
"Helen Louise?" Paul said
Gail looked at him and frowned "I don't know about that!" she said
"Hey the names fit together nicely" Paul said "You know she looks exactly like you"
Gail smiled "You know what Ian said the first time he saw me he was reminded of Louise" she said
"Hmm he told me that too" Paul replied "So why not give our daughter her name as a middle name"
"Okay...I guess that wouldn't hurt but Paul why didn't she want me...or even try to find me" Gail said
Paul sighed "Darling...we've been through this, she was pressurised by her parents to give you up, maybe she did try looking for you but decided that as your name was not on any registers that you didn't want to be found...there are a number of reasons why you can't find her...I think that's why Ian wants to go to England to find out what happened to her" he said
"I know what you're thinking" Gail said
"Hey that's not talk about this now...it's not the time for sad thoughts" he said "Look we have another beautiful daughter to add to our other beautiful children"
Gail smile lit up her whole face "I know" she said
A while later Paul went and phone home to check on the triplets whilst the nurse moved Gail into another room and made her more comfortable. Gail noticed the frown on Paul's face when he walked back in.
"What's wrong?" she asked "Are the triplets okay?"
"Yes except Elle's been restless all day...wouldn't eat her breakfast and only ate a little lunch, refused to have a nap" Paul said "I don't understand, she's usually the most confident of the three of them but there are times when she clings to us as though we're going to leave her"
Gail smiled "She was like that with me when you were in hospital and when you went away on the conference last year" she said
"Dad said he'll bring her in later...maybe she'll be better after she's seen us" Paul said
A couple of hours later Jim walked into the hospital room carrying a crying Elle. Gail stretched out her arms to take her. Gently she stroked Elle's back until her crying ceased.
"Has she been like this all day?" Paul asked
"On and off" Jim said "But she did eat her dinner tonight"
Paul stroked her forehead "She isn't hot so she's not sickening for anything" he said
"Beverley checked her out earlier" Jim said, as he walked over to the basinet at the side of the bed "she's fine...just missing you two"
Paul walked over to where Jim was standing "So you two have another daughter" Jim smiled as he looked down at the baby "She's beautiful...have you chosen a name yet"
"Yes..." Paul said looking at Gail "We decided on Helen Louise...well Elle has her grandmother's name as her middle name so we thought if we had another daughter we couldn't think of anything better than naming her after her great gran" he said
"That's nice" he said, laughing as he heard Elle's gurgling behind him, turning he shook his head "It's unbelievable that an hour ago she was screaming the house down"
"That's Elle for you...she can change so quickly" Paul said, walking back to his wife and daughter. "Let's hope the new baby is calmer...hope they haven't been too much trouble for you"
"No not really...I took the boys to the park with Lucy this afternoon, whilst Helen looked after Elle" Jim said "How are you two going to cope with four babies now?"
"As we always do" Paul said "We're a team."
Gail smiled kissing Elle and holding her close "One more baby isn't going to make a difference to us...we always wanted a big family" she said
"And you've got one!" Jim laughed, stroking the new baby's face. "Helen and Lucy are going to stay at your house tonight to look after the babies, I presume you wont be home still late Paul?"
"Probably not" Paul replied "Thanks"
"Do you want me to take Elle home?" Jim asked
Paul looked at his daughter, content in his wife's arms "No she's fine...she might fall asleep better here than if you take her back home" he replied "I'll bring her home with me"
"Okay well I better head off" Jim said, kissing Gail and Elle "Take care you two and I'll see you tomorrow...congratulations on the new baby...she's beautiful"
"Thanks dad" Paul said
Once alone, Paul looked at Elle now sucking her thumb. Tickling her he smiled "What was all that fuss about today little one" he cooed, Elle smiled and stretched out her arms for him, Gail let her go and Paul took her.
"Daddy" she squealed as Paul lifted her high above his head, bringing her back down her kissed her "Come and see you new sister" he said as he walked over to the basinet with her.
Gail smiled as he watched the interaction between Paul, Elle and the new baby, Paul gently taking Elle's hand and stroking the baby's cheek with it. Elle cooed and giggled. Paul caught Gail's eye and smiled, one more look at the baby then he turned back towards Gail, going to sit next to her. Paul gently pulled Gail towards him and they cuddled Elle close.
"This is all I ever wanted...a family of my own...I love you so much" he said
Gail smiled "This is just the beginning darling...we have a whole lifetime to watch these children grow up...I love you too and I know that is never going to change." She said resting her head on his shoulder. Contently they stayed there, holding each other knowing that all their dreams had been realised and their love for each other and their children was all they needed.