Combining 2 or more gradient meshes together

Hello,

If for example, I were to use 3 separate shapes to make and control a gradient mesh better and then later wanted to make all 3 shapes one path, is that possible?

I feel like I did it once selecting all 3 shapes, offsetting the path (0 offset) and then I thought I expanded it and then was able to combine them, but that does not seem to be working and now I can't figure out how I made this once work?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

best,

Babs