But the gap is a fact. Never apologize for your gap, just tell it like it is. And in cases like yours, it's easy to put a positive spin on the gap by discussing what you've done outside of paid employment. So don't neglect to mention in your cover letter and résumé any volunteer and/or CE work that you did to keep yourself current. If you picked up an additional language while living abroad, it's another good thing to mention.
But remember that after a three-year absence, some employers may be reluctant to consider you for a senior administration position, but will look at you for a more junior administrative role.