Chapter 137

Theo sat on Kylan's shoulders, his tiny hands gripping his head while Clarence bounded between him and Katrina as she chatted away excitedly. With each step Kylan took, Theo bounced lightly, his giggles blending with the crunch of leaves beneath their feet. Kylan listened intently to Clarence, responding as though every word from his daughter was the most fascinating thing in the world.

"Umm, Daddy?" Clarence leaned her head forward to look at Kylan, her voice curious.

Kylan gave Theo legs a gentle squeeze to steady him as he momentarily lifted his small hand up to catch the leaf. "Yeah?"

"Will the bear be out? 'Cause, umm, Mommy told me that bears go sleepy when it's cold."

Kylan glanced at Katrina, who smiled warmly at him, her arms crossed as she walked beside them. "Mommy's right; they do. But don't worry, buddy, I'm sure they'll be out." "Really?"

"Yeah, kiddo. It's only late September. The bears haven't gone trick-or-treating for Halloween yet, have they?"

Clarence giggled, the sound bubbling like a tiny bell. "No! I bet they get so much candy."

Kylan chuckled, patting her head affectionately before going back to holding Theo's leg. "What do you want to be this year?"

Clarence thought for a moment, humming dramatically. "Auntie Nissa!"

Katrina laughed, her voice light and musical. "I can make her a cop outfit, no problem. Sound good, sweetheart?"

Clarence nodded enthusiastically, her curls bouncing. "Yeah! Daddy can be a superhero, and, umm, Mommy can be one too. Or, umm, a queen! 'Cause Mommy is pretty and strong."

Katrina pinched her cheek gently, making Clarence giggle again. "She's going to be a heartbreaker, isn't she?"

Kylan nodded, pretending to look concerned. "Sounds like it. Better get ready now." He leaned over and kissed Katrina softly, his free hand brushing hers.

"Eww!" Clarence covered his eyes with her hands, letting out an exaggerated groan. "No, Daddy, don't do that to Mommy!"

"Why not?"

"Cause," Clarence pouted, turning her face away dramatically.

Kylan chuckled, lifting Theo from his shoulders and settling him on his hip so he could bend down to look at Clarence. He poked her cheek playfully. "Cause what?"

Clarence blushed, then buried her face in Kylan's neck. Katrina laughed, stepping closer to ruffle Clarence's soft hair. "I think someone's jealous."

Kylan nodded with a grin. "Could be. But Clarence?" She pulled back slightly, her eyes flickering between her parents. "Mommy and Daddy kiss because we love each other, okay?"

Clarence hesitated, her lips pursing in thought, before nodding solemnly. "Okay." She didn't look thrilled, but it seemed to satisfy her for now.

Katrina reached out, scooping her from Kylan's arms and giving her a quick squeeze. "Come on, honey, we're almost at the bears."

That perked Clarence up immediately. She wriggled with excitement until Katrina set her down, her tiny feet tapping eagerly against the ground. Katrina held one of her hands, and Kylan held the other while he carried Theo. Together, they walked toward the bear enclosure, stopping in front of a low glass panel where Clarence could peek through without straining.

They waited patiently, the sound of distant animal calls and the chatter of other families filling the air.

"Do you see them yet?" Clarence asked, her voice hushed with anticipation.

arm around her shoulders. "But keep

Clarence her stuffed bear, Mr. Snuggles, but Clarence was so focused on the enclosure that she barely noticed. Katrina gently moved Clarence's arms around the

bears emerged from the treeline, their massive

saucers. As the bear wandered closer, she pressed herself into Kylan's arm, a mix of excitement

Clarence jumped, letting out

back soothingly. He glanced at Katrina, who offered a reassuring nod. "He's

into them. "Daddy's right," Katrina said, brushing a

her shoulder at the bear, which was now sitting and watching them curiously. "Bedtime, Mr.

right. Tell

confidence returning. Kylan leaned

the three of them

a corner of the enclosure, and

hands

grin, scooping her up again. Katrina laughed, reaching

we see the penguins next?" Clarence asked

Katrina said, squeezing her daughter's hand as they walked on together, the crisp autumn air filling their lungs and the zoo

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his giggles echoing through the house. A second later, Kylan appeared in pursuit, wearing nothing but a towel, his hair still damp from his interrupted shower. Laughter bubbled up from Katrina as she leaned against the doorway, watching the familiar chaos unfold. This was a nightly

up to Theo and scooped him

laughter, squirming in his grasp.

here?" Katrina called out, crossing her

as she saw Theo's cheeks flushed from the excitement. "Theo and

Katrina tilted her head, raising an eyebrow at

eye gave him away. "Almost every time

two hurry up and get cleaned up, I'll have Maria prepare hot chocolate and a movie waiting

to kiss her cheek.

her arms in celebration, cheering, "Thank

the hallway, her smile lingering. She loved moments like these, the warmth

up their favorite blankets on the sofa. She sank into the cushions, relishing the brief silence as she

her forehead. Katrina opened her eyes to see Kylan standing over her, freshly showered and holding a mug of hot chocolate. His damp hair framed his face, and his lips curved

her on the

called it a night and went to her

Katrina handed her daughter a safety cup filled with warm chocolate while Theo got his

you, Mommy," Clarence said, her voice

in the end. Though he had plenty

Theo's damp curls as the little boy leaned into her side.

closer. "Definitely

sat quietly, watching the movie until Clarence and Theo's

his large crib with his long pillow, they returned to the living room. Katrina settled on the sofa, angling herself toward Kylan as he sat beside her. He leaned back, studying her with a curious expression. "What's

hands. "I saw the board in the

slightly, but he stayed quiet,

voice wavered. "It just... it must be hard to see all of that.

out, cupping her face and kissing her forehead gently. "It's okay.

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