Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss

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.

said, crouching beside her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "But keep looking. They're out there

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

two bears emerged from the treeline, their

her eyes wide as saucers. As the bear wandered closer, she pressed herself into Kylan's arm, a mix of excitement and apprehension

yawn, its sharp teeth on full display. Clarence jumped, letting out a small squeak as

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

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

peeked over her shoulder at the bear, which was now sitting and watching them curiously. "Bedtime, Mr. Bear," she whispered, her voice

"That's right. Tell him

at her parents, her confidence returning. Kylan leaned

the three of them shouted, "Bedtime,

corner of the enclosure, and curled

hands excitedly. "We

with a grin, scooping her up again. Katrina laughed, reaching up to tickle Clarence's side, earning another burst

we see the penguins next?"

as they walked on together, the crisp autumn air filling their lungs and the

-0-0-0-

sound of quick footsteps and laughter caught her attention. She turned toward the bedroom door just in time to see their two year old Theo sprint past, completely naked, his giggles echoing through the house. A second later, Kylan appeared in pursuit, wearing nothing but a towel, his hair still damp from his

Theo and scooped him up effortlessly.

squirming in his grasp.

called out, crossing her arms with an

a towel wrapped around her tiny body like Katrina does. She grinned as she saw Theo's cheeks

head, raising

him away. "Almost every time it's bath

Katrina said, her eyes flicking to Kylan's towel-clad figure, "if you two hurry up and get cleaned up, I'll have Maria prepare hot chocolate and

leaning down to

raised her arms in celebration, cheering, "Thank you,

her smile lingering. She loved moments like these, the warmth of family life and the simple joy of seeing Kylan,

help put Clarence on her clothes, she went to prepare the promised treats and setting up their favorite blankets on the sofa. She sank

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 into a gentle smile. "All done?" she asked,

settling beside her on the sofa with

called it a night and

later, Clarence and Theo climbed up next to her, wrapped snugly in their favorite pajamas. Katrina handed

said, her

"Theo behaved himself in the end. Though he had plenty

ruffled Theo's damp curls as the little boy leaned into her side. "He always has plenty

closer.

Katrina agreed, resting her head on his shoulder. They sat quietly, watching the movie until Clarence and Theo's soft snores

gently picked Clarence up, and Katrina followed with Theo in her arms as they carried their children to bed. After tucking Clarence in with Mr. Snuggles at her side and Theo on 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 on your

hands. "I saw the board in the conference

but he stayed quiet,

Her voice wavered. "It just... it must be hard to see all of that. How could someone

and kissing her