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.

wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "But keep looking. They're

focused on the enclosure that she

from the treeline, their massive forms lumbering toward the viewing area.

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

out a wide yawn, its sharp teeth on full display. Clarence jumped, letting out a small squeak as she clung tightly to Kylan.

okay, kiddo," Kylan reassured her, rubbing her back soothingly. He glanced at Katrina, who offered a reassuring nod. "He's just tired.

and Clarence eagerly darted into them. "Daddy's right," Katrina said, brushing a curl

and watching them curiously. "Bedtime, Mr. Bear," she whispered,

right. Tell him

head up at her parents, her confidence returning. Kylan leaned in and kissed

them shouted, "Bedtime,

to a corner of the enclosure, and curled up as

clapped her hands excitedly.

her up again. Katrina laughed, reaching up to tickle Clarence's side, earning another burst of

we see the penguins next?" Clarence asked

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

-0-0-0-

Just as she closed it, the 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 interrupted shower. Laughter bubbled up from Katrina as she leaned against the doorway, watching the familiar chaos unfold. This was a nightly ritual in their home, and it

Theo and scooped him up effortlessly.

squirming in his

out,

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

head,

gave him away. "Almost every time it's bath night. He'd

you two hurry up and get cleaned up, I'll have Maria prepare hot chocolate and

down to kiss her

arms in celebration, cheering, "Thank

of the boys disappear down the hallway, her smile lingering. She loved moments like these,

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

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

the sofa with his own

called it a night

climbed up next to her, wrapped snugly in their favorite pajamas. Katrina handed

Mommy," Clarence said, her voice sweet

shoulders. "Theo behaved himself in

boy leaned into her side. "He

chuckled, pulling Katrina closer. "Definitely

quietly, watching the movie

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

at her hands. "I saw the board in

posture stiffened slightly, but he stayed quiet,

busy lately?" Her voice wavered. "It just... it must be hard to see all of that. How

out, cupping her face and kissing her forehead