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.

an arm

Snuggles, but Clarence was so focused on the enclosure that she barely noticed. Katrina gently moved Clarence's arms around the plush toy, earning a small,

the treeline, their massive forms lumbering toward the viewing area. "Do you see the big

eyes wide as saucers. As the bear wandered closer, she pressed herself into Kylan's

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

rubbing her back soothingly. He glanced at Katrina, who offered a reassuring nod.

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

them curiously. "Bedtime, Mr. Bear," she whispered, her voice trembling but loud

grinned. "That's right. Tell him it's

confidence returning. Kylan leaned in and kissed

them shouted, "Bedtime,

the enclosure, and curled up as if

hands excitedly. "We did

did," Kylan said with a grin, scooping her up again. Katrina laughed, reaching up to tickle

see the penguins

daughter's hand as they walked on together, the crisp autumn air filling their lungs

-0-0-0-

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

Theo and

squealed with laughter, squirming in his grasp. "Nooo!

here?" Katrina called out, crossing her arms with an amused

She grinned as she saw Theo's cheeks flushed

so?" Katrina tilted her head, raising an

every time it's bath night. He'd

flicking to Kylan's towel-clad figure, "if you two hurry up and get cleaned up, I'll have Maria prepare hot chocolate and a movie waiting for

leaning down to kiss her cheek. "Thanks,

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

disappear down the hallway, her smile lingering. She loved moments like these, the warmth of family life and the simple joy of

to prepare the promised treats and setting up their favorite blankets on the sofa. She sank into the cushions, relishing the brief silence as she waited for

her first, followed by a soft kiss on 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 into a gentle smile. "All done?" she

her on the sofa with his own mug. "Where's

called it a night

and Theo climbed up next to her, wrapped snugly in their favorite pajamas. Katrina handed her daughter a safety cup

Mommy," Clarence said, her voice sweet and

Katrina's shoulders. "Theo behaved himself in the end. Though he had plenty to say

boy leaned into her side. "He always

pulling Katrina closer. "Definitely gets that from

his shoulder. They sat quietly, watching the movie until Clarence and Theo's soft snores

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

at her hands. "I saw

posture stiffened slightly, but he

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

reached out, cupping her face and kissing her forehead gently.