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.

her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "But keep looking.

bear, Mr. Snuggles, but Clarence was so focused on the enclosure that she barely noticed.

Kylan pointed as two bears emerged from the treeline, their

As the bear wandered closer, she pressed herself into Kylan's

full display. Clarence jumped, letting out

her back soothingly. He glanced at Katrina, who

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

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

"That's right. Tell

head up at her parents, her confidence returning. Kylan leaned in and kissed her forehead. "Let's help

three of them shouted, "Bedtime,

shuffled to a corner of the enclosure, and curled up

her hands excitedly. "We did

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

penguins

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

-0-0-0-

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,

to Theo and scooped him up

squealed with laughter, squirming in his

here?" Katrina called out, crossing her arms

tiny body like Katrina does. She grinned as she saw Theo's cheeks flushed

Katrina tilted her head,

his eye gave him away. "Almost every time it's bath night. He'd rather do

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

stepped closer, leaning down to kiss

in celebration, cheering,

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

having Maria help put Clarence on her clothes, she went 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

soap reached 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 asked, sitting up

nodded, settling beside her on the sofa with his own mug.

night and

second later, Clarence and Theo climbed up next to her, wrapped snugly in their favorite pajamas. Katrina handed her daughter a safety cup filled with warm chocolate while Theo got his own in a

Clarence said, her

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

the little boy leaned into her side. "He always

pulling Katrina closer. "Definitely gets that

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

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

hesitated, looking down at her hands. "I saw the board in the

stiffened slightly, but he stayed quiet, letting her

Is that why you've been so busy lately?" Her voice wavered. "It just... it must be hard to see all of that.

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