Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss (Kylan and Katrina) novel 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.

“Not yet,” Kylan said, crouching beside her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “But keep looking. They’re out there somewhere.”

Katrina handed 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 plush toy, earning a small, absent hug in return.

“There they are!” Kylan pointed as two bears emerged from the treeline, their massive forms lumbering toward the viewing area. “Do you see the big one?”

Clarence nodded vigorously, her eyes wide as saucers. As the bear wandered closer, she pressed herself into Kylan’s arm, a mix of excitement and apprehension in her expression.

The bear let out a wide yawn, its sharp teeth on full display. Clarence jumped, letting out a small squeak as she clung tightly to Kylan. “Daddy!”

“It’s okay, kiddo,” Kylan reassured her, rubbing her back soothingly. He glanced at Katrina, who offered a reassuring nod. “He’s just tired. Right, hun?”

Katrina opened her arms, and Clarence eagerly darted into them. “Daddy’s right,” Katrina said, brushing a curl from her daughter’s face. “The bear was only yawning because he’s sleepy.”

Clarence peeked over her shoulder at the bear, which was now sitting and watching them curiously. “Bedtime, Mr. Bear,” she whispered, her voice trembling but loud enough for her parents to hear.

Katrina grinned. “That’s right. Tell him it’s bedtime.”

Clarence tilted her head up at her parents, her confidence returning. Kylan leaned in and kissed her forehead. “Let’s help him out. Ready?”

Together, the three of them shouted, “Bedtime, Mr. Bear!”

The bear blinked lazily, shuffled to a corner of the enclosure, and curled up as if obeying their command.

Clarence clapped her hands excitedly. “We did it!”

“You sure did,” Kylan said with a grin, scooping her up again. Katrina laughed, reaching up to tickle Clarence’s side, earning another burst of giggles.

“Can we see the penguins next?” Clarence asked eagerly.

“Absolutely,” Katrina said, squeezing her daughter’s hand as they walked on together, the crisp autumn air filling their lungs and the zoo filled with possibilities.

~O~O~O~

Katrina folded the last of the clothes and placed them neatly in the drawer. 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 never failed to entertain her.

Kylan finally caught up to Theo and scooped him up effortlessly. “Gotcha!”

Theo squealed with laughter, squirming in his grasp. “Nooo! Daddy!”

“What’s going on in here?” Katrina called out, crossing her arms with an amused smile.

Clarence walked past Katrina with a towel wrapped around her tiny body like Katrina does. She grinned as she saw Theo's cheeks flushed from the excitement. “Theo and Daddy were playing while I bathe myself!”

“That so?” Katrina tilted her head, raising an eyebrow at Kylan.