After almost two hours of swimming practice, Zeke, who had been right beside Claire the whole time, reached out and pulled her float closer. Lifting her gently into his arms, he waded to the pool's edge.
"Alright, Princess, that's enough for today. We'll keep learning next time, okay?" he said as he set her down carefully.
"Okay, Daddy!" Claire replied, her voice full of cheer, her neatly braided hair now soaked and sticking to her shoulders.
"Good job. You did really well today," Zeke praised, brushing a few wet strands of hair from her face.
He raised his hand with a grin. "High five, Princess."
Claire giggled and slapped his palm with her small, wet hand.
Cassidy, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward and wrapped a towel snugly around Claire before lifting her up to stand. She began gently drying her little body, starting from her shoulders down.
