The ballroom fell silent.
Every conversation stopped.
Every head turned.
Even the waiters froze.
Governor Daniel Hayes, one of the most recognizable men in the state, had just stepped away from the podium in the middle of his speech.
And he was walking directly toward me.
Or rather, toward Emma.
My father’s face drained of color.
My sister looked confused.
Grant Wallace straightened his tie nervously.
The governor knelt in front of my daughter with a warm smile.
“There you are, sweetheart,” he said again. “I’ve been waiting to meet you.”
Emma squeezed my hand.
She looked up at him with the fearless curiosity only children possess.
“You know me?”
The governor laughed softly.
