if Christmas had arrived early.
Then came the moment nobody expected.
Especially my father.
The governor lifted his glass.
“I would like to make a toast.”
Everyone followed.
Crystal glasses rose.
“To Richard Bennett on his sixtieth birthday.”
Polite applause.
Then he continued.
“And to Claire and Emma, who reminded me that a person’s value is never determined by their title, income, or social standing.”
The applause became louder.
Much louder.
People stood.
One by one.
Then dozens more.
Until nearly the entire ballroom was clapping.
Not for the governor.
