My dad’s sixtieth birthday invitation said, “Black tie only—dress properly or don’t come.” Then Mom called and whispered, “Your sister’s boyfriend is a senator’s son. We can’t have you embarrassing us.”

deeply uncomfortable. His father, the senator, leaned toward him and whispered something that made Grant’s face redden.

Governor Hayes lifted Emma into his arms after she asked about the shiny pin on his jacket.

The image was almost absurd.

The most powerful man in the state holding the little girl my family believed would ruin the evening.

Then Emma pointed continue reading …