When we step out into the hall, his wife and family are waiting, along with a security detail. His wife watches him with such pride, it touches even my politically jaded heart. I allow them to walk ahead, to make their entrance into the ballroom where they’re greeted by wild, almost deafening applause. That’s the sound of people who have witnessed history and pulled off what was practically a political miracle. I’m humbled to have been a part of it.

I use a different door than the one that led to the stage. The governor’s inaugural ball has assembled Georgia’s most powerful, influential citizens all in one room. I make my way to the table designated for my friends and family. Piers, Carla, Felita and the rest of my team convene there, and we begin our own private celebration.

“Excellent work,” I say, toasting them all with my glass of champagne. “You are the best of the best, and I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else. Let’s keep making history. Let’s keep making a difference.”

“Let’s keep making money,” Piers interjects with a laugh.

“I have no objection to that either.” I smile over the fragile rim of my glass. “Girl’s gotta get her paper.”

“So what’s next, boss?” Carla asks, sipping her champagne.

“Believe it or not…” I sigh. “We need to start shifting our focus to President Cade’s re-election campaign.”

“Already, huh?” Piers asks, biting into a fancy pig in a blanket.

“It’ll be a lot different than electing him the first time. Now he has an actual governing record that everyone will want to pick apart,” I remind them. “But Maxim Cade is a once-in-a-lifetime candidate. The man himself will be our greatest resource.”

“Excuse me,” a deep, familiar voice drawls from behind me. “Can your brother get in on this celebration?”

I turn to grin at Keith and study him with pride, not just because he looks so handsome in his tux, but because he comported himself so wonderfully during his own campaign. Because he’s standing with his wife, who looks genuinely happy and has for some time.

“Congressman Allen,” I tease. “I do believe congratulations are in order to you, too.”

“I literally couldn’t have done it without you, sis.” He looks from me to my team who helped him, too. “Without all of you. I can’t thank you enough.”

“I’m sure I’ll think of a way you can,” I say.

They all laugh along as my mother, Kayla, and her husband Lawrence walk up and take their seats at the table. Carla scoots over so Mama can sit beside me.

“It’s a great night for the Allen family,” Mama says. “What is it your father always said? Big moves make big waves. Do big things. Make big waves.”