Harley rushed into Marian’s arms, kissing her passionately. “I love you so much,” she said. She held Marian close, pulling at her as if trying to pull them into the same space, to get so close that they became one.

“I love you too, ma cherie,” Marian said, holding her tight. She brushed her hand over Harley’s hair, pressing their foreheads together and locking eyes with her. “And I could not let him do that to you.”

Harley looked up at her, smiling ...