Page 38 of Secret Desire

Twenty years ago…

“What are you looking at, Ashley?”

My mother’s voice startled me away from watching Maeve. She was in the living room telling Ariel and Grace a story, her hand waving animatedly, a huge smile on her face.

“Maeve is so pretty,” I said dreamily. “I’m going to marry her someday.”

Mom frowned. “Don’t be ridiculous. Maeve is seven years older than you and besides, women can’t marry women.”

“Maybe someday they can,” I said stubbornly.

Mom just shook her head. “Don’t be ridiculous. Now quit bothering your sister’s friends and go do your homework.”

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