Over the past few years, we’d loved each other as a thruple. Having Jemma’s hand in marriage was all Rocco and I ever desired. She’d grown up there with her royal friend, Prince Massimo Tittoni, who ruled over the small country. This was one of Jemma’s favorite Mediterranean locals. We’d planned the vacation: a week alone on the island, getting time away. We’d picked out the perfect engagement ring: a Tittoni Gems of Distinction twelve-carat pink diamond, a custom-made work of art from Manhattan for Jemma.Īnd two simple gold bands for Rocco and myself. In private, we’d talked about the day for the past few months. Ask her.” Patience wasn’t Rocco’s virtue. Hopefully for Jemma it would mean peace after her year-long battle with breast cancer. Together they made up my everything.įor Rocco, our union symbolized something he’d yearned for: a family. My life spent searching for intention would soon be complete. We called her dolce because she always tasted like tiramisu when we kissed.Īs I studied her finger, the one I’d put the ring on, I thought about us…įor me, taking Jemma as my bride, and Rocco as my groom, meant forever. Glancing up at the woman we loved, we each took her hand.

We got down on our knees, and the warm soil pressed under my legs. In a way, Rocco and I were similar to those flowers reaching for something-nourishment and love. They were gleefully rooted about, almost as if cheering us on. Growing on vivid green stalks, their bright yellow faces open, reaching up to the white sky for warmth and light. The ground was covered in them, and Isola di Girasoli had even been named after them. Inhaling deeply, I smelled the briny air filled with the faint sticky aroma of sunflowers. The view, the place… so magical and perfetto. He’d suggested, “This is where we’ll ask her to marry us,” “Jemma is going to say yes…” he whispered in my ear.Ī few days before, we’d selected the spot. On top of the cliff, overlooking the blue sea, I grabbed my boyfriend’s hand, pulled him to my side and asked, “Ready, bello?”

Unconventional by Avery Aster