Right after Jack Romano kills in man in the line of duty, he finds out his bemoaned first love's wife has died in childbirth and his ex-lover killed himself, leaving their sickly newborn to Jack. Carlo Del Monte has been chasing Jack for nine months and sees the baby -- Isabella, Bella for short -- as an opportunity to get Jack in his house, as well as his bed, permanently. The two men set up housekeeping with the help of friends and Carlo's big Italian family. Then little Bella ends up in the intensive care since she lacks immunity to childhood diseases. Can Jack and Carlo find their way in this new relationship? As partners, husbands, fathers? Will the two be able to form a strong bond ... and an even stronger family?

Beau's Baby

“Of course.” Jack handed her off to Carlo. He held her in the rocking chair for a half hour. When the nurse came to get her he placed a kiss on her tiny head and gave her to the nurse to be put back in her bed.


After Bella’s usual two o’clock feeding, Jack’s apartment and the station house, Jack and Carlo went back to Carlo’s and were amazed. The baby’s room was painted and an exhausted Davey and Jake staggered in and said that Beau and Meredith’s apartment was clean.


“I had to spray for bugs. Those two were so dirty they didn’t deserve a child. Bella is a very lucky little girl to have Jack and Carlo instead of those two pigs.” That was quite a speech for Davey, who was always there to help but didn’t say much. “I’m glad she isn’t going to a foster home. I grew up in foster homes and even when the people are friendly it is a rather bleak existence always having to keep your suitcase packed.” Davey smiled.


Chapter 15