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

“We can’t thank you enough. What a wonderful present and thanks to all of you for your help today. Carlo and I are blessed with wonderful friends and family.”


“You’re just looking for help with the dishes,” Bobby said with his usual snark. Jack slapped him on the back of the head.


“I forgot you do that. I’ll remember to duck next time or send my Keith after you.” He chuckled. Jack and Carlo got up and started to fill the dishwasher, Carlo’s brothers and sisters-in-law got up to help. Jack looked up at the clock.


“We hate to break up the party, but we have to go to the hospital to feed Bella. Carlo and I can finish cleaning this up later.”


“Off with you then, my granddaughter shouldn’t have to wait for her dinner.”


Giuseppe took over. “Go you two, see to Isabella, we’ll clean up the rest and lock the door behind us. Does Mama still have a key?”


Carlo nodded and he and Jack went to get their wallets and keys. Everyone except Giuseppe, Fran and Mama left along with Carlo and Jack.


Chapter 23