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

“Right, caro?” Carlos’ voice ended on an inflection.


Carlo and Jack had taken pictures of the bedroom furniture and lamps earlier, putting them on a poster board to display and telling everyone they came from Greg and Cisco. There were many compliments on the room. Mama had put up the eyelet curtains and Fran’s mural was almost done.


Kitty came up behind him and tugged at his belt. “I have something to give to Bella, see Uncle Jack, I said that right.” She held up her arm and had a wrapped, glued and stapled box in her hand. Outside the package was a card that read,


“I know I didn’t spell everything right, but I’m only in kindergarten,” she said practically. The card sported a picture of a hand drawn cat cradling a little bell. It was ingeniously creative though the execution needed a little work.


“Did you do this all by yourself, Kitty-cat?”


Chapter 29