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

“Today I feed.” Jack set himself up in the wooden rocking chair and the nurse handed him Bella and her bottle. Soon Bella was energetically sucking up her breakfast and after she had taken two ounces, she was passed to Carlo to be burped.


Carlo expertly put the tiny Bella over his shoulder and rubbed gentle circles on her back. She gave Carlo a big burp. Carlo passed her back to Jack so she could finish her bottle.


It was Carlo’s turn to change Bella and she had a surprise in her diaper for her papa. “At least it doesn’t stink yet. Infant poop doesn’t stink but as she gets a little older, it’s clothespin time.”


Carlo removed the poop-filled diaper and used many more wipes than the nurse did. “I have to make sure there’s no poop in the creases,” he said over his shoulder.


“Looks like we don’t have a six-month supply of wipes after all,” Jack muttered.


“Are you criticizing my diapering technique?” Carlo sounded indignant.


“No, baby, far be it from me to criticize.” Jack chuckled.


Chapter 31