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

Bobby came running over. He knelt down in front Jack. “What do you need? What can I do?”


“You’re a good friend but this time there’s nothing you can do, it’s all in God and the doctor’s hands.”


Nurse O’Hara woke Jack and Carlo at about five. Dr. Amato was in the room examining Bella.


“The spots have started to come out. They’re in her mouth. As the spots come out her fever will spike. I’m giving her children’s Tylenol and fluids. She doesn’t have diarrhea, which is good and we’re keeping her hydrated. The biggest danger is the pneumonia. We’re taking her to the OR to drain the effusion out of her lungs. That should help her breathe better and may help with the fever. She’ll come down with a drainage tube.”


“How much danger is Bella in?” Jack asked apprehensively.


Chapter 48