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’ll know in a few days if she’s turned the corner. Maybe someone should go up and relieve Jack or Carlos. They need to shower, shave and get some sleep.”


Bobby piped up, “I’ll stay. They did that for me.”


“There should be one from each side. I’m fresh, I just got here.” Giuseppe dared Bobby to gainsay him.


Keith sat back down next to Bobby. “I’ll stay with Bobby.”


Enzo moved his eyes around the room. “I’ll stay with Giuseppe. Cisco, is it possible to get a tour of your hospital? I’d like to see what kind of medical care my money would buy. I donate five million a year to various charities. I could funnel it all to Central Shore if I like what I see.”


Cisco’s eyes turned to dollar signs. “Keith, maybe you and Reggie could come along?”


“We’d be delighted,” Keith said as Bobby kicked his shin. He whispered to Bobby, “Don’t worry, I’ll accept the position and donate as least as much as Enzo. That should make Cisco salivate.”


Chapter 49