GENRE: Gay Erotic Romance
LENGTH: 51,131 words
RATING:

Jack and Carlo need to come together, with the help of family and friends, for themselves and baby Bella.

Right after Jack Romano killed in man in the line of duty, he found out his bemoaned first love's wife has died in childbirth and his ex-lover killed himself, leaving the 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 of them 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 their new relationship as partners, husbands, fathers?

EXCERPT:
Note: may contain sexually explicit scenes of a homoerotic nature.

"Beau, get your lazy ass out of bed. I have the afternoon off." Jack Romano went to the fridge and grabbed a beer and with a smile in his voice he continued, "Unless, of course, that's where you'd like us to spend our afternoon ... Beau? Where are you? Beau?"

Jack walked back to the bedroom of his and Beau's apartment following the sound of voices. Figuring it was one of the soccer team, Jack walked through the door and glanced around looking for his man. He found him. Beau was fucking Meredith Simmons in their bed.

"I'm sorry that you had to find out like this, Jack. I've been trying to tell you, but ..." Beau got out of bed and started to dress.

"Tell me what? What is this?" Jack's voice broke. "This is a mistake. You're gay. We've been together since high school."

"Meredith, get dressed. We'll be in the living room. Finish your beer, Jack."

"No, I don't want to fucking finish my beer. I want to know what's going on."

"It's pretty straight forward, I'm in love with Meredith and I'm going to marry her."

"Honey, I'm leaving so you can get this mess straightened out. Don't let him corrupt you again." Meredith let herself out, the door closing quietly behind her.

"How long?" Jack asked needing to know.

"Six months, maybe more."

"But we made love yesterday."

"We fucked yesterday. Let's get down to business. Meredith and I would like this apartment so we'd appreciate it if you found somewhere else to live."

"No fucking way ... it's my name on the lease, and you're the one who's leaving."

"You'll be sorry you're doing this. I was planning on seeing you on the side once Meredith and I are married. You know I love you but I can't get ahead at work being a fag, I need a wife."

"No, you're wrong. Gays are accepted everywhere. Please, we can work this out."

"We can't. I won't put my future in jeopardy."

"You're gay. You aren't going to change that."

"Actually, I'm bi." Beau came up to put his arms around Jack. "You love me. We'll talk about all of this when I get back."

Jack broke Beau's hold and with tears streaming down his cheeks said, "Get the hell out of my apartment. You can move out tomorrow. I'll sort out your things tonight."

"You can't do that."

"As I said, my name is on the lease. Get the fuck out. You're leaving me."

"Jack, be reasonable, we can be together when I come home from the honeymoon. We'll have to sneak around but --"

"Do you really think I'm capable of that? Helping you cheat? No, just no."

"You'll change your mind when I come home. I'll be back."

"Get the fuck out, get out of here, right now." Jack's voice broke again.

Beau slammed the door on his way out.

Jack sat down on the sofa that he and Beau picked out for the living room seven months ago, put his head in his hands and wept.

"Beau, Beau, how can I live without you? But I can't be with you as long as you're with her."