George Pettigrew and his papa must leave the California rancho they'd lived on since his birth. They end up in New York City, where Papa marries and George gets a new beloved mama. George also meets Frank and Bart who become fast friends, and in Bart's case, even more.<br><br>The start of the Civil War leaves George the man of the family, but although he’s found a job, it’s difficult to pay the ever-increasing rent. Then Papa dies at Appomattox and Mama falls ill.<br><br>After Mama dies, her father takes George’s siblings. When George learns his younger sister is being abused, he rescues the three children. But will dressing his sisters as boys and himself as a woman be enough of a disguise to keep them safe until they can reach the valley he’s dreamed of? Will Bart leave behind his own family and go with the man he loves?

Home Before Sundown

“What will we do when we get to wherever we’re going, Papa?”


“Hush, George. I’ll tell you later. We don’t want anyone to know we’re leaving.”


He dropped a kiss on his son’s curly hair, then settled George’s hat on his head. “Stay quiet until I tell you.” He kept the horses and the mule at an easy walk. Once they were out of sight of the hacienda, he’d set them at a ground-eating pace, heading northeast. Eventually they’d make their way back to the States, where they’d build a new life. 2


“I’m really proud of the way you sit that mustang, George,” Papa said, “but we’ve got to get you a saddle.”


“Yes, sir.” George grinned up at him. Papa was the best horseman he knew—even better than the Sioux and Cheyenne they’d crossed paths with—and hearing that made him proud.


Chapter 3