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

“We’ll see.” Papa winked at him, and George gave a wriggle. “I’ll meet you at the stable afterward. Oh, and take Sunrise with you. She started to favor her off front leg a mile or so back.” He dismounted and tapped her right shoulder. Obediently, she bent her leg. “Yep, just what I thought. She’s thrown a shoe. The blacksmith will have to replace it. I’d like him to take a look at her hoof, too.”


“To make sure she hasn’t hurt it?” George reached down and caught up her reins.


“Yes. Smart boy.” Papa patted his knee and gave him an additional coin. “For the shoe. Now get going.”


“Yes, sir.” George tapped his heels against Nightfall’s sides, and the black gelding broke into an easy, ground-eating walk. George didn’t want to put any stress on Sunrise’s hoof with its missing shoe.


No one was lingering outside the Diamond Garter as George rode past, but he heard the sound of a piano and laughter coming from the open door.


Chapter 6