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

Meanwhile, Tom kept stroking and making a fuss over the gelding. “So you’re an outlaw, are you?” Tom tugged the gelding’s forelock and rubbed his ears.


“All set, Papa.” George held out the head gear he’d fashioned from a length of rope.


“Nice work, son.” Tom took the hackamore, but when he brought it toward the horse’s head, the gelding threw up his head and flattened his ears once again. “Easy. Easy, now.” Tom calmed the paint down and let him get used to seeing the hackamore. When he finally seemed comfortable, Tom slid the headband on and made a few adjustments before fastening it in place. “All right now, suppose we go for a walk?”


Tom led the gelding down the center of the stable. At first he could see the horse was ready to balk, but when he realized his mouth was free of the bit, he followed willingly.


Chapter 10