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

This young woman, though…Her complexion remained pink and perfect, and for a moment he found himself lost in her beautiful eyes.


Tom brought himself back to the present, took the letter from her, and shook it out. She buried her face in her hands and continued weeping while he stroked her back as comfortingly as he could.


He ran his gaze over the cramped lines and gave a snort. George wrote in a neater hand than this.


I fear I must say goodbye to you. Mother feels a connection between us would be inappropriate given our ages and social status, and quite frankly, I’ve come to believe she’s right. Mother knows best, don’t you think? We’re much too young to marry. I’ll always think of you fondly, and I wish all happiness to you.


Regretfully? The son of a bitch had the nerve to write a letter telling this beautiful woman he was jilting her, and sign it regretfully?


Chapter 13