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

Tom ran a hand through his hair. It had become more and more obvious in recent days that Mrs. O’Connor had a temper to match her red hair. It was fortunate he’d come across that cottage in Chelsea. It had a stable large enough for the horses, the mule, and the calico cat that made her home in it. The cat was friendly enough and would handle the rodent population. As for the cottage, it wasn’t large, but it would be enough for the three of them. It had a kitchen, parlor, and bedroom, with a loft above. An outhouse was behind the cottage, and there was a paddock for the animals.


He had the receipt for a month’s rent in his pocket, with the option of extending it to a yearly basis.


He’d planned to ask Miss St. Claire to marry him—not just yet, he’d wanted her to become more comfortable with him—but now it looked as if asking her sooner might be the better choice for all of them.


And if he and Miss St. Claire were blessed with more children, he’d find them a larger home.


Chapter 19