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

She looked up at him and blinked. “What…? Oh. That’s what Mrs. O’Connor told me, but I thought she was just being…I mean, I couldn’t believe—Oh God. How could I have been so stupid?” She turned those big violet eyes on him. “Mr. Pettigrew, what am I going to do?”


“Listen to me. I have a solution to this, if you have no objection.” He realized he was still holding her, so he withdrew his arms, rose, and backed away a step.


“I’m listening.” She plumped a pillow and sat back against it.


Tom licked his lips and decided to come right out with it. “Marry me.”


“Excuse me? It sounded as if you asked me to marry you.” She chuckled. “I beg your pardon. I’m still taken aback by my situation, so I’m sure I heard you incorrectly.”


“No, you heard me right. I know I’m older than you…I know you love another man. But I want to marry you.”


“Why? If it’s because of my situation—”


“I’ve fallen in love with you,” he said simply.


Chapter 20