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

Mrs. Keogh, a youngish widow, stuck her head out her door. “Is everything all right? I heard voices coming from Miss St. Claire’s room.”


“Yes, ma’am.” Tom pushed George into Olivia’s room. This time he did shut the door. “All right, ask George.”


His son looked up at him, then turned his gaze to the young woman who now sat on the edge of the bed and twisted a handkerchief in her hands.


“George, your papa has asked me to marry him. How do you—”


“Hurrah! When? Can I be there?” He bounded across the room and wrapped his arms around her.


He must have heard the distress in her voice, because the joy left his face. “Don’t you want to marry Papa? He loves you, you know.”


George took her hand and stroked it. “He told me weeks ago. It was taking him forever to ask you. I started to think he never would. Please, Miss Olivia…please marry us.”


Chapter 21