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

“Thank you, sir.” He smiled broadly. “The dining room is still open if you’d like a meal.”


“Go right on in, I’ll have your luggage taken up to your rooms.”


The clerk summoned a bellboy, and Tom gave him a coin as well. He knew the boy and the clerk would both give excellent service.


Tom also knew of a place where he could send the clothes they planned to wear for the wedding to be freshened.


Olivia bit her lip. “The…the dress I intended to wear is the one I wore the day you rescued me.”


“From what I recall, that was a very pretty dress, and you looked fetching in it.”


“Thank you.” She blushed and gave him a shy smile, and he was pleased.


“Yes, George.” He tugged a lock of his son’s hair, offered Olivia his arm, and they entered the hotel’s dining room and were shown to a table. Tom was proud George waited until Olivia was seated before sitting himself.


Chapter 23