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

“A man can hope,” Hudson said. “Get going, now. And remember, I need you here bright and early tomorrow morning.”


“I’ll be here.” Tom shook his hand and climbed into the dogcart. He waited for George to swing into Nightfall’s saddle and take Sunrise’s reins, then gave a whistle between his teeth that got Sancho Panza moving.


They returned to the hotel and learned a copper tub had been brought to Olivia’s room, as well as her breakfast, which she’d declined. Tom and George ate a hasty breakfast in the hotel’s dining room, then hurried up to their room, where a tub filled with steaming water awaited them.


“You first, Georgie. I’ll lay out our clothes and then shave.”


“Okay, Papa.” He sat on the bed and pulled off his boots, then stripped off his shirt, trousers, and drawers before stepping into the tub. “When will I be able to shave?”


Chapter 25