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

“Have you been riding long?” Frank asked.


“Let me get a hoof pick and a couple of curry combs and brushes.” He ducked into the stable, retrieved what they’d need to groom the horses, then rejoined Frank, who was standing a few feet away from the fence, staring at the horses with wide eyes.


Sunrise and Nightfall came trotting to the fence when George whistled, and they draped their heads over the top rail.


“Did you think I’d forgotten you?” George crooned as he rubbed a hand over their noses.


“I’ve never seen such beautiful horses!” Frank sounded almost breathless. “May I pet them?”


“Sure.” George was pleased to see how impressed Frank was by the mare and the gelding.


Frank went to Sunrise and raised a hesitant hand to stroke the white blaze on her face. “Hello, boy.”


George couldn’t help laughing. “That’s Sunrise. She’s a mare.”


“Haven’t you been around horses?”


Chapter 36