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

Frank sighed. “I wish I could speak another language.”


“I’ll teach you, if you’d like.”


“Would you, really? You’re a good friend, George.”


“We’re friends, then.” George stuck out his hand, and they shook on it.


It took longer than usual to finish caring for the horses, but they enjoyed the attention, and it was obvious Frank enjoyed the task, also.


Once they were done, they fed more carrots to the horses, and Frank practically wriggled with pleasure.


“I haveto persuade Father to let me have a horse!”


George and Frank were sitting on the fence watching the horses as they grazed and talking about their schooling.


“I’m going to be a lawyer,” Frank said. “That’s what my father wants, and he has a practice lined up for me to clerk in when I finish with school.”


“You said it’s what your father wants.”


Chapter 37