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

He was proud of his family. Olivia didn’t weep, although she was pale.


“You keep working Salida,” he told George as he saddled Sunrise. He was also taking Nightfall and Sancho Panza with him.


“I will, Papa. And I promise to look after Mama and the babies.”


“Not a baby.” Noelle pouted. She was almost two now, the spitting image of her Mama. George was holding her, and he shifted her on his hip.


“No, you’re not, my little Christmas angel.” Tom pinched her chin, and she smiled at him. Tom knew if he didn’t leave right then, he’d start sobbing like the baby Olivia held.


He kissed his children, kissed his wife, and nodded when Olivia murmured, “Please, Tom. Please don’t be a hero.”


Chapter 53