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

“Maybe one day when this is all over, we could go to that valley in the Dakota Territory?” He held his breath waiting to hear Bart’s response.


“I’d…I’d like that. Nate will be old enough to take over my responsibilities in a few years.” Bart sounded wistful. That would make him twenty-two. George knew he’d been working since he was ten, and he’d never had much opportunity to be a child.


There was an older sister, two sisters between Bart and Nate, and three girls even younger. Because of the age difference, Bart and his brother weren’t particularly close. George thought that was sad, but sometimes people who weren’t blood were closer than people who were.


He thought of Bart and Frank. They were as much his family as Papa, Mama, and his sisters.


“George!” Mr. Hudson came riding up on one of the horses he kept for the patrons who preferred to ride instead of being driven.


Chapter 55