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

“Thank you, George. We’ll be right along.”


George took the valise Papa had set by the front door. He’d be driving them to the Bonheur Hotel on Park Avenue.


Papa joined him sooner than he expected. “Are you all right, son?”


“I’m fine, Papa.” He placed the valise in the cab.


“You seemed upset by the thought of Bart having a lady friend.”


George shook his head. How could he tell Papa he wanted to be…not Bart’s lady friend, but perhaps his gentleman friend?


Papa rested a hand on his shoulder. “There’s time enough for you to have someone of your own. This damned war will end, I’ll come home, and I’ll buy Outlaw and start my own hack service, and you can return to your schooling.”


“What about our valley in the Dakota Territory?”


“Is that what you’d want to do? Start a ranch?”


“People have to eat, Papa. Beef cattle will always be necessary.”


Chapter 57