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

“Captain Marriott brought him home, Georgie.”


“Papa’s home?” There was a quiet sob, and the kid held onto Hall. His fingers turned white from the force of his grip, but Hall didn’t complain.


Steve cleared his throat, reluctant to interrupt this moment of grief—he’d seen plenty similar during the war—but it would be best if they got the coffin in the house. “Do you have something to set the coffin on?”


The kid shook his head. “Father Ed most likely will. I’ll…We’ll…” He shrugged helplessly. “I don’t know what to do. The only funeral I’ve seen was for my first Mama. I was four when she died, and I reckon Papa took care of everything.”


“Shall I bring the wagon around to the side?” Steve needed a moment to himself. Seeing the kid’s grief made his own return.


Chapter 67