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

Once he had the bit in Bella’s mouth and the bridle buckled, Steve took the blanket from George and smoothed it over Bella’s back. Then he took the saddle. He felt George’s gaze on him as he swung the saddle in place and tightened the girth. All the while he spoke softly to the mare. With a final pat to her flank, he gathered up the reins and stepped into the saddle.


He kept in mind George’s words and made sure his hands were gentle but firm on the reins as he put the mare through her paces.


Twenty minutes later, he patted her neck and gave a satisfied nod. “She’s a good animal.”


“Thank you. I was raised on a horse farm in Kentucky.” He gave a wry grin. “My people were abolitionists,” he added in hopes it would explain why he’d stayed in the Union army rather than joining the Confederacy. “The price?”


Chapter 69