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

“Georgie will appreciate it.” A thought occurred to Bart. After they’d been apart for a bit, he and Frank shook. Frank and George would shake as well. But Bart and George always hugged. He wasn’t truly bothered by that—he liked the feel of Georgie in his arms—but he wasn’t sure how George would take it when he realized how physical they tended to get. Too much to think about on this day. He forced himself to smile at Frank. “I thought sure you’d be at work this time of day.”


“Father sent word to Mr. Vaughan.” Vaughan, Stone, and Christy was the law firm where Frank clerked in the afternoons, while he still continued his schooling in the mornings. “How’s Georgie holding up?”


“About as you’d expect. He’s outside with Captain Marriott.”


“He was Georgie’s Pa’s friend. He brought the body home.”


Frank nodded, but there was concern in his eyes. “What’s our boy gonna do, Bart?”


“Whatever he has to. And we’ll be right there with him.”


Chapter 70