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

In addition, mice skittered in the walls.


It was a good thing George had decided at the last minute to bring La Gata with them. Her kittens, a litter again all looking like their unknown father, were born in the early morning hours after they had moved in.


The neighborhood kids got a kick out of the kittens, and that made it easier for Noelle and Charlie to fit in with them.


During the day, Mama would teach the girls reading, writing, and what arithmetic she knew, and needlepoint.


George made them slingshots and bows and arrows, and they became skilled in their use. In the morning, before George went to work, he continued to teach them how to protect themselves, using anything that was at hand.


Chapter 75