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

They were sitting out on the stoop. George cradled the baby and encouraged him to drink from the bottle. Bart sat at his side, his arm warm against George’s.


“I…uh…want to talk to you about something.”


From the corner of his eye, George could see Bart lean back. “What can I do you for, Georgie?”


“I was talking with your mama earlier. She mentioned your papa.”


Bart sighed. “Pa. He was the best man he could be, but he liked his whiskey a bit too much.”


“Do I like whiskey? No, I’m more a beer man.”


“Papa taught me how to drink wine.”


“Yeah.” Although after Papa left for the war, it had become a luxury they could no longer afford.


“I never cared much for the taste of wine.”


“I do. Maybe one day I’ll grow my own grapes and make my own wine.”


“I’d have to go down to the barroom to bring Pa home. Am I gonna have to do the same for you?”


Chapter 76