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

“Blow, Little Bit.” The baby stared at him wide-eyed, and George demonstrated. They all laughed when Little Thomas pursed his lips, and laughed harder when all that came out was a juicy raspberry.


The next morning Bart and Frank prepared to head back to the railroad station. “But I’ll be back next week,” Bart said. “I’d like to swim in the lake again.” He gave George a grin that promised they’d be doing more than swimming.


“I’m sorry, I won’t be able to come back,” Frank said. “But I’ll see you when you come home.”


“That sounds great.” George shook his hand, the way he always did. Then he hugged Bart, also just as he always did. “I’ll miss you so much,” he whispered.


“I’m gonna miss you too, hummingbird” Bart’s words were as quiet as George’s. “I wish I could kiss you. But I’ll feel you inside me until I come back and we can do it again.”


George shivered and pretended he didn’t want to drag Bart back to their spot near the lake,


Chapter 82