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

St. Claire swore. “Get out of here, Noelle. You’re not supposed to be out of bed.”


“Why are you holding onto my brother like that?”


“He’s not your brother, you stupid girl. Your mother isn’t his mother. His father isn’t your father.”


George tried to pull free, but St. Claire tightened his grip on George’s right wrist.


“Yes, he is,” Noelle insisted stubbornly. “Now let him go. I said I needed him.”


“Jesus. Do you see the birthmark on your wrist? You got that from your real father.”


“Then Papa is her real father, because he had the exact same mark on his wrist.”


“What?” St. Claire actually shrieked. “That’s impossible!”


George took advantage of his distraction, closed his left fist, and swung as hard as he could, landing the blow on St. Claire’s ear.


St. Claire turned his head to stare at George, an obviously stunned look on his face. “What…” He crumpled to the ground.


Chapter 90