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

“Then I reckon it’s my turn.” George squeezed Bart’s knee and began to reveal what he had in mind.


There were fewer objections than he’d expected when he told them whoever the authorities sent after him would be looking for a man and three children, but they weren’t likely to be looking for a girl and three boys. He planned to disguise Noelle and Charlie as boys and himself as a woman.


Sam Pickett tugged on his lower lip. “You can stay here while you wait for the clothes, but I think it might be a better idea if you hide out in my office until you’re ready to get out of town. No one will come looking for you there—even the police won’t go there unless they’re in pairs.”


“Is it safe enough for my sisters?”


“Yeah. The gangs may go after everyone else, but they look out for the women and girls who live there.”


“That’s a good idea,” Bart assured George.


Chapter 94