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 he realized it wouldn’t matter. If they were supposed to die in a matter of hours, of course they’d look nervous.


“What’s going on?” the sheriff demanded.


He curled his lip at them and walked out, not even bothering to close the door behind him.


Bart hopped down from the bunk. “What do you think George is going to do?” he asked softly.


“I don’t know, but he’d better do it soon if we’re to get out of here and rescue Steve.”


Three of Weatherford’s men—the same three who’d dragged them off to jail—had come to get Steve a while ago, smirking and saying Weatherford wanted them at the livery stable early so the men in town could come by for the show.


They were certain they could overcome Steve.


Before Bart could begin pacing again, he heard the door to the jail open, and he stared at Frank.


“Sheriff McCloud?” It was George, his voice soft and breathless.


“Yeah?” His brusque voice turned inviting. “Yeah. What can I do for you, ma’am?”


Chapter 109