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

“Mount up and get out of here,” he said. “And tell Weatherford if he comes after anyone in this wagon train again, I’ll personally hunt him down like the dog he is and blow his brains all over hell’s creation. And that goes for you boys, too.”


“We’re bleeding. You gotta help us.”


“People keep telling me that.” Sharps rode out of the night and circled the men to face them. “Can’t imagine why they’d think so, but there you go.” He took out a pouch and began rolling a cigarette. “Now, you heard the man. Hightail it out of here.”


The men who’d fallen off their horses managed to get on their feet and back in the saddle. The ones who hadn’t, didn’t wait for them. In a matter of minutes they were all gone.


Sharps walked Salida toward George and tipped back his hat. “Thank you for the loan of Salida, ma’am.”


Chapter 117