Ruby had been standing near the door to hear what the boys were talking about outside; she rolled her eyes when she heard Deak disclose to Hudson about Amanda being adopted. Didn’t she say not to bring that up? Did anything she had said get into his thick skull. Ruby was lost in thought when she suddenly heard Amanda say the word “Mom” and turned her complete attention to her.

“Oh, Amanda, thank goodness I was able to get ahold of you. Are you alright, dear?” Ruby heard the ...