Read Online The Offering by Angela Hunt - Free Book Online Page A

explain that Mom and I loved each other even though we didn’t have a lot in common, but my rushed fumbling must have sounded like pure rationalization. Furthermore, he probably cared more about how I answered his questions than what I actually said, which meant he had probably written that I would be unsuitable for this program or any other. . . .
    Natasha leaned back in her chair, then smiled and lowered the letter. “Good news, Amanda—Dr. Dickson says you’re no crazier than any other woman in the program. If you still want to help an infertile couple, we have a green light to proceed.”
    I pressed my hand to my chest. “For real? That’s it?”
    â€œThis was the last report I needed. I still want to go over your personality and marriage profiles, but I only use those to help match you with a pair of prospective parents.”
    â€œOh, my.” I gulped a quick breath. “I can’t wait to tell Gideon.”
    â€œI hope he’s as delighted as we are. And now, if you’ll step into the waiting room for a few moments, I want to review the profiles you brought in today. In about half an hour, I’ll ask you to join me again.”
    â€œFor . . . more questions or something?”
    â€œFor something far more interesting than mere questions.” Something twinkled in the depths of the woman’s eyes. “For something I think you’ll enjoy very much.”
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    In the waiting room, I read magazines, studied the wall art (softly focused photographs of smiling couples with adorable naked babies), and attempted to finish a crossword puzzle in a magazine someone had left behind. Too restless to focus on the crossword clues, I hummed along with the Muzak Christmas carols and double-checked my shopping list to be sure I had a gift for everyone I needed to remember. I thought about calling Amelia, just to see how things were going at the grocery, or Mama Isa, to make sure Marilee wasn’t being any trouble.
    But true to her word, thirty minutes later Natasha opened her door and gestured to me, and I found myself staring at three file folders in a neat row on her desk.
    Natasha sank into her chair, crossing her arms and pressing her lips together in the look of a woman struggling to remain impartial.
    â€œI think you’d be a good fit for any of these three couples,” she said. “Look them over and see what you think.”
    â€œYou mean I choose?”
    â€œProspective parents tell me what sort of gestational carrier they would like, and I have matched you to three couples who have indicated a preference for a woman of your age and experience. But the contract will be between you and the parents. I am only the agent who brings the two parties together.” She chuckled. “Think of me as renting real estate during a seller’s market.”
    â€œMy uterus is the property?”
    â€œAnd there are more couples seeking that property than there are willing renters. So yes, you hold the upper hand. You choose.”
    I ran my fingertips over the nearest folder. For the first time in my life, I held real power in my hands, a godlike authority to change other people’s lives with a single word. But I couldn’t be comfortable with that kind of control. This felt like too much responsibility.
    â€œI don’t want to do this alone.” I looked up and bit my lip. “Could you tell me which one you want me to choose?”
    Natasha shook her head. “I would never presume to make that kind of decision for you. You’re the one who will have to work with these IPs.”
    â€œIPs?”
    â€œIntended parents. I’m sure you couldn’t go wrong with any of these couples, but ultimately, you must make this choice.”
    I swallowed hard. “It’s so much pressure. Can I take these home and let Gideon help me?”
    She smiled. “By all means. I’m not saying you have to decide