The Offering by Angela Hunt Read Free Book Online Page A

background, but Gideon didn’t say a word.
    â€œYou don’t have to give me a final answer now, Gid. But keep thinking about it, okay? Surrogacy might solve all our financial problems.”
    â€œI don’t know.” Doubt filled his voice. “Don’t know what to say, except it still doesn’t seem natural. A man wants his wife to carry his own babies.”
    â€œIn a perfect world, sure,” I added quickly, wanting him to understand. “But not every woman can carry babies while people like me carry them easily. Look at it this way—I want to contribute to our family’s dream, and you risk your life for us every time you go out the front door. No one could ask you to do any more.”
    â€œI’ll be done with all that in two years.”
    â€œAnd when you’re done, we could leave this rental behind and buy a house with the surrogacy money.” I kept my voice light. “But think about what we could do for our family. We could get Marilee a piano and pay her tuition for next year. I could finish college and get my degree. And we could put a huge chunk into our savings account, where it would earn interest until we’re ready to move.” I laid my hand on his chest, reminding myself not to press too hard. “We’d be working together, Gid, for our family’s future.”
    I left him and pulled together a quick dinner of spaghetti, salad, and French bread. Gideon and Snake relaxed in the living room, but as I listened from the kitchen, I noticed that Snake and Marilee did most of the talking—which meant Gideon had to be deep in thought.
    While I watched the spaghetti boil, I wrestled with my own thoughts. Was I wrong to suggest surrogacy to Gideon? I’d known he would be opposed to the idea, but I’d been equally sure I could eventually bring him around to my point of view. But maybe my mom was right—maybe Gideon was too wrapped around my little finger. Maybe a good wife should be more inclined to follow her husband’s opinions, and maybe a husband should be less vulnerable to his wife’s persuasive powers.
    No one would dare call Gideon henpecked, but I’d once heard the never-married Snake joke that Gideon was “whipped”—implying that Gid was so besotted he’d do anything I wanted him to do. I loved knowing that Gid wanted to please me, but maybe Snake was right. Maybe I had unintentionally robbed Gideon of some force of will he might one day need to survive. . . .
    Dinner was pleasant enough. We talked about the weather, Rays baseball, and the possibility of the Buccaneers ever repeating their Super Bowl win. After dinner, Snake thanked me for the meal, kissed me on the cheek, and pulled Marilee’s ponytail before heading out the door.
    I was about to go have a long soak in the tub, but Gideon caughtme in the hallway. “I’ve thought about it,” he whispered, holding me close while his breath fanned my cheek. “And if it really means so much to you, let’s do this surrogacy thing. If I need to sign something, swear something, or say something, just let me know. I’m with you, baby girl. Whatever you want to do is okay with me.”
    I searched his eyes and saw nothing but eager willingness in them. “Are you sure about this? I’d hate it if you changed your mind when it’s too late to turn back.”
    â€œI’m sure, baby girl. If you want to be generous, why should I stop you? Some lucky couple is going to thank God for your willingness to help them out.”
    I studied his face, then smiled. What could possibly be wrong with having a man wrapped around your finger?
    I slipped my arms around his neck, then exhaled a long, contented sigh. “You won’t be sorry. This is going to be good for us.”
    â€œThere’s just one thing—well, two.” He loosened his grip so he could look me in the eye. “First, if this is going to