The setting for this ""actual"" is the Spence-Chapin Adoption Service in New York City. Three couples, the Muirs, the Nelsons, and the Arnquists, are seeking a baby for adoption. A woman arrives to arrange for the adoption of her baby when it is born. The case worker checks up on each of the couples to determine their fitness for parenting. The Muirs do not want to adopt after all and the Muirs are found to be unfit. The Arnquists are offered Baby X. They fall in love with her and take her into their family.