It was another smorgasbord of delights, but instead of tacos it was breakfast food. Iris thought that it made since. The Gastropfs did own a food-related mega company. She could totally appreciate a food-centric family. Her stomach growled again as she sat down to eat.
"What would you like to eat, Iris?" Antoine asked.
"Mmmm. I will have a short stack of pancakes with blueberry syrup please."
"Anything else?"
"Not right now. Don't skimp on the blueberry syrup!"
Antoine chuckled, "Yes, Ma'am." He passed her a plate with three pancakes and a mountain of fresh blueberry syrup atop.
Iris licked her lips and took a bite. She moaned lightly. Everyone cracked a smile and laughed.
"Iris, may I ask you a question?" Martinique positioned.
"Sure," Iris said amidst bites of syrup with a little pancake.
"Will you tell me more about you and your family?"
"Alright. Well, I was an only child. My parents died a few years ago in a car accident so I have been on my own since. I loved my parents so much. My mom, Meredith Morgan was an elementary teacher and my father, Colton Morgan worked in advertising. I got my interest in advertising from him. We used to play a game and browse TV channels to find the worst advertisement. Whoever won got the other a soda. It's been hard being on my own these past few years but I know I am stronger for it. This baby must have a loving family to guide them. I couldn't imagine it any other way."
Martinique smiled, "Seems like you appreciate family as much as us. We gladly welcome you as part of our family if you would like to join us. You are welcome here, anytime."
Antoine smiled big, "Thank you, Dad."
Iris just finished the last bite of pancakes on her plate. "May I have some more please?"
Martinique replied, "Of course. Son?"
Antoine nodded and looked at Iris. "Anything for you. Would you like to even out your pancake and syrup ratio this time?"
"Never. 80% syrup and 20% pancake."
Everyone chuckled. Teresa smiled and remarked to Iris, "I think that's the perfect ratio. For me it would be 80% shopping and 20% work."
Gina joined in, "I say that perfect ratio is 80% everyone else does housework and 20% I do housework."
Martinique chimed in, "How about 80% whatever Gina wants and—"
"Mmhmmm!" Gina interrupted.
"Sorry. I meant 100% whatever Gina wants."
"That's better."
Another round of chuckles across the table.
Martinique advised, "Just remember son, the woman is always right."
"I like your ideals, Mr. Gastropf," Iris commented.
"Please, Iris, just call me Martinique."
"Yes, Martinique."
********************
After breakfast was cleared off the table, Antoine got a call. The paternity tests were ready. Despite the Martinique's decision of allowing Iris into the family, the Gastropfs were not any closer to deciding if Iris should know about their vampire status. Thus, Wallace had not been called back to the house yet. Ultimately it meant that Iris still couldn't remember any nights between her and Antoine—including the first.
Antoine decided to drive to the hospital and pick up the results. Iris stayed back with his family. Teresa and Gina wanted to show Iris some antiques they had collected. Antoine returned within 30 minutes with a sealed envelope.
"Iris, you can open it."
"Okay," Iris replied and tore open the results.
It was 98%—a positive match that Antoine was the father.
Iris smiled and Antoine looked relieved. "I guess you already knew."
"Yes, Iris. I assumed it should be so."
Teresa came and grabbed Iris in a giant hug; "Well then I officially will be an auntie!"
"I guess so," Iris replied. She wasn't sure what to say or think. An awkward smile showed on her face, highlighting her anxiety.
Martinique signaled for Antoine to come talk to him. Antoine followed him out of the living room and back to the office.
"Son, do you want Iris to become a vampire after the birth? The power of the baby is too strong. Gina barely survived after two births, but I don't think Iris will survive this one," Martinique advised.
"Yes, father. I want to tell her the whole truth. I want her to choose to be by my side forever," Antoine responded. "Wait, does this mean you give permission to allow her to become one of us?"
"Yes. With her willingness, I will let you reveal the whole truth. You may even turn her into one of us if she wants. After getting to know her better today, I think the only way to give the child full happiness and ensure no future wars is to allow Iris to become family and your vampire queen. If this is what you want then I will contact Wallace. He can completely remove all compulsion."
"Yes. Thank you, father."
Martinique proceeded to dial a number on his cell phone, "Wallace, we need you back here. A decision has been reached."