Seasoned With Love
Season 3 – Episode 1: "A New Beginning"
Amara's POV
Six months.
That's how long it had been since Luke and I got married.
Six months since the restaurant really took off.
Six months since life somehow became both calmer and busier at the same time.
And now…
I was standing in the bathroom staring at a pregnancy test.
Positive.
Again.
I let out a small laugh, half shocked, half emotional.
"Well… okay then."
A few minutes later I walked slowly back into the bedroom where Luke was getting dressed for the day. He was tying his watch on like he always does—same routine, same calm energy.
Some habits never change, and honestly, I love that about him.
He looked up.
"You're quiet this morning."
I leaned against the doorway.
"I have news."
Luke immediately paused.
That man can read a room faster than anyone I know.
"Good news or serious news?"
I smiled.
"Both."
Now he looked slightly concerned.
"Amara."
I walked over and handed him the test.
He stared at it for a second.
Then looked at me.
Then back at the test.
Then back at me again.
"Wait."
I nodded.
Luke blinked.
"We're… having a baby?"
I laughed softly.
"Yes, Luke."
For a moment he just stood there.
Completely stunned.
And that is very rare for Luke Bennett.
Then slowly, the biggest smile spread across his face.
He pulled me into a hug so gently it almost made me cry.
"A baby."
I nodded against his shoulder.
"A baby."
He pulled back to look at me again, like he needed to confirm I was real.
"When did you find out?"
"This morning."
Luke shook his head slightly, still smiling.
"Well… that explains why you've been tired lately."
I laughed.
"You noticed?"
"I notice everything about you."
Classic Luke.
Then he placed a hand on my stomach, almost carefully, like he already felt protective.
"This changes everything."
I smiled.
"In a good way."
"Very good way."
Just then my phone buzzed.
Rose.
Of course.
I answered.
"Hello?"
Rose's voice came through loud and cheerful.
"Are you two on the way yet? Marcus is already arguing with the delivery guy again."
Luke laughed quietly beside me.
I said, "We'll be there soon."
Rose paused.
"Why do you sound like you're smiling like that?"
Luke whispered, "She knows."
I covered the phone slightly.
"She always knows."
Rose spoke again.
"Amara… what happened?"
I looked at Luke.
He nodded.
So I said it.
"Rose… I'm pregnant."
Silence.
Then—
Rose screamed.
"I KNEW IT!"
I pulled the phone away from my ear.
Luke laughed.
Rose continued,
"Hold on I'm putting you on speaker."
Marcus's voice came in.
"What happened??"
Rose shouted,
"AMARA IS HAVING A BABY!"
Marcus yelled,
"WHAT?!"
Luke shook his head, smiling.
The restaurant family never does quiet reactions.
Marcus came back on.
"Luke! You work fast, man."
Luke replied calmly,
"I prefer efficient."
Rose laughed.
"Oh this is going to be amazing."
Marcus added,
"I'm officially the fun uncle."
Rose interrupted,
"Excuse me, I'm the favorite aunt."
Marcus scoffed.
"We'll see about that."
I smiled listening to them.
Family.
That's what this place had become.
Luke leaned close and whispered,
"You happy?"
I looked up at him.
"Very."
Later that day when we walked into the restaurant, everyone somehow already knew.
I suspect Rose started a group chat.
People were clapping.
Marcus had balloons.
Where he found them that fast, I have no idea.
Luke leaned toward me.
"I think the city is celebrating."
I laughed.
"You might be right."
Rose walked over and hugged me carefully.
"I'm so happy for you."
Then she looked at Luke with that observant expression she always has.
"You better be ready."
Luke nodded.
"I am."
But Rose added quietly,
"This will test you in new ways."
Luke smiled slightly.
"I expect that."
Marcus walked over holding a tiny chef hat he found online.
"I bought something already."
I laughed.
"That was fast."
Marcus shrugged.
"I plan ahead."
Luke wrapped an arm around me.
And in that moment, standing in the restaurant we built together, surrounded by people who had become our family…
I realized something.
Our story wasn't just growing.
It was expanding.
In the best possible way.
Because the next chapter?
Was going to be louder.
Messier.
Full of sleepless nights.
But also full of love.
And knowing Luke…
He was already planning the future.
And honestly?
So was I.
End of Episode: 1