A few months later...
Devin was glad he was finally taking Sam on another date. Between his job, Klara's doctor appointments, toddler lessons, and Sam's college classes- it was hard to keep up with relationship luxuries. However, after a long day of sitting in a doctor's office with Klara, he needed to spend the evening with his boyfriend.
Devin's relationship with Klara had grown into more of a frenemies-type dynamic. He still disliked Klara but in a more endearing way. Once she realized Devin was officially off-limits, her crazy, psychotic side died down into a reluctant passive behavior. Devin called it denial. Klara called it acceptance. They agreed to disagree.
Klara's parents were the real thorn in his side. He had to drive Klara to all of her appointments because they refused to. Despite refusing to approve of an abortion, they didn't seem to care much about Klara or the baby's health. It made Devin's blood boil (but more on the baby's behalf than Klara's).
"So," Sam started, as they rode in the car, "Where are we going?" Sam clenched Devin's hand softly, as if he was excited. Devin glanced quickly over with a smile. He had learned to drive with one hand decently quick since Sam would hold his hand every time.
"A special place," Devin shrugged, "But it's not really special in general. Special to us."
"Special to us, huh?" Sam wondered aloud. Devin focused on the road, but he wished he could reach over and kiss Sam. He decided that could wait until later.
The truth was, he was a little bit nervous about this date. He wanted to ask Sam something- and it wasn't a marriage proposal, but it still felt the same. He was a little bit jittery; however, even if Sam rejected the offer, Devin knew he would still love Sam. Sam wouldn't leave him over a question. Devin wouldn't leave Sam over an answer.
"Why do you seem so nervous?" Sam snorted, squeezing his hand again (probably in reassurance), "You're never nervous. Unless it's baby related."
"Am I that obvious?" Devin huffed, as he turned his signal on.
"Not really. But I know you," Sam reminded, "Did something go wrong at the doctor's appointment today?"
"No," Devin admitted, then said, "Don't worry about it. I'll tell you later." Devin could feel Sam's curious eyes burning into him.
"Okay," Sam said reluctantly.
They pulled into a very familiar gas station. Sam gasped.
"Our first date!" he cheered, "When you said we were going somewhere special, I thought I might have been underdressed."
"You look perfect," Devin protested, then opened his door. He went around and opened the door for Sam.
"Such a gentleman," Sam complimented, "The first time we came here, I remember you could barely smile, and we couldn't keep it in our pants. Now, you're looking at me like I hung the moon, and I still don't want to keep it in my pants."
Devin allowed himself a little chuckle.
It was true- Devin was a lot happier since he graduated. He no longer felt the expectation to prove himself superior. He no longer felt the pressure from others' eyes. High school was different than adulthood in that way. Although you become almost meaningless to the rest of the world, at least no one is there to judge your every move.
And with Sam, how could he not be happy?
"We can deal with that later," Devin promised as a whisper in Sam's ear, placing a gentle palm on the small of Sam's back. Sam shivered from the touch.

YOU ARE READING
Finding Yourself: Book Two
Romance(Sequel to Finding Yourself) Devin Carter grew up in a foster home. He wasn't used to love or affection. Now? Now, he's adopted by a family who actually cares about him. Along with figuring out how to live life with a foreign family and his horribl...