In the near future, a deadly flu-like virus decimates the Earth's population. The few who remain struggle to survive without electricity, fresh food, or any other amenities they once took for granted. John “Court” Courtland and his best friend Ronnie Densch are two such survivors. Court has never known a time when Ronnie wasn't in his life. They grew up together. But it's only as they begin to move forward in the post-apocalyptic chaos of Virginia that Court realizes he's in love with Ronnie. Always has been, and always will be, even if he never lets himself admit it out loud. Ronnie is a private, inscrutable man who lets no one close to him except Court. With winter coming on, Ronnie wants to move farther south to warmer weather, and Court follows without question. Along the way, they're joined by other survivors, a ragtag bunch all looking for guidance. As they travel, they hear faint radio signals from Fort Sumter, South Carolina, where a rebuild effort is underway. The world Court once knew has changed, leaving behind a dangerous and lawless landscape. But come whatever storms, he knows he can weather them with Ronnie by his side. Will Sumter turn out to be everything Court hopes for and more? And will he find the courage to tell Ronnie how he really feels before it’s too late?

Come Whatever Storms

Before he could, Ronnie prodded him with one toe. “How’s the baby?”


“I don’t know. It ain’t my kid.” Court turned away, his back to his friend, and began to strip out of his clothes. “When do you think we can start moving again?”


“The baby will slow us down.” Ronnie’s voice was low, suddenly intimate, and Court suspected his friend was watching him undress. He resisted the urge to look over his shoulder and check. If Ronnie wasn’t, Court would be disappointed. But if he was…


Court pulled his shirt off over his head, then unzipped his jeans and shucked them down his legs. “If it has the virus, it isn’t going to be an issue much longer.”


More moan than word. Court grinned to himself as he felt Ronnie’s hot stare on his backside.Like what you see, big boy? You know where to find me.


Only one sleeping bag away, all night long. 3


Chapter 14