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

Fifteen years living next door to Ronnie. Spending all their free time with Ronnie and Melissa, the two couples doing everything together, from cookouts to day trips to Sunday night dinners. After Melissa passed, Ronnie was over Court’s house more often than not, staying up late watching the game or some movie on cable while Jeanie cleaned up in the kitchen. The only memories of his marriage in which Ronnie didn’tappear were the nights Court and Jeanine slept side by side in their dark bedroom. Each to their own half of the bed, empty space like a line of demarcation between them.


He’d loved her, yes. But had he ever been in lovewith her? He couldn’t say, and now that she was gone, he wouldn’t


Shaking those thoughts aside, he approached Ronnie and shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “Hey. What’s up?”


Chapter 19