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

Ronnie took a step closer. Damn it.“Listen to me,” he said, still speaking softly. “Listen, will you?”


“You’re all I have left in this world,” Ronnie told him. “You’re it, and you know that. If you don’t trust me, then I have nothing. I amnothing without you. So don’t shut me out, you hear?”


Ronnie’s voice sharpened. “Don’t say it’s nothing. If something’s bothering you, I have to know what it is. Don’t—”


Without warning, Court grabbed Ronnie’s face in both hands and pulled him closer. Eyes shut tight, lips puckered, breath held fast, he pressed his mouth to Ronnie’s and flinched, waiting. To be pushed away, maybe. To be dunked under the water, or punched in the face, or something, anything, but he didn’t care. He couldn’t stand it any longer. If he didn’t kiss Ronnie now, he knew he would never be able to ever again.


Chapter 58