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’s hand smoothed to a stop in the middle of Court’s back. It rested there, heavy and welcome, as if holding him in place. Scooting closer, Ronnie kissed the tip of Court’s nose, then said, “I gave them to Adam.”


“He asked if I had any.” Ronnie shrugged, settling closer to Court. “You don’t honestly think he and Bree just sleep in their tent, do you? You weren’t using them.”


“Not then,” Court admitted, “but now I wish I had them.”


Ronnie grinned mischievously. “Do you want me to go ask for them back?”


Ronnie smirked, and Court shifted his arms to dislodge his friend. But Ronnie simply raised his head to avoid getting elbowed in the neck, then set it back on Court’s arm. “I’ll find more,” he said, and he started rubbing Court’s back again. “I’m going to take another run over to that neighborhood tomorrow to see if I can’t get those ATVs started, anyway. I’ll see if I can’t find a box of Trojans while I’m at it.”


Chapter 62