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

Bree took his hand in hers. “Did she die of the virus, too?”


Court shook his head. “Cancer, two years ago. She was already gone when all this started.”


“And Ronnie’s been waiting for you since then?”


Court glanced up at her sharply. From the smile on her face, it was obvious she already knew they were together—she must have been watching them at the creek long before she had bothered to do her little knock, knockroutine. “I wouldn’t say that,” he hedged.


With a laugh, Bree said, “Well, that’s a far cry from your I’m not gayprotest a while back. I saw you two in the water. You’re cute together.”


Court didn’t know what to say to that, but his lips were beginning to hurt from the grin spreading across his face.


“Oh! Before I forget…” Bree sat up on her knees and reached into her back pocket. Then she slapped his knee, and when she removed her hand, she left a condom wrapper behind. “Adam said you were asking about them. I don’t have many left—”


Chapter 67