J.M. Snyder

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

Sumter, then.The word held almost mythical proportions in Court’s mind, though he’d never been farther south than Durham, North Carolina, and that had been to see a professional hockey game once with Ronnie. He bought tickets as a present for his friend’s birthday, and Jeanie had laughed because he only bought two. “They’re expensive,” he argued at the time. “Besides, you and Missy don’t like hockey.”


His wife’s knowing smirk had irritated him at the time—she knew him so well, knew what he was thinking even when he refused to admit it himself. “Hm-mm, right,” she’d said. “Let me guess, you’re sharing a hotel room, too.”


Her comment had confused him. “Well, yeah. It’s cheaper.”


Chapter 71