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

“You should try to get a little more sleep,” Ronnie told him.


Court sighed against Ronnie’s shoulder. “Only if you sleep with me.”


Ronnie let out a low chuckle. Court felt it vibrate through him and grinned. Wrapping his arms around Ronnie’s waist, Court sat up enough to kiss his friend’s chin. “When we get to Sumter, we’ll have a room all to ourselves,” he murmured. “Hopefully with a view of the water, and a window that opens to the morning sun, and—”


“Don’t get your hopes up.” Ronnie’s curt reply cut through Court’s whisper, silencing him.


Court glanced at him sharply. “What do you mean?”


In reply, Ronnie handed over a rumpled brochure he must’ve picked up off the floor in the reception area. On the front was a sepia-toned sketch of—just as Court had imagined it—a large walled fortress, two stories high, the lower level ringed with cannon. “This is perfect,” he said, awed, as he took the brochure.


Chapter 79