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

No one can replace Jeanie,Court thought suddenly. That life we had before is gone, and nothing anyone does will bring it back any time soon.


Maybe Ronnie was right. Maybe Court was putting too much hope into one broken-down old Civil War fort. Maybe he should be happy with what he had and move on as best he could.


And what didhe have? Ronnie, in a way Court never imagined he’d want the guy he grew up with, his best friend, the only man he’d ever love more than anyone else. More than his mother, more than his wife. As far as Court was concerned, the rest of the world could burn to the ground, its ashes blow away on the shifting winds, but as long as Ronnie was beside him, he would go on. Losing Jeanie had been tough, but if he’d lost Ronnie, too? Court knew that would be it, game over, end of story.


So if Ronnie no longer wanted to go to Sumter, neither did Court. And nothing Adam or Bree could say would change his mind.


Chapter 81