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

As he came up behind Ronnie, he ran his hands across his friend’s shoulders. The back of Ronnie’s shirt was hot from the sun, and the warmth seeped up into Court’s palms as he rubbed down Ronnie’s arms. Planting his cheek on the top of Ronnie’s head, he savored the heat rising off Ronnie’s hair. “Hey,” he sighed as he leaned into Ronnie. “I hear you have gas.”


Ronnie covered one of Court’s hands with his. “Ha ha, very funny. Did you find anything?”


“Zippo.” Squatting down behind Ronnie, Court opened his knees and spooned up against his friend’s backside. Only half joking, he murmured softly, “You know, we could stay here. If we aren’t going to Sumter any longer, we might—”


Behind him, Bree screeched, “What do you mean, you aren’t going to Sumter? When did you decide this?”


Chapter 85