Page 1 of Wild Bred

1

REID

“You weren’t kidding about this being cathartic,” says my brother, Shaw, as he wipes sweat from his brow. “Man. I need a break, though. That okay with you?”

I swing my sledgehammer, smashing through what’s left of the kitchen tile. Chips of ceramic explode into the air, scattering like confetti across the grimy floor. “Definitely. I could use a break too.”

We’ve been busting our asses all morning, tearing out old drywall, ripping up rotted floorboards, and hauling debris out to the dumpster parked outside. The air is thick with dust, the scent of the old house mingling with the fresh, earthy smell of the outdoors. Our clothes are filthy, sweat-soaked, and clinging to our skin. It's dirty, grueling work, but it’s the kind that leaves you feeling satisfied and bone-tired in the best way.

“Thanks again for helping me demo this place,” I say to my brother as we step outside to take a breather. I grab a couple of cold beers from the cooler stashed in the shade of an oak tree and toss him one. “I really appreciate it.”

“Of course, dude. Happy to help.” Shaw takes a swig of beer, then looks out across the sprawling acres of my new property and shakes his head. “God, this is a beautiful piece of land. You’re one lucky bastard, you know that?”

“You jealous?” I ask, grinning as I tilt my beer against my lips. The purchase still feels surreal, a culmination of years of hard work and saving. The property is a mix of dense forest and open meadows, rugged and untamed. The house is one hell of a fixer-upper, but it has good bones and all the potential I’ve been dreaming of. With my background in construction, I know exactly what needs to be done, and since I’m taking the next few months off, I’ll be able to get loads of work done on this place.

“Nah, this is too cut off from the world for my liking,” Shaw says, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “It suits you, though, Reid. I’m happy for you.”

He’s right about it suiting me. It’s going to be a while before I have a proper roof over my head, but I already feel at home. The quiet, the solitude, the endless expanse of nature—it’s everything I’ve ever wanted.

“Thanks, man,” I say. “And, seriously, thanks for helping me. I owe you one.”

“You’re sure right about that,” he says with a grin. “Next time I need a hand at the bakery, I’m calling you up.”

I raise an eyebrow at Shaw, thinking about the bakery he runs in our hometown of Cedar Springs. His small business is his pride and joy. “You sure about that? I have a history of burning whatever I put in the oven.”

Shaw groans. “Yeah, on second thought, stay the hell away from my bakery.”

We share a laugh and look out at the property again. It’s nice, having the company of one of my brothers, but it also makes me think about the one who isn’t here right now.

“What do you think I’d have to do to convince Jake to make the trip out here?” I muse.

“I dunno. Fly him out in a helicopter and promise him a strong Wi-Fi signal?”

I snort a laugh. “Guess I’ve got some work to do.”

“I’m just kidding. I’m sure you’ll be able to get him to come out eventually.” Shaw pauses. “You sure you aren’t going to be lonely out here, living all by yourself?”

“Thought you said it suited me.”

“It does. I’m just asking.”

I take a swig of beer. “I’m sure. I’m all good.”

“Not many opportunities to meet women out here…”

“I think if I was supposed to meet someone, I would have met her by now.” I shake my head, trying to ignore the pang of disappointment in my chest. I never planned on still being a bachelor at my age, but it’s the card that life has dealt me.

Shaw frowns at me. “Wait, what? You sound like you’ve given up, dude.”

“No, I’m just…” I shrug. “You know. Not feeling very hopeful about that part of my life.”

“Come on, man. Don’t talk like that. You’ve gotta have faith.” He offers a kind smile. “I mean, look at me. I’ve been single for as long as you have, but I know the right woman is out there. I just haven’t met her yet.”

“I appreciate the pep talk, Shaw. I wish I had the same gut feeling. But I don’t.”

“Well, I have a gut feeling that it will happen for you.”

I give him a half-hearted smile and clap him on the shoulder. “Thanks. All right. Break’s over. Time to get back to it.”

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