Page 66 of Echo and the Homicidal Sea Panda

“Your stairs needed repairing,” Mael said, pure matter of fact with not an ounce of sarcasm.

“Okay, Captain Obvious… but you tore down a wall?”

“Well, repair was the plan, but the stringers were all cracked and so were most of the risers andallof the treads—so we tore it down and started fresh,” Mael said. “Then we suspected the wall wasn’t original to the house, so we checked the blueprints. It appeared they’d torn down a wider, curved staircase and replaced it with a boring, straight one and added the wall for some reason—it wasn’t necessary. I assumed you’d prefer the original, so we’re returning it to the way it was built.”

Echo took a step back and noticed the gentle curve to the new stairs. He glanced around the foyer—which appeared much larger without the wall. It was much better than the staircase he’d had, particularly since it had been in desperate need of repair.

“I love that you wanted to do this for me, but we should’ve discussed it,” Echo said. “This isn’t a simple repair. It’s a home renovation.”

“I wanted it to be a surprise,” Mael murmured, tucking his hammer through a loop on the toolbelt around his hips. “I’d only planned a fix, and it kind of snowballed.”

Echo couldn’t stop staring at Mael’s hips and that fucking pelvic vee. The toolbelt weighted his jeans down, allowing for the perfect view. His mate’s body was too much of a distraction. He cleared his throat and dragged his gaze up. “How on earth did you get the house’s blueprints?”

“State records,” Mael said, a hint of a smile to his lips suggesting he’d sensed where Echo’s mind had gone. “Storm’s a contractor and specializes in preserving and renovating older homes. He had a digital copy in a matter of minutes.”

“Ahh,” Echo said, his gaze fixed on the new stairs and how much better they looked.

“We’re just about done for the day. We’d hoped to get it done in one, but since it became a bigger job, we’ll need another few days.” Mael reached over and lifted a few brochures. “I picked these up at the hardware store. It has samples so you can tell me what color you want everything painted. Or we could do a stain on the stairs. Maybe a nice runner?” He sat down on the bottom tread and wiped sweat from his brow. “I was also thinking a chair rail and wainscoting might look nice. It would protect the walls from damage. Storm said it would be appropriate for the period the house was built and might’ve been there originally.”

Echo walked closer and pressed between Mael’s spread knees.

Mael lifted his hands. “I’m sweaty and gross. I don’t want to ruin your clothes.”

Echo ignored him and grabbed his cheeks with both hands before planting a kiss on his lips. Mael slid his hands around Echo’s waist and pulled them closer, deepening the kiss.

“We’re outside working our asses off and you’re in here smooching?”

Mael pulled his lips from Echo’s and grinned at his brothers. “I suppose you’ve met Rav and Storm?”

Echo turned to the twins. “I did, but if there’s a cheat code for telling them apart, I’d appreciate it.”

“Rav has a small scar under his left eye,” Storm said. “That should help.”

“Thanks,” Echo said, narrowing his eyes as he searched for the scar—which he didn’t see.

“He’s talking shit,” Ravage said, placing a stack of lumber on the floor and leaning it against one shoulder. “There’s no scar.”

Echo turned to Storm—who fought a smile.

He searched the pair from head to toe. They were identical in almost every way. Same haircut. Same face. Same grin. But then Echo noticed something a bit telling. Storm wasjust a bitthicker and more muscled than Ravage. It wasn’t much, but enough that it might help him tell the difference—but only if they were both there to compare.

Luckily they were wearing different colored t-shirts. That would serve him for one day if nothing else. He waved to the stairs. “And this… they look amazing. Thank yousomuch. I had no idea Mael was planning to do this.” He focused on Mael. “Nor did I ask him to fix them.”

“Did they need it?” Mael asked, lifting a brow.

“Yes,”Echo murmured.

“Mael told us it was a surprise,” Rav said. He lifted the lumber off his shoulder and turned to Mael. “We can use this for the temporary handrail.”

“Do we need one?” Echo asked. “We can manage for a couple of nights, I’m sure. Unless… you’renotcoming back tomorrow?”

“We’ll be here tomorrow, but emergencies come up on occasion,” Storm said. “Just in case, I’d prefer to put up a temp so you havesomethinguntil it’s finished.”

“It shouldn’t take us more than an hour to get this up and cleaned up for the night,” Rav said. “We’ll be out of your hair soon.”

“You’re not in my hair,” Echo said. “I’m so thankful for this.” He stood back and watched the three get back to work. It was then that he realized that his savings was already lagging with the boat and dock repairs he was paying for. He moved closer to Mael and whispered, “How much do I owe for this? I don’t have much cash on me, but I can go run out to an ATM.”

“Nothing.” Mael frowned, lifting a brow. “It’s already paid for.”

---