“This is a wonderful idea,” Mrs. Cavenaugh exclaimed, “even if we are working on the Lord’s day.” Her blue eyes were carefully checking over some of Erin’s work with a practiced eye. Not able to complain about Erin’s painting, she continued, “Adds a lot to this apartment, don’t you think?” A pleased smile crept over her features. “You really are a dear. You know that don’t you?”

“Keeping up the place comes with being a landlord, especially when I can get some free labor from my tenants,” Erin laughed, and smiled at the little old lady’s compliment.

“Is the apartment across the hall ready for the new renters? When are they moving in?”

Erin slid a suspicious glance at the old woman, who seemed intent on trimming the windowsill. “As a matter of fact I expect them this afternoon.”

“Young couple?” Mrs. Cavenaugh asked, a mischievous twinkle lighting her eyes.

“No…it’s my boss…Mr. Webster. I believe you’ve met?” Erin watched Mrs. Cavenaugh carefully.

“Charming man,” the older woman agreed, and paid even more attention to the windowsill. “So he’s moving in today?”

“Why do I get the feeling that I’m giving you yesterday’s news?” Erin asked suspiciously. “You’ve already talked to Kane about this, haven’t you?”

A smile spread across the wrinkled face. “Someone’s got to look out for your best interests.”

“And so you just appointed yourself guardian angel. Is that it?”

“Close enough,” the little old lady averred. “Now don’t you go jumping off the deep end, Erin,” Mrs. Cavenaugh cautioned, and wagged a warning finger at Erin. “I just happened to mention in passing that there was an apartment available….”

“In passing! When did you see him?”

Mrs. Cavenaugh’s face puckered for a moment. “Now listen here, young lady. I may not be as young as I used to be, but I have a pretty good idea of what goes on around here. I’ve seen Kane come and go, and I’ve also got it figured out that, for some reason, the good Lord only knows why—” she threw her hands heavenward in supplication “—you keep running away from him.”

Erin began to protest, but the gray-haired lady would have none of it. “It’s a mistake, pure and simple, for you to run from him. That man is hopelessly in love with you, Erin. Only a fool would let him slip through her fingers!”

“Oh, Mrs. Cavenaugh,” Erin sighed, smiling wistfully. “If it were only that simple.”

“It’s as simple as you want to make it!” The old lady eyed Erin speculatively, and noticed the resigned droop of her shoulders. “Why don’t you call it a day—the apartment looks fine. You go and get ready for your Kane and his daughter. They’ll be here this evening, won’t they?”

“Just where do you get all of your information?”

“Like I said before, I know what’s going on around here!” Before Erin could voice any further questions or objections, the little bent figure hustled her out the door. “And don’t you dare accuse me of snooping,” she cautioned. “It’s just that I care.”