Page 60 of Rusty

Rusty grinned. “Funny. I was just thinking something very similar, darlin’. The sight of you in that little red dress does things to me.” He leaned into her ear and growled: “I’ll show you exactly what kind of things later.”

Janice snorted with laughter.

“Damn, it’s good to hear you laughing like that, sweetheart. I hope I hear it every day for the rest of my life. Snorts an’ all.”

"Thank you for helping me laugh again," she whispered, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "You're my rock, Rusty. I don't know what I would have done without you."

"Hey now," he grinned, wiping away a stray tear with his thumb. "None of that. Today is a day for smiles and laughter, remember?"

"Right," Janice sniffled, forcing a watery smile onto her face. "No more tears. Just . . . thank you. For everything."

"Right back atchya," Rusty murmured, his love for her shining brightly in his eyes.

As Janice basked in the warmth of Rusty's love and support, she noticed him glance toward the center of the gathering with a mischievous glint in his eye. "What is it?" she asked curiously.

"Well," he began, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "I may have one more surprise in store for you, babygirl."

"Really?" Janice's eyes lit up with excitement. “Show me, Daddy! Show me!” She paused, then whispered. “Or is it a sexy surprise? Because you probably shouldn’t show methatright here at the party, in front of everyone.”

"Follow me and find out," Rusty urged, gently taking her by the hand and leading her through the crowd.

As they approached the heart of the celebration, Janice spotted a beautifully wrapped gift sitting on a small table. The sight of the present, coupled with Rusty's enigmatic smile, sent her heart racing with anticipation.

Rusty motioned over at Chuck, who instantly stopped the music, and everyone turned to watch what was happening, whispering excitedly.

"Go on," Rusty encouraged, nodding towards the gift. "Open it."

With trembling hands, Janice carefully unwrapped the present, revealing a pink stuffie wearing a tiny, sparkling crown. She gasped in delight, immediately recognizing the character. It was Little Miss Princess.

“I thought Little Miss Giggles and Little Miss Hug needed one more companion.”

"Rusty," she breathed, her eyes filling with tears of happiness. "She's perfect. Thank you so much."

"You may not become a wealthy Scottish aristocrat, Janice, but you're my princess. And I truly believe that this moment right here feels like our happy ever after."

The Littles squealed in delight hearing these words.

"Thank you, Rusty. I can't even begin to express how much this means to me." Janice clutched Little Miss Princess to her chest, her heart swelling with gratitude and love for the man who had not only changed her life but also shown her the true meaning of unconditional love and acceptance.

"Look closely at Little Miss Princess’s crown," he encouraged, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Janice examined the delicate, sparkling golden crown atop the stuffie's head. To her surprise, nestled within the intricate design was a small, hidden ring. Her breath hitched as she grasped the true meaning behind the gift.

"Janice," Rusty began, his voice trembling ever so slightly. He dropped to one knee before her, his hazel eyes locked onto hers, filled with love and hope. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in this intimate moment.

"Life without you is incomplete," Rusty confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I love you, Janice, and I want to spend the rest of my life proving that to you every single day. Will you marry me?"

Janice's heart threatened to burst from her chest as she looked down at the man who had become her safe place, her support, and her love. This proposal was more than just a promise of commitment; it was an affirmation of their shared journey, a testament to the strength of their love.

"Rusty, yes! A thousand times, yes!" Janice exclaimed, her face lighting up with pure joy. As the words escaped her lips, awave of cheers and applause erupted from the crowd that had gathered to witness this heartfelt moment.

As Rusty stood up, he gently slid the ring onto Janice's trembling finger before pulling her into a tender embrace.

With Rusty by her side, Janice no longer felt the need to sneak around or hide who she was. She was exactly where she needed to be, safe and cherished on the ranch with the man she loved.

"Thank you, Rusty," Janice whispered into his ear as they swayed together amidst the celebration. "For everything."

"Thank you, princess," Rusty murmured back, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple.

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