CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Janice
J anice stood in the bright sunlight, her heart racing. Her eyes flitted back and forth between the scissors in one hand and the blue stuffie clutched tightly in the other.
The time had finally come.
"Are you ready for this, Little Miss Giggles?" Janice whispered to her stuffie, feeling the familiar flutter of nervous excitement in her chest.
The ranch buzzed with activity as people gathered around, eager to witness this momentous occasion. Laughter and chatter filled the air, along with the sweet scent of wildflowers carried on a gentle breeze.
"Of course we're ready," Janice told herself, banishing any lingering self-doubt. She knew that she had worked hard to get to this point, despite her father's disapproval and the years of emotional abuse she had endured. This was her time to shine, her chance to prove that she was more than just a Laird's daughter. She had become the person she wanted to be.
As Janice looked out at the eager faces of the crowd, she felt a surge of gratitude for the supportive community that had welcomed her with open arms. Each person present had played a part in helping her achieve her dream, and she knew she couldn't have done it without them.
"Alright, everyone!" Janice called out, her voice strong and confident. "Let's officially open my animal physio clinic!" With a deep breath, Janice snipped the ribbon, and a cheer erupted from the crowd. Janice’s heart soared with joy and relief, knowing that she had finally found her place in the world—not only professionally, but personally as well.
"Congratulations, Janice!" called out Sara, who had now become a firm friend. The celebration continued, full of laughter, warmth, and the promise of a bright future for both Janice and her beloved animals.
Snickers and Midnight, the mare and stallion whose lives had been transformed at the ranch, grazed peacefully nearby. As Janice watched them, her heart swelled with pride, knowing that she had also played a part in their journey toward healing.
"Can I have everyone's attention?" Chuck called out, silencing the crowd. His bearded face bore a warm smile as he stepped forward to address the gathering, his eyes locking with Janice's. "Today is not just about opening this wonderful clinic. It's about celebrating the incredible woman who made it all happen."
Janice felt her cheeks flush as Chuck continued, recounting her arrival at the ranch and the impact she'd had on the community. "When Janice first joined our ranch, she broke in with a pair of wire cutters and I almost kicked her off our land immediately.”
Many of the Littles snickered at this, and Janice couldn’t help giggling too. She looked down at the scissors in her hands, and put them behind her back, as though she’d been caught red-handed. There were more snickers.
“But Janice was in a desperate situation,” Chuck continued, “and I’m so glad we gave her a chance. She brought kindness, love, and an unwavering dedication to our animals' wellbeing."
"Here, here!" shouted Trent from the crowd, who had taught her so much about veterinary medicine over the past few months. She gave him a big smile and a wave and he waved back.
"Over the past year, we've watched Janice grow and overcome numerous challenges," Chuck said, his voice filled with admiration. "She has touched the lives of not only our animals, but every one of us as well."
As Chuck spoke, Janice felt a warmth spreading through her chest, knowing that she had found a true home at the ranch, surrounded by people who valued and respected her. She wouldn't trade her new life for anything.
"Thank you," Janice choked out, her voice thick with emotion. “I love you all!”
The applause continued, and she beamed at her newfound family.
"Alright, enough with the mushy stuff!" Chuck laughed, clapping Janice on the back. "Let's get this party started, shall we, little one?"
"Sounds like a plan," Janice replied with a grin.
As party tunes started playing on the speakers, the Littles all started to dance.
Rusty walked up to Janice, slipping his arms around her.
"Can you believe it?" Janice asked, her eyes shining with excitement. "I finally have my own clinic."
“I’m so proud of you, babygirl,” he said, giving her a lingering kiss. “You worked so damn hard for this.”
Janice's confidence soared, knowing that she had found her place at the ranch and in Rusty's heart.
The warmth of Rusty's embrace enveloped Janice like a protective cocoon, shielding her from the world and allowing her to bask in the security of his love. She smiled and leaned into him, reveling in the feeling of being truly cherished.
“How are things at the ranch in Colorado, by the way?” asked Janice.
Rusty smiled. “All good, babygirl. Takis is working wonders. Apparently, he’s getting the whole place refurbished as we speak. Should be up and running as a sanctuary for Littles by the end of the year.”
“That’s amazing!” said Janice. She blinked up at Rusty, thinking how handsome he looked in his plaid shirt and cowboy hat today. Even more handsome than the first time she’d ever laid eyes on him. She was very happy to be at this party, but she couldn’t wait for them to have some alone time later. A bit of time in Little space . . . and a lot of time in Daddy’s bed. . . .
"Alright, Little Miss Giggles," Rusty teased, his breath warm on her ear. "What are you thinking about? You've got that adorable little smile on your face."
Janice blushed. "I was just . . . thinking about how far we've come," she confessed, her gaze drifting across the bustling ranch and the gathered guests. "And all the amazing things we've accomplished together." Then, she whispered, “And how sexy you are, Daddy.”
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 me that right 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, a wave 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.
As the festivities continued around them, Janice couldn't help but marvel at the life she had built here on the ranch. Gone were the days of feeling worthless and unloved, replaced by a newfound sense of belonging and purpose.
"I love you, Janice Maguire," Rusty whispered softly as they danced, the music and laughter of their friends and family filling the air around them.
“I’m not Janice Maguire yet,” she told him.
“We’d better remedy that asap,” he told her.
“Yes,” she said, biting her lip. “We’d better.”
“How about next week?” Rusty asked, squeezing her tight.
“Next week?” Janice replied, her eyes widening.
“Or next month,” Rusty replied. “Or literally now.”
Janice giggled. “Give me three months.”
“Three months it is,” replied Rusty.
Janice tightened her grip on Rusty's hand and smiled up at him, knowing that their long love story was really only just beginning.
Thanks for reading! I loved writing Rusty and Janice's story. I'm such a sucker for second-chance romances, and I loved how brave and fierce Janice became by the end of the novel!
If you're looking for more from me, check out my Daddies of Justice series that's really starting to heat up… Hot vigilante action with some seriously high-stakes situations and growly possessive Daddies who'd do ANYTHING to look after their Littles…
And if you want more ranch goodness, and you've finished this six-book series , check out my Little Ranch series!
Lucky x o x