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"Thank you, Rusty," Janice whispered, her eyes shining with gratitude.
Rusty studied the warm colors Janice was using in her painting, a reflection of the vibrant sunshine outside the stable.
"Tell me more about your relationship with your father," Rusty encouraged gently, watching as she dabbed her brush into a deep shade of red. He knew that he had to tread carefully. He was aware of things about Janice’s father that she didn’t know about—andcouldn’tknow about. Plus, he didn't want to sound too much like a therapist—that would freak Janice out.
Janice hesitated, her hand trembling slightly. "Well, as you know, it’s never been fantastic. He’s always been overprotective since my mom died. And all he cares about is looking good and his reputation. Trying to make me into a miniature version of him so I can inherit his land one day and become a Laird in Scotland just like him.”
“Mm-hmm,” Rusty said quietly. “Go on.”
“The truth is, the only thing me and my father have in common is the color of our hair. Everything else about us is just completely different.” She swallowed. “He got ill a couple of years ago. Trouble with his liver. We all thought he was going to die, so he started making plans for me to take over his estate in Scotland. The problem was, there were so many rules and stipulations. He wanted me to sign documents saying I promised to move to Scotland, that I’d marry a Scotsman, that I’d be an upstanding member of the community in my local area. That I’d attend hunts and shoots and hold formal gatherings three times a year.”
“Right,” said Rusty, imagining how scary the sound of all that must have been to Janice. “So, what did you do?”
“Well, I broke down in tears one night and the truth just sort of tumbled out of me. I told him I was a Little, that I always had been one, and that I needed to stay true to myself and remainhere in the USA. I wanted to be with my people. Most of all, I wanted to leave my father’s ranch and find myself. Not on some stuffy Scottish estate. I wanted to find a DDlg community and live there.”
“That was very brave of you.”
“It was terrifying," she admitted, dipping her brush into the blue paint. Her brush strokes had become slower and more formless now. "I thought he would disown me, but instead, he just . . . he made me feel like I was nothing. Like the person I am isn't worth anything."
Rusty reached out, touching her arm reassuringly. "You are not worthless, Janice. You have so much to offer. It's important for you to recognize that."
With a small nod, Janice continued painting, her strokes growing bolder. “I think he was hoping that he could break me—like one of his horses. You know how he was with them.”
Rusty clenched his jaw. “I do.” He had seen Janice’s father Angus mistreat many horses.
Angus tried to save money by having less horses than he needed for the size of his cattle ranch, so the horses were all exhausted and overworked. He broke them in harshly and aggressively, with excessive use of spurs and whips, forcing them into submission rather than building trust and cooperation. He neglected their needs and even punished them physically if they let him down. Rusty had tried to do something about it on several occasions, but fighting someone as rich and powerful as Angus was almost impossible.
"Let's try something new," Rusty suggested. "When you find that you’re thinking negatively about yourself, I want you to replace those thoughts with positive affirmations. It might seem simple, but it can make a significant difference in how we perceive ourselves."
"Okay," Janice agreed, setting down her paintbrush and looking up at him earnestly. "What should I say?"
"Start by saying 'I am worthy' or 'I am strong,'" Rusty offered, his hazel eyes holding hers as if willing her to believe those words. "Repeat them until you truly believe them. Because you are, Janice. Youareworthy and strong."
"Thank you, Rusty," she whispered, her green eyes shining with gratitude. She took a deep breath and repeated the affirmations, her voice growing steadier and more confident with each repetition. "I am worthy. I am strong."
"Good. Keep practicing," Rusty encouraged, watching as Janice returned to her painting with newfound determination.
"Rusty . . . thank you for being here and helping me through this," she said, pausing in her work to meet his gaze. "I appreciate it."
A warm smile spread across Rusty's face. "You're welcome, Janice. I'm just glad I can help you find the strength and happiness you deserve."
After another hour of craft activities, Rusty and Janice stepped outside the stable. The scent of blooming wildflowers filled the air, carried by a gentle breeze that ruffled their hair. Rusty noticed the way Janice's eyes lit up at the sight of the vibrant landscape, and he couldn't help but smile.
"Beautiful, ain't it?" he asked, his gaze sweeping across the horizon.
"Absolutely," Janice breathed, her green eyes sparkling. "I never tire of these views."
"Me neither," Rusty agreed, guiding her on a short walk around the ranch. "You know, I think there's a lot we can learn from nature. Just look at all these flowers, bloomin' and growin' despite whatever challenges come their way. They might recede every year when cold days come their way, but theyalwaysbounce back. Kinda like you, Janice."
She glanced over at him, a blush coloring her cheeks. "You really think so?"
"Absolutely," he replied. "You've been through so much, but you're still standin’ strong, ready to heal and grow. It's inspiring."
As they continued walking, they approached Snickers.
"Can you introduce me to her?" Janice asked tentatively.
Rusty paused, considering the request. "Snickers? I'd love for you to meet her, but she's still quite nervous around people. We need to give her more time to adjust before introducin' new folks."
