Welcome! I would say some high temp spray paint should be sufficient after you clean the rust off. And as far as the smoker goes, well maybe buy one while she is away and have something tasty cooked for her when she gets back. Easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission. Also you may want...
My 18.5 yesterday and got it put together plannin on doing a whole chicken, maybe a rack of ribs for my maiden smoke. O and my father in law said he wants to put some burgers on it🤷*♂️. I would post a pic of my smoker but I cant figure out how to do that, and besides I'm sure you've all seen one...