Eli stood there in the snow, looking at Silver like she'd just offered him the world and he didn't know if he was allowed to take it.
"You're all in," he repeated quietly.
"Completely."
"Even knowing I'm going to the NHL. That I'll be gone. That this will be hard."
"Even knowing all of that." Silver's voice was steady despite her shaking hands. "I'm choosing the hard thing because it's with you."
Eli closed the distance between them in two steps. Pulled her into his arms. Held her so tightly she could barely breathe.
"I'm choosing you too," he said against her hair. "I'm sorry it took me so long to figure that out. Sorry I kept doubting. But I'm done doubting. I'm all in too."
Silver felt tears sliding down her face. Relief. Joy. The overwhelming weight of finally being chosen back.
"We're going to figure this out," Eli continued. "Whatever it takes. Whatever obstacles come up. We figure it out together."
"Together," Silver agreed.
