Contents
Thirty-Eight | Nathan
Overview
Nathan rescues Anastasia after she falls through the lake ice, revives her with CPR, and carefully rewarms her. In the aftermath, they confess their love. At the hospital on Christmas morning, Anastasia is cleared, and Nathan remains steadfastly by her side, cementing their bond.
Summary
Nathan shops on Christmas Eve to replace Anastasia’s missed gift, planning to confess his love. Returning home, he can’t find Anastasia and calls her, learning she’s skating near the woods. The line drops and Nathan hears her scream.
Nathan sprints to the lake, finds a hole in the ice, and uses the life ring to haul Anastasia out. When Anastasia isn’t breathing, Nathan performs rescue breaths and chest compressions until she coughs up water and revives. He carries her inside and warms her gradually in a lukewarm shower.
As Anastasia stabilizes, she tearfully admits she thought she would die and confesses she loves Nathan. Nathan reciprocates, promising he will always save her. He dresses her in layers and drives her to the hospital.
On Christmas morning at Vail Health, Anastasia is stable and cleared after monitoring. Nathan refuses to leave her side, even arranging a bed in her room. They share relieved humor, with Nathan insisting on medical clearance before going home.
Who Appears
- Nathan (Nate) HawkinsPOV narrator; rescues Anastasia from the lake, performs CPR, warms her, confesses love, and stays with her in hospital.
- Anastasia (Stassie) AllenFalls through the ice while skating; revived and rewarmed by Nathan; confesses she’s in love with him; stabilized in hospital.
- Doctor at Vail HealthAssesses Anastasia after the incident, commends Nathan’s rewarming, and clears her following observation.
- Nurse at Vail HealthMonitors Anastasia’s vitals during recovery; checks on the room while Nathan stays bedside.