It’s understandable that you’re feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the current situation. Mistakes happen, and while this one has significant implications, there are steps you can take to address it and try to salvage your engagement. Here are some detailed suggestions:

1. Open Communication

The first step to resolving any relationship issue is to communicate openly and honestly. Sit down with your fiancé and express your feelings. Here’s how you can approach it:

• Apologize Sincerely: Start by expressing your genuine regret for the misunderstanding. Acknowledge the impact it has had on him and your relationship.
• Explain the Situation: Clarify how the misunderstanding occurred. Make it clear that you had no intention of misleading him and that this was an oversight on your part.
• Listen to His Feelings: Allow him to express his feelings about the situation without interruption. Validate his emotions; it’s important that he feels heard.

2. Reassure Him of Your Commitment

It’s crucial to reaffirm your commitment to him and your relationship. You could say something like:

“I want you to know that I love you deeply and I want to build a future with you. This mistake doesn’t change how I feel about us.”

Discuss your plans for the future, including your desire to get married, and emphasize that you are ready to take the necessary steps to ensure that your relationship is solid.

3. Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, having a neutral third party can help mediate the situation. Consider suggesting couples counseling. A therapist can help both of you navigate through the feelings and provide tools to strengthen your relationship.

• Build Trust: A counselor can guide you in rebuilding trust and addressing any underlying issues.
• Improve Communication Skills: Therapy can also improve communication strategies, which can prevent misunderstandings in the future.

4. Take Responsibility

Own up to your mistake fully. This means not only apologizing but also taking proactive steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again:

• Research Legal Matters: Familiarize yourself with legal processes related to divorce and marriage licenses. This shows that you are serious about understanding and managing your responsibilities.
• Keep Him Informed: Moving forward, keep your fiancé updated on any legal matters concerning your ex-husband and child support. Transparency can help rebuild trust.

5. Give Him Space

While it’s important to communicate, it’s equally important to give your fiancé some time to process his feelings. He may need space to think about what he wants moving forward. Let him know that you respect his need for time.

6. Show Your Commitment Through Actions

Actions often speak louder than words. Consider the following:

• Plan Future Steps Together: Once he’s ready, discuss your plans for the future—like setting a new date for your marriage or discussing how you both can blend your families.
• Small Gestures: Show him your love through small acts of kindness, whether it’s cooking a meal, planning a special date, or simply spending quality time together.

7. Be Patient

Healing takes time. Be patient with both yourself and your fiancé as you work through this. It’s important to give him the time he needs to come to terms with everything.

Conclusion

Remember, relationships can endure mistakes if both parties are willing to communicate and work through issues together. By taking these steps, you can show your fiancé how much you value your relationship and your commitment to building a future together.

Ultimately, the outcome will depend on both your fiancé's feelings and your willingness to work on the relationship. It’s a challenging situation, but with effort and understanding, it’s possible to move past this hurdle.