I Told My Fiancée That I Am the Reason Her Father Is Dead

In a cruel turn of events, Cole discovers he was there when Linda’s father passed away when he and his fiancée visit her hometown. He needs to be honest with Linda and her mother now.
I never really believed in fate, that’s for sure. I reasoned that something would happen if it was going to happen. And there would be no more big plans after that.

However, I later discovered Linda’s father’s identity and realised I was to blame for his passing. All of a sudden, it appeared as though fate was involved.

This is what transpired:

At the age of thirty, I am incredibly in love with my fiancée, Linda, and we are working hard to prepare our wedding. We have been together ever since we first met in the enchanted chaos of New York City two years ago.
Linda and I made the decision to travel to Phoenix to see her folks. Because Linda’s mother occasionally travelled to New York to visit with Linda, I had already met her. All I knew was that her father, Leonard, had died while she was still a young child.

Linda wanted to show me the house where she was raised, which is why we went. In addition, she showed me her childhood home, the place I would have met her had my family not relocated to New York when my father was hired. Had fortune been on her side, Linda and I would have crossed paths prior to our relocation.

However, Linda’s main intention was to ask Veronica, her mother, whether she could lend her veil for our wedding.

There was a lot of fun and wonderful food over dinner. Just Veronica’s chilli made the journey worthwhile.
Then the old pictures of Linda appeared.

“Cole,” Veronica stated while presenting me with an album. “You’ve got to see Linda’s hair during her rebellious years.”
Everything was innocent and enjoyable. That is, until I came across a picture of Linda with her father.

My blood ran cold from it.

I held the old picture for a moment or two, the bottle of beer trembling in my grasp.

A face I never would have thought to see in Linda’s family album was in the shot.

My mind was racing when I blurted out a confession.

I regret to inform you that I am the cause of your father’s passing. I killed him, Linda.”
Linda’s happy face turned to one of bewilderment and shock. Her face twisted in front of my eyes.
“Cole, what do you mean?” she enquired. “About 20 years ago, my father passed away. How are you the cause of his demise?”

“Do you remember I told you that my family lived in Phoenix for about a year when I was ten?”

Both Linda and her mum gave a nod.

“My father was in between jobs, so we didn’t stay here for very long. However, I had a passion for bicycling at that time, and I would always bike back a few blocks before supper. One day the sun was so distracting that I got into the wrong lane while riding. Another automobile was on the road, and it swerved and struck a tree to keep me safe.”

I hesitated, unable to look at Linda or her mother.

“This photo,” I continued, gesturing to the one with Linda and her dad. “The newspaper published this one. When I saw it the following day, I knew the man had come to my rescue. I’m not sure who made the ambulance call, but I do know that I waited for them to go by sitting on the curb. I then strolled home.”

But Linda was still a child, her mother remarked.

“Until now, I was unaware that he was your father,” I informed Linda. “It was only when I saw this photograph.”
A hush fell over the room.

“I understand if you want to cancel the wedding,” I replied. “Linda, I’d do anything for you. It is inconceivable to let you go, even if that means doing so. And it’s not forgiven. I am aware.”

Linda grabbed my bottle of beer and took a sip.

“I believe our meeting was meant to be,” she replied, grasping my hand. “And I believe my father kept you for himself. You rode a bicycle because you were a child, and I can’t hold it against them. Furthermore, I can’t hold it against my father for wanting to save you. I absolve you.”

Linda’s remarks struck me with force. She gave me a hug as soon as she got to her feet.
I started crying after that. It was also therapeutic.
Then Linda’s mother moved forward to join the hug. She appeared to have forgiven me, even though I wasn’t sure if she would have.

One week before our wedding, I’m sitting here writing my vows and I have never felt more content.

Even though it was fate or coincidence, knowing the family of the man who saved me gives me a feeling of closure. Now, though, his family will be mine too.