I went to the library the next morning and looked up the marriage license in the public records. It was real. The address listed for Amber matched the bridal shop I had saved on my own wedding board two years before. I sat at that computer for a long time after that.

I took the bus to the courthouse and filed for sole custody and child support. The clerk told me it would take thirty days to serve him overseas. I told her the wedding was in twenty one days. She said there was nothing faster. I paid the fee and left with the stamped papers.

That night I wrote to Derek’s commanding officer. I explained the situation and attached the custody filing. I asked if there was any way support could start before the wedding. I did not expect an answer that fast.

Three days later an envelope came back with the base return address. The letter inside said the paperwork had been received and processed. It also said Derek’s pay would be garnished starting the first of the month and that his dependent forms would need updating because he had listed no wife or child on record. I read that line twice. Then I put the letter back in the envelope and kept it in my purse.

I did not go to the wedding to yell. I went because I wanted him to see me standing there with that envelope before he finished saying his vows. I wore the same coat I had on the night of the blizzard and I carried Emma’s diaper bag on my shoulder even though she was with a sitter. I sat in the last row on the aisle side.

Amber walked in on her father’s arm. The dress was the one I had circled in the catalog.

Derek stood at the front in a dark suit, his hands clasped. When he turned to face her he looked past her and straight at me. His face went the color of the wall behind him. He did not blink. The best man had to touch his shoulder to make him turn back around.

I stayed for the whole thing. I listened to the vows and the prayers. When the pastor told them they could kiss I stood up. Derek looked at me again. I held the envelope higher so the letterhead caught the light from the side windows. Then I walked out.

My phone buzzed before I reached the parking lot. The message was from Derek. It said Diane what are you doing here. I typed back the same words his mother had used on me. You’ll be alright. You always survive. Then I attached the picture of the letter and hit send.