Author's Note:

I don't know if this is all accurate. But for the sake of the story... let it be.

I spent the following week trying to focus, sort my feelings out, and feel better physically.

It worked to an extent.

My mother had come to stay for a few days with me, to help with the baby, since I was back in my apartment.

Riley had managed to get the information I asked for, rather quickly too. And I managed to gather information and evidence that this marriage was real.

I was debating whether or not to go to the trial when I looked down at Oliver, and my heart hurt at the thought of him growing up like I had.

I couldn't allow that to happen. Even if I was hurting about the situation, nothing but my son's well-being and stability mattered to me.

"I have to go to the trial." I whispered as I made my way to my room and began changing.

She nodded as she held Oliver. "Go. We'll be okay." She told me as she hummed to him.

I nodded, slipping on a gray pencil skirt, a black blouse and my black blazer, before putting on my ballet flats.

I grabbed my bag, and slowly made my way down the stairs to the old Toyota 4Runner Garrett had lent me to move around in.

I groaned as I lifted myself into the driver's seat, hands sweating as I turned the engine on and began to drive.

It took forty minutes to arrive at Camp Pendleton due to traffic. When I arrived I was given directions of where to go.

The roads were practically near as I drove in the direction that I was told to go in.

I quickly found a spot, and parked as close as I could to the door.

The doors to access the building were easy to walk through, but as I arrived to the door where the trial was going to take place, I hesitated, stopping outside the door to take a deep breath before I slowly walked in.

Jake, Jasper, Tyler, and their respective spouses were sitting near the back as I walked in.

I saw Rose and Emmett sitting next to Carlisle, and a few other people I didn't recognize. Carlisle scoffed as he saw me and turned away.

"I thought you wouldn't make it. I wasn't sure if you would come or not." She whispered as she gave me a side hug.

I nodded, "I brought proof that this wasn't a fraud. I have the emails. The date we met. Even the video Jacob took of when we got married. I can't allow him to take all the blame." I whispered.

"That'll be helpful." She told me with a small nod.

"I hope so." I whispered back, as she sat down.

A few moments later, we heard footsteps making their way down the hall, and a door opening. Edward and an older man walked into the room dressed in an olive tone uniform.

He turned to see me standing there, hesitating for a second before moving and taking his seat.

He turned to look at me for a second.

"Hi." I whispered.

He gave me a blank look before turning back and looking down at his lap.

The court official, and another man in uniform walked in a second later.

"All rise." He ordered in a mono tone.

We all slowly stood as the men looked at us.

"Good morning. Be seated." He spoke, clasping his hands before him on the table.

I realized immediately who he was. The Judge.

He then opened a file on the table, and slipped on a pair of glass, pushing them up the bridge of his nose.

"We're here today for a hearing in the case of Lance Corporal Edward A. Masen." He explained. "Lance Corporal Masen stands accused of entering into a fraudulent marriage in order to collect BAH and FSA pay in violation of article 132 of the UCMJ. We have a signed affidavit from James Hunter's testimony of the fraudulent marriage. Lance Corporal Masen's wife, Miss. Swan is a civilian. So, her case will be referred to state authorities, and they may pursue criminal charges. " He informed us.

Edward turned to look at me as I stared back at him, swallowing thickly,before turning back.

"They will have access to the transcripts of these proceedings." The man said.

I looked at Rose, "Can you give these to his lawyer, along with this USB I received last night. Make sure Oliver is okay." I told her as Edward gave me another look.

A second later, Edward whispered something to the man sitting next to him, which caused the man to shake his head.

Before anyone could say anything else Rose gave everything to Emmett who reached forward and handed them to the man.

I watched the man nod and lean towards Edward only for him to shake his head vehemently. Stubborn fool.

As they argued back and forth, the judge sitting in front of us looked to Edward. "Lance Corporal Masen, how do you plead?" He asked.

The man next to him stood up immediately, "Your Honor, my client wishes to speak."

I turned to look at him, "What?" I mouthed to him.

"I'm sorry." He mouthed back.

"Edward." Carlisle said on warning.

"You may proceed." The judge told him.

Edward stood up, ignoring the warning, "Sir. I coerced Miss. Swan into marrying me. Um, she didn't know that it violated military law. I assured her it didn't." He told them.

"No." I said as I stood up too.

He ignored me, "I bear full responsibility, and I am prepared to face the consequences of my actions." He told him.

The judge looked at me in question.

"He's lying." I said. "I have proof that the man who accused us of commiting fraud isn't a dependable or reliable source. I also have proof that our marriage is in fact real." I told him, asking for the files and USB.

The man wordlessly handed them to me as I moved forward.

"How?" He asked.

"James Hunter has been a drug addict for years now. He, himself, has committed fraud, assaulted a police officer and murdered Sonya Wilson. He has been stalking not only me, but also has two attempted murder charges pending. Now, while I don't know much about military law, I do know the laws of the State of California… and I also know that it's his word against mine." I said as he extended his hand towards mine.

"What is this?" He asked me.

"Evidence. Well, more of it." I told him. "Those are the emails exchanged between Edward and I. Along with the phone call history. If this wasn't a real marriage how is it that he and I have a son? If we were in a fraudulent marriage, why would we have a son? Do you think we commit enough to said farce to produce a child for money?" I asked.

He nodded, "What's in the USB?" He asked, holding it up.

"A video of pur wedding ceremony. Along with a few other things that disprove anything James Hunter might have lied about." I told him.

He nodded, "Very well. Lance Corporal Masen, upon review of the evidence presented by Miss. Swan, and Mr. Hunter, and at the completion of your sentence your case will be reviewed once again. You will report for your six month sentence tomorrow at 1700 hours." The judge told him. "Given the outcome of this trial, this court will not refer Miss. Swan's case to the local authorities." He added.

Edward turned to give me a look before turning back and staring blankly forward.

I slowly sat down feeling the soreness in my operation sight.

"Are you okay?" Jacob asked me.

"I'm fine." I whispered as the judge banged the gavel dismissing all of us.

I slowly made my way out as soon as the trial finished and drove back home.

Author's Note:

Hope y'all liked it. One to two more chapters till the end!