OP you are a good man who went through a real crappy situation with your ex (she sounds like a spineless, gutless who tried to "better deal" you and failed - many women and I hate perpetuating stereotypes - are famous for this play and the stories of women better dealing a guy only to have the better deal fail and realize their mistake and come back on their knees is all too familiar a tale. Way more than it should be) , but in the cliche "everything happens for a reason" it totally sounds like YOU got a better deal once you got the ex out of your life. Despite the devastating setback of yesterday (and Im so sorry and realize how tough it is) that you ended up with a better person, a better family and a better situation. Yesterday was just one of those bad "life" things, but you are still on the better path. Know this. Im sure you do.
Oh and I dont think you are this person, because you sound like a better guy than me by a mile, but if you are a petty vindictive person like me and want to feel better for a brief moment, call the ex in North Carolina. Tell youve been thinking about her and you need to see her. Tell her she needs to drive to CT to talk about something immediately. Then never show up to the meeting spot. When she calls after reaching CT wondering where you are, laugh at her say " you" and hang up.
And THEN never talk to her again.