Six weeks later on the morning of the 12th, we went to the Daley Center in downtown Chicago where I joined the other members of the "potential jury". Also in attendance were opposing counsel, a court reporter, and a witness. The bailiff announced the Judge and she ordered court in session. After a period of introduction, the Judge began the jury selection process. She asked if any members of the jury knew any of the parties involved. I raised my hand and stated that I knew Michael. Mike addressed the judge, stating that I was his girlfriend, and that under the circumstances he was sure that opposing counsel would agree to dismiss me. The judge ordered Mike to approach the bench and told him that he should have made this official a long time ago. She ordered him to place the event on public record. As Mike approached me, my parent's walked in from the Judge's chambers! I still had no idea what was going on. Mike pulled a ring box out of his pocket, opened it, and asked me to be his wife. The jury summons and trial had been staged. Everyone involved worked at the Daley Center and volunteered their time to help make the event so memorable. It took Mike eight months to plan the engagement, and it took me a few hours to calm down.