Faced with increasingly pointed hints from one determined, marriage-minded prosecutor, an equally determined and “devious” defense attorney did what any good lawyer would do: begin plotting strategy, enlisting assistance and, most importantly, evading discovery until the optimum moment to present his case.

In love as in law, preparation is key, as attested by the diamond ring shining on Kimberly Bourroughs’ finger—the culmination of an elaborate three-day charade during which she was by turns exhilarated, annoyed, puzzled, angry and finally thrilled when her boyfriend, Barry Debrow Jr., finally appeared from candle-starred darkness to pop the question.