The pencil tore through the pearl-colored monogrammed paper. A result of her frustration at having to cut the invitation list once more at the request of her bridegroom and his penny-pinching family. Didn't they understand the importance of having all of the right people present at their wedding?

It wasn't everyday that Eve Wentworth got married! Even if she was marrying into a family without the same connections and pedigree, she was marrying a successful hard-working physician at a major medical center.

Her future was certain — as would be his — once they were married. Her daddy would make sure of it. Now she had to compromise on the reception because 750 people at a wedding and reception was unthinkable to the Schmidt family.

Now, who could she remove from the list. Of course, it would have to be from her side of the guest list because Rob and his family had only invited 100 people. It shouldn't be a crime to have friends, but she sensed disappointment from him when she protested about reducing the size of the wedding. It wasn't like anyone expected his family to pay.

Eve bowed her head and her auburn hair tumbled forward shrouding her face hiding her tears. This should be a happy time for her. Why couldn't she have her way on this one very special day? Her right arm swept across the surface of her writing desk and the list fluttered through the air.

Her shoulders convulsed as her silent sobs broke free. A rapping on the door of her suite startled her. She wiped hastily at her tear-streaked face and steeled herself to face the person standing outside.

"Come in, please."

Madelaine Wentworth, her mother, seemed to float across the floor with the effortless grace of the debutante she was long ago. She missed nothing as her eyes scanned her daughter's reddened eyes, disheveled hair and the clutter of paper strewn across the carpet.

"Well, it seems I've come at the right time. Come sit with me, Eve. We need to talk." Madelaine sat on the settee and motioned to the space beside her. Eve sat with her hands folded before her and her ankles crossed demurely to one side.

"I want to tell you a story about a young lady much like you — entitled, stubborn —"

"I'm not —" Eve's protestation cut off her mother's statement. The look she received from her mother, silenced her.

"As I was saying before I was interrupted, entitled, stubborn and clueless. Don't pout, Eve, it is so unbecoming. Now, this young woman who I will call Lainie, fell in love with a wonderful man who came from a small town where his parents were farmers. He was handsome, brave and smart. He made Lainie feel like a queen." Eve's mother stopped for a moment.

Eve's breath caught as she noted the wistful smile on her mother's face and she thought her mother's eyes glistened. Could it be tears?

"Lainie was a vain, stupid girl, and as she made more and more demands, a chasm grew between her and her beau. She wasn't as beautiful in his eyes when he saw what was deep within her nature." Eve's mother clasped her daughter's hand. "Don't make the same mistakes that Lainie did. If you love Rob, cut the guest list, embrace what is important. Do it, Eve, before it's too late."

With her final words, Madelaine "Lainie" Wentworth — with her spine ramrod straight and head held high — exited the room.