Fine Things

Bernie Fine leaves New York City and moves to San Francisco to work at Wolff's department store on the West Coast. He quickly becomes a visible figure in the company circle. His move sets up the new life chapter that will test his relationships and ambitions.

In the store, Bernie approaches Jane, a lost child, and helps by paging her mother. They share an ice cream sundae in his office while waiting for Liz O'Reilly. This moment begins a meaningful, cross-family connection that anchors the early part of the story.

Jane and Liz invite Bernie to join them for lunch at a friend's beach house in Stinson Beach. The outing deepens the bond between Bernie and Liz, and sets the stage for their future relationship.

Bernie and Liz begin dating and decide to marry, envisioning a blended family. They navigate initial family tensions, including Ruth's reservations about Liz's background.

Bernie's mother Ruth initially resists Liz due to religious differences but gradually accepts Liz as her daughter-in-law. The evolving family dynamic foreshadows future acceptance of Jane and Alexander.

Liz becomes pregnant, and she gives birth to Alexander, bringing new hopes to the family. The arrival of a son deepens Bernie's commitment and sense of responsibility.

After Alexander's birth, Liz is diagnosed with bone cancer, forcing the couple to confront mortality. She initially resists chemotherapy, while Bernie urges her to pursue treatment as best as she can. Liz plans to continue teaching and finish the school year despite her illness.

Ruth buys a wig for Liz and apologizes for past judgments, signaling a healing of old wounds. The gesture helps soften tensions between mother and daughter-in-law and shows Ruth's growing acceptance.

Liz decides to give up chemotherapy, expressing a desire to spend her final days without heavy medicine. Bernie supports her decision, and they share an emotional farewell before her death in bed.

Bernie purchases a vacation cottage in Napa Valley, hoping to start anew with Jane and Alexander. He imagines a simpler life, with a fresh future away from the city.

Chandler Scott returns and kidnap Jane, catching Bernie off guard. Frustrated by the police, Bernie hires private detectives to locate her and eventually brings her home himself.

Bernie falls in love with Dr. Molly in Napa, and Jane fears losing his love. Ruth tells Jane that Bernie will always care for her, even if he marries someone else.

Bernie decides to stay in Napa and open a store in an old schoolhouse, naming it "Fine Things" to honor the good things in his life. He grows closer to Molly as they build their life together.

Chandler sets a trial date to seek full custody of Jane, but evidence leaks showing his cocaine smuggling involvement undermines his case. Bernie wins official custody, allowing Jane to stay with him and Molly.

Bernie, Molly, Jane, and Alexander visit the new store, and Bernie surprises Jane with a new dog. Jane, who initially resisted change, ultimately accepts Bernie as her father.