Bernard "Bernie" Fine is a highly successful businessman who moves from New York City to San Francisco for his work at the west coast Wolff's department store. One day, he meets Liz O'Reilly, a single mother who was left by her husband Chandler Scott around the time of her daughter Jane's birth. After a lengthy time of dating, Bernie and Liz decide to marry. Although his mother Ruth, a proud Jew, is not enthusiastic about Liz's religious background, she eventually comes to accept Liz as her new daughter-in-law. Soon, Liz becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son, Alexander. Life is looking great for the couple.