It is 1954 and Barton Barre has not only survived World War II, but also come home a hero, thanks to his family's lucky phoenix. However, for this man of action, fortune is as fickle as is his heart. Now as he works to build a Texas oil empire, he must also keep his beautiful wife, Elise, and their son, Francis, content. Unfortunately, for Barton, this challenge is not easy as temptation and greed influence his every move. Elise is a devoted mother who also faithfully follows Barton despite his callousness and lies. She knows his soul and believes he is the beast that only her love can tame. Francis is a resilient boy who has learned early that when it comes to his father, he comes last. As he matures, strives for perfection, and exceeds his parents' expectations, Francis still manages to fall into the shadow of their demanding lives. As temptation knocks on his own door, life leads Francis down a new path where every decision comes with consequences and he ponders whether he is now a victim of the dreaded La Barre family curse. In this continuing multi-generational tale, fate and luck, play havoc with the Barre family during post-World War II Texas where love appears to be the only key to bliss.