The love triangle between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah is the emotional core of Jenny Han’s beloved trilogy The Summer I Turned Pretty. Fans who read the books often feel deeply connected to each character, which naturally leads to the big question: Who does Belly actually end up with in the books? While the TV show creates new layers and shifts character dynamics, the book canon gives a clear, definite answer. In the novels, Belly ends up with Conrad Fisher, the quiet, complicated boy she loved from childhood. Their relationship goes through heartbreak, distance, and growth, but ultimately, they find their way back to each other by the end of the final book.
Belly’s Final Choice: Conrad Fisher
In the final pages of We’ll Always Have Summer, Belly and Conrad get married after years of emotional ups and downs. The books show that Belly’s love for Conrad is long-lasting, deep, and always present—even during the years when she tries to move on. Although she has a serious relationship with Jeremiah, it becomes clear that Conrad has always held a uniquely permanent place in her heart. The ending confirms that their bond, built all the way back in their childhood summers at Cousins Beach, was the strongest and most enduring connection in the series.
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How the Love Triangle Develops Across the Trilogy
Book 1: The Summer I Turned Pretty
The first book introduces Belly’s lifelong crush on Conrad. She has adored him since she was a little girl, but this summer is different—she has grown up, and both brothers begin looking at her in a new light. Conrad becomes distant, moody, and emotionally unavailable, not because he doesn’t care, but because he struggles with grief and responsibility. Jeremiah, on the other hand, is warm, affectionate, and easy to talk to. Even then, though, Belly’s heart leans toward Conrad. The book ends with a subtle promise of something deeper between them, although it remains uncertain.
Book 2: It’s Not Summer Without You
This book shifts the tone significantly. The characters are older, and emotions feel heavier. Conrad pulls away even more, breaking Belly’s heart when she feels him slipping out of her life. Jeremiah steps in as her support system while the Fisher family faces immense emotional pain. Belly begins to see Jeremiah differently, not just as a fun and safe friend, but as someone dependable. Still, every time she thinks she’s moving forward with Jeremiah, something inside her keeps pulling her thoughts back to Conrad. The love triangle becomes more serious, but Conrad’s emotional distance makes Belly wonder if a future with him is even possible.
Book 3: We’ll Always Have Summer
The final book delivers the most intense part of Belly’s romantic journey. She and Jeremiah are in a committed relationship, trying to build a life together. Their relationship is stable and sweet, but it lacks the emotional depth that Belly once experienced with Conrad. After Jeremiah makes a heartbreaking mistake, he proposes to Belly as a way to repair things. Belly says yes, but deep inside, she feels doubts that she tries hard to ignore. As they plan their wedding, old feelings resurface—especially when Conrad quietly reenters her life. He respects Belly’s choices, but his presence brings back everything she has spent years suppressing.
During the wedding preparations, Belly realizes that while Jeremiah loves her, he doesn’t understand her in the profound way Conrad does. She also understands that marrying Jeremiah would be choosing a comfortable, safe love—while her heart still belongs to someone else. When Jeremiah senses the disconnect, he ends the engagement. The breakup is painful, but it clears the path for Belly to truly confront her feelings for Conrad.
The True Ending
After time apart, Belly and Conrad reconnect. Both have matured: Conrad becomes more expressive and emotionally open, and Belly becomes clearer about what she wants for her future. They rebuild their relationship slowly, carefully, and with genuine effort. By the final chapter, readers learn that Belly and Conrad get married, confirming that they are the endgame in the book universe.
Why Belly Ultimately Chooses Conrad?
Belly’s connection to Conrad is emotional, nostalgic, frustrating, and powerful all at once. Their relationship is not simple, but it has depth that grows with them. Some of the key reasons Belly ends up with Conrad include:
- Lifelong Connection: Conrad has always been Belly’s first love, and those feelings never disappear despite fights, breakups, and misunderstandings. Their bond feels almost inevitable in the books.
- Character Growth: Conrad goes from being closed off and self-destructive to someone who learns how to show love in a healthy, supportive way.
- Emotional Depth: Belly’s relationship with Jeremiah is steady and sweet, but the emotional intensity and passion she feels with Conrad are unmatched.
- Mature Reconciliation: Their reunion is not impulsive. Both of them take time to grow individually, showing that their final relationship is based on maturity rather than teenage infatuation.
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What Happens to Jeremiah?
Jeremiah remains an important figure, but not Belly’s long-term partner. He experiences heartbreak when the engagement ends, and the book does not reveal who he ends up with later in life. His story is left open-ended, allowing readers to imagine his future. Although he loses Belly, the narrative suggests he will eventually find someone who fits him better than she did.
Is the Book Ending the Same as the TV Show?
The TV adaptation takes creative liberties. Jeremiah’s character receives much more development, and Belly’s relationship with him feels more equal. The show also reshapes certain events and emotional arcs. Because author Jenny Han is heavily involved in the series, many fans wonder whether the show might change Belly’s final romantic choice. But as of the book canon, Conrad is the definitive endgame. Unless the show intentionally rewrites the ending, Belly marrying Conrad remains the official outcome.
Final Answer
In the books, Belly ends up with Conrad Fisher. They overcome misunderstandings, emotional struggles, and years of complicated history to eventually find stability and love as adults. Their marriage is the final confirmation that Conrad—not Jeremiah—is Belly’s ultimate choice.
Disclaimer
We are an educational platform, not professional counselors, therapists, or medical experts. The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional parenting, medical, psychological, or legal advice. Every family and child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Always seek guidance from qualified professionals before making decisions about your family’s health, education, or well-being. I share my personal experiences here purely for entertainment purposes, so please do not take them too seriously or apply them to yourself without proper consideration.
