The question that has fueled the greatest love triangle in modern YA literature is finally answered in the pages of the original trilogy. For years, fans have debated whether Isabel "Belly" Conklin belongs with the brooding, emotionally complex Conrad Fisher or the sunny, golden-retriever energy of his younger brother, Jeremiah Fisher. As of today, December 13, 2025, the definitive answer is locked in the final book, *We'll Always Have Summer*, and it is a choice that solidifies the narrative's central theme of first love and destiny.
The journey of Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah, which began during those idyllic summers at Cousins Beach, reaches a dramatic and conclusive endpoint in the source material. While the Amazon Prime Video series has taken creative liberties, the original book ending provides a clear resolution to the decades-long question, confirming a long-held belief for many readers about Belly's true soulmate.
The Definitive Book Ending: Belly’s Final Choice Revealed
The third and final novel in Jenny Han’s trilogy, *We’ll Always Have Summer*, does not leave the love triangle ambiguous. The book is a turbulent ride that sees Belly navigate a broken engagement, the aftermath of a major betrayal, and the realization that some loves are truly "infinite."
The Tumultuous Journey with Jeremiah Fisher
The story begins with Belly Conklin and Jeremiah Fisher in a serious relationship, a pairing that seemed stable after the events of the second book. However, their relationship is tested by the realities of college life and the lingering shadow of Conrad Fisher. A pivotal moment occurs when Jeremiah confesses to cheating on Belly while they were on a break. This moment is a massive turning point, shattering Belly's trust and forcing her to confront the foundation of their bond. Despite the betrayal, Jeremiah proposes to Belly in a desperate attempt to save their relationship, and she accepts.
The decision to get married so young is controversial and deeply opposed by their families, especially Belly's mother, Laurel Conklin, and the boys' father. The attempted wedding becomes the central drama of the book. As the wedding approaches, the tension between the three main characters—Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad—reaches a breaking point. Conrad, who has been trying to move on but still harbors deep feelings for Belly, makes one last, heartfelt plea for her to choose him instead of going through with the marriage. This confrontation, combined with the earlier cheating revelation, forces Belly to finally acknowledge the fundamental incompatibilities in her relationship with Jeremiah.
Ultimately, Belly realizes that the rushed marriage is a mistake and that her relationship with Jeremiah is not the forever love she thought it was. She calls off the wedding, leading to a painful but necessary breakup. This decision marks a significant moment of self-discovery, as Belly chooses her own path and future over a relationship built on insecurity and youthful impulsiveness.
The Inevitable Endgame: Belly and Conrad
Following the broken engagement, the story includes a significant time jump. This narrative device allows Belly to grow and mature outside of the immediate drama of the Fisher brothers. She focuses on college, her friendships, and her own life. During this period, she and Conrad begin to reconnect, not as teenagers caught in a love triangle, but as adults.
The book’s final pages confirm the long-awaited resolution for Team Conrad. Belly and Conrad get married at the age of 23. The wedding takes place at the one place that holds the most meaning for them: Cousins Beach. This setting is symbolic, representing the full-circle nature of their relationship, which began and blossomed during their summers there. The final scenes show Belly and Conrad happy, finally together, and ready to start their life.
The book’s ending firmly establishes that Conrad was Belly's first love, her first heartbreak, and ultimately, her forever love. Their relationship is portrayed as the destined one, often described with the word "infinite" by the author, Jenny Han.
Major Plot Points and Character Development in *We’ll Always Have Summer*
The third novel is a deep dive into the characters’ maturity and acceptance of their past. It’s not just about who Belly chooses, but *why* she makes that choice and how the characters grow from their mistakes.
- Jeremiah’s Betrayal: The revelation of Jeremiah cheating is the catalyst that forces Belly to re-evaluate their engagement. It highlights the difference between a comfortable, easy love and a profound, enduring one.
- Conrad’s Redemption: Conrad, who often struggled to communicate his feelings, particularly after the death of his mother, Susannah Fisher, finally finds his voice. His willingness to fight for Belly, even if it means risking his relationship with his brother, shows his emotional growth.
- The Time Jump: The leap ahead in time is crucial. It prevents Belly from immediately jumping from one brother to the next. She spends time single, ensuring her final choice of Conrad is made from a place of adult certainty, not teenage confusion.
- Family Support: Even Jeremiah attends the wedding of Belly and Conrad, showing that the brothers eventually reconcile and move past the intense rivalry. Laurel Conklin also fully supports Belly's final choice, even helping her pick out her wedding dress.
Will The Amazon Prime Series Follow The Book Ending?
The most pressing question for fans of the TV show is whether The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 will remain faithful to the original book ending. The show, helmed by creator Jenny Han, has already made significant changes to the source material in the first two seasons, leading to speculation that the final season might deviate as well.
While the book is a clear Bonrad (Belly and Conrad) endgame, Han has publicly teased the possibility of a different resolution for the show. In interviews, she has hinted that the TV adaptation could see Belly choose a different path, perhaps even choosing herself and remaining single, which is a popular fan theory for a more modern adaptation.
However, many fans and critics believe that despite the changes, the core emotional arc of the story—Belly's deep, foundational love for Conrad—is too central to the narrative to be completely abandoned. The show has consistently built the tension and history between Belly and Conrad, making a deviation from their eventual marriage a major risk for the series finale. The adaptation of *We'll Always Have Summer* for the screen will be the ultimate test of the show’s loyalty to the source material versus its desire to surprise its audience.
For now, book purists can rest assured: in the world of the novels, the path leads directly to a Belly and Conrad wedding, a culmination of their childhood friendship and enduring, destined love.
Detail Author:
- Name : Reymundo Medhurst
- Username : don52
- Email : lonie.stehr@bailey.com
- Birthdate : 2002-06-15
- Address : 2359 Blick Oval West Santinaland, ME 51086
- Phone : 1-772-373-2453
- Company : Adams-Miller
- Job : Radiologic Technician
- Bio : Laborum molestiae non quae enim omnis perspiciatis aspernatur. Et quas ab voluptatem tempore et nihil placeat. Maiores magnam dolore recusandae aperiam similique quia voluptate.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/halvorson1984
- username : halvorson1984
- bio : Qui laborum itaque qui. Saepe illo quis deserunt veniam. Vitae rerum sapiente nemo suscipit ut et.
- followers : 903
- following : 1319
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@harold.halvorson
- username : harold.halvorson
- bio : Odit illum qui qui et hic quas rerum.
- followers : 2522
- following : 1220