Navigating Isabel "Belly" Conklin's tangled romantic choices feels like tracking a complex mystery novel. Throughout Jenny Han's bestselling trilogy and its television adaptation, fans obsess over a single core question: who does Belly actually choose in the end? The narrative spans years of summer house traditions, beach bonfires, and deep emotional turbulence at Cousins Beach.
Understanding the trajectory of Belly's heart requires looking past the back-and-forth drama. Her relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher aren't just casual teen romances; they represent two entirely different paths of maturity, grief, and self-discovery. Let's break down the mechanics of the famous love triangle, the key turning points, and why the final choice makes sense for her character arc.
The Cousins Beach Dynamic: Understanding the Fisher Brothers
The romantic tension centers entirely around the Fisher household. Susannah Fisher's summer home acts as a sanctuary where Belly spends her formative years, watching both Conrad and Jeremiah grow from childhood playmates into complicated young men.
Conrad Fisher, the older brother, carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He's introverted, deeply observant, and prone to keeping secrets to protect others from pain. His connection with Belly starts early, anchored by quiet moments on the dock and shared glances that mean everything to her. However, his emotional withdrawal often leaves Belly feeling abandoned when she needs him most.
Jeremiah Fisher represents the opposite energy. He's outgoing, warm, approachable, and acts as the life of every party at Cousins Beach. Jeremiah notices Belly when she first steps out of her shell, offering consistent validation and friendship before romantic feelings take root. Yet, his impulsive streak and underlying insecurities create friction during high-stakes moments.
Conrad Fisher: The Long-Term Emotional Anchor
Conrad's relationship with Belly operates on a slow-burn frequency. He understands her core identity, often noticing small details about her that others miss.
- The Infinite Necklace: Conrad gifts Belly a infinity necklace for her sixteenth birthday, symbolizing an endless bond that survives years of distance and miscommunication.
- Emotional Bottling: Conrad struggles to communicate his feelings effectively, especially while dealing with his mother's terminal illness. This silence drives a wedge between them during pivotal teenage moments.
- Protective Instincts: Even when they're apart, Conrad prioritizes Belly's happiness, stepping back when he believes he'll only cause her more grief.
For fans rooting for Conrad, the connection relies on soulmate tropes. They share an unspoken language built on years of shared history at the beach house. When Conrad finally confesses his enduring love outside the motel, it marks a critical turning point that reframes everything that came before.
Jeremiah Fisher: The Comfort and Companionship Route
Jeremiah offers a stark contrast to Conrad's brooding intensity. Their relationship gains serious momentum during college years when Conrad steps back.
- Open Communication: Unlike his brother, Jeremiah wears his heart on his sleeve and tells Belly exactly how he feels without playing emotional guessing games.
- Reliable Presence: Jeremiah is consistently there for Belly through family crises, providing a safe harbor and steady companionship during turbulent semesters.
- The Maturity Test: Their romance faces its ultimate stress test when past mistakes and doubts surface right before a major life commitment, forcing both of them to reevaluate what they truly want.
Jeremiah represents comfort, ease, and a partnership built on active choice rather than childhood destiny. Choosing Jeremiah would mean choosing peace and predictability over the emotional rollercoaster of her history with Conrad.
Breaking Down the Book Ending vs. The Show Adaptation
Readers of Jenny Han's novels already know the ultimate destination of Belly's journey, but the television series introduces new pacing, expanded character backgrounds, and fresh emotional hurdles.
In the books, Belly spends significant time traveling abroad in Spain, gaining independence outside the Cousins Beach bubble. This time apart allows her to heal from past heartbreaks and establish an identity entirely separate from the Fisher brothers. When she returns, her perspective on love shifts from idealized teenage longing to grounded adult certainty.
The television adaptation mirrors these themes while giving secondary characters more breathing room. By expanding Jeremiah and Conrad's internal struggles, the show makes the final romantic resolution feel earned rather than rushed. Belly isn't just picking a boy because of a childhood promise; she chooses based on who supports her personal growth.
Common Misconceptions About the Love Triangle
Many casual viewers misinterpret the core conflict as a simple good-boy-versus-bad-boy trope. In reality, both Fisher brothers possess distinct flaws that shape Belly's decisions.
- Conrad isn't just a distant jerk: His emotional unavailability stems from grief, not malice. Recognizing this distinction helps explain why Belly keeps finding her way back to him.
- Jeremiah isn't just a rebound: While their romance accelerates during a vulnerable period, Jeremiah genuinely cares for Belly and shares real history with her. Dismissing his role undersells the complexity of youth relationships.
- Belly is not a passive prize: Throughout the narrative, Belly makes active choices—sometimes messy and painful ones—that drive the plot forward. Her agency defines the entire arc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Belly end up with Conrad or Jeremiah?
In the source material, Belly ultimately chooses Conrad Fisher. After years of growth, separation, and individual maturity, they reunite and marry, realizing their childhood connection was built to last.
Why did Belly choose Conrad over Jeremiah?
Conrad understands Belly's deepest ambitions and challenges her to grow, while their shared history at Cousins Beach creates an unbreakable emotional foundation that time cannot erode.
How many books are in The Summer I Turned Pretty series?
The story is told across a trilogy written by Jenny Han: The Summer I Turned Pretty, It's Not Summer Without You, and We'll Always Have Summer.
Does the television series follow the book ending?
While showrunners expand storylines and add new subplots for television pacing, the overarching romantic trajectory stays faithful to Jenny Han's original vision for the characters. You can follow updates on the official Prime Video page for the adaptation.
