The burning question of who does Belly end up with has kept fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty on edge since the series first aired. Jenny Han’s story beautifully captures the whirlwind emotions of first love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The series follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin, a young woman who spends every summer at Cousins Beach with the Fisher family — where her heart becomes tangled between two brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. Both the books and the Amazon Prime series explore Belly’s struggle to understand who she truly loves, making the question of who does Belly end up with one of the most discussed topics in modern romance storytelling.
In both the literary and television worlds, The Summer I Turned Pretty has become a cultural touchstone for a generation of viewers and readers who grew up alongside Belly. The story’s emotional pull lies in its realism — the awkwardness of growing up, the complexity of love, and the bittersweet nature of choosing between two people who represent different versions of happiness. But fans still ask, even after the series finale: who does Belly end up with, and why?
Belly’s Journey from Teenage Crush to Real Love
To understand who does Belly end up with, we must first look at her emotional journey. When the story begins, Belly is just a teenager who spends every summer at Cousins Beach, dreaming about Conrad Fisher. He’s the older, mysterious brother who has always been slightly out of reach. Meanwhile, Jeremiah, the younger brother, is kind-hearted, fun, and openly affectionate — a contrast to Conrad’s brooding nature. These summers become the backdrop of Belly’s transformation from girlhood to womanhood.
As each summer passes, Belly learns that love isn’t just about butterflies and first kisses. It’s about trust, communication, and knowing oneself. Throughout the first two seasons of the show, and the first two books, Belly’s feelings shift and evolve. She dates Jeremiah briefly, experiences heartbreak, and begins to understand that true love is often messy and complicated. The journey toward finding who does Belly end up with is ultimately a story of self-growth and emotional maturity.
Who Does Belly End Up With in the Books
In Jenny Han’s original book trilogy — The Summer I Turned Pretty, It’s Not Summer Without You, and We’ll Always Have Summer — the answer to who does Belly end up with unfolds gradually. In the final book, We’ll Always Have Summer, Belly is engaged to Jeremiah. However, their seemingly perfect relationship starts to crumble when she discovers that Jeremiah has cheated on her during a brief break in their relationship. The betrayal shakes Belly’s confidence and forces her to reevaluate her future.
While she once believed Jeremiah was her forever, Belly soon realises that her heart still belongs to Conrad. After time apart, Belly and Conrad reconnect through heartfelt letters. Their love, once innocent and uncertain, matures into something deeper and more enduring. The series concludes with Belly and Conrad getting married at Cousins Beach, surrounded by family and friends. So in the books, the answer to who does Belly end up with is clear — it’s Conrad Fisher, the boy who loved her quietly but completely from the start.
Who Does Belly End Up With in the Show
The Amazon Prime adaptation takes creative liberties while staying true to the emotional essence of the books. Fans of the series have spent three seasons watching Belly wrestle with her feelings for both Fisher brothers. Season 1 introduces her crush on Conrad, season 2 highlights her deep bond with Jeremiah, and season 3 finally resolves the love triangle that has defined the story.
In the show, the answer to who does Belly end up with is revealed in a heartfelt and symbolic scene. After calling off her engagement to Jeremiah, Belly takes a train journey — a metaphor for change and movement. On that train, she confesses to Conrad that she chooses him. The two return to Cousins Beach together, a place that represents home, love, and new beginnings. Unlike the books, the show does not end with a wedding but instead with a hopeful reunion. Still, the meaning is the same: in the show, who does Belly end up with? It’s Conrad Fisher.
Why Belly Chooses Conrad Over Jeremiah
To understand why the story concludes this way, we need to explore the emotional dynamics between the three characters. Jeremiah represents comfort and stability. He is the safe choice, someone who openly expresses love and care. But Conrad represents passion, history, and growth. Despite his flaws, Conrad challenges Belly to confront her deepest emotions, teaching her what it means to love fully.
When fans ask who does Belly end up with, the answer lies in her heart’s history. Conrad has always been her first love — the one who saw her potential before she even saw it herself. Their love is imperfect, but that imperfection is what makes it real. Jeremiah’s love is warm and easy, but Conrad’s is transformative. Ultimately, Belly chooses Conrad because their connection transcends time, heartbreak, and distance. It’s not just about choosing a person — it’s about choosing the version of herself that she becomes when she’s with him.
How the Book and Show Endings Differ
Although the conclusion of who does Belly end up with is the same in both versions, the way it unfolds is slightly different. The books give a sense of finality — a wedding, a long-awaited happy ending, and closure for fans who followed Belly’s journey for years. The show, on the other hand, opts for a more open-ended approach, allowing viewers to imagine what comes next.
This creative choice keeps the story relevant and modern. Younger audiences connect to the ambiguity, understanding that love doesn’t always need a neat conclusion. Yet, whether it’s through the pages of Jenny Han’s novels or the screens of Prime Video, the answer to who does Belly end up with remains unchanged — Conrad Fisher is her true love in every version of the story.
The Emotional Impact and Fan Reactions
The reveal of who does Belly end up with has divided fans into two passionate camps: Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah. Social media platforms have exploded with debates, theories, and emotional reactions since the finale aired. While some argue that Jeremiah deserved happiness, others celebrate the poetic justice of Belly choosing Conrad — the one who loved her longest.
Jenny Han’s storytelling leaves space for personal interpretation, and that’s why the question of who does Belly end up with continues to resonate. It’s not just about romance; it’s about growing up, making mistakes, and finding clarity through experience. Belly’s journey reminds viewers that love is not about perfection but about understanding, forgiveness, and timing.
Conclusion: The Real Answer to Who Does Belly End Up With
After years of heartbreak, confusion, and growth, the answer to who does Belly end up with is finally clear. Both in the books and on screen, Belly chooses Conrad Fisher — the person who challenged her, inspired her, and loved her even when she didn’t love herself. Their story is one of enduring love that survives the trials of youth and distance.
Belly’s choice reflects her evolution from a dreamy teenager into a confident woman who understands that love is not about choosing the easiest path, but the truest one. So, who does Belly end up with? The answer is the same in every universe — she ends up with Conrad, proving that sometimes, first love really can last forever.
FAQs
Who does Belly end up with in the books?
Belly ends up with Conrad, marrying him at Cousins Beach after years of separation and rediscovery.
Who does Belly end up with in the Amazon Prime show?
In the television series, Belly chooses Conrad during the season 3 finale, and they reunite at Cousins Beach.
Does Belly ever marry Jeremiah?
No, Belly cancels her wedding to Jeremiah after learning he cheated, realising she still loves Conrad.
Why does Belly choose Conrad instead of Jeremiah?
Because Conrad represents her true love — deep, passionate, and enduring — while Jeremiah symbolises friendship and safety.
Will there be another season of The Summer I Turned Pretty?
There’s speculation about season 4, but even if it comes, the answer to who does Belly end up with will always be the same: Conrad Fisher.
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