The Summer I Turned Pretty, #3
We'll Always Have Summer
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Thirteen
Overview
Belly and Jeremiah plan to announce their engagement when both families gather in Cousins for a ceremony honoring Susannah. Belly worries about her mother’s reaction and Conrad’s unpredictability, recalling his absence from Laurel’s birthday. Jeremiah’s carefree public shout cements Belly’s sense that their bond is enduring.
Summary
Belly decides the perfect moment to share her engagement is when both families meet in Cousins for a ceremony dedicating a garden to Susannah at a shelter she supported. The plan gathers Belly, Jeremiah, Laurel, Mr. Fisher, Steven, and Conrad.
Thinking of Conrad, Belly recalls not seeing him since Christmas and how he skipped Laurel’s fiftieth birthday, despite his close, private bond with Laurel. His bouquet of red zinnias softened the slight, but Belly concludes Conrad can’t be counted on and worries how he’ll react to the news.
Belly also fears her mother’s response. Jeremiah is unworried, insisting that as adults, no one can stop them if they’re serious.
Walking back from the dining hall, Jeremiah loudly announces their engagement to passersby, then goofs around, lifting Belly and urging her to “fly.” His exuberance makes Belly feel anchored in their shared past and certain that their promise to each other is real and lasting amid all the changes.
Who Appears
- Belly ConklinNarrator; plans to announce her engagement at Cousins; worries about her mother and Conrad; feels reassured by Jeremiah.
- Jeremiah FisherFiancé; confident they’re adults; loudly announces the engagement on campus; playful and steadying presence for Belly.
- Conrad FisherAbsent but central in thought; close with Laurel; missed her birthday; Belly doubts his reliability and reaction.
- Laurel ConklinBelly’s mother; shares a private bond with Conrad; may disapprove; previously received zinnias from him.
- Steven ConklinBelly’s brother; expected to attend the Cousins ceremony where the engagement will be revealed.
- Mr. FisherJeremiah and Conrad’s father; slated to attend Susannah’s memorial garden ceremony in Cousins.
- Susannah FisherDeceased; honored with a garden dedication that brings both families together.