Chapter Fifty-Four

Steven wakes Conrad, panicked that Jeremiah is missing and has left his phone behind. Conrad tells Steven to stall Belly and promises to find Jeremiah. Laurel hands Conrad an envelope she believes is for Jeremiah from Susannah, asking Conrad to deliver it.

Conrad searches familiar haunts with no luck, then realizes Jeremiah might seek comfort where Susannah’s presence feels strongest: the women’s shelter garden. He finds Jeremiah there and urges him to return for the wedding. Jeremiah, enraged over Conrad’s actions with Belly, threatens violence.

Conrad offers himself up to be hit, insisting Belly should not be kept waiting. Their argument escalates: Conrad accuses Jeremiah of betraying Belly in Cabo; Jeremiah accuses Conrad of cowardice and mistreating Belly. Jeremiah punches Conrad twice, knocking him down.

Pushed, Conrad finally admits he still loves Belly but says Belly chose Jeremiah and the wedding must proceed. Conrad hands over the envelope, saying it’s from their mother for Jeremiah’s wedding day. Jeremiah reads it, breaks down, then announces he will return—but not with Conrad, whom he disowns and bans from his life and wedding.

Jeremiah leaves the letter behind, saying it belongs to Conrad. Conrad opens it and discovers it is addressed to him, “Dear Conrad,” and he breaks down in tears.