Chapter Twenty-Six

After finding a simple, perfect wedding dress, Belly calls Jeremiah while wearing it. Despite her excitement, Belly admits sadness that Laurel didn’t join the shopping, and Jeremiah gently hopes Laurel will come around, both mindful of Susannah’s absence.

The next morning, Jeremiah unexpectedly appears with lilies and a charming greeting for Laurel, briefly lightening the mood. They sit to talk, but Laurel states she cannot support the marriage, arguing they are too young and should wait until after Belly graduates. Jeremiah pledges lifelong commitment and assures Belly will finish school, but Laurel still refuses, adding she won’t attend and questions their finances.

Stung, Belly accuses Laurel of wanting control. When Laurel calls the marriage a “stupid decision,” Belly decides to leave. She packs and tells Jeremiah she will stay at the Cousins house until the wedding to plan without conflict.

On the way out of town, Belly stops at Behrs to quit her job, citing the upcoming wedding. Alone afterward, she breaks down in sobs, recognizing she can act independently—leave home, quit, marry—but mourning the loss of her mother’s support and the end of feeling guided by Laurel’s authority.