Chapter Twenty-Seven

On the drive to Cousins, Jeremiah tells Belly that Conrad has been staying at the summer house since the restaurant incident. Belly feels uneasy but, upon arriving, is relieved to be back in the familiar home. Conrad returns with groceries, surprised to find them there, and confirms the wedding is still happening while noting Laurel hasn’t changed her mind.

Conrad cooks a simple dinner and, despite surprise, agrees that Belly can stay at the house to focus on wedding planning. Jeremiah jokes about Conrad’s cooking and floats guest list ideas, while Belly pushes to keep the wedding small and asks if Conrad will be Jeremiah’s best man, which Jeremiah hasn’t formally asked yet.

After dinner, Conrad declines ice cream to clean up. Belly and Jeremiah walk the boardwalk, touch lightly on the conflict with Laurel, and continue logistical talk about guests and food. Returning, Conrad plans to surf early and invites Jeremiah, who agrees despite a planned morning guest-list session with Belly.

When the night winds down, Belly decides to sleep in her old room for comfort and a sense of normalcy tied to the house, which briefly stings Jeremiah. She reassures him about their future together, and they sleep separately. Belly finally rests well for the first time in weeks, even as wedding and family tensions remain unresolved.