Will Belly and Jere’s Proposal Survive the Fallout?
Introduction
With season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty already delivering Grey's Anatomy-level emotional chaos in just two episodes, fans are bracing for what’s next. Episode 2 left us speechless with Steven’s car crash, Conrad’s career crisis, and, plot twist of the century, Jere proposing to Belly. Yes, you read that right. A marriage proposal in the middle of young adult heartbreak and hospital drama? Episode 3 promises to pick up right where we left off, and the stakes have never been higher.
Let’s swoop into what to expect from The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 3 based on all the drama that’s already unfolded.
Wedding Bells or Red Flags?
The biggest shocker from episode 2 was, no doubt, Jere proposing to Belly and her saying yes without a moment's hesitation. But let’s be real: does Belly really want to get married? Or is this impulsive “yes” just her attempt to cling to something stable after weeks of emotional turmoil?
In episode 3, expect the consequences of this decision to take the main lead. Laurel, Belly’s fiercely protective mom, will not be thrilled about her teenage daughter diving into an engagement, she’s already struggling with her own baggage (sleeping with her ex-husband at a boring conference, for one), so discovering that Belly said yes to a life-altering decision without her knowing might send her spiraling.
Don’t forget, Belly’s not just dealing with Jere’s past betrayal. She’s still hiding her secret, her Christmas hangout with Conrad. If episode 3 leans into emotional honesty, this hidden moment might surface and shake things up again.
Conrad’s Breaking Point
Speaking of Cousins' most broody heartthrob, Conrad had a horrific week in episode 2, Not only was he fired from his job in medicine for being “unstable,” but he also didn’t show up at the hospital when Steven was injured. That’s a huge red flag, especially for someone who’s always been seen as dependable in a crisis.
Fans are already speculating that Conrad’s spiraling mental health could be the focus of episode 3. Maybe he finally lets himself unravel and admits he’s still hung up on Belly, especially now that she’s engaged to his brother. Even if he doesn’t say it out loud, episode 3 could show us the cracks forming under his carefully guarded exterior.
Could we get a flashback to that silent Christmas night, Belly and Conrad spent together? Maybe, that quiet, platonic-but-charged time together has been haunting Belly’s mind and it’s likely haunting Conrad’s, too.
Taylor and Steven: Over or Not?
Episode 2 had us clutching our hearts when Taylor finally admitted she’s in love with Steven but in classic TSITP fashion, the moment of truth was quickly undercut by Steven saying they shouldn’t be together. The man just got into a car accident, had a near-death epiphany, and still managed to crush Taylor’s heart like a soda can. Oof.
In episode 3, expect things to be complicated. Will Taylor try one last time to win Steven over? Or will she respect his decision and move on, possibly even falling into a rebound romance to distract herself? With Taylor’s feisty personality and Steven’s “I’m trying to do the right thing” vibe, this tension is far from over.
Also, let’s not forget Mia. While Steven has broken up with her, she hasn’t had her final word yet. We could see some major fallout there, especially if Mia finds out why Steven really ended things.
Laurel's Guilt and Mother-Daughter Clash
Laurel missed Belly’s calls during Steven’s hospital emergency because she was, uh, otherwise occupied with Belly’s dad, which left Belly in tears and Laurel full of guilt. Episode 3 will likely open with that tension. Laurel prides herself on being a present, grounded parent, but this was a major fail.
Expect episode 3 to explore the guilt Laurel feels for letting Belly down and how that collides with Belly's own bottled-up emotions, their relationship might hit a rough patch as Belly accuses her mom of not being there for her when it mattered most.
And remember: Laurel still doesn’t know about the engagement, that confrontation is going to be everything. Laurel might be mad, hurt, or worse. Think Belly is running away from her problems instead of facing them.
Is the Proposal Causing Any Panic?
While Belly and Jere's engagement might feel romantic in the heat of the moment, it reeks of emotional panic. Belly was sobbing just hours earlier. Jere is desperate for redemption, and Conrad is quietly imploding, this doesn’t feel like true love—it feels like escape.
Episode 3 might give us a closer look at why Jere popped the question so quickly. Is it guilt? Fear of losing Belly to Conrad again? Or a naive attempt to prove he’s the right choice?
There’s also the question of how everyone around them will respond. Will friends and family support the engagement or stage an intervention? Taylor, now hurt by Steven, might project her heartbreak onto Belly’s situation. Conrad might either keep quiet or finally fight for Belly, and Laurel? Well, she might just go full protective mama bear.
What Role Will Cousins Beach Play Next?
It wouldn’t be The Summer I Turned Pretty without Cousins Beach making an appearance. So far, the setting has taken a backseat to college campuses and hospital rooms, but fans wonder when we get back to the beach house?
If wedding planning is starting (crazy, but possible), Cousins would be the natural place for it. The beach holds emotional memories for Belly, Jere, and Conrad, many of which are unresolved. Returning there could stir up old feelings and bring the tension to a head.
Fans are speculating that a possible “engagement party” at Cousins might force everyone, including Conrad, to face the truth.
Fan Theories: Team Conrad vs. Team Jere Intensifies
Now that we’ve got a proposal on the table, fans are split down the middle. Team Jere fans are hoping this is the beginning of their fairytale. Team Conrad fans are convinced this is just a blip, and that Conrad is Belly’s true endgame.
Many fans believe that episode 3 will mark a turning point. Whether it’s a confrontation between the brothers, an emotional confession, or Belly finally confronting her doubts, we’re headed toward a major shake-up.
Some popular theories for episode 3:
- Conrad shows up uninvited and walks in on Belly wearing a ring
- Belly backs out of the engagement after overhearing Jere say he still feels guilty
- Taylor discovers Belly’s Christmas secret and accidentally lets it slip to Jere
- Steven and Taylor kiss again in a moment of vulnerability
Conclusion
The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 has already taken viewers on a wild emotional ride, and episode 3 promises to keep the momentum going. As Belly and Jere are engaged, Conrad is on the verge of collapse, and relationships are crumbling left and right, the next episode is bound to be dramatic, tender, and chaotic in the best way.
Belly may be caught between love, loyalty, and longing, but fans? We’re just here for the drama, and episode 3 can’t come soon enough.
Read more: The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2: Full Recap and Review
