The moment Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) told his wife, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), that he wanted to start a family with her, Chicago Fire fans have been swooning.
Stella was initially weary about Severide's pitch; as a fellow Lieutenant at Firehouse 51, she'd be forced to pause her work life to accommodate a pregnancy. And with a turbulent upbringing, she was fearful about making mistakes raising a child. However, after setting aside that perfectionism-driven paralysis and realizing she did want to start a family with Severide, she asked him if he'd be willing to go the adoption route so she wouldn't need to overhaul her career dreams. Severide merrily jumped onboard, and the firefighters have been taking steps to prepare for a little one on the way.
In Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 15 ("Too Close"), we learned that Severide and Stella have made significant progress in their adoption journey, and Firehouse 51 couldn't be more excited.
Severide and Stella got great news after an adoption agency interview
Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) on Chicago Fire Season 7, Episode 7. Photo: Elizabeth Morris/NBC
The episode started with Severide and Stella hosting a home visit from an adoption agency rep. The couple took special measures to ensure everything was polished, perfect, and baby-proofed. However, they were embarrassed after their guest of honor, adoption rep Terry, pointed out their lack of corner guards for the sharp edges of their tables.
"We appreciate you stopping by," Severide said with a smile.
"It is my job," Terry said blankly, giving Stellaride little indication of how the tour went. After the visit, Stella and Severide pivoted their focus to their Zoom interview with the agency. The interview went well, with both Severide and Stella giving excellent answers. Still, it was hard to figure out how the agency perceived them.
But toward the end of the episode, Terry showed up at Firehouse 51 out of the blue.
"Hey, Terry," Stella greeted him nervously.
"Hey, guys," Terry said.
"Do you want to go inside the firehouse, have a seat?" Severide asked.
"No thanks," Terry said. "Look, I was on my way home, and I wanted to come by and talk in person. It never does seem right to deliver this information over the phone, so."
After waiting a cruel pause, Terry continued. "I'm here with good news," Terry clarified. "You've been approved as adoptive parents."
"Really?" a stunned Stella asked.
"Really," Terry confirmed, smiling for the first time. Stella and Severide shared a sweet kiss and embrace as they processed the happy news.
"It's a huge responsibility, raising a child, and having high-risk jobs like you both do just adds to that," Terry explained. "But based on my experience with your application process, we've learned that the people here would go the extra mile for you. And that's a lucky group for any child to be a part of."
Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) appear in Chicago Fire Season 12 Episode 6. Photo: Adrian S Burrows Sr/NBC
As if on cue, a call came over the radio, pulling the firefighters away from this meeting. Terry told them he'd be in touch soon with more information as Stella and Severide rushed off with huge smiles on their faces. We're one step closer to a Stellaride baby, and the firefighters couldn't be happier.
Watch Chicago Fire Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.
