For years, Chicago Fire fans have followed the love story of Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). Their journey has been filled with challenges, but Season 13, Episode 12 (“Relief Cut”) revealed their most exciting milestone yet: They’re ready to start a family.
But instead of the traditional route, Stella and Severide are considering adoption—a decision sparked by a long-lost family connection and a deeper understanding of Stella’s past.
A Visit from the Past Changes Everything
Stella’s world was shaken when her cousin, Cole, showed up unexpectedly after more than a decade apart. While she was thrilled to reconnect, Cole confronted Severide, accusing him of keeping Stella distant from her family. But the truth was much more complicated—Stella had distanced herself on her own.
As they talked, Stella revealed her past struggles with addiction and the guilt she carried from those years. She had avoided her family, not because of Severide, but because of her own shame. Cole reassured her that, despite her struggles, she had always been the one to step up and care for him and their cousins.
Later, over drinks at Molly’s, Cole shared something that struck a chord with Stella—his mother, Aunt Laverne, had suffered from severe postpartum depression, which made it difficult for her to care for her children. Instead of resenting her, Stella had taken it upon herself to help raise them, something she had never really acknowledged.
Stella’s Hesitation About Motherhood Finally Makes Sense
After saying goodbye to Cole, Stella opened up to Severide about why she had always been hesitant to have children. She admitted that seeing what postpartum depression did to her aunt had left a lasting impression on her.
“I think that has something to do with me putting off having kids,” she confessed. “It’s part of it, at least.”
Severide, always understanding, assured her that he got it. But Stella had been given a wake-up call—time was passing too quickly, and she didn’t want to keep putting off building a future with Severide.
Adoption: A New Beginning for Stella & Severide
Instead of letting fear dictate her decisions, Stella chose a different path.
“I’m not sure that I want to get pregnant,” she admitted. “But I am sure that I want a family with you, Kelly. And maybe—just putting it out there—is adoption something you would consider? Opening our home to a child who needs it? Just like Aunt Laverne did with me.”
Severide’s response? A heartfelt smile and an immediate yes.
“I think that sounds just right,” he told her.
With that, Chicago Fire set the stage for an emotional new chapter in Stella and Severide’s story—one filled with love, healing, and the possibility of parenthood through adoption.
