The One Chicago universe has never been short on love stories that make fans root for happily-ever-afters. Chicago P.D. has Burzek, Chicago Med often tugs at heartstrings with Will and Natalie’s history, but for Chicago Fire fans, there’s one romance that has burned brightest over the years: Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney).
These two have weathered more storms than most married couples could handle—near breakups, dangerous calls, career crossroads—and come out the other side stronger, more united, and deeply in love. Now, as Chicago Fire hurtles toward the climax of Season 13, their relationship is about to take its most emotional turn yet: the start of their journey to becoming parents.
The Episode That Changes Everything
The official logline for Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 20, titled “Cut Me Open” (airing May 7 on NBC), hints at a monumental shift:
“With the crew stretched thin, a performance efficiency expert evaluates Firehouse 51; Kidd and Severide bond with the mother of the baby they hope to adopt.”
For years, fans have speculated about whether Stella and Severide would ever expand their family. That speculation turns into reality when they receive life-changing news—there’s a woman in Chicago Med about to give birth, and she’s chosen them as adoptive parents.
In a sneak peek released by NBC, Kidd starts the conversation: “There is a woman in Med, she’s going into labor…” before Severide jumps in with a smile, “And we are adopting the baby.” Their joy is palpable, but as with most things in the One Chicago world, happiness comes with complications.
High Stakes at Chicago Med
At the hospital, the emotional rollercoaster begins almost immediately. The expectant mother goes into distress, and the surgeons make the call to perform an emergency C-section. While Stella and Severide aren’t in the operating room, the gravity of the situation is not lost on them. Every second feels heavier, the air thick with uncertainty.
Showrunner Andrea Newman has been teasing this storyline for months, telling TVLine:
“[The couple is] on quite the journey this season trying to start their family… In an upcoming episode, they’ll finally get the call they’ve been waiting for. What happens then, viewers have to tune in to find out!”
Now, fans will finally get to see that call play out—with all the tension, hope, and heart that makes Stella and Severide one of the most beloved pairs in primetime television.
A Familiar, Yet Emotional Storyline
Adoption is not new terrain for Chicago Fire. Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) and Gabby Dawson (Monica Raymund) once walked a similar path, and more recently, Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) and Joe Cruz (Joe Miñoso) have also had adoption arcs. Some viewers may wonder whether the writers are treading overly familiar ground.
Yet, Stella and Severide’s story offers a fresh emotional layer. This isn’t a last-minute decision or a side plot—it’s been building for years. The couple had agreed that Stella would not get pregnant, making adoption their deliberate choice from the start. That intentionality, combined with their fiery chemistry, promises a storyline that could stand out even against the backdrop of past adoption arcs.
Why This Could Be the Couple’s Defining Season
From their first flirtations to their wedding, Stella and Severide’s romance has been about growth—learning to trust, to fight for each other, and to envision a shared future. Season 13 could mark the moment where their love story evolves from partners in life to partners in parenthood.
If Chicago Fire sticks the landing, Episode 20 won’t just be a sweet milestone—it will be the emotional spark that ignites a new chapter, reshaping both their characters and the heart of Firehouse 51.
One thing’s for sure: when Stella and Severide finally hold that baby, fans at home will feel every heartbeat of the moment.
Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC. Cut Me Open premieres May 7, and past episodes are available to stream on Peacock in the U.S.
