Chicago Fire’s Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) have faced plenty of fires together — but parenthood may be their toughest challenge yet.

In a new interview with NBC Insider, Mayo opened up about Stella’s emotional journey as she and Severide navigate life as foster parents to teen Isaiah (Hero Hunter). While the experience has brought them closer, it’s also sparked an unexpected feeling for Stella: jealousy.

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Stella’s Struggle to Connect

Isaiah came into Stellaride’s care after his mother’s declining health left him without a guardian. Although both firefighters opened their home — and hearts — to the boy, things haven’t gone quite as smoothly for Stella as they have for Severide.

“I think it’s one of those things where she really wants it to happen. But you can’t force it,” Mayo explained. “Kelly, I think generally speaking, things move smoothly for him… He doesn’t have a lot of expectation when it comes to Isaiah. So I think that’s what made it easier for them to connect.”

Severide’s easygoing nature and shared interests — like video games and time at the firehouse — helped him bond quickly with Isaiah. Stella, on the other hand, has taken on the more practical, nurturing role: buying him shoes, checking on schoolwork, and setting boundaries.

While they make a solid parenting team, Stella has admitted that watching her husband form a stronger bond has been tough.

“Stella’s definitely jealous,” Mayo admitted. “Definitely feeling a little like, ‘OK, what am I doing wrong?’”

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Patience and Understanding

Despite her insecurities, Stella’s compassion has begun to break through Isaiah’s defenses — especially after she accompanied him to visit his mother in a care facility. When they discovered she had fallen into a coma, Stella became his anchor in a moment of heartbreak.

That emotional turning point finally allowed Stella and Isaiah to connect on a deeper, more vulnerable level. Actor Hero Hunter even shared a behind-the-scenes tribute on Instagram, writing:

“Thank God Isaiah has great foster parents like Stella and Kelly to help him navigate these painful moments in life.”

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A “Joy” to Work With

Mayo also gushed about working alongside Hunter, praising his talent and natural presence on set.

“He’s so smart, he’s witty, he cracks jokes,” she said. “He belongs on a set… He has great instincts. He’s just a joy to be around.”

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What’s Next for Stellaride

As Chicago Fire Season 14 continues, fans can expect to see Stella and Severide’s parenting journey tested further — but also strengthened by the challenges they face together.

Stella’s early jealousy may have stemmed from insecurity, but it’s quickly transforming into the fierce love that’s always defined her.

“Sometimes,” Mayo teased, “you just have to let go of how it’s supposed to look — and let love happen in its own way.”