"Your wonderful, you know that?"
"I love you, Stella Kidd"
As Kelly kissed his now fiancé. There was nothing but love and admiration in that kiss. Kelly had purposing on his mind for a while. If he was being honest he knew Stella Kidd was it for him long before that moment. In some way, he deep down knew when she came to 51. Sure, there were many bumps along the way before either was ready for this leap. It took a long while to even get together. A lot of roadblocks in their way but they were finally here. Kelly was questioning whether purposing was a good idea given Stella had said in the past she never wanted to get married again. Who could blame her? Grant had really broke her, he had damaged her spirit and she worked her ass off both professionally and personally to get that spark back. A big factor in her getting that spark back was Kelly Severide. She was shown what truly being loved felt like. Something Stella never had. Losing her parents at a young age. Having no love and support or even knowing a healthy relationship. All she had known was trauma and disappointment. Kelly showed her time and time again what real love should be. When Stella passed her lieutenant exam. Seeing her joyfulness as Boden delivered the good news. He KNEW. Not a single ounce of doubt in his mind. There was nothing he wanted more than to marry the love of his life. When he dropped to one knee in middle of a inferno after Stella had said she was never leaving him. That was it. The moment was now. So there they were, just the two of them. Engaged. Stella had a light illuminating across her beautiful caramel skin but also seemed lost in her thoughts.
"Stel. Everything OK? And don't tell me your fine. I know you. I can see something is going on in that beautiful head of yours"
"I'm scared"
"Of marrying me?"
"NO. GOD NO. That is something I have never been so sure about."
"OK. Then why are you scared?"
"I'm scared of leaving 51. Not having you and my family supporting me everyday. I never had a family or even people who cared about me. The relationships I developed coming here has meant the world to me. I never had that before. To go to another station with people I don't know. Trying to thrive as a new lieutenant, what if I fall and fail? As a woman, I probably won't be respected and I'm scared, I won't have the goods"
As Kelly cupped her face with his hands.
"Babe. Listen to me. And please hear me. You are the most brave and strongest woman. One of the many reasons I fell in love with you. It might be a little tough at the start as you make your mark as a leader. But you have had challenges in front of you so many times. Going to the leadership conference, remember how nervous you were? You killed it. You were a shining star. When Boden presented you with the option of taking the lieutenants exam. Him fully knowing, there was no doubt you were meant to be a leader. And even when you had to deal with my stupidity and shaking you. You regrouped and killed it again. Starting GOF. That was all you and look what you have done for Kylie and so many other girls. Women, that will also become amazing firefighters. These are just a couple examples of everything you have overcome. Stella, you are so smart and such a warrior. I promise, you will make a lasting impact anywhere you go. AND...When you have a hard day. You can come home to a man who loves you more than life itself. I will always make sure you know every day how valued you are. Even, if we can't be at the same station anymore. You, my love will ALWAYS have me at the end of the day to lift you back up. FOREVER"
"Oh Kelly, how did I ever get so damn lucky? You are the greatest man in the world. Thank you for not only always knowing the right thing to say, always lifting me up. But also, never giving up on me and unconditionally loving me. Sometimes I feel I don't deserve this kind of love"
"Stella. I'm the lucky one. When you walked into 51. You and you alone pulled me out of the darkness and into the light. I'm lucky everyday that you chose me and never giving up on me when so many have before. You literally deserve the world"
"One more thing...YOU GOT THIS STELLA KIDD"
"I love you with all I got, Kelly Severide"
