Makayla has been in the couple's lives since Season 8 of Chicago P.D. — and the same actress has always played her.
Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) and Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) have had an epic Chicago P.D. love story, and it's all been building up to what we're sure will be a beautiful wedding in the Season 12 finale.
However, the romance wouldn't be complete without one key member of their family: Makayla Ward Burgess. The couple's adopted daughter — whom they affectionately call Mak — first entered into their lives Season 8, Episode 3's "Tender Age."
In the aftermath of losing their baby and working through her grief, Burgess became attached to Makayla after meeting her when the Intelligence Unit was investigating the murder of the little girl's parents. Burgess adopts her later in the season and makes Ruzek the child's official custodian because the two were broken up at the time.
They co-parent throughout Season 9, with Ruzek even buying them his father's house.
"It's a place for him, that house, whether he recognizes it or not," Flueger told NBC Insider. "He talks about it's this house flooded with light and a big backyard, and I don't know that those things are actually true. In reality, that's how he remembers it. That's his nostalgic view of the place, and I think he's got such good memories there that he wants to make sure that he shares it with this kid that he's just mad about."
The actor continued, "I think he just likes the idea of, without trying to sound misogynistic, that classic caretaker. 'If I can't be there every day, if you're not 'gonna have my last name, if I can't make decisions here or there, that maybe, I could at least share this part of myself with you.'"
By Season 10, Burgess and Ruzek were back together and Makayla finally called him Dad, cementing their beautiful family.
The child actress that plays Makayla on Chicago P.D.
Ramona Edith Williams has played Makayla Ward Burgess for a total of 21 episodes to date since the character was first introduced in "Tender Age." Ramona is currently 12 years old (with a birthday in May).
The young star and Illinois native has also appeared in the drama 61st Street, the short My Summer Vacation, and holiday film The Christmas Pitch. When she's not acting she also practices Taekwando and is a competitive figure skater.
On March 26 from her Instagram account, which is managed by her parents, the cutest picture was shared of Ramona with her TV parents Squerciati and Flueger.
"Burzek family photo," read a sweet caption, giving a nod to the beloved Chicago P.D. ship.
Gearing up for her big episode, "Seen and Unseen" (Season 12, Episode 16), Squerciati shared her own adorable snap from set with her TV family.
"Tomorrow is my big Burgess episode! It's unlike anything we've done before and IT SLAPS!! (This is how cool people say "This is very good." I think.) Watch and I will love your forever."
We'll certainly be tuning in.
