Aww: Edwards and Baby Mama Engaged

Well, I guess his divorce has to go through first.

John Edwards has proposed to his mistress Rielle Hunter, and is buying a luxury $3.5 million beachfront home where they can live happily ever after with their love child, The ENQUIRER has learned exclusively.

The disgraced presidential candidate popped the question at the same time he told Rielle that he'd be issuing a press statement finally confirming he fathered her daughter Frances Quinn, close sources told The ENQUIRER.

Edwards, 56, released that statement on Jan. 21, and just six days later a spokesperson for his cancer-stricken wife Elizabeth confirmed the couple had legally separated after 32 years of marriage. Sources say they expect to be officially divorced within a year, paving the way for the ex-senator to make Rielle, 45, his wife.

"John dropped the proposal bomb on Rielle shortly before he issued his statement" that he was indeed Frances' father, a close source divulged.

Before anyone dismisses the Enquirer report, just remember Edwards would probably now be the Attorney General or another cabinet member if it weren't for their reporting.