Report: John Edwards Asks Former Mistress to Marry Him

The National Enquirer is breaking yet another story about former Democratic politician John Edwards and his twisted love affair with former campaign videographer Rielle Hunter.

Just one month after his estranged wife Elizabeth succumbed to her battle with cancer, the Enquirer reports that the former presidential candidate has popped the question, asking Hunter to marry him and purchasing a $3.5 luxury beachfront home for the couple and their toddler daughter.

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.

"John knew Rielle had been waiting for a proposal for two long years. Since they've gotten involved, she's followed every order he gave her, going on a cross-country cover-up, hiding away during her pregnancy and after giving birth for the sake of his presidential aspirations.

"Rielle never uttered a peep about their affair publicly, and remained loyal to John. John felt she deserved to know that he wanted to raise their child together, and wanted Rielle in his life as his partner.

"John has said that when his divorce is final, he'll buy her a diamond ring. But in the meantime, he's getting them a house."

The report of an engagement also comes just days after it was revealed that the late Elizabeth Edwards left everything to her children after she died, leaving her former husband completely out of her will.