It might be nothing, but there are new rumors that Spanish beauties Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem are engaged. It seems that Javier got the idea when the two of them attended Salma Hayek’s Venice wedding. Allegedly, Javier was so moved by the Venetian romance, he dropped to one knee soon after.

Javier and Penelope alleged got together for the first time while they were playing on-off lovers in Woody Allen’s excellent film Vicky Cristina Barcelona. I say “alleged” because it seems weird to me that two such beautiful, amazing Spanish actors had never hooked up before. They knew each other before filming, and had worked together on several different Spanish productions. Weird. But let’s keep with the story that they really became a couple during and after Vicky Cristina. They’ve both been very quiet about their relationship, and I don’t expect them to confirm one way or the other about weddings and babies. But here’s hoping:

Hollywood was abuzz with speculation that Spanish big-screen duo Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem were on the rocks earlier this year, because he was rarely by her side as she accepted numerous accolades (including an Oscar!) for their film Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

But the two-year relationship is now at an all-time high. Soon after they attended pal Salma Hayek’s ultraromantic nuptials on April 25 in Venice, Javier got down on one knee and propsed to his stunning senorita, 35, Star has learned.

“Penelope has been itching to married for months, but he hasn’t. She finally told him ‘Marry me or I’m leaving!’” says a source.

“Don’t get me wrong, he absolutely loves her and is thrilled to be with her. He just didn’t think he was ready to walk down the aisle.”

So after Penelope’s ultimatum, Javier, 40, turned to his mom, Pilar, for advice. “Pilar wasn’t sure about Penelope at first, but the two have become really close over time,” says the source. “Pilar told Javier not to let her go, no matter what!”

[From Star Magazine, print edition, May 18 2009]

Maybe I’m just tired and a little punch-drunk from my little mini-marathon of Bones last night (I’m such a party animal), but I’m equally turned on by Penelope and Javier. They’re both so friggin’ beautiful, and they make so much sense together, they just have to get married and have babies. They seem to be the real thing, too, not like Penelope’s relationships with Tom Cruise or Matthew McConaughey, which always had the whiff of public relations-relationships (to me at least). Penelope always seduces her costars (Matt Damon, Nicolas Cage, in addition to McConaughey, Cruise and Bardem), but I think she’s met her match with Javier. Must. Have. Hot. Spanish. Babies.

Here are Javier and Penelope in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.” Images thanks to WENN.com .