Last Thursday we reported the rumor that Jake Gyllenhaal asked his unlikely girlfriend Reese Witherspoon to marry him when they had their first public vacation in Rome last October. We reported on the news as found on SFGate’s gossip blog, which sourced “reports,” which we assumed were the gossip rags. The source is Mike Walker’s column in The National Enquirer, which has an exclusive with this story this week and more details, including the fact that Reese was understandably reluctant at first but now wants to have a summer wedding? Can you imagine?

When Jake first proposed in Rome, he knew Reese needed time, and didn’t really expect her to say “yes” right away. He just wanted her to know that he was serious about their relationship – serious enough to make her his wife.” Jakes patience paid off. When the subject of marriage came up just before the New Year, Jake was stunned when his love said: Let’s plan on a summer wedding. “What really sealed the deal was how Jake took to Reese’s two kids, Ava and Deacon,” said a pal. “Take a look at pics of Jake carrying Deacon on his shoulders in a Malibu park and Reese walking hand-in-hand with Ava. You’re seeing a warm snapshot of domestic bliss.”

[From The National Enquirer, print edition, Mike Walker’s column, January 21, 2008]

I was all set to believe this rumor until they started referring to the pictures as proof. That’s a dead giveaway that they don’t have a source. There does seem to be something going on between these two though. They looked mighty pissed to be photographed out together hiking with Reese’s kids, but they’re both actors so they could be looking grumpy for the cameras that they tipped off.

Although their first film as co-stars, Rendition, didn’t do so well at the box office that might have more to do with the serious subject matter than their box office draw. There’s a story in this week’s Star that they’re in talks to star in another film together in which they play lovers. If they are a couple that seems like an incredibly bad idea:

Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal… are in negotiations to play lovers who break up and then make up just before Feburary 14 in the romantic comedy Valentine’s Day.

[From Star Magazine, print edition, January 21, 2008]

If they’re going to be in another movie together it might explain why they’ve been spotted out hanging out together so often. Maybe they are just friends. Still, The Enquirer bolstered their engagement story with the news that Reese and Jake were together for a vacation weekend in New Mexico before New Years and that they went to a concert on New Year’s Eve at Disney Hall where they were seen cuddling and kissing at midnight.

Reese is seen outside a medical building with what looks like gum sticking out of her mouth on 11/20/07. Thanks to WENN.