Actor Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz are secretly engaged in an attempt to appease the actress’ catholic parents after recent reports the couple was expecting their first child together (photos), according to US.

Penelope, who has already denied the pregnancy rumors, once revealed she wasn’t sure about marriage but she wants to have a family. “I don’t know if I believe in marriage,” she told Psychology Today in August. “I believe in family, love and children. When I [have children], I want to do it really well. I want it to be my best project in life.”

The two have been dating since 2007 but they first met and reportedly had a steamy and short romance while filming the movie “Jamon, Jamon” back in 1992. The 35 year-old actress was recently spotted wearing one big rock on her left hand (photos below).

Javier Bardem & Penelope Cruz Pictures

[images: wenn.com, fyb]