Joel, the pierced and tattooed punk band singer, is very protective of Nicole, a former heroine user whose weight had plummeted to just 85 pounds. “He’s worried about Nicole’s health, so he keeps a close eye on everything she does and who she hangs out with,�? says a source. Insiders agree that since they two began dating in early December 2006, Nicole has blossomed—even packing on 10 pounds. The star is staying strong since her DUI arrest on Dec.11 says a source, “After Nicole was busted, their relationship became stronger because Joel was there for her to lean on.�? And the feeling is completely mutual. “Joel thinks Nicole is ‘the one’. It’s a far cry from his relationship with Hilary Duff,�? the source adds. “He used to complain that Hilary was too mature and could never let loose or relax. But he and Nicole spend most of the time laughing together!�?

Nicole was devastated by her May 2006 split from ex-fiancé Adam “DJ AM�? Goldstein and maybe rushing to the alter. “Nicole seems to have an identity as well as a self confidence problem�? relationship expert Whitney Casey, who has not with Nicole, tells Star. “I can see her going from relationship to relationship, when the best thing for her to do would be to get off this guy habit and be alone.�?

A source says, “It will be a small ceremony with under 100 people.�? But insiders are prepared for anything, since Nicole had already said about the wedding she once planned to DJ AM: “It’s my day, and I want an elephant ride. Real Elephants!�?

The couple has a jam packed schedule. Nicole began shooting the fifth season of her E! reality show, The Simple Life, on Feb. 27. And in early April, Joel kicks off Good Charlotte’s month long European tour. Insiders believe that the couple with exchange vows within the next month. A friend of the rocker says, “Nicole wants to go with Joel on tour at some point, so expect her to pop up.�? And when she does, expect the name on her passport to read Mrs. Joel Madden!

Last week, Nicole Richie collapsed on the set of 'The Simple Life' and was briefly
hospitalized and treated for dehydration on Friday (02.03.07).
Her representative said: "Nicole is home resting and will return to work
this evening. We are proud of the weight that Nicole is gaining and her
focus on her health."
The 25-year-old star, adopted daughter of Lionel Richie, was given
intravenous fluids for 15 minutes and released.