The 5-foot-4 Oscar winner and the 5-foot-10 beauty have been friends for years, but in the past few months the relationship has turned to love, say insiders.

Joe, 64, and Angie, 37, were on a weekend getaway in Atlantic City in early July when the goodfella gave her the thrill of her life. He proposed by getting on one knee- and placing a stunning 8-carat diamond ring on her finger.

Now the couple is looking forward to a spring wedding. “Love blossomed after a seven-year friendship, and finally Joe said: ‘What are we waitin’ on? Let’s do it!’�? an insider told The ENQUIRER.

Pesci has been married three times, and his stunning bride-to-be has dated Prince Albert of Monaco and a number of celebrities. She was briefly married to Ashley Hamilton.

Joe and Angie grew closer as she helped the actor face the trauma surrounding the arrest of his third wife Marti. Marti was charged in the attempted murder of the man she married after divorcing Joe, but later released.

“Angie has been wonderful- and they truly delight in laughing together, golfing and being around each other all the time.�?