Kate's friends are reportedly relieved she has finally fallen into the arms of her good pal Matthew, who they see as her perfect partner.

For his part, Matt, 38, has long fancied Kate and waited patiently while the actress's marriage to Black Crowes rocker Chris Robinson dissolved in 2006. And he maintained his interest even while Kate enjoyed flings with Owen Wilson, Dax Shepard and billionaire Ron Burkle.

"Matthew is totally smitten with Kate," a good friend says.

"He has confessed to her that he fell in love with her when they were working on Fool's Gold together [in March] and that he couldn't say anything as long as she was with Owen."