The National Enquirer is reporting in its latest issue that CNN star and real-life superhero Anderson Cooper is planning to adopt a Haitian orphan … but the big news is that the magazine casually states that Cooper is adopting this baby with boyfriend Benjamin Maisani. Now, there have been rumors going around for ages that Anderson Cooper is gay and has been secretly dating Maisani for some time now … but the Enquirer is the first publication to put it out there that the couple are not only together, but are ready to settle down and make a family for themselves:

Hard-charging CNN anchorman Anderson Cooper was so moved by the suffering from the earthquake in Haiti, he’s decided to adopt a Haitian orphan, The ENQUIRER has learned exclusively. The silver-haired journalist and his hunky boyfriend, Ben Maisani, plan to raise the child together in their recently purchased home, a former firehouse they’re renovating in New York’s West Village, pals say. “The death and destruction in Haiti made Anderson realize what’s really important. He and Ben have decided to become dads,” a longtime friend told The ENQUIRER. “Ben has been the best thing that’s ever happened to Anderson. They both feel they’re ready for a baby.” Anderson, 42, flew to the devastated country shortly after the quake struck on Jan. 12. Meanwhile, back in New York, 37-year-old club owner Ben has been overseeing renovations on the historic firehouse Anderson recently bought, the friend said. And Anderson has been so affected by the devastation in Haiti that he’s begun arrangements to adopt one of the country’s orphans. Although fatherhood may curtail some of Anderson’s globe-trotting, he’s not planning to give up his work anytime soon. “It just means once they get their son, he won’t jump on a plane for every story,” said the friend. “Plus Ben is totally capable of keeping things under control when Anderson is away.”

As with all reports by the National Enquirer, this should all be taken with a huge grain of salt. BUT, it should also be noted that the mag does tend to get some stories very right … they were the ones who broke the story of the John Edwards love child, could they be 100% right about Anderson and Ben‘s plan to start a family? In case you’re not aware of what Ben looks like, check out a photo of Coop and Ben hanging out together on one of their rare public outings together in NYC last Summer — after the jump …

Of course, we can’t know for sure if these two are an item or if Anderson Cooper is actually gay or not … but there is a lot of smoke blowing in that direction and, well, where there’s smoke. I have to admit, I would love for this story to be true … not only would I like to see Anderson Cooper settled down with a loving partner but I think he would make a fantastic daddy. What do y’all think … does any of this have a ring of truth to you?

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