Like the Ellen and Portia story I just covered, I find this Enquirer story believable. It’s got an angle that we wouldn’t normally consider when it comes to a 25 year-old backup dancer being given a half a million a year to hang out with his older wealthy girlfriend – his family. Yesterday we heard that Lopez was hoping to marry “supportive,” “devoted” Smart just as soon as her divorce from Marc Anthony is final this October. A source told US that Smart “exists only for her.” Of course he does, this is the sweetest, highest-paying job he’s ever had!

So allegedly Casper’s family is encouraging him to marry J.Lo, because they’re hoping to get a piece of that pie. At least that’s what I got from this story. Here’s more:

“Some people in [Casper’s] family are dirt poor and feel like they’re being ignored,” said a family source. “J.Lo has made sure that when she and Casper have been on trips together, most recently to Acapulco, he’s brought back presents for his mom, his twin sisters, some cousins and a few other people.

“The people who have been left out are jealous, and it’s created a big family feud.”

According to the source, one of Casper’s aunts is even flying in from Australia to try ad get in on the “family lottery”!

While those in the anti-Jennifer camp have accused of her using the 25 year-old backup dancer to make her.. ex jealous, those on Team J.Lo are pushing Casper to pop the question!

“They want him to propose before she changes her mind,” said the source.

The family insider said Casper, who has only been dating the 42 year-old [singer] for a little more than six months, has fallen “head over heels in love.” And he already has the engagement ring – a gold heirloom that belonged to his grandmother.

“She passed away about 12 years ago and her ring has tremendous sentimental value to Casper,” said the insider. “He believes that Jennifer will be touched by it, even though he doesn’t have the type of money that Marc Anthony had to impress her with expensive jewelry…

“Caster is trying to keep momentum in the relationship going and is hinting at throwing her a private party in August,” said the source. “Of course, his family members all want their invites!”

[From The National Enquirer, print edition, May 7, 2012, author Belinda Robinson]

Someone needs to talk some sense into me, because the part about Smart getting his grandmother’s ring to propose sounded really sweet and romantic to me. I have such a weakness for proposal and romantic wedding stories. He’s surely head over heels for her too. And I don’t have a problem with the roles being reversed and a rich lady dating a guy who is struggling. (Relatively. I mean he probably made a good amount of money prior to landing J.Lo.)

I do take issue with the fact that he doesn’t seem to bring much to the table. He just turned 25! I don’t know if I could even go on a date with a guy under 30 and take him seriously, and I’m not even 40 yet. Guys just strike me as so immature at that age. This is what Jennifer wants, though. She wants a guy who will dote on her and be available for her all the time, because she’s incapable of being alone. Once the flush of new love wears off what is left? Maybe that’s why Lopez is hoping she can have a baby with him, sadly.

As for this guy’s family, of course they want some cash if they’re struggling. That’s how it works when someone comes onto a lot of money suddenly.

Casper and J.Lo are shown in Rio on 2-20-12. Credit: Honopix, PacificCoastNews.com. They’re also shown out in Beverly Hills on 3-23-12. Credit: FameFlynet Pictures