(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Nick Lachey hopes to become a father as soon as possible.

The former 98 Degrees singer is engaged to model-and-actress Vanessa Minnillo. The couple announced their engagement in November last year and are rumoured to be tying the knot in a few weeks

"That's the one thing in my life I'm looking forward to more than anything else," Nick told Life & Style about having children. "I'm obviously very excited to marry Vanessa, but I'm getting a little behind the eight ball on the kid thing."

Nick was previously married to singer Jessica Simpson, with whom he starred in the reality television show Newlyweds. Jessica is currently planning her own wedding to American football player Eric Johnson.

Nick and Vanessa are keeping quiet about the location and timing of their wedding, but Nick did recently admit that the big day was not too far off. "The countdown's begun, you know, the clock is ticking so we're getting dangerously close," he said.

Fiance Vanessa is apparently a big hit in the Lachey family and is adored by everyone. Nick's brother Drew, who was also a member of 98 Degrees, thinks the couple's similar personalities made them a good match.

"Everybody loves her," he told recently said. "They're both very fiery and competitive. She loves sports which is great for him. That fire and drive brings the best out of each other." (C) Cover Media