Kerry Washington has yet to publicly acknowledge that she is expecting her first child with husband, former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
But friends of the Scandal actress are opening up to People in its latest issue, revealing that the mom-to-be has found happiness in her career, her wonderful marriage and now, a little one on the way.
"Kerry's in it to win it, and she's winning," her pal, Joe Reinstein, tells the mag. "She deserves everything."
The 36-year-old shares a history with Reinstein; they worked together during President Barack Obama's two presidential campaigns.
The road to professional success and personal triumph has not been easy for the New York native. She struggled with an eating disorder in college and told Essence in 2007 that she "used food as a way to cope."
"There was a lot of guilt and a lot of shame," Washington told the magazine.
A few years down the line, Washington suffered a very public breakup with fiancé David Moscow in 2007, and since then, she has kept her private life increasingly on the down-low as her star has steadily risen.
She met her future football player husband in 2010 and did not disclose her relationship status, or their three-year courtship, until they married in secret this past June.
It is the first marriage for both Washington and Asomugha.
"They're the same person," a Washington pal says of their connection. "They have the same values, and are very close to their families."
Washington and her hubby recently shared a rare moment of public affection: they held hands at an after-party for her Saturday Night Live hosting appearance.
"Kerry's got her values straight," adds Reinstein. "This is going to be one lucky kid."
More from the cover story will be available in this week's People, on newsstands Friday.