Arnold Schwarzenegger would like Maria Shriver to take him back, but he's not holding out hope and is at peace with the likely end of his marriage ... sources very close to the actor tell TMZ.

As TMZ first reported, Maria has waffled on divorcing her hubby, partly because he still has a strong emotional hold on her and partly because divorce runs counter to her religion. But we're told as time passes and both Arnold and Maria have created separate lives, divorce is looking more certain.

We're told Arnold believes Maria's friends have done everything they can to poison the waters, imploring Maria to stay clear of him.

And our sources say Arnold and Maria are already "very close" in working out a financial settlement.

Whatever they decide, we're told both Arnold and Maria are in lockstep over one thing -- making the break up as painless as possible for their kids.

More signs Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver are reconciling -- they went furniture shopping together yesterday ... FURNITURE SHOPPING!!!

The former couple hit up The Ivy in Santa Monica for a lunch date Tuesday ... and after the meal, they walked over to a nearby furniture store and checked out some of the goods.

Arnold's probably a couch expert by now ... considering he probably slept on one for a while after Maria found out he had a love child with the former maid.

As TMZ previously reported, Maria has been extremely conflicted about going through with the divorce because of her strong religious beliefs ... and we're told she's flip-flopped on the whole divorce thing many times.

One thing is for sure, Maria is the one in the driver's seat.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's baby mama, Mildred Patty Banea, is officially a single woman ... nearly four years after she filed for divorce from her husband ... TMZ has learned.

Baena's divorce made the news shortly after it was revealed she had the Governator's love child because her divorce docs stated she and her husband had no minor children. 

Baena originally filed for divorce in February 2008, seeking nothing in support. Finally, on January 3, she filed for a default judgement ... and it was granted that day.

Arnold, of course, is in the middle of his divorce from Maria Shriver. But as TMZ first reported, Shriver has been having second thoughts on pulling the plug and Arnold has recently been spotted wearing his wedding ring.

Maria Shriver sure knows how to ring in the new year  -- just days after Arnold Schwarzenegger wore his wedding ring out in public ... his divorce-shy, estranged wife was sporting something on her wedding ring finger, though it's not clear if it's the real deal.

The photo was snapped today in Beverly Hills -- interesting she wore something on that finger just after we posted the pic of Arnold.

TMZ broke the story ... Maria has been having second thoughts about divorcing Arnold -- despite the whole lovechild thing -- because of her deeply held religious beliefs.

Arnold Schwarzenegger rocked his wedding ring out in public during the holidays  -- another sign that his marriage to Maria Shriver ain't as dead as it once seemed.

TMZ broke the story ... Maria has been having second thoughts about pulling the plug on the marriage -- despite Arnie knocking up the family maid -- because of her deeply held religious views.

Arnold hadn't been photographed in his wedding band in months, but over the past few days -- Arnold dusted off the ol' ring and reminded the world he's STILL a married man.

We're told Arnold was vacationing with his sons -- but it's unclear if Maria was there too.

Maria Shriver is telling friends she's now unsure if she wants to divorce Arnold Schwarzenegger ... TMZ has learned.

We're told Maria is torn, partly because of her strong religious beliefs that do not include divorce. 

Making matters even more complicated -- we're told Arnold still desperately wants Maria back, and has been "extremely sweet" to her and has made numerous gestures -- which include presents -- to win Maria back.
 
Maria filed for divorce on July 1, though she moved out months earlier.  She's already bought a mansion in Brentwood, CA, which she's in the process of renovating.

Arnold Schwarzenegger took a nice gander at soon-to-be ex-wife Maria Shriver today as they went in to church in Santa Monica, CA.

Hallelujah.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's love child grabbed a massive sword and a leather loin cloth ... and sent one helluva Halloween message to his dad -- by dressing up as Conan the Barbarian.

14-year-old Joseph Baena hit up Frightfest at Magic Mountain in California last night ... donning the costume made famous by the father who kept him in the dark for more than a decade.



Cool tribute? Cry for attention? Both?

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver broke bread last night -- their second meal together in less than a week -- but this dinner date was about more than just a meal.

Arnold and Maria went to Mastro's Steakhouse in Bev Hills with their kids ... Patrick, Christina, and Chris ... to celebrate Chris' 14th birthday.

Every celeb in town knows Mastro's is a paparazzi hotbed -- so, it sure seems like the Schwarzeneggers wanted to put on a show for the cameras.

The message: We can all get along ... for good steak, at least. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver had a lunch date yesterday, but there was no romance.

The couple met at the Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica.

Their son Patrick was there, but not at the table when the pic was snapped.  We're told Arnold and Maria regularly talk and sometimes get together with their kids, who have become the priority in their breakup.

Once the lunch was over, Arnold and Maria left separately.

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ that, while the two still get along, there's absolutely no chance of a reconciliation.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is breaking his silence -- with an autobiography.

According to his rep, Arnold  has been working on the book for over a year -- long before news broke of the actor's infamous affair with his housekeeper.

The book -- tentatively titled "Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story" -- will address the affair and his crumbling relationship with Maria Shriver ... but a source tells People.com, it won't be a tell-all.

Arnold plans to put pen to paper soon -- while he shoots his new movie "The Expendables 2."

No word on how much money Arnold will rake in from the project.