Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds Better Than Ever After Hitting 'Rough Patch' In Lockdown: 'Splitting Up Just Wasn't An Option'

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds couldn’t have looked more in love when they hit the red carpet for the New York City premiere of his new movie, The Adam Project.

And while the duo has often appeared to be the picture of wedded bliss during their nine years as husband and wife, an insider says it hasn’t always been smooth sailing behind the scenes. “They had a rough time during lockdown, and there was talk among friends that they weren’t in a good place at all,” spills the insider, adding that there were even whispers the pair could be headed for divorce.

Instead, the duo decided to put in the work. “Splitting up just wasn’t an option,” says the insider, noting Reynolds scaled back his work hours and is now spending more time with Lively and their daughters, James, 7, Inez, 5, and Betty, 2, at their idyllic estate in upstate New York.

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“He’s putting family first, and Blake is very appreciative,” the insider continues. “She’s making an effort again, too, because Ryan’s going the extra mile. They’ve come out of this stronger and more connected.”

Reynolds is also compromising when it comes to the couple’s hunt for a second home. According to the insider, the Free Guy actor, 45, had his eye on Los Angeles, but the Gossip Girl alum, 34, prefers Nashville — where her close pal Taylor Swift and longtime beau Joe Alwyn spend most of their time.

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“So he’s agreed to look for a place there,” the insider shares. “When they find the right spot, they’ll snap it up.”

But the most important item on their agenda: “They’re ready for baby No. 4, especially Ryan, who’d love to have a boy,” says the insider. “Rededicating themselves to their relationship and scheduling time to reconnect has breathed new life and passion into their marriage, and it shows. Everyone can see they have that spark again!”