BEN ASKS LINDSAY’S DAD FOR HIS BLESSING

Before asking for Lindsay Shookus’ hand in marriage, Ben Affleck had a mountain to climb. Literally. The actor, 45, joined the Saturday Night Live producer, 38, her daughter, Madeline, 5, and her parents, Robert and Christine, on a hike in LA on June 24. And during a one-on-one moment with her dad, Ben asked for his blessing. “Lindsay’s folks were skeptical of Ben at first. They read all the stories,” an insider tells Life & Style, alluding to the Justice League star’s battle with alcohol addiction. “But they were pleasantly surprised. Ben was sweet, charming and clearly cares about their daughter. So Robert said yes.” Now Lindsay just has to do the same!