One of today’s hottest couples have grabbed the cover of Essence magazine. Actress Gabrielle Union and her NBA baller beau Dwyane Wade partnered up for the February issue and opened up about their relationship.

Spend any amount of time with actress Gabrielle Union and Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade and it quickly becomes clear that their relationship is nothing like the complicated ties you see on reality TV. The super-hot stars are both on the top of their game professionally and physically—with Union remaining in high demand over the course of her 16-year career and Wade widely regarded as one of the best players in the NBA.

But their love has come at a steep price. When the couple’s courtship started, the blogs lit up with rumors and accusations. But love rises above the chatter. That’s how you know it’s real.

Though their relationship is going strong, Gabrielle and Dwyane aren’t ready to rush into marriage just yet. Dwyane told the magazine:

“We’re not rushing it. Both of us have been married before, and we understand that if we choose to marry again, we want it to be right. We both took failing at marriage hard. The next time it’s gotta be forever…”

You can pick up the issue on January 12.

Photo credit: Matthew Rolston