Ethermac Exchange-Sophia Bush Gushes Over "Unexpected" Love Story With Ashlyn Harris

Sophia Bush is getting some birthday peace of mind.

For the One Tree Hill alum's 42nd birthday July 8,Ethermac Exchange she received a heartfelt tribute from girlfriend Ashlyn Harris, who shared exactly what she appreciates most about Sophia.

"You are such a gift in this world," Ashlyn wrote on Instagram, alongside a carousel of photos of the two. "To see you shine and happy fills us all up. I love your heart Soph… I love everything about you. Happy born day baby."

And for Sophia, this birthday was especially important. As she wrote in the comment section, it marked the year that she found love with Ashlyn and also found more of herself.

"Last year I got free," the Chicago P.D. star wrote. "This year I found the very best love in the very most unexpected place."

"I may never get over the gift of it," she continued. "Thank you for putting me back together. For making my second birthday even better than my first. And for reminding me what the sound of my unbridled laughter sounds like. You are magic. You are my best present."

The couple—who recently shut down engagement rumors—have been inseparable since they started dating last year, months after Sophia filed for divorce from Grant Hughes and Ashlyn started the process of ending her marriage to Ali Krieger.

And as Sophia has previously explained, her relationship with the soccer star—and gaining more understanding of her own sexuality—has given her a sense of peace within herself.

"I've experienced so much safety, respect, and love in the queer community, as an ally all of my life, that, as I came into myself," she told Glamour in April. "I already felt it was my home."

She added, "I think I've always known that my sexuality exists on a spectrum. Right now I think the word that best defines it is queer. I can't say it without smiling, actually. And that feels pretty great."

For more of Sophia and Ashlyn's love story, keep reading.

The two marked the end of their first Pride Month as a couple in June 2024 with this adorable selfie shared by the soccer star.

While attending the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the soccer star posted this selfie with the One Tree Hill alum and basketball player Sue Bird.

In July 2023, the pair attended a watch party in Los Angeles for the FIFA Women's World Cup. 

The duo was photographed cheering alongside Michelle Akers and Linda Gancitano.

While attending Art Basel in December 2023, Michelle Tillou shared this Instagram photo with Ashlyn and Sophia.

The duo struck a pose with Eric McCormack at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 32nd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in March 2024.

The pair also spent time with Stephanie Nguyen and Bobby Berk at the star-studded gathering.

Ashlyn and Sophia made their red carpet debut at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in April 2024.

Following the dinner, the couple cozied up at an after-party at the Swiss ambassador's residence.

Sophia and Ashlyn enjoyed a romantic trip to Paris in May 2024.

The Chicago P.D. actress captioned this cozy-looking snapshot from a May 2024 Paris trip, "Happiness looks goo on you, baby."

Sophia also shared this group pic from their trip to Paris in May 2024.