“Greatest gift”: Ashlyn Harris reveals why Sophia Bush and their children have become her greatest source of happiness

For Ashlyn Harris, the most meaningful part of her relationship with Sophia Bush is not something that can be bought or planned. It is time. The former USWNT goalkeeper opened up about what she values most in her relationship with the One Tree Hill actress while attending the inaugural A Sense of Home Gala in New York City on Sept. 23. Harris and Bush, who began dating in 2023, also brought Harris’ two children to the event. The evening gave Harris a chance to reflect on family, giving back and the simple moments that have helped shape their life together.Ashlyn Harris calls time the greatest gift in her relationship with Sophia BushHarris, 40, said time is the “greatest gift” she has found in her relationship with Bush, 44. She pointed out that it comes without a financial cost, making it even more meaningful as their busy lives continue to involve work, travel and family commitments.“And it comes at zero cost,” she told PEOPLE while stepping out with Bush, 44, at the inaugural A Sense of Home Gala in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 23.The couple also used the event as an opportunity to teach Harris’ children about helping others. Harris shares daughter Sloane, 5, and son Ocean, 4, with her ex-wife, former soccer star Ali Krieger.Rather than simply bringing the children along, Harris sees these public appearances as chances to help them understand the value of community service.“We try to teach them, more importantly than anything, that acts of service and acts of kindness go a really long way,” she explained. “And they’re lucky enough to be born into a bit of privilege, so it’s important for us to show them at a very early age that it’s our job to give back and to serve other families and other communities, ones that look like us, ones that don’t look like us.”She continued, “So for us, it’s important to bring them to places like this for them to understand the importance of showing up for other people and making sure they serve their community.”Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris build a blended family around togethernessHarris also offered a glimpse into how she and Bush define home. With demanding schedules and frequent travel, she said their idea of home is less about a physical location and more about being together.“We’re two moms who work incredibly hard to give our children a better life than we had. What I’m learning with our hectic travel schedule is home is where we all are when we’re all together. That’s all that matters to us.”She explained, “It’s definitely not a place — it’s the feeling we get when we’re a collective. And that’s what matters the most to Sophia and me.”Their relationship began after both women had gone through major changes in their personal lives. Bush later revealed that the pair first connected through a group chat with friends navigating breakups. What started as friendship eventually became something more.In an earlier interview with PEOPLE, Harris described Bush as “the best thing that ever happened” to her, adding, “She’s an absolute delight, and my kids love her. It’s a joy to wake up every day and know that this is my life.”Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.