Character Emma Lavery, formerly known as Emma McDermott, first comes to Pine Valley, Pennsylvania on the run with her mother, Annie McDermott. The storyline unfolds as Annie is desperate to stay her distance from her husband, Terry. Before coming to Pine Valley, Terry had told Annie that he didn't want to father any children of his own because of medical problems in his family. But since they both want a family, Annie and Terry go to see the famous fertility specialist, Dr. Greg Madden, and Annie conceives through artificial insemination. Nothing makes Annie happier than her daughter, and she believes for a long time that Terry feels the same way. Annie's life begins to disintegrate when she discovers that Terry is a sexual predator who preys on young teenage girls. After she discovers that he has seduced, and in at least one case, raped one of their babysitters, Annie files for divorce. However, Terry is a powerful man, highly thought of in his profession. When Terry threatens to sue Annie for full custody of Emma, Annie panicks. With Terry's powerful contacts, Annie fears that he will gain custody and eventually victimize her daughter the same way he has done to other young women. After making contact with an underground rescue group dedicated to helping women like herself, Annie takes Emma and goes on the run from Terry. A member of the rescue group, Jamal Cudahy, brings her to Pine Valley.

In Pine Valley, another member of the rescue group, Erin Lavery, takes Annie and Emma into her home, passing Annie off as an old college friend. Annie and Emma become friends with Erin's older brothers, Ryan and Jonathan.

The truth about Annie and Emma soon comes out. Annie and Emma grow closer to Ryan after Terry's death. Annie and Ryan soon begin dating and a bombshell comes to light: It is revealed that Ryan is Emma's biological father.

This brings them closer together as a family. With new connection revealed, Emma gains a paternal half-brother, Spike Lavery. Ryan and Annie soon become engaged and marry.