1997
After having previously worked with Sheila at a cafe/restaurant in Death Valley, Amber convinces Sheila to help her apply for the position of Mary/Margaret's baby sitter. In over her head, Amber agrees to secretly allow Sheila visits with "Mary" at the Warwick house. Amber soon sides with James and Maggie, agreeing that Sheila is unstable and obsessed. Sheila shoots Stephanie, and Amber intervenes to save Stephanie's life. Shelia leaves L.A. as a fugitive on the run. Amber takes a job working for Brooke Logan as Rick and Bridget's baby sitter.

1998
Amber is initially amused by Rick's childish crush on her, but soon begins to develop feelings for the younger man. Rick's parents immediately disapprove of their relationship, especially Brooke. When Rick ends up in the hospital after an accident in a drag race with C.J., Amber, who felt guilty because it was her idea, donates one of her own kidneys to save him. The two eventually sleep together, around the same time she has a drunken encounter with high school buddy Raymond. Amber becomes pregnant.

1999
Amber gives birth in Death Valley, wanting to be away from Rick in case the child is Raymond's (who is black). The child is stillborn and no paternity test is ever preformed. Amber is devastated by the death of her child. When Amber's mother Tawny learns that Amber's cousin Becky gave birth that same night to a child that she does not want, she convinces Amber to take that baby back to L.A. as her own. Amber quickly bonds with the child. Brooke learns about the night that Raymond and Amber were together and tells Rick, but he remains with Amber. Becky visits Amber in L.A., and she helps Becky get a job at Forrester International in Paris. Becky learns Amber is raising her son, but she convinces Becky to keep quiet. Rick's former girlfriend Kimberly discovered the truth about Little Eric and his true identity. Rick and his family are horrified at the news that the real Eric Forrester III is dead. C.J. and Becky began dating. Amber discovers that Becky is dying and keeps her illness a secret from her. In fact, everyone finds out, but the truth is kept from Becky until her wedding day. Becky dies peacefully, bringing together the Forrester and Spectra families. C.J. gains temporary custody of Little Eric and moves in with Amber.

2000
C.J. and Amber develop feelings for one another and plan to marry. Rick stops their wedding by tracking Deacon Sharpe down, Eric's biological father. Rick implores Amber to leave C.J. so he can give her the life she has always dreamed of. Amber chooses to go with Rick. The Spectras and Forresters start a bidding war for Little Eric. Using the child as leverage, Deacon takes the child to live with him and his girlfriend, Carmen. Deacon's attraction for Amber soon develops into much deeper feelings of affection. Carmen becomes jealous, and one night takes the child out on the roof and threatens to jump. Deacon and Amber follow, and Carmen gives Eric back to his father. Carmen accidentally falls to her death.