Eric was eventually released from prison and returned to "Days of Our Lives" in 2017. Nicole wasn't happy about his return to Salem, but the two were forced to work together at the Horton Center when Nicole was sentenced to community service (via Soaps in Depth). During this time, their old spark was reignited and the pair fell back in love. However, Nicole was in a relationship with Eric's stepbrother, Brady, at the time, which complicated their romance. Brady was angry and blackmailed Nicole into ending her relationship with Eric and leaving Salem.

After Nicole left, Eric leaned on Jennifer Horton (Melissa Reeves) and the two grew close. He also developed feelings for Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey). However, when Nicole came back to Salem, Eric reunited with her and left Sarah heartbroken. Eric and Nicole went on to get married, and even decided to help Eric's niece Allie Horton raise her baby, per Soap Opera Spy. However, Eric eventually opted to return to Africa for work, leaving Nicole with the child in Salem. The couple began having problems with a long-distance relationship, and Nicole made the mistake of sleeping with Xander while Eric was away. When Eric found out he was furious. He divorced Nicole and left Salem. Eric returned months later as a priest and performed an exorcism on his mother, Marlena, who had been possessed by the devil.

Eric's time in Salem has been jaw-dropping, to say the least, but fans continue to root for the character to find happiness.