I do remember, that back some years ago, while fans loved Eric & Nicole, the actor (Greg Vaughan) was living in the midwest, was not available long term. Eric was such a fav....the writers really had to work at it, explaining his absences. They did not want to get write him out permanently. Unfortunately what they came up with was very disappointing. They never should have married them, if they were going to writer him out right after.
Evidently, currently the actor moved to L.A. area, so is available. Since Nicole has been, and still is available full time, they were not going to get rid of her just because Eric wasn't able......made for a big mess, for sure. Writers at a loss, viewers unhappy, etc. etc.