The Marrying Man

"The Marrying Man" by Joseph Farrell is a science fiction story set among the stars, following interstellar engineer Pete Cooper's complicated journey to find love and grapple with the long-term impact of space travel. Pete's life is marked by multiple marriages, often shaped by the realities of life insurance and the emotional distance created by interstellar travel. The story looks at enduring themes of love and loss, all while showing the sometimes heavy weight of a life lived in space and the sacrifices made in the name of duty and security, eventually leading Pete to marry a young spouse, Nancy, during a short time back home. As their connection deepens, Pete comes face to face with how his decisions ripple through the lives of those he cares about, leading to a powerful exploration of love's many forms against the backdrop of the vastness of space and time.