This is a work of fanfiction, for entertainment purposes only. The characters and concepts of Hardcastle and McCormick do not belong to me, but to their creators.

Author's Notes: Things have been weird for me lately, but that doesn't stop me from recognizing the flash of luck I had when finding this fandom, and friends I've made here. Especially LML and Owl, you two are the answer to a wish I didn't even know I'd made.

Shooting Star

Cheride

"Wow, did you see that?" The simple joy was evident in Mark McCormick's voice as he stared heavenward.

"Make a wish," two voices answered in almost perfect unison, then Hardcastle and Sarah laughed.

The three were on the patio, enjoying the cool night breeze after a leisurely dinner. Sarah always liked to give them a relaxing meal with generous portions after they'd wrapped up a case, and tonight was no exception. The brief flash of light arcing across the sky seemed the perfect finish to the evening.

"So what did you wish for?" Hardcastle asked.

"You know I can't tell you that, or it won't come true."

"Oh, that part's just an old wives' tale," the judge countered, "you can tell."

"I think old wives like their secrets," McCormick grinned.

"Nah, sharing the wish is part of the fun. I'll even tell you mine. I wished that tomorrow the lawn would get mowed and the windows washed without a single complaint."

McCormick's grin gave way to a chuckle. "Now you've done it. You can't blame me when you don't get your wish, Hardcase."

"Hah. I'm pretty sure it was gonna take more than cosmic forces to make that wish come true, anyway. But come on, what was it? A date with that girl you've been flirting with at the burger joint? A big race? What?"

But McCormick shook his head firmly. "Nope." He looked across the table at the older woman. "You tell him, Sarah; it has to be a secret."

But Sarah shook her own head. "Don't you two drag me into one of your ridiculous arguments; that's not the way to end such a nice meal." But she smiled as she spoke, the affection shining in her eyes.

And as she began clearing the table and started toward the house, she heard the banter continue behind her.

She smiled again, certain that each of them had already gotten the only wish that mattered.