A Night on the Water at the Empire Hotel is a dreamy travelogue by lifestyle journalists Kaiden and Pandora Tray. Join them as they whisk you away on an unforgettable evening filled with rain-kissed roads, whispered surprises, and a boat ride beneath a misty sky. From a lipstick-smeared rush out the door to dolphins dancing in the lake and fireworks overhead, this romantic escapade at the historic Empire Hotel is a story of love, laughter, and the kind of magic that only happens when you least expect it. Follow their journey as they share every heart-fluttering detail of a night designed to be remembered.
“I’m getting ready!” I called out, my voice sing-songy and muffled from deep within the bedroom as I frantically outlined my lips with a brownish-red pencil. My hands shook just enough to make the task risky, but I hurried anyway—trying not to smudge the work I’d already done.
“I want to look nice if you’re taking me somewhere extra romantic!”
Sure enough, I heard the unmistakable sound of his long strides across the carpet—the heavy press of each footstep getting louder. Then came the silence behind me, thick with his disapproval. I didn’t need to turn around to know his brows were furrowed. He loved me endlessly, but his patience for my last-minute chaos had its limits.
“You look beautiful,” he said with a sigh. “But we have to leave now or we’ll be late. We’re supposed to be there by 6:30.”
I gave a crooked smile, half my lips still unpainted, strands of black hair slipping across my face. The idea that I’d ever be ready on time was always more hopeful than realistic. He tapped his watch meaningfully—still beaded with droplets from the damp air outside—then closed the front door behind him.
In a frenzy, I snatched up my handbag and swiped the rest of the lipstick on with wild abandon. I’d fix the mess later—hopefully.
The car ride passed in a pleasant haze. I belted out three of my favorite songs from the passenger seat, Kaiden grinning proudly after each. The windows of the pearl-white Mercedes Benz fogged with humidity, casting the outside world in a dreamlike blur. The broken white lines on the highway looked like smudged chalk under the misty sky.
“Kaiden, how far is this pla—” I stopped mid-sentence as our favorite hotel, the Empire Hotel, appeared in the distance. My breath caught slightly, memories already stirring behind my eyes. Its glowing windows and art deco charm stood like a beacon.
He caught my expression and smirked knowingly. “No, no—it’s not what you think. You’ll see. Trust me.”
He parked carelessly—diagonally, even—as though no one else in the world would need to park beside us. Then he rushed to open my door, guiding me through the dense, wet air. The wind caught my curls and turned them into a temporary blindfold. Kaiden shielded me gently as we approached a weathered dock that looked abandoned.
I opened my mouth to question him, but he held up a finger. A man approached—grey hair tucked beneath a crooked captain’s hat, his navy uniform wrinkled and worn. The smell of whiskey reached us before his words did.
“Well now, isn’t that a lovely couple,” he said with a thick Irish accent, slurring slightly. “Me ex never looked that chuffed to be with me, not like your lass.”
Kaiden stifled a laugh but kept it respectful. “We’re here for the boat ride. Lux said it starts at 6:30.”
“Right, right,” the captain mumbled. “The boss said he’s takin’ care of you both, so just enjoy yourselves. I’ll see to it.”
From the mist, a boat appeared—seemingly out of nowhere—bobbing gently at the dock. It was charmingly prepared with fluffy blankets, champagne, glasses, fruit, cheese, and crackers. I stepped carefully inside, doing my best to stay balanced. The gentle sway unnerved me, but I managed a grateful smile as the captain helped me in.
Kaiden, ever the daredevil in a suit, simply leapt aboard with grace. “And we’re off,” the captain said, and the boat began its slow drift across the lake.
The city lights reflected on the water, and I looked around in wonder, seeing our favorite romantic getaway from a whole new perspective. Our captain muttered bits of history—stories of the buildings, shops, even a photo studio we’d once visited together on a whim. The gentle sway of the boat made everything feel like a dream in motion. Then I heard a word that pulled me out of my cozy haze.
“Did you say wedding?” I asked, dreamily, half-distracted by the comfort of the moment.
The captain froze for a beat. “Aren’t you already tied up, dear?” he asked, nervously backpedaling.
Kaiden jumped in. “She is! Oh, she is. I just… I promised her the wedding of her dreams, someday, when there’s time. Always working, you know how it is.”
The captain gave a thoughtful nod. “Aye, the boss does weddings now. Big ones, too. The lady would be happy with it—you have me word.”
I looked at Kaiden, pleading silently. He read my mind like always.
“We’ll have our wedding here,” he said softly. “Yes, love.”
I was still absorbing his words when something moved in the water beside us. I gasped.
“Kaiden!” I shouted, lunging toward the edge. “Dolphins! Kaiden, look!”
He laughed, victorious. He’d pulled off the perfect surprise.
“Yes, dolphins,” he said, his voice full of joy.
The captain, between slurred rambles, added, “There’s a surprise yet to come. Just wait a wee bit longer.”
With my heart racing, I crawled into Kaiden’s lap beneath the blanket. He poured champagne for us both, and I snuggled against him, feeling his warmth seep into me.
“I love you,” I whispered.
Before he could answer, the sky exploded into light—gold, red, blue, and yellow fireworks dancing above us. His bronze skin shimmered in the flickering glow as he kissed me. I didn’t need to see it coming—my heart already knew.
The boat swayed gently as we remained locked in that kiss, until a faint laugh reminded us we were not alone. The captain, having quietly turned the boat around, muttered something about the hotel being “a bit of a walk that way” and chuckled suggestively.
Blushing, I thanked him as he helped me onto the dock.
“Aye, come back anytime,” he said, shaking Kaiden’s hand and giving me a gentleman’s nod.
I hardly noticed him leave. My eyes were on Kaiden, my hand firmly in his. We stepped through the last hints of smoke in the air, the lake behind us. I led him to the car, but I didn’t need to say a word. He already knew.
And that, dear reader, is all of the romantic night I’m willing to share. The rest? Well… that’s just between us.
Whether you’re chasing romance, rekindling memories, or simply longing for a night wrapped in elegance and mystery, the Empire Hotel offers an experience like no other. From misty lakeside adventures to chandeliers that drip with golden light, every corner of this destination whispers of old-world charm and modern magic. Trust us—this is one escape you’ll want to write your own love story in. Come experience the wonder for yourself.