[ Hmm. That's a curious reaction, and one he's tempted to poke at, but right now is about keeping Aspen as comfortable as possible while he deals with this fear.

So he lets his fingers drift to the package that holds the teal ropes instead, perfectly similar, just in a different shade of color. ]

I think you'll look gorgeous no matter what color we decorate you in, Aspen. But if you wish the teal, we'll use the teal. Would you prefer to stay on your back for this? Or perhaps your knees? Or did you have something else in mind?