Love?

I've been dating my boyfriend for a bit now, and my best friend asked me if I love him. And idk, I've kind of been cynical about love in general but I'm starting to think I might be in love with him. However I'm scared he doesn't love me back. How do I bring up when it's okay to say the L word and what that means to him. We've discussed wanting to be together for a long time and that this is a serious relationship. Any advice??