Do actions really speak louder than words

My boyfriend and I been dating for almost a year now. He's a lot older so with that being said, he's old fashion. He shows he truly cares by his actions rather than expressing his words. I finally said, those three words to him, which I was so nervous to say. He didn't say it back yet, which I'm ok with. He said, he's been thinking about this lately as well and how to put it to words and started talking about marriage. (Kinda confused on his response) I noticed after I said it, he's been really affectionate, and now he's planning to take me out of town for my birthday. Which he won't let me pay for anything at all. I figured I just go with the flow. Sometimes I can't help it, to think does he love me too cuz by his actions or should I let tell him it's bothering me by him not saying it, or just wait it out???