Telling him you love him

So I feel like I'm 13 again posting this but I'm always been a bit of a scardy-cat when it comes to relationship stuff. I'm also very traditional so I've always wanted my boyfriend to say I love you first but I've come to the point where I think he's just as nervous as I am! 
So any ladies out there that said it first? Any advice? I've tried a few times and it's almost slipped out many many times but I always stop myself. We're both in our 20s and in a committed and happy relationship but we're both just dancing around saying it and I just want to get it out there but I've got the fear that he won't say it back.