Tell him? Or wait?

My boyfriend is currently out of state for work, and will be flying back in a week.. I've been waiting for him to get back so I can finally tell him I love him for the first time.. I've been close to accidentally blurting it out many, MANY times, but have stopped myself either before, or mid-sentence. I want to do it in person, since it will be the very first time, but I'm paranoid that something will happen to him while he's down there, or on the way back, like a plane crash or something ( I'm crazy, and paranoid because I care so much :/ ) so I kind of just want to tell him over the phone in the morning, just because I'd never forgive myself if something happened and I never told him... Should I just go ahead and do it, or get over my irrational fears, and wait to say it person, so it will be more special...