Tricky Situation

So...my best friend and I (same sex) are unusually close like way to close to just be friends. In the past we have kissed and joked about dating but neither of us ever acted on it. Recently I have found myself wanting to date her, hold her hand in public and kiss her. Unfortunately this is the one thing in my life that I struggle talking to her about because I'm scared she doesn't feel the same way. I love her more than anything or anyone in the world, and she knows this I'm just not sure if she knows that I mean it in more than one way. I don't want to lose my best friend but I also don't want to lose someone that could be my "soulmate" (cheesy I know). We plan on living together in the future, as friends and honestly I can't wait but I just don't know if I should talk to her and if so how.

Please help