Hey 4getmenot :o)
I think that's lovely what he said and you are right to wait to say it until you feel and mean it.
The first time my husband (boyf at the time) told me he loved me I said "Yeah I know" lol. I wanted to be sure of my feelings and I guess wanted to see just how keen he was on me as I knew I wanted to be with him and we moved in together almost straight away. We've been together 10 years now, married for nearly 8, it's been tough going mainly due to things beyond our control (health etc.) but we always say I love you more than once everyday, always kiss, always cuddle and always will :o)
He sounds lovely btw good luck with it all xx