This is a people thing, not a man thing.
I'm not a man and it takes me a long time to say "I love you", and my husband will tell you I dont say it enough even after 10 years. But when I do say it, I absolutely 100% mean it. Thats why I dont feel the need to keep saying it. Nevertheless he likes to keep hearing it which has led to some interesting times!! People are just different.
So carmel, he may love you, he may not, but whether he says it or not isnt necessarily a good indicator. Look for actions, not words.