First, I wouldn't make a big thing about him being there when you got home Friday. What would it gain for you.
Regarding home is where the heart is, I agree with you. He like being there. And from what I can tell, he loves his family. And there sure seems to be some love for you.
As for your what if about coming home, I understand that you don't want to rush and all you can do is be open and honest and say what is on your mind. And if you need someone to mediate the discussion, by all means, do it.
In your first post, you did say he knew he had some frowing up to do. It is big that he admitted it and his actions are of a man who wants to be around. I can't crawl in his head regarding why he can't say ILY, but then he really doesn't love himself right now, so it makes sense that he can't say it to you.
Just relax. He needs the time. He needs the space and you want to make sure you are on the way to having things fixed before he moves back.
