Is that just an old habit dies hard or is there anything to read into that?
It's probably out of habit; my wife has said "I love you" a couple of times in a similar vein.
Just take it for what it is; a nice sentiment.
Me: 44, Wife: 39 M: 17 years T: 20 years Bomb on 08/25/09 1/13/10: MC started 1/28/10, 2/8/10: More bombs 8/28/10: Wife moved out No talk of D, no movement