I've signed off emails with 'Love Waterloo' but I've made it clear that it's a maternal thing not romantic. And that it's my child part (or one of) saying it. Didn't really get a response either way but continued care. I want to be able to work up to that child part saying it out loud.

It seems like that is completely accepting it, acknowledging it, honouring that bit of the relationship and then hopefully, as those needs are met then there will be integration and it will all fade away.
I'm not sure how close I am to that though!