I was thinking about this yesterday and how many non related adult friends I have that I would consider using the word love for my feelings about them. This is a totally non sexual/non romantic love - the love of deep appreciation of their character and being. Almost like adopting them into the family as a honorary aunt or uncle. I came up with a few people I feel that way about. One of my friends/mentors died when she was only 45, and I still feel her loss as much as any family member years later.
Friendships can easily include love. Or so I function.