My boyfriend is nine years younger than i am?

I am in a very difficult position at the minute and would like some advice. Firstly I am a 30 year old female and my 'boyfriend' is 21. We started dating a while ago and it was very casual to begin with as we never thought it would develop into anything serious because of the age gap. One year later we realised we were completely in love with each other, but struggled as our families disapproved and I always felt like i was holding him back as he had so many life goals (I have two children). I ended our relationship on these grounds which tore me apart, I had never been through so much emotional pain. We remained friends and is now one year since we split. We have spoken of our feelings over this time and it is clear we are both still in love with one another! I believe he is my sole mate and he wants nothing more than to get back together. If we were to and it didn't work out i don't think i could go through it again!! Help...what do we do? I worry I will still feel like im holding him back and he is very close to his family, which could be affected as they would not be happy about it. Should i just be happy with his friendship,is it too risky??? Any advice appreciated