Crossword Genius

Gentle touch provides safekeeping and, finally, happiness (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

caress

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'gentle touch' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'safekeeping and finally happiness' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'safekeeping' could be 'care' (I've seen this before) and 'care' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'provides' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for caress that I've seen before include "Gentle stroke" , "Stroke lovingly" , "Embrace with affection" , "Tenderly stroke" , "Pat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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